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, Aug 21, 2022
I recently bought the vehicle from my aunt... I found there is a recall for the same year model made in Kansas city just as mine is... it's a 2009 escape made in KC... but yet it is not showing for the safety recall regarding the power steering.... I have no power steering... it's has shown the fault I power assist on the dash with the change needed warning info.... why is it that y SUV on everything I have read shows that one should have been included but is not... I also need to take it to the nearest ford center to have other repairs made too
Steering, Aug 18, 2022
Intermittent failure of power steering, beginning at startup—at each startup, power steering either worked or it didn’t. After one month, power steering failed entirely. Vehicle is still drivable, but with no power assist to steering. My mechanic says the power steering control module requires replacement. There is an active recall for this exact failure that applies to my model and year, but Ford customer service says it does not apply to my VIN, and will not tell me exactly why. Internet forums show this failure is common and often not covered under recall. Ford no longer manufactures the necessary replacement part, and my mechanic so far has been unable to find a used replacement.
Steering, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to steer the steering wheel with the assistance of her son. The contact also stated that the vehicle overheated the day prior to the steering failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,300.
Steering, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to drive home safely however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under call. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ABS module failure. The dealer informed the contact that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 21, 2022
Escape bogs down in 1st gear and barely goes. I have almost been hit multiple times because of this. No engine lights are on.
Steering, Jul 21, 2022
Steering assist failure. The steering assist failed without warning, no lights or indications. I had my car checked on a trouble code scanner and it showed the failure. There appears to be a recall from Ford for this problem, but not all vehicles were included. It should be all vehicles, not just some. I can see on this site alone there are at least 64 complaints for the same issue, all are not covered under the recall. The fact that so many are experiencing this problem, might warrant a revisit on extending the recall to more vehicles. To have this repaired by a dealer without a recall is extremely expensive for something that is a safety concern.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 18, 2022
First steering column locked with less then 65,000 miles . Now power train wrench light warning popped on less then 80,000 miles . Throttle body issue forcing car into limp mode leaving driver in danger on the road
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Jul 17, 2022
Rear shock mount rusted out and is destroying the inside of my trunk. Now is hanging loose.
Steering, Jul 10, 2022
While driving, my electric power steering failed. There is no warning light or system notice to indicate that this was going to happen. My daughter and I almost wrecked due to this issue. Now I have no way of knowing what the real issue is. I noticed my truck wasn’t included in the recall but it definitely should be. I almost lost control of the vehicle when this happened and it could have been catastrophic.
Service brakes, Jun 29, 2022
Put car in park. Park can be moved roll away while in park
Service brakes, Jun 27, 2022
Vehicle was driving on I 75 North bound upon passing Micanopy Rd, and prior to Williston road exit. Driving between 73 to 75 MPH the ABS light came on. ahead of me a semi truck and in my left a car was passing, I tap the brake and the brake system fail to respond. I let the car role and veer to move move to the right, hunk tat the truck, shoot the emergency brakes and the SUV stop, I called Ford Public relation with no resolution although I was not looking for any compensation or repair cost. The claimed that the warranty of the vehicle was expired. I responded that I was not looking for any compensation, rather I was looking to report a problem that might has cost human lost..... I took the car to the ford dealership in Gainesville Florida to get an authentic report, in order to submit a safety concern to The Ford Motor Safety Department. Dealer and public relations office claimed that Ford Motor Company does not have a safety Department. I am an Industrial Hygienist who Work for OSHA as a COSHO and although I explained no action action seem to indicate that they know,,,,,,,, I question if they understood the issue. This failure may has cost loses, my vehicle is parked at my house This is a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid VIN [XXX]. PLEASE NOTIFY ME OF ACTION TAKEN. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel as the power steering assist failed to operate as designed without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the power steering motor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Wheels, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2022
I change my brakes twice in not even a full month My alternator belt came off I replaced it when I put it in park it rolls it shakes and it takes a minute to go faster once I go 40 mph the acceleration pedal vibrates tire pressure sensor stays on and also it keep saying check fuel tank injector
Service brakes, Jun 14, 2022
