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.
Structure, Mar 26, 2022
The passenger rear panel paint is bubbling and has rust under the bubbled paint. This is a defect noticed on all the Ford Escapes that I see in parking lots and pre owned vehicle lots. This is a factory defect that I and a lot of other Escape owners feel the manufacturer should take responsibility for and recall the issue so we can get our vehicles fixed. The cost to do it is not covered under my insurance. The safety of others is if you have small kids that are near the vehicle can get rust in their mouth if they touch the area that the bubbled paint has fallen off. The child could touch the bubble, the paint comes off the vehicle and they put it in their mouth. The chips of paint if they try to swallow them could cut their throat trying to swallow the paint chip. The bubble was noticed after owning the vehicle for a year. When I asked at a dealership they mentioned that this is a flaw with the Escapes and nothing can be done about it other than taking it to a body shop and have them remove the rust and paint the quarter panel. That is very expensive.
Steering, Mar 26, 2022
Steering wheel locked up without any warning while driving. Almost caused an accident. Now there is no power steering and.power steering assist fault warning is on.
Steering, Mar 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering wheel would shake and vibrate before suddenly the message power steering sensor fault was displayed and the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Steering, Mar 20, 2022
The electronic power steering goes out for no apparent reason. Making it very difficult to steer/maneuver vehicle while in traffic. This situation is very dangerous for a 17 year old driver, not knowing what is happening. Seems once he can get to a safe place to stop out of the way of traffic, the vehicle can be turned off and back on and this is reset to normal operation. Sometimes it may take several time of restarting the vehicle to get the electronic power steering to reset. I see numerous complaints concerning this same situation. This needs to be address by the manufacturer before some one is killed.
Steering, Mar 19, 2022
I purchased this car for my daughters to use in college in California. They report that it suddenly loses power steering. It is very hard to turn wheel at all. It is currently at a mechanic shop and he says it is showing a code and that the steering motor on the column is working off and on causing power steering at times. we checked all the electrical power and ground to the motor and control module. I see that there was a recall for this issue but now it is not showing as an active recall. Please advise me on this recall and why it is not active on this car at this time and yet the vehicle is having the exact problem listed in the recall. Recall #14v284000 is the one I am speaking of. Can you please help us with this safety issue?
Steering, Mar 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that there was an audio alarm with the power steering assist fault displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repair. The contact stated that he went to the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000. Information stated consumer had not checked with mechanic. Since 3/17/22 consumer has checked with an independent mechanic and they have confirmed that the power assist steering fault is due to torque sensor and car is diagnosed as having error code B2278.
Steering, Mar 16, 2022
I was driving in the middle of the highway when the steering wheel started to be hard to turn. Slowly I parked and turn the engine off and called the road assistance. They said they can’t do anything about that. We wait about an hour then turned the engine back on and everything seems to be normal. I was driving to work that day. From my way back home the same thing happened. I decided to take it to ford dealership and they checked and it came out that it’s the steering wheel column that has a problem and it’s not safe to drive it. They said it is safety issue and unfortunately my car is not recalled and I will be charged for over $2000 to fix it. That’s why I’m filling a claim to have it recall.
Steering, Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact attempted to refill the power steering fluid but became aware that the power steering was an electrical unit. The contact's father arrived and drove the vehicle using physical force to steer the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 177,876.
Steering, Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Steering, Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon start of his vehicle, the "power steering assist fault" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds due to the failure. The dealer was notified and informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Vehicle is undergoing maintenance repairs because it is not listed under the recall.
