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, Dec 27, 2021
Power steering failure occurred without warning making it difficult to control the vehicle and potentially dangerous for both myself and others on the road.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 27, 2021
I brought my 2009 Escape in for a steering recall. When Hopkins Ford checked for codes, they said there were none. They then performed a reset on the electric steering. After they performed the reset, my steering went out. I brought it back to have it checked again then they said now there is a code. They are now claiming they are not responsible for the code repair (Steering column) because in their eyes, they reset the recall. I have been in contact with Ford customer service and they said there is nothing they can do because they closed the case when they reprogrammed the recall. There were no issues prior, or codes prior to them reprogramming the steering. They now are trying to tell me it will cost me $1700 to repair an issue that is part of a recall.
Steering, Dec 27, 2021
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 towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with steering column failure. The steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
Steering, Dec 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of her vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle which rendered the vehicle inoperable. The contact called an unknown dealer and was informed that her vehicle had been previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) prior to her owning the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to the floor before the vehicle started to slow down. The contact veered to the side of the road and waited for a few minutes to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS system was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Steering, Dec 16, 2021
Power steering electric assist failure , unable to steer or control vehicle in emergency, vehicle not inspected, no warning lights, system failed on December 13,2021
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 13, 2021
See NHTSA Recall No. 19V-904 for additional details. This recall should be amended to include the Ford Escape model line. The valve on the Anti-lock Braking System Module sticks open and causes reduced braking ability. The module is the same component as in the vehicles noted in the above referenced NHTSA recall.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and initially diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The brake master cylinder was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and hydraulic failure. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) and hydraulic needed to be replaced however, parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V733000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, neither the VIN nor the type of vehicle was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 49,900.
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle regained normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic immediately after experiencing the failure. The contact stated that he was informed of a recall regarding the steering, possibly NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was 73,945.
Steering, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, she was unable to turn her steering wheel to the left or the right. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle slowly back to the residence. The vehicle was parked and had not been driven since. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, Nov 22, 2021
The contact's daughter owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel started shuddering inadvertently. The power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter continued to drive the vehicle however, the steering wheel continued to shudder while the vehicle was at a complete stop. The contact stated that as his daughter pulled into a gas station, the steering wheel lost power steering and was significantly more difficult to turn. The contact stated that his daughter was able to forcefully turn the steering wheel while driving the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,921.
Service brakes, Nov 14, 2021
Was driving my ford escape and went to stop and total loss of brake pedal it went to the floor almost causing me to hit another vehicle. All brakes are new no brake fluid leaking no where and master cyclinder tested good. I've done research online to thousands of complaints regarding the abs unit causing loss of brakes to many of people to where vehicle is unsafe to drive due to it happening again. So I got in and started the escape today to now having full brakes again. Ford should have to recall or buy back the escapes cause it's a safety hazard to people's lives that's driving theses escapes! NEVER KNOWING WHEN TOTAL BREAK LOSS IS GONNA HAPPEN AGAIN!!! Ford's should have to pay when someone gets in a accident due to total loss of break system due to abs unit/hcu..
Steering, Nov 4, 2021
i received a warning this morning from my car that i had a "power steering assist failure". I took it to the Capital City Ford (Joe Machens) dealer in Jefferson City, MO. I pulled in the garage and turned off the car. They checked a couple of things, turned the car back on and the wheel would not turn (this has never happend before). She said she would have to keep it and have it checked. They never called me so, about 5 hours later i checked in and they said i would get an email about what needed to be fixed. I never received one. They could see were some "torque" thing and maybe the "steering column" and it would be in the neighborhood of $900 plus labor. Until this morning their was never any problems other than the warning light coming on. This is the 3rd very expensive fix in the last 3 months. Upon further investigation i see that there was a recall on this very thing. I asked at Ford about it but they said since nothing comes up in the computer there is nothing they can do about it. This is a very dangerous thing and after reading some of the other complaints i am thankful i wasn't going down the highway and had my steering locked up like thousands of others have had happen to them. I think FORD should be held responsible for this because this is not something in anyway that a consumer can touch, alter or in anyway fix.
