2009 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,693 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 34 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Campaign 14V284000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
301 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Steering, Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the power train warning light illuminated randomly but disappeared. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Power train, Jan 31, 2024
Power steering assist fault Torque sensor
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jul 5, 2023
I have had to spend over $5,000 in repairs for this vehicle and I’ve had it for over a year. It was listed at $6,999 at a used car dealership so I got it as is and have had issues ever since. There is no recall on my car according to the VIN# however I strongly disagree with that. When I first got it, it drove great for a week and then the problems started to arise. Every time I came to a complete stop the car would turn off completely. So I would have to put it in park and turn the key off then restart it and keep it moving a little. This kept going on for 11 months, until it turned off at a stop light and I couldn’t get it to start back up. I was almost hit by traffic coming up behind me (going no less than 45 mph) because of where the car was located. Turns out the motor basically combusted from the inside out. This was caused by the oil leak that could never get fixed because the gasket would always give way. After having to work for 4 months scraping together $3,200 plus paying for a rental car weekly, the motor was replaced and it was working well again. Until it wasn’t. The power steering is controlled by an electric pump which makes you more prone to getting into an accident. My power steering locks up every time I start the car. It did this before the motor was replaced but now it’s even worse since the motor was replaced. I have to turn my car on and off about 15 times before my steering wheel unlocks and I can move it normally. It takes my whole strength to turn the wheel when it locks up. I haven’t been to a ford dealership yet but I do plan on going to get them to check it out since a lot of 2008-2012 Ford Escapes have recalls on the power steering sensor. Long story short. This car has had to have so many repairs for things that normally don’t need repairs every 2 weeks and I want it to get looked into because I’ve never ever had car cost so much in repairs for things that shouldn’t be breaking so fast and easily. I have all the repair paper receipts.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 18, 2022
First steering column locked with less then 65,000 miles . Now power train wrench light warning popped on less then 80,000 miles . Throttle body issue forcing car into limp mode leaving driver in danger on the road
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Jul 17, 2022
Rear shock mount rusted out and is destroying the inside of my trunk. Now is hanging loose.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Sep 7, 2021
Subject vehicle is a 2009 Ford Escape with 74,123 miles. Driving the vehicle the lower control arm separated from the front frame otherwise known as the engine cradle or subframe. The failure is identical to the subframe failures on the 2001 - 2004 Ford Escapes currently under recall. The failure was immediate with no prior warning. The vehicle exhibited loss of steering control, wheel lock up from the front tire contacting the back of the wheel opening, and loss of transmission engagement from cv joint separation. In my opinion, whatever PCA actions or quality root cause was identified by Ford Motor Company during the prior recall investigation isolating the condition to 2001 - 2004 Escapes was either incomplete or inaccurate. This is supported by the same failure occurring in Escapes outside of that model year window. No mechanism was added after the 2004 Escapes were produced to prevent this failure from occurring. Images attached show the failure that was experienced. I was unable to obtain a good used frame locally that did not exhibit signs of corrosion with perforation present or starting. This further supports the failure mode is beyond the scope of the initial recall. The recall should be expanded to prevent future accidents that could have the potential for injury or death.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Sep 7, 2021
Subject vehicle was a 2009 Ford Escape with 74,123 miles. Driving the vehicle the front passenger lower control arm separated from the k-frame/cradle causing the vehicle to lose control. Loss of steering was experienced as well as tire lock up from the front tire lodging against the back of the fender. The CV shaft also separated during the failure resulting in loss of transmission engagement. There was no warning prior to the event, the failure was sudden and immediate. The loss of vehicle control was extreme. Failure is identical to RCRIT-14V165-9596 for the 01-04 Escapes. The reason the recall was only isolated to the 01-04 Escapes is unknown. In my opinion, whatever PCA actions or supplier related issues identified by Ford Motor Company during the prior recall investigation to support the recall only affecting 01-04 model years was either incomplete or inaccurate. The frame rust through condition extends beyond the model years listed in the recall and was not resolved as shown by subsequent failures on vehicles outside of the recall model year window. No mechanism was put in place to prevent the control arm separation in the later model year Escapes to prevent the same safety issue from occurring. I was unable to obtain a front cradle from a local salvage yard that did not exhibit perforation present or starting supporting this condition is occurring on all model year Escapes from 2001 to 2012 in corrosion prone areas. The recall should be extended to all model years involved to prevent potential accidents.