Steering, Mar 2, 2022
Power steering stopped while driving.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2022
I was almost involved in an accident while on the highway while trying to turn, my wheel locked up randomly, I was almost hit by an on coming vehicle. The mechanic inspected it and he said it was the powersteering, he also stated that they're was a safety recall on these vehicles for the same issue and that Ford motor co. was replacing all the steering colums in all other similar years, makes and models due to some failure from the manufacturer. The problem is that all the vehicles with this same issue also fall under different vin numbers. This problem needs to be fixed because it's a major safety concern and is putting people who drive this vehicle as well as other drivers around in danger. I will attach a video of a man on YT explaining the same issue, it's not ok that 5 years later they're still hasn't been a safety recall for this clear and apparent manufacturer issue. Today on 2/16/2022 I called Ford motor Co and spoke to an employee by the name of Aldri and he offered no solution. I would like for this to be recalled so that anyone experiencing the same issues can be safe of the roads. I was terrified for my life when that happened to myself, please do consider this and recall All these vehicles. The link for the video description is included: https://youtu.be/HJtv9gAIzLQ I will also upload several images from the comments section with the exact same issue on the same model and make for the same years they did their other recall on. Thank you
Steering, Feb 4, 2022
Ford recall 14S05. Several years ago I had some work done on my vehicle. While in the shop, the dealer updated software on the vehicle, including for the power steering. I did not request the update. The update only turns on an indicator light if the power steering fails. On 1/23/22 at 9:00 am, I went to the grocery. Came out and got in the car. Backed up, narrowly missed a parked car, and nearly hit a telephone pole because the power steering had failed. Found out there was a recall for all components and software related to the issue. Took my vehicle to the local dealer. Failed torque sensor as mentioned in the recall. $1200 to repair. Called Ford customer service and was told the recall had been completed due to the software update. The update that was done without my knowledge to a vehicle that had no problem at the time. I argued and was told Ford would not honor the recall because it was closed for my vehicle. Who monitors these recalls?
Steering, Jan 27, 2022
power steering assist is lost
Service brakes, Jan 26, 2022, crash
The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCUs) in the 2009 Ford Escape malfunctioned resulting in the brake pedal losing resistance. The brake pedal needed to be pushed all the way to the floorboard with aggressive force to stop the vehicle. This issue may have resulted in an interstate accident that put the driver at extreme risk. The vehicle crashed into the vehicle in front of the driver due to a delay in stopping from the malfunctioning of the HCU. There were no warning lights that were triggered to alert an issue with the unit. The repair shop that repaired the vehicle warned the driver that the brakes were not working properly and may have caused to the accident. Due to Ford backlogs on parts from COVID-19 delays, I discovered that 180 HCUs are currently on back order in the United States. Additionally, four Ford vehicles in the Greater New Orleans area are waiting for ACUs due to the same issue of the brakes not gripping until the pedal reaches the floor. Multiple sources online are warning of a similar issue from malfunctioning HCUs and ACUs. After learning this information, I filed a complaint with the Ford Corporate office but have not heard anything regarding the integrity of the part. However, when I dropped off the vehicle at the Lamarque Ford Dealership in Kenner Louisiana, I was told the vehicle was undrivable due to the malfunctioning of the HCU. The vehicle is available for inspection at the Lamarque Ford Dealership located at 3101 Williams Blvd Suite F, Kenner, LA 70065. Additionally, other vehicles are waiting for repairs at Supreme Ford of Slidell located at 400 E Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70461. Due to the extensive backlog of Ford parts, these vehicles have been waiting months to be repaired and potentially have months to continue to wait before being repaired.
Steering, Jan 25, 2022
Power steering assist fault came on in my Escape. I see there is recalls on so.e Escapes because of this, but not all of them. Why is that? This is a problem in all Escape from 2008-2011 and this is an expensive fix. Ford should be liable for this. They should not be allowed to pick which ones they feel like fixing. I will never buy another Ford because of this
Steering, Jan 23, 2022
Loss of power steering /electric steering while driving vehicle. no codes.no check engine light.
