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: service brakes
108 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Jun 9, 2025
Brakes and power steering failed within 1 day. I’ve had brake system checked by 2 mechanics. I still have spongey brakes. Both systems seem to be a problem on these particular vehicles according to the two mechanics. Seems I’m not the only one with this problem. My vehicle came out of the Kansas City Assembly Plant. It’s a 2009 Ford Escape. I understand that some models out of that facility had recalls.
Service brakes, Apr 12, 2025
I have had every part of my brake system replaced multi times and the brake pedal gos to the floor, no one can fix it. When trying to search online, it looks like this is a known issue. Multiple multiple forms with multiple websites people having the same issue. With this Specific vehicle but no one can find a answers.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact depressed the brake pedal harder, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact drove to the residence, where the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available.
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2024
Brake pedal very light, goes clear to floor then within last inch brakes activate. I replaced master brake cylinder in hopes that would fix, it did not. I scheduled an appointment with dealership to diagnose in which they were not able to and had me return it to the original mechanic after flushing fluid out checking for corrosion, they replaced the master cylinder again. That did not fix the brake issue. I’m returning it to Ford dealership to once more diagnose and potentially replace the ABS module. This model is known for having a test one placed on in which needed replaced. It’s the exact same part number as the ABS module recalled and replaced on a few other models. The recall number for other models is 19V904000, no corrosion in reservoir upon flush and dot 3 was placed back inside. The part number at hand for the multiple vehicles is 12-17242
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 4, 2024
jUST BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT A SHOPPING PLAZA AND PROCEEDED FORWARD. APPLIED THE BREAKS TO ALLOW ANOTHER CAR TO ENTER THE PARKING LOT WHEN MY BREAKS FAILED. THE ABS WAS FLASHING ON THE DASH AND I COASTED SLOWLY AND FINALLY PUT IT IN PARK. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS UPSET THAT I DIDN'T STOP. i RESTARTED THE CAR, AS IT STALLED AND PROCEDED SLOWLY TO MY HOME WHERE I PARKED IT.
Service brakes, May 14, 2024
The ABS module sticks, causing the pedal to sink to the floor and ABS system to suddenly stop working. The defective part and vehicle are available for inspection. Loss of the antilock brake system can cause the vehicle to become uncontrollable in inclement weather or during emergency braking. It is unknown whether the problem has been confirmed by a dealer. It is unknown if the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives have inspected the component. There were no warnings prior to the failure.
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 16, 2024
My power steering just went out a sensor, a recall i have read.My ABS just went to the floor for no reason, a part that was not made, also a recall I have read. My ignition is faulty, put another in but it isn't fixed. I have a button to start it. Mechanic fixed this contraception up. Air bags faulty passenger side.The car tells me to check it. All of these are recalls on the 2009 Ford Escape xlt, but they say no recalls. I wanted to get this all fixed. But it looks like this may be my death car. I am not of very much income fixed income so I can't afford to take to dealership to fix. But I have had certified mechanic look at it. I think it's terrible Ford doesn't acknowledge this and send me to a dealership it 80 miles from me. But they would tag this a "Lemon" and it is dangerous for my safety and others on the roads if everything goes out completely. I will be dead. I have 74,000 original miles on this Ford Escape. Not many miles for the troubles I have and am experiencing. Thanks for letting me share my opinion and maybe something can be done about this.
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Mar 26, 2024, crash
Unknown. Steering and brakes locked so i lost all control of the vehicle doing about 60 mph down the highway. Which resulted in being drove off the side of the highway through a fence hitting 2 trees before rolling twice. The airbags never deployed and both my passenger and i were taken to the hospital by ambulance. They sustained deep bruising and i suffered a closed wedge compression fracture of the L2 Vertebrae and some lacerations
Service brakes, Feb 6, 2024
Brakes developed excessive travel and a soft feel which makes driving at high speeds dangerous. Replaced master cylinder and new front disc pads and rotors, two power bleeds performed but brake shop unable to correct or identify the problem. No warning lights came on. Online research indicates many others with the same problem on their Escapes. Problem appears to be same as a recall issued for other Ford models of the same year, but no recall has been issued for the Escape. The recall for other Fords is "Recall 19S54 – ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event," and is related to DOT 3 brake fluid turning into a gel and causing ABS valve(s) to remain open.