Power train, Feb 10, 2021
I SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH LIGHT COME ON. UPON RESEARCHING THE ISSUE IT WAS FOUND TO MOST LIKELY BE A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. ALSO I CAN NOT DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY FOR MORE THAN 5-10 MINUTES AT 60 MPH BEFORE IT STARTS TO SHIMMY AND BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 29, 2020
MY FORD ESCAPE LIMETED JUST STARTED MAKING A NOISE OUT OF NOWHERE AND BEFORE IT STARTED I WOULD MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND IT WOULD STOP RUNNING
Power train, Engine, Nov 12, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR EVEN MORE, BUT THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE HALT AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ALL TURNED ON. I BRAKED, PLACE IT TO PARKING AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. I RESTART THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES ALREADY IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. EACH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED, I'VE BEEN DRIVING LESS THAN 40 MPH. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE SHOP TO GET SCANNED AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DETECTED.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 24, 2020
ABS SYSTEM FAILED BRAKE PEDAL WENT FLOOR. $2200.00 TO REPLACE. 48172 MILES. 43540 MILES FT CAR LURCHED AT STOP. REPLACED PURGE VALVE$388.00. AXLE SEAL LEAK. 38807 MILES. $410.00. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 16271 MILES. REBUILD TRANS $3148 MILES COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.
Power train, Wheels, Service brakes, Dec 15, 2019
WHEN I ACCELERATE MY WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S SLIPPING AND GRINDING AND WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES HARD THEY SEEM TO NOT WANT TO STOP KEEPING MY ABS ON I FEEL THE GRINDING AND BRAKE ISSUE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEEL. WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS THE FRONT WHEEL HOPS AND DOESN'T GET TRACTION WANTS TO CONSTANTLY SLIP AND WHEN I STOP IN SNOW THE BRAKES LOCK UP IN FRONT AND ABS STAYS ON FOR A BIT MIGHT BE GEAR DRIVE OR BEARING IT'S GETTING BAD. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I HAVE TO GIVE A LOT OF GAS TO GO AND THE ABS WHEN I NEED TO REALLY STOP. THIS STARTED A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER I FINANCED IT THROUGH GENTHE CHEVROLET BUT I WORK MANY HOURS AND IT HAS TO BE FIXED BEFORE I END UP STRANDED OR IN AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I FIRST TEST DROVE IT IT WAS ACTING UP I TOLD THE SALESMAN DAVE TESKA HE TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED BUT HE MUST OF DOPED IT LIKE THE INTERIOR IT LOOKED NEW WHEN I BOUGHT IT NOW IT HAS STAIN SPOTS AND LOOKS DIRTY I FOUND OUT IT WAS A FORD FABRIC PROBLEM AND THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AGAIN FROM GENTHE.
