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: power train
513 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jul 23, 2025
Transmission axle was leaking 2020 and it was repaired two times that I paid for. It started leaking again a few months ago we took it in and discovered that it's a bearing or bushing which was a known issue for Ford escape and their suggesting rebuild or replace. That the leaking that we had the seal replaced couldn't stop the internal damage that it would still leak because the transmission is faulty and has a known issue with either bearings or bushings.
Power train, May 3, 2025
The transmission slips and looses power when in trafic.
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Feb 25, 2025
putting the car on a lift noticed the rust on frame the inspecting further notice the rear axle rusted away from body
Power train, Traction control system, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control and wrench warning lights had displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected; however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 177,000.
Steering, Power train, Oct 22, 2024
Driving approx. 70 miles/hr. And I lost power steering!!
Power train, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 9, 2023
My power steering keeps going in and out while I am driving. If I turn off the car and then turn it back on it comes back on but it is happening very frequently and will go out again as soon as I start driving. I was told that there is a recall for this and want more information. It is not safe.
Power train, Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jolted and then lost motive power. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she was informed by the manufacturer and the dealer that the recalls on the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was 161,542.
Power train, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled forward. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle would jump forward while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing was faulty. The mechanic informed the contact that the transmission shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. 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 contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
Power train, Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was in Park, the transmission would slip. The vehicle would move without the parking brake being deactivated. The contact researched and found a possible failure with the Park retention pin. The contact contacted the dealer who stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 10V222000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,500
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 10, 2021
FIRST I NOTICE THE CAR JUST DROP GEARS AND NEARLY STOP ON THE OFF RAMP OF THE HIGHWAY. SECOND TIME I TRIED TO REVERSE AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE AND I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE. FORD TOLD ME IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. FORD DEALERSHIP WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER $ 5000 FOR THE JOB. I WINDED UP GOING TO A LEE MYLES THAT CHARGE COST TO $ 4000 FOR THE REPAIRS IT HAD DONE. NOW FEW MONTHS LATER AND THE VEHICLE IS SHAKING UPON START UP AND IDILING. WHENEVER I DRIVE THE CAR IT FEELS LIKE ITS JERKS SLIGHTLY WHEN GOING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. CHANGED OUT THE AIR FILTER, REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND STILL HAVING PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEMS WITH THIS 2010 FORD ESCAPE.
Power train, Engine, Jun 26, 2020
MY FORD ESCAPE HYBRID IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH THE ETB WHICH IS PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN LIMP MODE. THIS ISSUE WAS INVESTIGATED ON A NUMBER OF FORD VEHICLES IN 2014 AND FOUND THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE PART OF THE THROTTLE BODY, HOWEVER HYBRID VEHICLES WERE OMITTED FROM THE WARRANTY REPAIR. MY FORD HYBRID IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES THAT OTHER MODELS HAD VERIFIED AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THE POWER TRAIN WILL REVE UP LIKE IT MISS A GEAR AND THEN RESUME TO NORMAL, SOMETIMES IT WILL SHIFT GEARS ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AND HIT REAL HARD, LIKE A CLUTCH; THIS HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN DURING DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.
Power train, Visibility, Aug 14, 2019
MY VEHICLE WHICH IS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE HAS 2 MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES. THIS IS NOW THE THIRD ISSUE WITH MY 2010 FORD ESCAPE WHERE THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERS WHILECLOSING THE GATE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD AND THEY WILL NOT FIX. GLASS SHATTERS INTO THOUSANDS OF PIECES AND PROJECTS 10-15 FEET IN ANY GIVEN DIRECTION. YET, FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE WHERE I HAVE HAD GLASS SHOT AT MY FACE AND I ALSO HAVE A DOG THAT IS OFTEN PUT IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY FORD WILL DO SOMETHING IS IF I PAY. I ALSO WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE NOT FILED COMPLAINTS THINKING THIS IS A FLUKE ACCIDENT AND MAY HAVE GONE THROUGH INSURANCE. I KNOW IT IS NO FLUKE SINCE THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND TALKING WITH FORD THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE FILED TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THE NHTSA. THE SECOND IS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CAR WILL LOOSE ALL POWER AT VARYING SPEEDS. I HAVE LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR ALMOST STALLS. THE TECHNICAL (NOT A FORD ONE) THAT I BROUGHT THIS TO SAID IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE BUT FORD WAS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS. I HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH THE NHTSA AND THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BUT THERE IS NOTHING BEING DONE ABOUT THESE ISSUES. FORD REFUSES TO FIX THEM. *JS
Power train, Aug 8, 2019
DRIVING ON CITY STREET ONCE AT ABOUT 30MPH THE FIRST TIME ABOUT 60MPH THE SECOND TIME. I SUDDENLY LOSE SPEED AND VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. THE WRENCH LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. I CAN TURN VEHICLE OFF THEN RESTART AND IT SEEMS TO BE OK. IT'S HAPPENED TWICE IN A MONTH. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR UNDER FIELD SERVICE ACTION 13NO3. FORD REFUSED TO REPAIR BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT GET A CODE OFF MY VEHICLE INDICATING IT WAS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. SO I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN, HAVE IT TOWED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING SO THE WRENCH LIGHT WILL STAY ON BECAUSE IT GOES OFF WHEN I RESTART IT.
