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: vehicle speed control
279 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Dec 28, 2021
I started to hear a grinding and cracking and popping sound I checked the vehicle and the front left ball joint is bad there is an obvious crack in the joint that is easily visible when inspecting the area of the front left wheel and it’s components
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2020
AUTO CREDIT NEVER FIXED THE RECALLS. *TR
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.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2019
IN MAY 2015,I PURCHASED MY 2009 FORD XSCAPE FOUR-CYLINDER HYBRID FROM A FORD DEALER. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY AN OLDER WOMAN AND MOSTLY KEPT IN A GARAGE SO THE MILEAGE WAS LOW AT ABOUT 45,000 MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY OCTOBER 2018, AT 70,000 MILES I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AND WHEN I ACCELERATE THE WRENCH LIGHT WENT ON AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE . THIS HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES RANDOMLY UNDER COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES BUT MOSTLY WHEN I NEEDED EXTRA POWER. I WOULD PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION, TURN IT BACK ON AND THE WRENCH LIGHT WOULD BE OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE VIA COMPUTER WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. COULD NOT FIND A CODE FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM.THEY SAID IT MIGHT'VE BEEN BAD GASOLINE. HAVE NOT HAD THE WRENCH LIGHT OR 'LIMPING HOME' ISSUE SINCEJULY 2019 WITH VEHICLE CURRENTLY AT 79,000 MILES. OUT OF NOWHERE THIS MONTH, I AM NOW HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH WRENCH LIGHT AND LIMPING HOME. ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW, WITH WRENCH LIGHT. IF I PULL OVER TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON THE WRENCH LIGHT GOES AWAY. S. I HAD BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE BACK ROADS BUT ENTERING THE FREEWAY, OR NEEDING TO ACCELERATE BEYOND 30 MILES AN HOUR CAUSES THE WRENCH LIGHT TO GO ON, AND 'LIMP MODE' WHICH IS VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE NO MATTER HOW FAR I PRESS THE GAS. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. AND THERE WAS A RECALL IN SOUTH CAROLINA? AND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. LOTS OF COMPLAINTS THAT THE 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID OUTSIDE OF THAT STATE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LAWSUIT.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 26, 2019
WHEN YOUR DRIVING ASS "GO POWER" IS LOST AND A WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATES IN THE LOWER LEFT CORRNER. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHERE IM DRIVING BUT IT JUST DECIDES TO DO IT WHEN IT WANTS TO. HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH OR SO ITS HAPPEND WHEN I WAS GOING 10MPHS AND 30 MPHS AND ABOUT 45MPH...SUPER SUPER SCARY LUCKLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME ALL TIMES... LAST TIME THIS HAPPEND WAS ON 7/23/2019
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 10, 2019
ON JULY 9, 2019 I WAS EXITING THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING AT WHICH TIME THE ODOMETER WENT DOWN FROM 50 DOWN TO 0 IMMEDIATELY CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE. THANK GOD I WAS ALREADY IN THE PROCESSING OF EXITING. NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AT ALL. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO FIRESTONE WHO WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC AT THE TIME, AND SUGGESTED THAT I BRING IT BACK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND OF GREAT CONCERN. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 42,460 MILES OR SO ON IT, AND I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE ENCOUNTERING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD IT SINCE 2010 AND AT THE TIME PURCHASED AT 18,000 MILES OR SO. I DRIVE MY VEHICLE LOCALLY ONLY. I HAVE READ THAT THIS A PROBLEM WITH FORD ESCAPES, AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE LISTED AS A RECALL. PLEASE HELP!
