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: steering
441 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal bell sound detected. The power steering assist fault message was displayed. The power steering became inoperable. The contact stopped and looked underneath the hood but was unable to find a power steering fluid reservoir. The contact checked the Owner's Manual and determined that there was no power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING). The local dealer was contacted, who informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall, opened a case, and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
Steering, Jan 17, 2025
When driving i hear clicking sounds in the steering column and then the power steering goes out and it becomes very difficult to steer.
Steering, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving their vehicle at various speeds they noticed that an abnormal clicking sound can be heard from the steering column. The contact stated that when this sound occurs the vehicle's steering wheel will seize and the contact is forced to pull over onto the side of the road, to restart their vehicle, in order for the power steering to function properly again. The battery and the check engine light also remain illuminated when this occurs. the battery. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 204,000. The contact also stated that the vehicle is experiencing symptoms from an unknown recall that were remedied by the original owner.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Additionally, on several occasions, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The contact replaced the ignition switch, battery, starter, and alternator; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and was still in park(P) in the driveway, the steering wheel failed to turn and seemed to be seized. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist" warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) recall repair had been completed in 2014 and that he had to pay to for Electronic Power Steering Assist repair out of pocket. The contact stated that he was the second owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
Steering, Oct 24, 2024
While driving to work to my 911 work center, my car started beeping soon as I turned into the parking lot. My steering wheel was INCREDIBLY tight so thankfully I was already in the parking lot and was able to get to a parking spot. I looked down and my dash said "Power Steering Assist Fault" I looked everything up and there is a recall for this from 2008-2011 models I believe but my VIN isn't under that coverage
Steering, Power train, Oct 22, 2024
Driving approx. 70 miles/hr. And I lost power steering!!
Steering, Oct 4, 2024
It says my car is not under the recall for the power steering assit failure but my car is doing exactly what the recall is for there is no power steering and has a message that let's us know power steering assist failure
Steering, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering torque sensor. The contact was advised that the steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Jul 31, 2024
Loss of power steering
Steering, Jul 29, 2024
Power steering control assist went out. Daughter was driving the car n lost power steering! Contacted ford dealer n was told it isnt covered!
Steering, Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed intermittently to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Steering, Jun 24, 2024
I was driving straight went to turn and I heard a click and my steering wheel locked up completely. I heard two clicks that followed and the steering wheel released. This occurred 4 times on my attempt to get home.
Steering, Jun 18, 2024
The contact's sister owns a 2010 Ford Escape. While the contact's sister was making a left turn at a stop light, the power steering assist failed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's sister used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road and later managed to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a defective steering column and the contact's sister was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced by a dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact's sister that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact's sister was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Steering, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Steering, Apr 23, 2024
My Spouse was lawfully driving at highway speed when the power steering suddenly quit working. This caused an abrupt slowing to a safe stop at the roadside without any steering assist. My spouse was unable to safely continue driving due to inability to operate the steering. My chief concern is under other circumstances this steering failure could have caused a serious accident involving other drivers, maybe even death.The vehicle continues to be inoperable due to the power steering failure.
Steering, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The vehicle was safely driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed torque sensor and faulty wires and connectors. The contact was informed that the torque sensor and the wires and connectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Steering, Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel, after which the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electric power steering assist control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering was inoperable, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Steering, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, with the steering wheel requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, and upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who was unable to confirm the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Steering, Feb 29, 2024
The Power steering control module failed on my Ford Escape 2010. I went to a Ford dealer in Lawton Oklahoma and quoted my for $3,000 to get it fixed. They said that the did not have the parts and did not have a date when the parts would come in since many people had the same issue and are waiting in the parts. This is a safety issue because the steering wheel gets stiff and can cause an accident when driving.
Steering, Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds and making a turn, the steering wheel was making an abnormal clicking sound. The steering wheel was unsteady and wobbling. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to an electrical issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Feb 10, 2024
Power steering fault indicator is on and the is no power steering
Steering, Jan 18, 2024
2010 Ford Escape, Power Steering Assist failure. When making a turn, the power steering faults out and the vehicle becomes difficult to steer. The incident occurred on multiple occasions, usually while making a hard left turn, but has also occurred while in a roundabout. Each time the car becomes difficult to steer while turning causing a possible crash condition, very unsafe. Power steering assist fault appears on the dashboard message prompt. Took the car to a dealership and was informed that a torque sensor inside the steering column is bad and that the entire assembly needs to be replaced. Only 70,000 miles on the car.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her husband was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS had failed, which led to the power steering failure. An unknown ABS part was replaced; however, the power steering failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.