Steering, Jan 20, 2022
While driving my car's steering abruptly lost power steering and displayed: Power assist fault" on dash board message center. Although Ford has issued recalls for this problem for Ford Escape vehicles manufactured between Aug.18, 2006 thru Sept. 11, 2010 my vehicle's Vin. does now appear on recall when cross-referenced with Ford's website re: recalls. This is a very dangerous problem. I have tried to contact ford's customer service number 1-800-392-3673, and its impossible to get a human with a pulse to talk to. Ford does not make available any Chat option on line for reporting and resolving this type of complaint or issue. Am I only left with the show up in person at a service center only to get turned away because my VIN #[XXX] does not reflect a recall in there database? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering. Consumer almost ran here car into a house as even with two hands was not able to turn the wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel after several attempts. The contact shifted to reverse and reversed back to her parking space using excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Consumer was told by the mechanic Torque sensor and the Electric Power Steering module that needed to be replaced. These are the exact parts that were in the original Ford recall but car recall is closed.
Steering, Jan 17, 2022
power steering quit working could hardly make a turn did not take car in yet, i am trying to see if there is some kind of recall. there was no warning lights
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
Sudden failure of power steering assist system while operating vehicle at moderate speed resulting in the steering to revert into manual mode creating a hazardous condition within city traffic. Dashboard notification “ Power steering assist failure “ appearing. No failure code in OBD 2 system.
Steering, Jan 2, 2022
December 2021, while driving, the steering wheels suddenly locked up on my car, and it was perfectly fine the previous day. The car couldn’t move, so, I kept trying and let the car warm up a bit while kept turning the key, so it started up and I drove off, but it kept losing power of steering whenever I stopped on a red light!. I also noticed that turning to the right or left was really hard because the wheel was very stiff and kept locking up. So, on my way back, the wheel could not move and I struggled I was able to move it and then it just kept stiffening up while I was driving which was scary, the car almost lost control and I almost hit other vehicles. It’s very unsafe, I called and asked Ford if they had a recall on it but they said no. I took it to a Ford in Kirkland and they said they’d charge me $2,500 to reprogram the steering and fix the power of steering, and that I’ll pay less if they get used parts. This is not right, there’s no reason why any vehicle steering wheels should lock up and suddenly stiffen up by itself, on a well maintained vehicle which appears to be in perfect condition, while a driver is driving, and sharing the road with other drivers. This is very unsafe, its a safety issue that Ford needs to look into and fix, it’s the right thing to do. I strongly believe that this is a manufacturing issue and a vehicle programming issue, and as a driver and a customer, I do not need to be charged by Ford, for them to fix their error and manufacturing mistake that causes their steering to lock up causing my car’s steering wheel to suddenly stiffen up and lock up while I’m driving, and causing the vehicle not to move as freely as it should!. This issue puts my life and other drivers life’s at risk. After this power of steering issue, I do not feel totally comfortable or safe driving this car as it is right now, and would like to request that it be recalled and checked by the manufacturer, if it wasn’t already recalled. Thank you.
Steering, Dec 30, 2021
The steering wheel locks up and I am unable to start the car. Sometimes the ignition will turn and the car will start, but the wheel remains locked up. Eventually the car may start and the wheel will unlock, but I'm afraid it could go out while driving. I have discovered over 650 complaints about the same problem with Fords. I took the car to a mechanic (independent) who diagnosed a defective ignition module and steering column. We ordered the parts and 4 weeks later when they still hadn't arrived (there are no 2009 steering columns out there) I had the car towed to the Ford dealer. They replaced the ignition key cylinder, charged me $550 and said the car was fine. We jumped in the car to drive home and the wheel was again locked. The mechanic came out and told me they would further diagnose the problem and would call me later. It has been 6 weeks that the car has been inoperable. It has 54,000 miles on it. Ford has determined it's a power steering failure and the steering column needs to be replaced. $3500.
Structure, Dec 30, 2021
The front sub frame rusted out on the passenger side. The is a 1inch by 5 inch hole in the sub frame. The lower control arm could have come off and the whole spindle and tire could have come off the vehicle while driving. Haggerty Ford iin West Chicago, Il noticed the large hole while doing an inspection for an oil change.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Dec 28, 2021
I started to hear a grinding and cracking and popping sound I checked the vehicle and the front left ball joint is bad there is an obvious crack in the joint that is easily visible when inspecting the area of the front left wheel and it’s components