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 9, 2019
TAKATA RECALL SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICS ISSUE SENSORS, POWER STEERING, IGNITION, SPEEDING SENSORS, (ALL ELECTRICS) THE WORST ONE IS POWER STEERING. THERE WAS A RECALL ON LINE FOR THIS MODEL BUT NOT FOR MY CAR. (WHY NOT MY CAR?) THERE ARE IN RECALL ALL 2008 - 2011 FORD ESCAPES
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 16, 2018
HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN 20 MINUTES ON 08/16/2018: VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION EACH TIME, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ENGINE STOPPED, ALL WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP ON DASHBOARD AND LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF STEERING, SPEED CONTROL. WHEELS LOCKED UP AND ALMOST CAUSED MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS. HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN ON VEHICLE AGAIN.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 5, 2018
ENGINE TURNS OFF WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS IN VARYING CONDITIONS; IE. DRIVING SLOW, DRIVING FAST, ON THE HIGHWAY ON SIDE STREETS.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 19, 2018
TAKATA RECALL, WITH DRIVING MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE, I REALIZED WHENEVER I AM PROCEEDING TO PRESS ON THE GAS AT A STOP SIGN OR AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ACCELERATION TAKES TIME TO PICK UP SPEED, AND WHEN TRYING TO PICK UP THE MINIMUM SPEED LOCALLY IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE TO PRESS HARD FOR THE TRUCK TO ACCELERATE MORE. AND WHEN I'M MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY IT IS VERY SCARY BECAUSE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS IT STALLS, ALOT LET ALONE WHEN I HAVE TO PRESS ON THE BRAKES, IT TAKES LONG TO PICK UP SPEED AGAIN. ALSO WHEN DRIVING UP A STEEP HILL, THE TRUCK APPEARS THAT IT CAN'T ACCELERATE FAST ENOUGH,THE ACCELERATION IS HORRIBLE, AND I AM STARTING TO BECOME VERY AFRAID DRIVING MY OWN VERY, NOT KNOWING WETHER SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME, WHEN DRIVING.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. WHILE MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS, THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2017
VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT, ALL POWER LOSS DURING DRIVING. P2111 THROTTLE ISSUE. HAPPENED 3 TIMES. DURING ACCELERATION/DECELERATION (ESPECIALLY ON SLOPES) VEHICLE WOULD JUST LOSE ALL POWER. HAD TO STOP AND SHUT OFF IGNITION BEFORE IT WOULD WORK AGAIN.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 30, 2017
POWER STEERING GOES OUT, AT ALL SPEEDS NOW (MY ESC LIGHT IS ON THE DASH AND WON'T GO OFF) HARD TO STEER WHEEL WHEN AT A STOP OR TO MAKE A TURN. MAKE IT'S HARD TO PARK A CAR.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 3, 2016, crash
INTENDED TO PARK CAR IN FRONT OF GARAGE. VEHICLE SUDDENLY SPED UP UNCONTROLLABLY,DRIVER APPLIED BAKES AND TURNED SHARPLY YET THE VEHICLE HIT THE GARAGE STRUCTURE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE HOUSE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AS PART OF A MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2016
APPLE VALLEY FORD HAS DONE THEIR BEST TO WORK WITH ME. HOWEVER, FORDS'S EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE THROTTLE SENSER IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT REQUIRES AN EXTREMELY LONG WAIT FOR APPROVED DIAGNOSTICS, WHICH IS KNOWN TO CLEAR OUT OF MEMORY WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. USUALLY ENDING IN A NO. I HAVE BEEN IN NEAR DEATH SITUATIONS BECAUSE OF IT OVER TEN TIMES. TODAY ALONE, THE WRENCH AND FIX ENGINE SOON LIGHTS WERE ON. I PULL OUT OF MY NEIGHBOR ONTO A HIGHWAY TO STALL HORIZONTAL ACROSS BOTH LANES!!!! AND MORE LIFE THREATENING EVENTS AS I CANCEL TODAY'S EVENTS AND DRIVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN! I PLAN TO POST ALL MY LIFE THREATENING EVENTS OF TODAY ON FACEBOOK. SHOULD I BE KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS, MY LOVED ONES CAN SUE FORD AND THEY MIGHT THEN "COMPREHEND" THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE AND THE FACT THEY WON'T BACK IT UP! I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY FORD BUT THIS. DO TO THE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE, IT WILL BE MY LAST FORD. TIME TO GO WITH A CAR COMPANY THAT CARES ABOUT SAFETY.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2016