Service brakes, Nov 29, 2023
My Ford Escape's ABS system failed, exhibiting the exact same symptoms as a different Ford recall for another model, Ford Fusion 2006-2010 (NHTSA Recall 19V-904, manufacturer recall 19S54). The symptoms were extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash. There were NO warning dash lights or alerts due to the ABS failure. No codes for the failed ABS module were found by my mechanic. Because of this, we replaced the brake booster first, thinking that was the problem, but this made no difference. We contacted multiple Ford Service Depts. as well as a higher manager, seeking a recall or courtesy repair for the ABS module. Everyone contacted admitted that they had heard about multiple complaints on this module in Ford Escaped, but since no specific recall was made for the Ford Escape, they could not cover the ABS module. In total, I spent approximately $589 on the brake booster parts/labor (which turned out not to be the problem), then an addional $1765 parts/labor to repair the ABS module. I was surprised that the recall I found for the Ford Fusion 2006-2010 so exactly matched my vehicle's problem, but Ford has never issued a recall or offered repairs for this important safety component. With no dash warning lights, no problem codes displayed, along with the sheer number for Ford Escapes on the road, I suspect this ABS module is an enormous safety concern.
Service brakes, Sep 11, 2023
Brakes intermittingly do not work. Mechanic can not find a part that is constantly failing but did have the brakes not work at one point while test driving. Does not prompt any warning lights or error codes when it happens. Looking online this is a very common problem.
Service brakes, Air, Sep 6, 2023, crash
I was parking my car at a mechanical shop. When I pulled into a parking spot the car failed to stop and went into the neghbors yard going into the wire fence scracthing the the car. I was not going fast but car was scratch up badly. As far as I know the car was not inspected by anyone. The car stayed at the mechanic's garage for about seven weeks until the ABS was replaced.
Service brakes, Aug 23, 2023
My Traction Control Lamp, ABS Light, and Brake Light, have all illuminated on the dash at one time when I came out to my car after work. When I went into work there was no lights on. On my way to work there were no lights on, and no brake issues. Now there are. My brake fluid level is full. There is no leaking fluids from the rotors, brake lines etc. Now all these lights are on, and my brakes are pulsing slightly. I looked today and see there was a recall on this system. I have had this vehicle for 6 years, and I know I never took it in for any recalls. When was this ABS System brake recall? When was it done on this vehicle, and is it possible that the FMC just did the cheapest repairs it could do? I need to know because I have a 4 yr old son that rides with me in this vehicle. I need to know when it was done, and what was done, PLEASE.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 4, 2023
At 200,000 miles I'm beginning to have problems withe electric power steering along with suspension issues as well. i start my vehicle drive for a bit could be turning or coming to a brake an steering gives out cause me to work to turn it
Service brakes, Apr 3, 2023
The incident took place on 12/12/22 while driving at about 40-45 mph a truck pulled out Infront of me causing me to unexpectedly break. There were no indicator warning lights on the dash prior to or after the failure. The break went all the way to the floor, luckily we were able to avoid an accident, and myself and my son were just jerked around and held back by the seat belt. The independent garage we use was right around the corner. The vehicle was diagnosed and needed a new master cylinder and abs hydraulic control unit. The part was out of stock and took three months to come in. The vehicle was repaired and received on 3/23/23.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Service brakes, Oct 11, 2022
We are having the same problems with this vehicle as others are having under Ford recall 19S54 NHTSA identifier 19V904. Three times after applying the brakes hard the brake system required servicing because the pedal would slowly go to the floor while sitting at a traffic light. Other symptoms would be sluggish or spongy braking. The last service was at a Goodyear where the service tech commented - left front inlet abs valve sticking, activated it three times with scanner before it started to work. He informed us that there was a recall for this problem that may be applicable to out Escape. I called Ford to report it, Case number [XXX]. Will use this Goodyear appt date to answer following questions. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, Sep 17, 2022
