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: steering
828 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was without power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Steering, Feb 10, 2024
I was on the freeway and I was going 70 mph was starting to go around a small curve when I realized I had no power steering so I slowed down and took the first exit I came to, when I looked up online it said it was a modular or sensor in the steering column, it's one thing to know you don't have power steering but to go out like it did could have been a very dangerous situation I was very lucky there wasn't a lot of traffic, of course it scared me really bad, I'm a almost [XXX] that doesn't have a lot of strength so driving home was really hard on me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Feb 9, 2024
The contact's spouse owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his spouse was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the power steering assist became inoperable, and the steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that on several occasions, the power steering fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, Jan 26, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering and yes auto is available for inspection sitting in my driveway unable to drive. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My family including two small infants were driving normally as usual and the steering wheel locked up without any advance notification, which caused us all to lose our lives because a semi-truck was barreling down on us and stopped in the nick of time. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Below is the recall link given to me for my 2009 Escape. [XXX] • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes, see the attached printout from Firestone a reputable Automotive Center • Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? No, this completely caught me off guard. I spent USD 100+ to have a diagnostic done. I have two case file numbers to prove I reached out to Ford Customer Service before being denied and now having to log an official complaint. First One – [XXX] Second One – [XXX] Contact # 800.392.3673 These two case file numbers should prove I’ve followed the right procedures to get this very serious life-threatening mechanical issue resolved. As of this formal complaint, Ford Motor refuses to acknowledge their fault and offer me any financial assistance. I’m a retired senior citizen on a fixed income and cannot come up with well over $2000 to make this repair. I need my vehicle for very important doctor appointments with my cardiologist. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jan 21, 2024
Independent mechanic diagnosed The steering torque sensor failed. I was stopped at a stop light when the steering wheel started shaking back and forth, the wrench light illuminated and I discovered I had no power steering after driving a little ways with my grandchildren in the vehicle. I was miles from home and had to have the car towed to the mechanic as I could not steer very well and I did not want to crash. The mechanic contacted the dealer and the soonest they can even look at is 1 months from now. I contacted Ford motor as I see there is a recall on the torque sensor, I was told it doesn't include my 09 Ford Escape. Mechanic has had the vehicle for 8 days. I had to get a rental car. I do not have the invoice for repairs yet.
Steering, Jan 19, 2024
Lose of power steering falt notice
Steering, Jan 12, 2024
Steering wheel sensor failure. We took the car to Titus Will Ford Tacoma as a recall note stated that this kind of vehicle has an active recall. Unfortunately the dealership could not find our VIN ih the list, though the car fits the criteria: Kansas assembly plant, steering wheel sensor issue. Dealership can confirm Vehicle could not be driven, due to the steering issue, and had to be towed to a dealership. Luckily, it happened as my wife was pulling out of the driveway. . There was no warning lamp but the car shook while driving on the highway. We first thought it was needing wheels balancing. Found out it was not, when my wife tried backing out the driveway and could not steer.
Steering, Jan 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse in a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact then wiggled the steering wheel back and forth, and the steering wheel responded as needed. The contact stated that she drove to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic’s shop was closed. The contact then drove to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,979.
Steering, Dec 14, 2023
I was driving in a busy intersection when my steering wheel just would not turn, it just locked. I've gotten 2 parts fixed on my steering wheel and it keeps locking. Extremely unsafe.
Steering, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Power Steering Assist Fault," message was displayed and the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,000.
Steering, Oct 30, 2023
Loss of power steering. Ford recall 14S05, not showing for this vehicle. Worked from one minute next minute complete loss of power steering
Steering, Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions, while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced due to the power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Steering, Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, he became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning as designed. After restarting the vehicle, the power steering returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the electric power steering assist module needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Steering, Aug 16, 2023
It says the power steering was recalled. When I try to drive my steering wheel gets stuck.
Steering, Aug 5, 2023
Power steering has gone out and it registered a fault of B1342. This makes it extremely hard to steer and a safety issue. Ford should be taking care of this as the vehicle only has 80;000 miles on it. Dealership says parts are on back order and it will cost $3,600 to repair.
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the steering wheel suddenly stiffened, and maneuvering the vehicle became extremely difficult. The service engine and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the angle sensor and clock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Steering, Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and making a lane change, the steering wheel slightly pulled to the right. The contact attempted to correct the turn to the right however, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the check battery warning light was illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off and on. The contact stated that the power steering regained functionality. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and he stopped driving the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 222,563.
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, Suspension, Jul 4, 2023
Power Steering completely out of my car, making turning in any direction difficult. Causing Safety concerns as it has already caused exterior cosmetic damage while turning into the driveway and not being able to turn in as quickly as I was needing to get out of the traffic cause me to scrape approx. 12- 16inch onto my driver's /left sidebumper/fender. I have also felt loss of power, or a struggle to accelerate. Conditions are worsening as time goes by. As if my transmission is slipping. Power Steering assist light has turned on. It may have also resulted in poor alignment causing even more damage to tires and suspension.I took to the local Ford dealership to check, as there are 100,000 recalls for the exact issues on vehicles with the same year make and model as mine, according to my vin number, my vehicle was not included in these recalls. I was forced to pay nearly 100.00 out of pocket for these test to be ran. The test shows many faults including confirmation of power steering assist at fault and failing torque. Not only has this cause a domino effect of concerns with my vehicles safety, it has caused many outburst of emotional distress as it is hard for me to continue to drive my vehicle.
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
Steering, Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally after starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed to operate as designed without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where she was informed that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
vehicle steering assist stopped working in multi lane traffic and had to manually steer to roadside almost causing a accident. vehicle was turned off and on 6 times before assist started to work and later failed again driving it home. currently it does not work at all now and vehicle is not used due to life safety issues caused by this problem and family members not able to manually steer the car. In researching in the internet this is happening in numerous ford escapes and no recall noted online with vin search.
Steering, May 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the power steering assist would fail to operate without warning. Over time, the failure became more frequent and would occur while driving at various speeds. The contact used a code reader which read "steering shaft torque sensor malfunction". The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that her vehicle was not apart of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000(Steering). The contact was referred to the NHTSA for further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Steering, May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the power steering assist and tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but over time became a recurring failure. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned; however, the process worked infrequently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Steering, May 8, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The failure mileage was 116,475.