Ford 2009 Ford Escape VIN #[XXX] We took our 2009 Ford Escape to Jimmy's Automotive located at 4524 Pacific Ave Lacey Wa We have taken our Ford Escape here for years for service Jimmy's notified us that our ABS brakes were defective (a defect from installation in China) The cost would be over $2000 to repair I called our local Ford Dealership in Olympia and they stated that our VIN # did not qualify for the ABS brake problem I then called the Ford Company in Detroit MI they stated the same that our VIN # did not qualify for the ABS brake defect I contacted an attorney at Legal Zoom and he recommended contacting you My question how can we not qualify for the defective ABS problem when our vehicle has the defective ABS brake SEE INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, May 31, 2022
The contact's friend owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact's friend was reversing out of her driveway at approximately 2 MPH, when the power steering failed to make it difficult to turn the wheel in either direction. The contact's friend stated she noticed no warning lights were illuminated. The contact's friend had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electric power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the manufacturer had issued a recall related to the failure; under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Service brakes, May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who initially replaced the brake master cylinder; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective ABS module. The manufacturer was also notified and informed him that there were no recalls on his vehicle; he was then transferred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, May 23, 2022
The electric power steering malfunctions and yes it would be available for inspection upon request. No I have not had a dealer or service center confirm this problem and it's not been inspected by police, insurance representative etc. There was no warning lamps, or symptoms of any kind prior to the failure. The first time this occured I was backing out of a parking spot and it was extremely hard to turn my steering wheel and the vehicle had no issues when I parked. I found that if the battery was unhooked for several hours the steering would work properly again for a period of time but, I never know when it's going to stop working again. It's my understanding there has been a recall on some vehicles for this issue but unfortunately my vehicle didn't fall under the recall. I have saw several complaints of this online when investigating the problem and really wish something would be done because I don't undetstand why some 2009 Ford Escape have a recall for this problem but not all 2009 Ford Escape when it's obviously a problem for more Escape's than just the ones with the recall.
Steering, May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing out of her driveway, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and locked. The contact could not turn the steering wheel to the left or right. The contact stated an unknown warning light illuminated and was flashing. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been 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). The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
Steering, Apr 28, 2022
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his girlfriend was pulling out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's girlfriend was able to drive to her residence by using excessive force to steer the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 23, 2022
I recently purchased this vehicle, have had it for about 3 to 4 weeks. The vehicle belonged to a gentleman whom deceased and vehicle came from Canada. The vehicle was running great and I was happy, however, on Easter 2022 my 1yr old daughter and I were leaving the emergency room due to us both being very ill and all of a sudden I was unable to steer the vehicle without having to use my entire body and all my strength. So, I immediately went to the auto part store and purchased steering fluid. Well, come to find out this vehicle has an electric steering system which I never heard of before in my life. Thankfully there was a mechanic on site and he told me about this along with changing a steering fuse??? The new fuse did not fix the issue. This nice man looked up and seen this vehicle has a steering, air bag and few more recalls out there. So, I called a ford dealership to inquire about getting these recalls taken care of and replaced, she basically told me that they would charge me for the diagnostic test and charge me for any and all recall repairs. I seen that this vehicle has never had any of the recalls taken care of. Now, is there a time frame for replacing recalls, especially if safety related!? Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Apr 18, 2022
Steering wheel shaking, while idling and driving. The next day total loss of power steering.
Steering, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse in a parking lot, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. There were no warning lights that illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was able to diagnose the failure as a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Steering, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering failed and the steering wheel failed to turn in either direction. The message "power steering assist failure" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contacted stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 153,000.
Steering, Mar 27, 2022
Steering intermittently locks up, sometimes at startup and sometimes while driving. Sometimes car steers normally without steering failure, but sometimes steering completely locks. Vehicle is not safe to drive.