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, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Power Steering Failure" message displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who determined that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 202,000.
Steering, Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that she was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer and to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Dec 1, 2023
The power steering system in my 2010 Ford Escape keeps reverting to manual steering mode due to an Electric Power Steering system fault related to the torque sensor. In manual steering mode the vehicle is extremely difficult to control and is dangerous to drive. Looking at the history of this vehicle, the vehicle has had a history of this safety issue, but my VIN# was not part of the recall even though myself and others are experiencing the same issue. NHTSA needs to force Ford to fix the steering issue for free instead of charging $1500 just because drivers want to have steering 100% of the time they are driving it.
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
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, and then stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and she was able to avoid having an accident. The contact stated that the power steering also became inoperable, and the steering column seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,246.
Steering, Nov 13, 2023
2nd incident in approximately 1 year. Power Steering failed, is available for inspection. Accident possible loss control of steering. Inspected by mechanic. Heard bell, no dash lights, didn't know what was happening. Power steering assist fault shown after the fact.
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.
Steering, Nov 4, 2023
I was park with the engine on, and the car started to making a chime noise. I looked at screen and it said power steering sensor fault. At that time when I attempted to drive home the car had lost power steering. When i would press on the gas it would be just a tiny bit easier. But on no or low speeds could barely turn the wheel. The vehicle is available for inspection. This issue could easily cause a accident. Since I lost all control of my vehicle I could hit another car, run off road and possibly hurt myself and other with me and around me. The car hasnt been inspected by anyone yet. I have an appointment on Wednesday for take the car dealership. There were no warnings that I noticed. Also no other light on the dash. The power steering like came on while parked. Than no power steering. All this happened at the same time. I do not know that there were any repairs done due to the fault I bought cat in 2018.
Steering, Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing at 3 MPH, the steering wheel had become stiff. In addition, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken or towed to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000
Steering, Oct 2, 2023
Power steering assist occasionally stops functioning and vehicle immediately and without warning requires extreme effort to turn the steering wheel. Vehicle has not yet been repaired and is available for inspection. There are no warning lamps or messages. Having vehicle switching between power steering and non power steering at random times may create a safety hazard for any driver who does not have the strength to turn the steering wheel
Steering, Aug 29, 2023
The electronic power steering goes in and out making it very dangerous for driving
Steering, Structure, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after stopping to refuel the vehicle, while driving out from the gas station at 10 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pothole; however, further down the road the vehicle started pulling and tugging. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that subframe was fractured, the rack and pinion, and the passenger’s side control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,067.
Steering, May 19, 2023
Vehicle was involved in a minor car accident. Vehicle was parked outside my residence on the street. At the time there was only minor body damage. Next day was on my way to work and I noticed that my steering wheel was hard to turn while making a right hand turn. Almost cause an accident and was having a hard time maneuvering the vehicle to a safe location. Vehicle was taken to repair shop per insurance but they didn’t fix the problem claiming that the issue was pre existing prior to accident. Had no lights or indicators on dash. Vehicle was functioning properly before accident. It wasn’t listed in any recalls that were mentioned. I’m currently waiting for my vehicle to be fixed as the part that needs repair is on back order. Been without my vehicle since February 13th when it was towed by my insurance company at the time.
Steering, Apr 5, 2023
I was making a left turn from a complete stop across traffic, and my steering wheel would not turn. I almost got hit by a car, and had to reverse quickly to keep from being hit. I was able to man handle the steering wheel to get home. I had it towed to the local dealership, and they told me it was electrical parts that would cost over $4k to repair. The dealership would not give me specifics on the issues, and i've been trying to reach them all day to get a print out, so I can have a private mechanic look at it. The dealership told me that the steering recall had been fixed way back in 2014 before I took ownership of the car, but I can't find that proof anywhere. The car is running just fine other than that. I did notice after I got two new tires a few months ago, that when I got up around 80mph on the interstate, the car would shake a lot. I had to slow down to around 70mph to keep it from shaking.
Steering, Mar 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist. The message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Steering, Mar 24, 2023
The contact's cousin owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his cousin was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A message indicating a power steering assist failure was displayed. The contact's cousin veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact diagnosed that the steering shaft torque sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). However, the contact stated that only the power steering control module (PSCM) update was completed during the recall repair. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,644.
Steering, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel started to vibrate and occasionally jerked to either the right or left, depending on the direction the contact was steering the vehicle. The contact stated that the shaking and vibration was intermittent but gradually became more frequent, leading to a total loss of power steering functionality. The contact stated that the "power steering assist fault" warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle at her mother's residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Mar 21, 2023
The electronic steering system failed on Interstate 71 southbound. The system completely failed, the instrument panel gave a trouble code. The vehicle almost caused a result on account of the failure. I don't understand how my vehicle is exempt from this recall....the same junk parts are installed in the 2010 model that I own. Makes no sense if Ford or NTSB actually cared about public safety.
Steering, Mar 16, 2023
while driving my vehicle and exiting the expressway making a left-hand turn approximately 35mph suddenly my steering became extremely hard to turn, and I almost crashed into another vehicle. On the dash the power steering assist fault warning light alerted me. extremely hard to turn the vehicle at lower speeds and dangerous.
Steering, Mar 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became difficult to turn, nearly causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash. During the failure the message "power steering" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering torque angle sensor module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Steering, Feb 22, 2023, crash
I was driving at a speed of less than 40mph. I was going around a curve and the wheel felt as though it yanked from my hand to the right and I went into the ditch and up the embankment. I was unable to control the wheel. I came to a stop partially on my side due to the steep incline. Due to the snow and ice in the ditch, many components under my right side were broken and torn off making it difficult to see all the damage. My car was totaled. Police responded and I was helped out of my vehicle. The tow company came and towed it. No warning lights were on. I am very lucky to be alive- if I had been going any faster I would likely have rolled my vehicle due to the lack of control I had of the wheel and tires. It felt as though it was "slippery" under my grip, like the wheel wasn't controlled tightly by my steering. I was not majorly injured but am very sore and will need continued chiropractic care of my neck and right hip and shoulder.
Steering, Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the steering wheel was making abnormal rattling sounds. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to Ford Campaign Number: 13N03. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the campaign because the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,900.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2023
My power steering went out after I got my car. My starter doesn’t work I have to use a button on my keys to always start my car the key will not start my car. It’s very hard to turn my car and it went out while I was making a turn and myself siblings and boyfriend almost got hit by an oncoming car. The car has not been inspected, I can have my car looked at most likely upon request unless I have work but I can come in the next available day. There were no messages or warnings to my car or any symptoms before they went out.
Steering, Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the steering torque sensor under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Steering, Jan 3, 2023
The steering column assist motor malfunctioned while operating the vehicle. It quit while driving so I could not operate the vehicle properly. I had two young kids in the car when this occured and I had to swerve out of traffic because the steering column locked up. Yes the problem was assessed by an independent service center and it was determined that the steering assist motor did indeed malfunction. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure of the steering motor.