Steering, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 11, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN JULY OF 2017, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND LOST SPEED. WE WERE BARELY ABLE TO GET OFF ON THE SHOULDER AND CUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN WE STARTED UP THE CAR AGAIN, EVERYTHING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. HOWEVER, THIS HAPPENED 2 OR 3 TIMES IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. TO REPORT THE PROBLEM, AND THEY OPENED CASE #CAS-12676591. I FOUND A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM DATED 09/03/2010, RECALL #10E043000 AND ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE #14S05/NHTSA RECALL 14V-284 DATED JULY 2014. HOWEVER, FORD MOTOR CO. REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM TELLING ME IT WAS A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL REGARDLESS OF THE MANUFACTURER. IT COST US $1,868.04 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN JULY OF 2019, AND COST US ANOTHER $776.60 TO REPAIR. I WOULD HAVE FILED THIS COMPLAINT SOONER BUT JUST FOUND OUT HOW TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 7, 2019
HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER/THROTTLE RESPONSE. PULL OFF ROAD, PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, RESTART AND COMPUTER SEEMS TO RESET. HAD BEEN 1-2 TIMES PER YEAR OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND STRUGGLED TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. HAPPENED 8 TIMES IN 150 MILE TRIP TODAY.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Oct 2, 2019
WHEN I WAS HEADED TO DROP MY DAUGHTER OFF I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET THAT HAS SPEED BUMPS WHICH I USUALLY DON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. UNTIL THIS MORNING (08/08/2019) WHEN MY POWER STEERING KICKED OFF AND I HAD TO PHYSICALLY TURN MY WHEEL. I SAW THE THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR 2009 FORD ESCAPES AND I WAS WONDERING IF MINE WAS ONE OF THEM.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Sep 28, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK IN A BUSY INTERSECTION THE CAR LOST THE ABILITY TO MOVE BUT NOT THE POWER CAR CAME TO A STOP SHUT OFF CAR AND IT STARTED BUT WAS RIDING ROUGH. THIS HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES ON MY WAY HOME . WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. MY BROTHER WHO HAS BEEN A CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR THIRTY YEAS DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND IT SAID THROTTLE BODY VALVE STUCK OPEN.I DID NOT GET HURT BUT IF I HAD BEEN ON A HIGHWAY OR IN FASTER TRAFFIC I COULD HAVE. I THINK OTHERS SHOULD BE WARNED. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM MONACO FORD IN GLASTONBURY WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR THE AND MY ADDRESS IS THE SAME AS WHEN I BOUGHT IT NEW. MY BROTHER IS REPLACING THE PART FOR ME . *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2019
DURING OPERATION VEHICLE LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS STILL EXISTED. YELLOW SERVICE RANCH APPEARED ON DASH HAD TO PULL OVER AND PUT CAR IN PARK, I DON'T WAS VERY ROUGH TURN ENGINE OFF. AFTER STARTING CAR BACK UP ALL LIGHTS WERE GONE, ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. THIS HAS NOW OCCURRED MORE THAN 20 TIMES. WE HAVE REPLACED BOTH OXYGEN SENSORS,THE PURGE CANISTER AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON LARGE HIGHWAYS OR A MULTILANE INTERSTATE IT BECOMES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Power train, Jan 17, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY NO POWER WAS GOING TO THE WHEELS WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR PROCEEDED TO SLOWDOWN AND ONCE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IT WOULDN'T SEND ANY POWER TO THE FRONT OR BACK WHEEL BUT WOULD REV THE ENGINE, EVEN THOUGH I WAS IN DRIVE. I TRIED THIS IN REVERSE AS WELL BUT STILL NOTHING.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 6, 2018
VEHICLE STALLS/SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON SIDE STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. RECENTLY HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 30 MINUTES. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 70MPH, WRENCH LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED TO 40MPH. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN A WEEK. THE TROUBLE CODE SHOWS P2112. DEALER SAYS THAT MY VIN IS NOT COVERED BY THE CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03, BUT I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS ETB MUST BE REPLACED. I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT.
Steering, Power train, Mar 12, 2018
STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE WHEN STOPPED,WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. A FEW HUNDRED MILES LATER LOST POWER STEERING.ALSO TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS HARD, ALSO NOTICEABLE CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
Power train, Mar 5, 2018
2009 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BAD THROTTLE BODIES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THROTTLE BODY FAILED AT 62,338 MILES AND AGAIN 14 MONTHS LATER AT 75,927. *JS *JS
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, AND STEERING COLUMN SEIZED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. NORTHGATE FORD (8940 COLERAIN AVE, CINCINNATI, OH) WAS CONTACTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE, AND TORQUE SENSOR SOFTWARE WERE RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS, AND THE EXPENSE OF THE NEXT FAILURE WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Steering, Power train, Feb 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR AND STEERING SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. LANCE CUNNINGHAM FORD (4101 EAST CLINTON HIGHWAY, KNOXVILLE, TN 37912, (866) 591-3943) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. *TT *TR
Power train, Aug 1, 2017
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY (ETB) MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE WILL OCCASIONALLY LURCH/SURGE FORWARD OR STALL OUT WHILE I'M DRIVING. I BELIEVE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT FORD ADDRESSED WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY A FEW YEARS AGO BUT I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD CONTACT ALL OWNERS!