Power train, Engine, Jul 9, 2019
VEHICLE HAS TAKEN TO STALLING/DYING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST WEEK. THE CAR WAS IN GEAR AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS WITH 25 MPH LIMITS AND NO CARS WERE IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY ON EACH OCCASION.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO HANDLE RAPID ACCELERATION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE TRANSMISSION REMAINED IN A HIGHER GEAR DESPITE THE DRIVER DECELERATING AND THE VEHICLE SURGED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, WHICH INCREASED THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE, THE TRANSMISSION WAS HESITANT, AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE IN FIRST GEAR (LESS THAN 25 MPH) BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. DEWEY MOORE FORD (143 TX-49, HUGHES SPRINGS, TX 75656, (903) 639-2516) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NO TRANSMISSION RECALLS WERE ISSUED FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED NINE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THIS YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL CAMPAIGN. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Power train, May 3, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, A KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SEAL FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FLUSH OUT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE SEAL WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.
Steering, Power train, Feb 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AGGRESSIVELY. BOB POYNTER FORD, INC (526 S JACKSON PARK DR, SEYMOUR, IN 47274, (812) 522-2040) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Service brakes, Jan 2, 2019
THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A GRINDING NOISE WHEN U PUT IN DRIVE AND WON'T GO ANYWHERE AND WANTS TO ROLL AWAY IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ISN'T APPLIED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATES WHEN U STEP ON THE PEDAL
Power train, Oct 21, 2018
POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON COULDN'T TURN STEERING WHEEL..WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY TRYING TO TURN OR STEER
Power train, Sep 20, 2018
AS I'M DRIVING THE CAR WOULD JUST STOP GIVING GAS THE WRENCH LIGHT SHOWS UP AND I HAVE TO CUT THE CAR OFF TO GET ANY GAS IT SAYS IT'S THE THROTTLE BODY BUT I FIXED THAT AND IT'S STILL DOING THE SAME THING THE WRENCH POPS UP AND NO GAS PRESSURE AS I'M DRIVING, AND I WAS READING UP ON THIS IT SAYS FORD HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER TRAIN OR SOMETHING THAT IT CAUSES THE SAME PROBLEM, SAYS IT'S OFFICIAL NOT A RECALL BUT SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE PROGRAMING I JUST GOT THIS CALL LAST YEAR AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
Power train, Aug 23, 2018
I WAS DRIVING MY SON HOME FROM SCHOOL IN MY 2010 ESCAPE, I WENT TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND AS I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GAIN SPEED, MY VEHICLE DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE THE GAS AND I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO STALL. A WRENCH APPEARED ON THE PANEL AND SO DID THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALER, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AGAIN AND THE PURGE VALVE AGAIN. I HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED IN 2015 FOLLOWING THE RECALL AND THE PURGE VALVE REPLACED IN 2016. MY COMPLAINT IS THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY FREE THE FIRST TIME, WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY THIS TIME IF IT IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING?
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2018
WHEN TRYING TO GET THE CAR FROM STOP TO START THE GEAR ARE NOT WORKING CORRECLTY SEEM TO SKIP FROM 2ND TO 1ST AND STUDDERS WHEN TRYING TO MOVE.
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 95 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABEL TO RESTART BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE ADVANTAGE FORD OF STUART DEALER (772-287-0955, LOCATED AT 4000 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34997) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED FAILURE AS BEING THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHO PROVIDED A LONER VEHICLE AND PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. AT THAT POINT, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED A YEAR LATER. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V777000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100.