ABS Module failure. This is a major issue with these cars and it is extremely dangerous and should be recalled. It causes brake pedal to go to the floor. There’s thousands of cases and parts are unobtainable from manufacturing because they used a one year only part because they were testing it out. There’s been recalls on other models using similar Modules but not on this model.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS module failure. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Jun 29, 2022
Put car in park. Park can be moved roll away while in park
Service brakes, Jun 27, 2022
Vehicle was driving on I 75 North bound upon passing Micanopy Rd, and prior to Williston road exit. Driving between 73 to 75 MPH the ABS light came on. ahead of me a semi truck and in my left a car was passing, I tap the brake and the brake system fail to respond. I let the car role and veer to move move to the right, hunk tat the truck, shoot the emergency brakes and the SUV stop, I called Ford Public relation with no resolution although I was not looking for any compensation or repair cost. The claimed that the warranty of the vehicle was expired. I responded that I was not looking for any compensation, rather I was looking to report a problem that might has cost human lost..... I took the car to the ford dealership in Gainesville Florida to get an authentic report, in order to submit a safety concern to The Ford Motor Safety Department. Dealer and public relations office claimed that Ford Motor Company does not have a safety Department. I am an Industrial Hygienist who Work for OSHA as a COSHO and although I explained no action action seem to indicate that they know,,,,,,,, I question if they understood the issue. This failure may has cost loses, my vehicle is parked at my house This is a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid VIN [XXX]. PLEASE NOTIFY ME OF ACTION TAKEN. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Wheels, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2022
I change my brakes twice in not even a full month My alternator belt came off I replaced it when I put it in park it rolls it shakes and it takes a minute to go faster once I go 40 mph the acceleration pedal vibrates tire pressure sensor stays on and also it keep saying check fuel tank injector
Service brakes, Jun 14, 2022
Ford 2009 Ford Escape VIN #[XXX] We took our 2009 Ford Escape to Jimmy's Automotive located at 4524 Pacific Ave Lacey Wa We have taken our Ford Escape here for years for service Jimmy's notified us that our ABS brakes were defective (a defect from installation in China) The cost would be over $2000 to repair I called our local Ford Dealership in Olympia and they stated that our VIN # did not qualify for the ABS brake problem I then called the Ford Company in Detroit MI they stated the same that our VIN # did not qualify for the ABS brake defect I contacted an attorney at Legal Zoom and he recommended contacting you My question how can we not qualify for the defective ABS problem when our vehicle has the defective ABS brake SEE INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who initially replaced the brake master cylinder; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective ABS module. The manufacturer was also notified and informed him that there were no recalls on his vehicle; he was then transferred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Jan 26, 2022, crash
The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCUs) in the 2009 Ford Escape malfunctioned resulting in the brake pedal losing resistance. The brake pedal needed to be pushed all the way to the floorboard with aggressive force to stop the vehicle. This issue may have resulted in an interstate accident that put the driver at extreme risk. The vehicle crashed into the vehicle in front of the driver due to a delay in stopping from the malfunctioning of the HCU. There were no warning lights that were triggered to alert an issue with the unit. The repair shop that repaired the vehicle warned the driver that the brakes were not working properly and may have caused to the accident. Due to Ford backlogs on parts from COVID-19 delays, I discovered that 180 HCUs are currently on back order in the United States. Additionally, four Ford vehicles in the Greater New Orleans area are waiting for ACUs due to the same issue of the brakes not gripping until the pedal reaches the floor. Multiple sources online are warning of a similar issue from malfunctioning HCUs and ACUs. After learning this information, I filed a complaint with the Ford Corporate office but have not heard anything regarding the integrity of the part. However, when I dropped off the vehicle at the Lamarque Ford Dealership in Kenner Louisiana, I was told the vehicle was undrivable due to the malfunctioning of the HCU. The vehicle is available for inspection at the Lamarque Ford Dealership located at 3101 Williams Blvd Suite F, Kenner, LA 70065. Additionally, other vehicles are waiting for repairs at Supreme Ford of Slidell located at 400 E Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70461. Due to the extensive backlog of Ford parts, these vehicles have been waiting months to be repaired and potentially have months to continue to wait before being repaired.