Structure, Service brakes, Oct 24, 2021
Never again with a Ford. Had a life threatening incident. K frame completely rusted out, making front passenger tire wobble and almost fall off. I was driving 65 mph and it started. Took to shop immediately to find gapping holes in k frame. Ford should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen. Have read about previous complaints of this SAFETY issue with other years and people. I cannot afford repair I am on disability and now stuck without a vehicle. When I tried to break, abs and traction control came on. Was checked and mechanic said abs module failed also. Repairs are beyond what I can afford and I could have been killed along with others. I may call an attorney because k frame/ engine sub frame should last life of vehicle. Not take a life. I also had Huge safety issue with my Taurus, a few years ago, filed a complaint with you for this problem also. Nothing was done. I should have learned my lesson. Ford does not care, why can they get away with this , I saw the class action lawsuit results for other years with same issue. What a joke. Our government is failing us letting auto makers get away with these type of incidents.
Steering, Oct 20, 2021
The electric power steering stopped working and the car is now in manual steering which is very hard for me to steer around corners or when there is need for quick reaction needed to avoid an accident. Called dealer and they said their was a recall in 2014, (recall# 14V284000) and Ford called it recall# 14S05, for Ford Escapes 2008-2011 models. Ford says my VIN is not in recall. My car has same symptoms and is dangerous to drive. There are no warning lights that power steering is out.
Steering, Oct 6, 2021
Electric Power Steering Assist As I was driving on I-90 heading east Saturday Evening October 2, 2021 the power steering all of a sudden stopped working causing to have wrestle for control of the steering to avoid an accident. The problem still exist and hasn't as of yet been confirmed other than the fact that the power steering is still not working. There has been no inspection There was no warning of anything the Power steering just all of a sudden stop working.
Steering, Oct 5, 2021
Steering is hard to control at times, happens intermittently without warning. No check engine light codes appear. Previous recall information listed for this item but all manufacturer did was flash software so codes for this never appear. Manufacturer never replaced bad or faulty components. When bringing it to the attention of the dealership service department they don't acknowledge the issues as a recall but rather insist it's the obligation of the vehicle owner to replace the entire steering column and all sub components.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle did not immediately stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the brake master cylinder however, the failure recurred. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty ABS module however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35-45 MPH, the brake pedal would go to the floorboard when depressed. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with hydraulic brake control failure. The mechanic informed the contact that it was a recurring issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Service brakes, Sep 25, 2021
I WAS JUST STARTING OFF AFTER GETTING A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A POLICE CAR (THAT WAS TO THE RIGHT OF ME, WAS COMING QUICKLY OUT OF A STORE PARKING LOT) SUDDENLY POPPED ON THE SIREN WHICH STARTLED ME BUT CAUSED ME TO STOP SUDDENLY! WHICH MEANS MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR IMMEDIATELY! AND MY CAR JUST KEPT GOING WHEN IT SHOULD'VE STOPPED! THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME. AFTER THE POLICE CAR PASSED I PROCEEDED BUT REALIZED THAT THE BRAKES WERE LOOSE AND BRAKING WAS LOW AND NOT HIGH AS BEFORE...I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO TEST THEM AND BEGAN TO PUMP TO SEE IF THEY'D COME BACK UP...TO NO AVAIL. AND THEY WERE MAKING AN AIR SOUND WHEN I PUMPED THEM. THEN, TO TOP IT OFF THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. NEVER HAD ANY WARNING LAMPS COME ON BUT DID HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED ON 10/22/2020. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER OF 2019.( YES, IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST) I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A REPAIR SHOP TOMORROW MORNING, BUT AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS HERE I AM MYSTIFIED! AT LEAST I KNOW NOT TO WASTE MONEY I DON'T HAVE ON ANY REPAIRS...AND STILL HAVE TO MAKE THE CAR PAYMENTS, BUMMER! );
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2021
When I put my key into the ignition it will not start the vehicle. I’ve searched this on the internet and found it is a very common problem with this model vehicle
