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, Apr 2, 2018
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED BY STORMS FORD, EAST HAMPTON, NY, 10/24/17. MILEAGE: 34438. STEERING FAILED AGAIN, 3/30/18. MILEAGE: 35400. IS THERE ANY RECALL OR OTHER RECOURSE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM?
Steering, Mar 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. LES STUMPF FORD IN APPLETON, WISCONSIN WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO RESET THE PCM. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TORQUE SENSOR OR STEERING COLUMN AS OUTLINED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) BECAUSE THERE WERE NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES DISPLAYED WHEN TESTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 138,000.
Steering, Mar 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK GENTLY AND THEN SHOOK VIOLENTLY. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT A RECALL FOR THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FAMILY OF PA (170 YORK RD, CARLISLE, PA 17013) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, Mar 26, 2018
I HAD TO HAVE THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST REPLACED IN MY FORD ESCAPE DUE TO THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION WHEN IT WENT OUT. A FEW MONTHS LATER I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR "CERTAIN" MAKE AND MODEL ESCAPES. OBVIOUSLY, MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 26, 2018
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHEN DRIVING. AND VIBERATES WHEN IDLING. ELECTRIC STEERING
Steering, Mar 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AS THE WRENCH SIGN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS TOWED TO THE HOLMES TUTTLE FORD LINCOLN TUCSON (888-298-7826, 660 W AUTO MALL DR., TUCSON, AR 85705) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR FURTHER REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Steering, Mar 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AS A RESULT THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE TRI STAR FORD DEALERSHIP (930 US-22, BLAIRSVILLE, PA 15717) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Steering, Mar 21, 2018
FORD ESCAPE 140S05 TORQUE SENSOR WENT OUT ON MY CAR. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER SHIP THEY SAID THEY HAD FIXED THE RECALL IN 2015 AND WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT AGAIN. THIS DOES NOT HELP WITH THE SAFETY ANY PERSON DRIVING WITH ME OR IN ANOTHER VEHICLE IF I LOOSE ALL MY CAPACITY TO STEER. I BELIEVE THAT IF A RECALL IS DONE ON A CAR UNTIL THE CAR IS RUNNING ANY MORE. I AM GOING TO CONTACT FOR DEALERSHIP AS WELL. SAFETY FIRST!!!!
Steering, Mar 21, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. BRIGHTON FORD (8240 GRAND RIVER AVE, BRIGHTON, MI) WAS CONTACTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OPEN RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2018
I WAS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY AND I WANT TO GO TO THE REST AREA AND TURN LEFT AND THE WHEEL GOT HARD TO TURN THE CORNER OF THE STREET, AFTER THAT NEVER LOOSENED TO DRIVE THE CAR
Steering, Mar 16, 2018
MY VEHICLE LOSES POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED, POWER STEERING TEMPORARILY WORKS BUT THEN FAILS WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Mar 16, 2018
2 YEARS AGO , WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE IN THE CITY AND HIGHWAY, I HAD EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WITH THE STEERING FREEZING WHILE DRIVING. I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR TO FREE THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERS WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE CAR WAS EVALUATED, THEY FELT THAT THE CAR WAS OK AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE CAR. AT THIS TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND AT TIMES THE STEERING IS DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF THE VIBRATIONS AND FREEZING. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON FREES THE WHEEL BUT THE VIBRATIONS CONTINUES WITH A SLIGHT TOUCH OF THE WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST 1,200.00 TO REPAIR, HOWEVER; I COULD STILL DRIVE THE CAR IF I COULD STAND THE NOISE.
Steering, Mar 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40-60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE ANGLE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.
Steering, Mar 12, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (RICH FORD, 8601 LOMAS BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87112) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Steering, Power train, Mar 12, 2018
STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE WHEN STOPPED,WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. A FEW HUNDRED MILES LATER LOST POWER STEERING.ALSO TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS HARD, ALSO NOTICEABLE CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
Steering, Mar 10, 2018
I KNOW THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON POWER STEERING AND MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. MY POWER STEERING ISN'T WORKING. IT SHOWED A FAULT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN IT WENT OUT.
Steering, Mar 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND VIBRATED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING. EVENTUALLY, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,500. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED THE TORQUE SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE STEERING BOX WAS REPLACED, RESOLVING THE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Mar 8, 2018
DASH WARNING "POWER ASSIST SYSTEM FAIL" CAME ON - STEERING LOCKED UP, WILL NOT TURN EITHER DIRECTION. DRIVING ON STREET AND TURNING INTO DRIVEWAY. CAR WOULDN'T TURN AND DROVE INTO YARD. FORTUNATELY NO OTHER CARS ON THAT SIDE OF DRIVEWAY. PROBABLY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING?
Steering, Mar 7, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REDUCED THE SPEED AND TOOK THE NEXT EXIT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Steering, Mar 5, 2018
MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2009 ESCAPE WHEN THE POWER STEERING JUST STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY. SHE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE SHE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, THIS HAS BEEN A SEVERE PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YET ONLY SOME WERE RECALLED?????
Power train, Mar 5, 2018
2009 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BAD THROTTLE BODIES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THROTTLE BODY FAILED AT 62,338 MILES AND AGAIN 14 MONTHS LATER AT 75,927. *JS *JS
Steering, Mar 1, 2018
THE STEERING KICKS OUT OF POWER TO MANUAL. THIS VEHICLE WAS MADE IN KANSAS CITY AND OTHER VEHICLES FROM THAT SAME PLANT WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE, BUT NOT THIS VIN. WHAT'S UP WITH FORD STANDING BEHIND THERE PRODUCTS. THIS ISSUE COULD KILL PEOPLE BECAUSE OF LACK OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. PUT FORD ON NOTICE....A LAWSUIT WILL BE HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE.
Steering, Mar 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OR SHIFT INTO REVERSE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WOLF MOTOR COMPANY (31148 PUMPKIN HILL RD, LE SUEUR, MD) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,995.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, AND STEERING COLUMN SEIZED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. NORTHGATE FORD (8940 COLERAIN AVE, CINCINNATI, OH) WAS CONTACTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE, AND TORQUE SENSOR SOFTWARE WERE RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS, AND THE EXPENSE OF THE NEXT FAILURE WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Steering, Feb 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROD BAKER FORD (16101 S LINCOLN HWY, PLAINFIELD, IL 60586, (815) 436-5681) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 14149117. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.