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.
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.
Steering, May 28, 2024
Complete power steering assist loss with no warning. should have been fixed by dealer before we purchased the vehicle used with less the 4,000 miles on it. reference recall 14S05. While driving at 45 mph to turn onto the highway experienced complete power steering assist loss.
Steering, May 21, 2024
This year and model is under a Ford Motor company recall number 14S05 which is the steering torque sensor. this device when failing will cause the power steering to go out and make it almost impossible to steer. Which obviously can cause a major accident. I have called Ford Motor company as well as the local dealerships and they both stated that this is a specific VIN number eligibility recall. The issue is whether or not my 2009 Ford escape made the list is irrelevant because that is exactly what the vehicle is doing and should be serviced at Ford motor company's expense. Please advise how I can get this resolved.
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, May 2, 2024
The steering went out on my daughters car. When calling the dealership to find out about a possible recall as I see it's a known issue, we were told there is no recall for this car. (...same car, same year has recalled many of these for this issue, why not this one?) When taking to a mechanic were quoted that a new steering column was needed, although it would have to be a salvaged part which is not safe to put another defective refurbished steering assembly especially at the quoted cost of 3k.
Steering, Apr 30, 2024
When my daughter was driving, she experienced complete loss of steering assist when trying to make a turn. It is still happened with no warnings at all. reference recall # 14S05 we purchased this vehicle used with only 3,322 miles on it just a few years ago and thought that it had No recall issues, but after further research it looks like the vehicle was taken to Apple Ford around 04/12/21 or 04/27/21. Looks like they cleared the recall from records, but did not address the issue. it only had about 3,322 miles on it when it was reviewed in year 2021. After the complete loss of steering assist. I took the vehicle to Lexington Park Ford on 02/09/2024, they told me it had no recalls, after further research they told me the recall was closed back on 04/2021, they wanted to charge us to fix the same thing that the recall is for and it was never properly address. we did not have it fixed, the steering assist fails at random times and makes this vehicle very unsafe to drive.
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, Apr 1, 2024
The car started moving the steering wheel back and forth on its own and then completely lost power steering.
Steering, Mar 31, 2024
Back in 2018 I had another incident which was when I was driving down the highway and had to make a turn I had no power steering and almost hit a police car. My car should be included with a recall I read about. That repair cost me $700. Since 2023 when I start my car I won't have any power steering. The Ford dealership is telling me it is another censor and will cost me $2,500. This is a dangerous thing.
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
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2024
Fuel inlet light constantly alerting. Known issue, have read thousands of owners having issue with this, installed gas cap didnt fix, cleaned the area didnt fix, only option left is to replace the inlet. If its a known problem due to faulty equipment should be recalled
Power train, Steering, Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the power train warning light illuminated randomly but disappeared. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 18, 2024
I was driving to work when all the sudden out of nowhere with no warning I lost all power steering control luckily I just got off the highway and wasn’t going too terribly fast though it scared the crap outta me and this could have ended very badly! I was unable to turn my wheel at all!!! On my dashboard it says POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT after researching this I came across a recall for 2008-2014 Ford Escapes for what exactly happened to me on my
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2024
Vehicle Will not shift from Park gear. Locking up and can't drive until it allows me to shift. Time varies and also have to start and restart the engine several times before it allows the shifter lock to release from Park.
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.
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.
Power train, Jan 31, 2024
Power steering assist fault Torque sensor
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.
Suspension, Jan 19, 2024
Driving at 40mph the front right wheel collapsed due to the sub frame failure (rusted out and separated}. I understand that Ford did not treat the frame member for rust properly causing catastrophic failure. Fortunately it did not cause an accident or personal injury. Talking to my mechanic he said it is a common problem in 2004-2012 Ford Escapes, Mercury Mariners,and Masda Tributes.
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.