Service brakes, Sep 21, 2021
I bought my Ford Escape Limited, 4 wheel-drive SUV in August, 2009 from a dealer in Baltimore County, Maryland. Later I retired from the Maryland Highway Administration and moved to Augusta, GA in February, 2015. In mid 2020 I saw the ABS light showing the my vehicle needed a repair to the ABS system. When I took the vehicle to my friendly mechanic shop, he told me that the ABS Module was defective and that he could not fix it. Since then I have been having a serious safety problem with the ABS Module which makes driving my vehicle very risky, especially when it is raining. The risk is felt whenever I am driving and need to stop at the red light or when another vehicle suddenly comes close to my vehicle which requires a quick decision to avoid accident using the ABS system that was designed for that purpose. In that case, I had difficulties stop and my vehicle will often pull to the left even with new brake pads on. That poses a serious safety threat. But as auto makers, the Ford Company know or should know that nearly all Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles are assumed to have ABS Module and other defects. Sadly, the Ford Company neglected to notify me of the recall. The defects in the ABS Module of my SUV pose a serious safety risk to me; so, that is very concerning to me. Thanks for your help with this complaint. Note: I coincidentally found the recall information last night on Google Search on 9/20/2021. Date of this complaint: 9/21/2021 Ford’s False Claim Number for this recall: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”*JB
Steering, Sep 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the power steering returned and operated as needed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The contact then reached out to the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was also informed that there was a warranty placed on the vehicle for the power steering; however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Service brakes, Sep 11, 2021
Purchased car in Dec 20. Brakes were 'mushy'. Previous owner had over $1000 in brake work done (new pads-front, shoes - rear, new master cylinder, new rotors, etc.) I am a GM and John Deere-trained mechanic. I determined the defect was in the ABS valve assembly. There is at least 1 of 4 ABS side solenoid valves not seating/sealing properly. Replaced the defective ABS unit with a low mileage used valve assembly, keeping the original ECU since it is keyed to the VIN. 9 months later, the ECU has failed (Code B1342 ABS ECU inoperative). Service brakes are still tight and function. Tried cleaning / reseating main wiring connector with no luck. Problem was sporadic over past 60 days (ABS light / ASC / Parking brake lights illuminated) and then would disappear. ECU finally failed completely with warning lights on continuously. Vehicle has 142,000 miles and is over 12 yrs old. Ford says they have never heard ofan ABS issue but confirmed the defect. The local dealer will gladly replace the ABS module for approx $1000. Ford has a responsibility to address this issue not only in Escapes of all years but throughout their model lineup. This is a safety issue that needs to be fixed. Not looking for a freebie but would rather not be the victim of an avoidable car accident and be cleaned off the pavement with a stick and a spoon. Needless to say, Ford reputation has suffered a loss of credibility.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Sep 7, 2021
Subject vehicle is a 2009 Ford Escape with 74,123 miles. Driving the vehicle the lower control arm separated from the front frame otherwise known as the engine cradle or subframe. The failure is identical to the subframe failures on the 2001 - 2004 Ford Escapes currently under recall. The failure was immediate with no prior warning. The vehicle exhibited loss of steering control, wheel lock up from the front tire contacting the back of the wheel opening, and loss of transmission engagement from cv joint separation. In my opinion, whatever PCA actions or quality root cause was identified by Ford Motor Company during the prior recall investigation isolating the condition to 2001 - 2004 Escapes was either incomplete or inaccurate. This is supported by the same failure occurring in Escapes outside of that model year window. No mechanism was added after the 2004 Escapes were produced to prevent this failure from occurring. Images attached show the failure that was experienced. I was unable to obtain a good used frame locally that did not exhibit signs of corrosion with perforation present or starting. This further supports the failure mode is beyond the scope of the initial recall. The recall should be expanded to prevent future accidents that could have the potential for injury or death.