FORD ESACAPE THROTTLE BODY I OWN A 2009 FORD ESCAPE AND WAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THROTTLE BODY. I TOOK MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 10 MONTHS LATER MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THROTTLE BODY. IT SLOWS DOWN TO A CRAWL AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. I AM A CATH LAB TECH FOR A LOCAL HOSPITAL AND WAS CALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. WHILE DRIVING TO HOSPITAL MY WRENCH AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON SUDDENLY AND MY CAR SLOWED DOWN TO A CRAWL. I KEPT MY FOOT ON GAS BECAUSE I HAVE TO GET TO HOSPITAL. I AM ON A HEART TEAM AND IT IS CRITICAL. THANKFULLY IT WAS MIDNIGHT BECAUSE THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. BUT IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED DURING THE DAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. I FELT CONFIDENT THAT MY CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH RECALL BUT NOW 10 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND FORD SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY. I HAVE GONE OVER THE MILEAGE AMOUNT FOR THEM TO WARRANTY. BUT WHAT THEY FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE IS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE THROTTLE BODY COMPONENT FOR ESCAPE. THERE IS NO REASON TO JUSTIFY WHY THIS WOULD RECUR LESS THAN A YEAR LATER. I JUST KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. AND FEEL AS A COMPANY THEY SHOULD ADDRESS THIS MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2016
P2111 ERROR THROTTLE ACTUATER STUCK OPEN
Suspension, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 23, 2015
MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE HAS DIFFICULTY GETTING ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS IS A DAILY STRUGGLE. YESTERDAY I WAS TRYING TO PASS AN 18-WHEELER AS IT WAS DRIFTING INTO MY LANE; AS I EAGERLY PRESSED ON THE GAS MY CAR JUMPED AND CONTINUED TO COAST AT THE SAME SPEED. EARLIER THIS MONTH, I HAD TO DECELERATE FROM 40 MPH TO A FAIRLY ABRUPT STOP AND MY CAR WAS UNABLE TO. I JUST HAD MY BRAKE PADS REPLACED SO I KNEW THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM, MY CAR JOLTED A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. I ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS GOING TO FALL APART, THE RATTLING COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION IS CONSTANT. I GET MY FORD ESCAPE CHECKED UP EVERY MONTH, BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS I HAVE. THIS CAR IS A HAZARD TO MY SAFETY, AND I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING IN THIS ROLLING PLASTIC DEATH TRAP. IT'S INFURIATING THAT THE GOVERNMENT CLAIMS A DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY TO BE NOT HARMFUL ENOUGH TO HAVE A RECALL. I COULD HAVE DIED FROM IN BOTH INSTANCES WHICH I SPECIFIED IN THIS COMPLAINT, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SPEED INCREASED TO OVER 65 MPH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 13, 2015
WHEN STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE CAR WILL STALL OUT WHEN TRYING TO PRESS THE GAS TO GO. THE CODE CAME UP AS P2112 WHEN I HAVE HAD IT CHECKED.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2015
PROBLEME COME IN THE MORNING AFTER A SMALL RUN TO CORNER STORE. 2 MONTS BEFORE FORE UPDATE DE TROTTLE SOFTWARE. FOR THE RECAL.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 21, 2015
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND GOING AROUND A WINDING PART OF THE ROAD. I WAS COASTING DUE TO THE MULTIPLE CONSECUTIVE TURNS WHEN MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE GOING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. LUCKILY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART MY CAR WHILE COASTING. SINCE THIS EVENT IT HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 30 TIMES, ALWAYS AROUND LOW OR IDLE SPEEDS AND MORE OFTEN AFTER RUNNING LONGER. I PURCHASED THIS CAR SECOND HAND IN MARCH OF 2015. I HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH A FRUSTRATING PROBLEM OR UNSAFE FEELING WITH OR WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE.