2010 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 2,129 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 32 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpOct 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
Campaign 16V777000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Power train, automatic transmissionMay 24, 2010
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".
A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 AND FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 5:00PM.
Campaign 10V222000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
445 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2026
I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 19, 2025
There is oil leak that cannot be found. I have taken that truck to 3 different mechanics, conducted 3 different diagnostics using the dye and everything and the source of this leak cannot be found and is causing me problems.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 1, 2025
My vehicle is not able to pass the inspection and I have had a brand new gas tank put in and the engine lights are always on. I can’t get a new tag for the car and I have been pulled over by police 5 times now and received a citation due to this issue. Please if possible could you help me with this situation. Thank you so much for your time and understanding.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 7, 2025
Had the car repaired because it stalls at stop signs or waiting for the traffic lights to change has a new turn up and carburetor and had a second opinion and they couldn’t find why but the car still stalled
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2025
The vehicle was dropped off on 12/26/24 at Planet Ford to have 2 recalls fixed. One being the electric power steering and the other being the fuel delivery module flange. A loaner vehicle was asked for, but not provided. The dealer said to contact Ford, and Ford said it was up to the dealer to provide that or rental assistance. The service personnel said after a few weeks and talking to Ford engineers, that the battery the vehicle had in it was not the right amperage/voltage. They said it would need to be replaced in order to continue to fix the recall. I had just put a new battery in it about 4 months prior and it was of the correct spec. I call every few days and have not been given and estimated time to have it fixed. Now, it's over a month and I still have no resolution and no vehicle. They are now saying that the computer is not good and also needs to be replaced. The car is not drivable and the recalls are not fixed. This is my only vehicle, please help with this. I have been patient and have exhausted every avenue available to me.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2025
I filled up the tank and the inside smells like fuel, and it leaks underneath it. I checked online and they had a recall for the same year but the 3.0 engine, mine is the 2.5L. I took it to the mechanich and it has the exact same issue as those that have been recalled. The fueld delivery system flange is cracked and leaking fuel. I called ford and my car is not under that recall but it has the exact same issue. I need to pay it myself now and I am afrain for my safety as a lot of gas is leaking.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2024
While driving, the brakes have no pressure. When starting the vehicle, the brakes go all the way to the floor. I took my car to several difference garages, and they determined the brake booster was the issue. No repair has been done, but the brakes go all the way to the floor and is difficult to stop. The 2nd issue is after the local Ford dealership performed work on the fuel system for a recall, the vehicle will sputter after refueling. This will cause the vehicle to almost shut off at a stop. I called the dealership, but they won't reexamine the recall. If I fill my tank up when I refuel, the fumes of the gas smell so badly you can't drive for a day after.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2023
I don't even know where to start. Even with maintenance, this vehicle has been falling apart since I got it
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2023
Talked to [XXX] (service Manager) AutoNation Ford regarding issues encountered. Service recall dates back to Nov 16, 2017 where recall issue was not completed correctly. We had contacted AutoNation Ford to address this fuel leak issue. Original recall (16S41) description was about fuel leak underneath the vehicle and after service recall completed in 2017 the issue persisted. This would have caused gasoline leakage causing dangerous condition operating vehicle. This has also been forwarded to NHTSA. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 19, 2023
When stopping for a red light, the engine shuts off. I can restart it. It has happened twice in a one year period . it is a Ford Escape 2010. Vin 1FMCU9DGXAKC64776
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 19, 2022
I have researched ford escape recalls. Each recall I have seen such as epas retention guide the bearing and fuel system is exactly what's wrong with my vehicle now. However when I look up the recall by Vin number I am only shown that I have a recall for the fuel system problem
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2021
1.2010 Ford Escape Electronic Throttle Body issue investigated by the NHTSA. 2. Hesitations, surges, stalls. Ford has issued a CSP 13N03 with time and mileage limits. This is a safety issue effecting many Ford vehicles and the symptoms may not surface until beyond the CSP 13N03 time limits imposed by Ford, as in my case. These electronic throttle body hesitations, surges and stalls are very dangerous and result in compromised safety for the driver, their passengers and others on the road. I have come very close to a collision on two separate occasions because of this issue. The NHTSA should force Ford to reclassify this issue as a recall with no time nor mileage limits or lift the current program time and mileage limits for people like me who are beyond the time limit who have just recently developed this problem. This is a mechanical defect as well as a safety issue. 3. Problem confirmed by Ford dealership. 4. Dash warnings - check engine light and wrench lights illuminated. In my case, these have gone on and off, vehicle demonstrates hesitations, surges, stalls, then resets itself and the vehicle functions normally. This has happened twice over the last few months. Just recently, the warning lights have stayed illuminated and the symptoms are now constant.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2021
