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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,693

Of the 2009 reports, 34 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.

Primary concernSteering828 reports · 49% of complaints
Owner complaints1,693Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship3 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Steering828
  2. Power train301
  3. Vehicle speed control279
  4. Engine254
  5. Electrical system143
  6. Fuel/propulsion system116
  7. Service brakes108
  8. Fuel system88

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  1. Power train, May 22, 2009

    09 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION LOST THIRD GEAR [6 SPEED AUTO] THEN GOES INTO DEFAULT MODE [5TH GEAR ONLY] THIS IS A VERY HARSH EVENT [IT CAUSES THE TIRE TO SKID ON DRY PAVEMENT] FORD REPLACED A PCM NOW THE TRANSMISSION SPEWS OIL OUT THE DIPSTICK TUBE AND COVERS THE BACK END GATE AND UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE [THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AS EXHAUST TEMPS ARE HIGH] THUS FAR THE SELLING DEALERS SERVICE AND WARRANTY IS A JOKE PROBLEMS STARTED AT 2000 MILES HAVE 3000 NOW THE TRUCK SPENDS MORE TIME AT DEALERSHIP THAN AT OUR HOME WE DO NOT FEEL WE CAN BE SAFE WITH THESE ISSUES GOING ON. *TR