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
1,693 reports, newest first.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who performed various brake tests and found no faults with the braking system. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 2, 2021
Fuel tank leaks from seam or seal on side of tank
Steering, Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER ADVISED THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JS
Steering, Aug 20, 2021
The contact's mother owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact’s mother informed him that while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver pulled over and restarted the vehicle which restored functionality temporarily. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a local mechanic but was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,337.
Steering, Aug 6, 2021
Out of the blue as I was driving the power steering randomly stopped working, jerking me to the side. I have to manually turn it now and have no idea what went wrong. I believe this is the same safety recall issue you sent notices out for but for some reason my vin number is not listed and I think this is a error on your part.
Steering, Jul 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact’s son stated that while driving 60 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact’s son pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Steering, Jul 25, 2021
The steering has a recall but not for my particular vehicle. The power steering will stop working occasionally. It is the electronic steering. It has only occurred when starting the vehicle. I have not brought it in to the dealer. It does not produce a warning lamp. As long as it does not occur when driving, it is safe. I feel that it should be included in the current recall that is for some of the vehicles.
Steering, Jul 23, 2021
Power steering not working. First noticed it on 7/21/21 while backing out of a parking spot. Very difficult steering the vehicle, especially during slow turning movements like backing up the vehicle or tight turns. Emergency movements would be near impossible. It was intermittent on 7/21/21 but it's now a consistent problem. No one else has looked at the vehicle and there were no warning lights.
Steering, Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 55 mph, the power steering suddenly failed while turning onto an exit ramp. During the failure, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering control module was faulty and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 14V284000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
Steering, Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at a low rate of speed, the power steering ceased to operate without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure however, the Vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure but offered him no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
Steering, Jul 15, 2021
We have a 2009 ford escape.The electric power steering assist Has started to work intermittently. As my daughter drives this car, I can't have her driving it if all of a sudden the power steering is gonna not work. The local Ford garage said there was no outstanding recalls on it and offered no further help. Very disappointed and I'm not planning to ever buy another Ford.
Structure, Jul 8, 2021
The hinges on the glass for the tail lift corroded causing the back window to drop. This poses a safety hazard when driving or opening the back window on the tail lift.
Steering, Jun 24, 2021
Our 2009 Ford Escape built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant has experienced a complete failure of the Electric Power Steering System. There were no warning lights when the Electric Power Steering System failed causing the vehicle to revert back to manual steering. Once the power steering failed it took a greater amount of effort to steer the vehicle safely. I immediately took the vehicle to my repair shop where they determined that the vehicle had experienced a complete failure of the power steering assembly with a diagnostic code of B1342 (power steering module failure). The vehicle was repaired by replacing the Steering Column Assembly - CL8Z-3C529-D.
Steering, Jun 11, 2021
Vehicle lost power steering while in motion (low speed) which almost made me crash into a pole in a parking lot. Turned vehicle off, removed key from Ignition, reinserted key into ignition and started vehicle. No power steering still. No warning lamps or lights concerning steering. Checked recalls per VIN as this is a common occurrence with 2007-2011 Ford Escapes but am told that this vehicle does not fall under the recall notice.
Steering, Jun 10, 2021
Hello, I need help. I had my vehicle towed to Bill Knight Ford because the power steering goes out while you’re driving. There is a recall that fixes this. The recall has not been fixed but they are telling me it has been fixed. I know for fact the PCSM recall was not fixed! They are refusing to fix/look at it until I get the alternator fixed. I repeat this recall from 2015 that’s related to the power steering has not been fixed! This is unacceptable, please help.
Steering, Jun 1, 2021
5/30/21 Power steering failed.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2021
THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. VERY HARD TO TURN STEERING WHEEL
Service brakes, May 12, 2021
ABS, PARKING BRAKE, AND ANTI-SKID LIGHTS ALL ON. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THE ABS MODUL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Structure, May 10, 2021
THE 2009 FORD ESCAPE SUBFRAME IS CORRODED AND RUSTED. THIS COULD CAUSE A WHEEL TO COME APART FROM THE FRAME AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF WE DRIVE IT OVER 55 MILES AN HOUR. HER CAR SHAKES WHEN SHE IS BRAKING - AND RATTLES CONSTANTILY. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON 'SOME' 2009 FORD ESCAPES, HOWEVER OURS DOES NOT FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY THEREFORE FORD WILL NOT FIX THIS. THE FIX FOR THEM IS A SIMPLE BRACKET MOUNTED UNDER THE CAR TO HOLD THE FRAME TOGETHER, ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT THE DESIRED FIX TO KEEP MY DAUGHTER SAFE, IT IS A FIX. THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER IS SITTING ON TOP OF THE SUBFRAME CORRODING IT, I HAVE RESEARCHED WHY IT'S HAPPENING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND BECAUSE OUR CAR'S VIN NUMBER DOES NOT MATCH THE VEHICLES THEY HAVE ON FILE, THEY STATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. MY 19 YEAR OLD IS DRIVING THIS CAR AND IT IS NOT SAFE. FOR ME TO GET IT FIXED WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $2000 AND IF THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE, FORD SHOULD FIX IT.
Steering, Apr 30, 2021
ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN MAKING STEERING VERY DIFFICULT. AFTER THE VEHICLE SITS OVERNIGHT AND COOLS DOWNS THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING WILL BEGIN WORKING AGAIN MOST OF THE TIME. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DURING THE LAST FEW MONTHS
Service brakes, Apr 24, 2021
I WAS DRIVING AND MY BRAKES FELT SOFT, ALMOST HAVING TO GO ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. I TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY, UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING MY VEHICLE. AFTER DOING MULTIPLE THINGS, DEALERSHIP SAID WAS MY MASTER CYLINDER. SO HAD MY MASTER CYLINDER. THEY CALL TO SAY, THEY TEST DRIVE MY CAR AND MY CAR WAS STOPPING FINE. I PICKED UP MY CAR, DRIVING HOME, IT FELT EXACTLY AS WHEN I DROPPED OFF MY CAR. I CALLED THEM BACK NEXT DAY TO ADVISE OF SAME AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT MAY BE ABS MODULE
Steering, Apr 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER SENSOR FAULT WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND FAILED TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE CONTACT CALLED STRAUB FORD (20 JEFFERSON AVE, MOUNDSVILLE, WV 26041, (888) 876-3387) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
Steering, Apr 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.*DT
Steering, Apr 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. DURING THE FAILURE, THE BATTERY LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.