I was driving on the freeway in the second lane from the left cruising around 60-65 MPH when the vehicle started to idle rough and then I lost the ability to accelerate I had to maneuver over to the right-hand shoulder of the freeway with cars flying around me. Even though the engine never stalled, the loss of my ability to accelerate left me a sitting duck in danger of being struck by another vehicle or as a dangerous obstacle for other vehicles who might have gotten in an accident trying to avoid me. It also came to my attention while researching the cause that Ford was aware of the issue and had already recalled certain vin #'s and sent a letter out to others with an extended factory warranty to replace the part, but only once the part failed. NOT SAFE! I previously reported this incident to you in August or September, however I lost my follow up information and don't know what happened with my complaint.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2021
Unknown
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2021
STEERING;AT SLOW SPEEDS AND ESPECIALLY AT IDLE THE STEERING WHEEL JUMPS BACK AND FORTH. JITTERY IS HOW I'D DESCRIBE IT. AT SLOW SPEEDS IT FEELS LIKE A LOOSE WHEEL WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. THROTTLE BODY; RECALL IS EXPIRED. I PURCHASED THE CAR (SECOND OWNER) ABOUT 2015 FROM A DEALERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATION FROM FORD ABOUT THIS ISSUE. OEM THROTTLE BODY FAILED IN 2019, WHICH WAS INDEPENDENTLY DIAGNOSED AND I REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT. NO RECOURSE AT THE PRESENT WITH EITHER ISSUE. BOTH ARE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES KNOWN THROUGHOUT FORD FORUMS AND INCLUDING THE MANUFACTURER.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2021
THE CAR HAS HAD ISSUES STARTING SINCE I BROUGHT IT FROM A USED DEALER LAST SEPTEMBER. OVER TIME IT GOT MORE DIFFICULT TO CRANK. I STARTED CHECKING YOUTUBE TO SEE IF IT WERE JUST ME AND CAME TO LEARN THAT THERE IS A GREAT MULTITUDE OF OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR FORD ESCAPES. THE LOCKING MECHANISM FROM THE KEY THAT FLIPS THE IGNITION SWITCH IS EITHER TOO WEEK OR IT DOESN'T TURN FAR ENOUGH FOR THE VEHICLE TO CRANK. I HAVE HAD TO REMOVE THE COVERING FROM MY STEERING WHEEL AND MANUALLY USE THE SPARE KEY AS AN EXTENSION OF THE O E INSIDE THE IGNITION, IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO CRANK. THE SAME PROCESS IS REQUIRED IN TURNING THE CAR OFF. RIGHT NOW IT WORKS, HOWEVER COULD BE A HAZARD WITH ALL OF THE WIRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL EXPOSED. AND WHO IS TO SAY THAT ONE DAY THE VEHICLE WON'T JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH THE KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH HAVING AN IMAGINARY PHYSICAL CONNECTION?
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 11, 2021
@12:56PM ON 2/11/2021, MY CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER, ACCELERATION, LIGHTS, PEDAL/GAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. THE TIME REMAINED ON. IT WAS 19* F WITH NO PRECIPITATION ON DRY/PARTLY SNOWY PAVEMENT ON HIGHWAY US31 JUST S OF THE NORTH MUSKEGON/BUSINESS 31 BYPASS. I WAS GOING ABOUT 75 MPH AND ADJUSTED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE SHORTLY BEFORE THE SHUTOFF. IT IS NOT CLEAR IF THAT IS RELATED, BECAUSE THE TIMING WAS NOT IMMEDIATE. I HAD NOT CHANGED LANES IN MORE THAN A MILE, ALTHOUGH THE ROAD DOES TWIST SLIGHTLY IN THAT LOCATION. I HAD ON AUTOMATIC LIGHTS, DEFROST AND REAR DEFROST, BLUETOOTH AUDIO, AND CRUISE CONTROL. MY TANK WAS JUST BELOW 1/2 FULL OF GAS AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BUT IS NOT STORED IN A GARAGE OVERNIGHT. I COASTED TO AN EMERGENCY LANE ON THE PASSING LANE, TURNED THE KEY OFF (OTHER THAN THE TIME, AUDIO, AND BRAKES, NOTHING ELSE WOULD RESPOND.) I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 60 SECONDS, IT STARTED WITHOUT PROBLEM, AND I COULD CONTINUE TO MY VACCINE APPOINTMENT WITH NO DISCERNIBLE SIGNS OF ANY OTHER ISSUE OR ERROR. IT WAS TERRIFYING.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 12, 2020
LEAK GAS
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2020
IS IT COMMON FOR MY 2010 ESCAPE XLT TO HAVE A EVAP CODE READING HAVING A LARGE LEAK? CODE P0455
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2020
WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT A FUEL LEAK AND SUBSEQUENT FIRE RISK FOR OUR 2010 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH THE LI I4 ENGINE MANUFACTURED AT THE CLAYCOMO, MISSOURI, PLANT. THERE HAS BEEN FUEL ODOR SINCE SEPTEMBER, 2019 UPON APPROACHING THE VEHICLE. AS OF THIS WEEK, IN ADDITION TO THE SMELL OF FUEL, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE, VISIBLE POOL OF FUEL UNDER THE VEHICLE; ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, IN FRONT OF THE REAR LEFT TIRE. A PHOTO IS ATTACHED. THERE IS A RECALL ON SOME 2010 FORD ESCAPES FOR A DIFFERENT ENGINE, I WOULD LIKE THE RECALL EXTENDED TO INCLUDED THE AFOREMENTIONED VEHICLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2020
FUEL INLET LIGHT FUEL FILLER NECK DEFECTIVE CAUSING A GAS LEAK CAN NOT PUMP GAS
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2020
FUEL LEAKING ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FUEL NECK BROKE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH, AN ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 19, 2019
MY ENGINE LOCKED OIL LEAKING BATTERY DIES AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON SUV SHAKES REAR WINDSHIELD WHIPPERS DRAIN BATTERY CONSTANT JUMPS AND ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2019
FUEL PUMP CRACKED (PART #PFS534) IN 2010 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 2.5L ENGINE SIMILAR TO RECALL ON OTHER FORD ESCAPES WITH 3.0L ENGINE. CRACKED FUEL PUMP CAUSED VAPOR LEAK ENGINE LIGHT. VEHICLE WOULD STILL OPERATE BUT STRONG FUEL SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK AREA AND WITHIN THE VEHICLE. I WAS SURPRISED THAT THE RECALL ONLY IMPACTED 3.0L ENGINE FUEL PUMP AND NOT OTHER FORD ESCAPES, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND LIKELY HAVE A VERY SIMILAR PART.