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.
Engine, Dec 18, 2023
THE ENGINE TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREWAY, WAS THE MOST SCARY THING FOR ME AND MY KIDS , I HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK TEH VEHICLE BUT I COULDN'T FIND ANYHTING, THE BATTERY AND OIL LIGTH COME ON THE DASH BOARD, I HAD TO PULL OVER ADN TURN TEH EMERGENCY LIGHT AND PULL OVER
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.
Service brakes, Nov 29, 2023
My Ford Escape's ABS system failed, exhibiting the exact same symptoms as a different Ford recall for another model, Ford Fusion 2006-2010 (NHTSA Recall 19V-904, manufacturer recall 19S54). The symptoms were extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash. There were NO warning dash lights or alerts due to the ABS failure. No codes for the failed ABS module were found by my mechanic. Because of this, we replaced the brake booster first, thinking that was the problem, but this made no difference. We contacted multiple Ford Service Depts. as well as a higher manager, seeking a recall or courtesy repair for the ABS module. Everyone contacted admitted that they had heard about multiple complaints on this module in Ford Escaped, but since no specific recall was made for the Ford Escape, they could not cover the ABS module. In total, I spent approximately $589 on the brake booster parts/labor (which turned out not to be the problem), then an addional $1765 parts/labor to repair the ABS module. I was surprised that the recall I found for the Ford Fusion 2006-2010 so exactly matched my vehicle's problem, but Ford has never issued a recall or offered repairs for this important safety component. With no dash warning lights, no problem codes displayed, along with the sheer number for Ford Escapes on the road, I suspect this ABS module is an enormous safety concern.
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.
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
Vehicle will stop running instantaneously. car will restart after several seconds. No engine warning light so there are no codes to read. The frequency had increased from every few days, but now happens every time you drive.
Service brakes, Sep 11, 2023
Brakes intermittingly do not work. Mechanic can not find a part that is constantly failing but did have the brakes not work at one point while test driving. Does not prompt any warning lights or error codes when it happens. Looking online this is a very common problem.
Service brakes, Air, Sep 6, 2023, crash
I was parking my car at a mechanical shop. When I pulled into a parking spot the car failed to stop and went into the neghbors yard going into the wire fence scracthing the the car. I was not going fast but car was scratch up badly. As far as I know the car was not inspected by anyone. The car stayed at the mechanic's garage for about seven weeks until the ABS was replaced.
Service brakes, Aug 23, 2023
My Traction Control Lamp, ABS Light, and Brake Light, have all illuminated on the dash at one time when I came out to my car after work. When I went into work there was no lights on. On my way to work there were no lights on, and no brake issues. Now there are. My brake fluid level is full. There is no leaking fluids from the rotors, brake lines etc. Now all these lights are on, and my brakes are pulsing slightly. I looked today and see there was a recall on this system. I have had this vehicle for 6 years, and I know I never took it in for any recalls. When was this ABS System brake recall? When was it done on this vehicle, and is it possible that the FMC just did the cheapest repairs it could do? I need to know because I have a 4 yr old son that rides with me in this vehicle. I need to know when it was done, and what was done, PLEASE.
Steering, Aug 16, 2023
It says the power steering was recalled. When I try to drive my steering wheel gets stuck.
Suspension, Structure, Aug 7, 2023
Was informed during inspection the subframe is rusted very badly and could fail. In doing research the 2009 Ford escape has had these recalled for this specific reason that the subframe components were not properly coated causing rust and failure. My VIN isn't on the list after speaking to Ford. My next step is to address you to see if it needed to get added as it is exact nature of the original 2006 subframe recall that mine is not a part of yet needs to be
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.
Steering, May 2, 2023
Was driving down the highway and went to make a turn and couldnt. The steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. Power assist fault came on and now car will not let you turn the wheel if you are going under 30 mph