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
2,129 reports, newest first.
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
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in the garage, fumes entered the garage and into the house. The contact had to park the vehicle outside. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact washed the vehicle at the carwash, but the odor of fumes persisted. The contact scheduled an appointment with the local dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 90,000.
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.
Service brakes, Jan 17, 2024
Sometimes when braking, brakes fail to engage. ABS light come on to check sys. I’ve had ABS Sys checked could not find any problem
Structure, Jan 9, 2024
A tech showed me the frame under the car is rusted and presents that if I hit a bump I blow the front passenger tire off. Ford recalled 2001-2004 Ford escapes for this reason the metal that year rusts for those in salted road states I'm in Ohio. Ford also recalled other models for rusted frames in salted road states like Detroit. Other people in car websites also reported same issue one person on YouTube made a video about it.
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.
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.
Suspension, Dec 6, 2023
I had exhaust work done, 2010 Ford Escape, and shop pointed out huge rust hole in ''subframe'' (engine cradle) This has been hundred thousand recalls but NOT all model years, yet they ALL have the same fault. Ford recall only puts a cheap ''brace'' on it but it is NOT a repair!! What kind of country allows these maggots to threaten the driver with complete !! loss of steering control and yet not require repair for faulty frames? They did the half-ass repair on 2001 to 2004 but ALL years up to 2012 have this, and the ''brace '' in cheapo B S.
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.
Other or unspecified, Suspension, Oct 21, 2023
On 8/17/2023 My daughter was on the highway and said she was having a problem after hitting a pothole. I told her to return home. Subframe Broke after hitting a second minor pothole on a side road close to my home. Passenger side tire (fell off?) was turned 90 degrees under the wheel well while the driver side tire was still pointing straight forward. About a 60 foot skid mark dragging the passenger tire at a 90 degree angle until she could pull the vehicle over. If this happened on the highway, I fear the worst would have happened to my daughter. Also, I see that the rear frame is rotted on both sides near the rear shocks.
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
Structure, Sep 19, 2023
1. Passenger side rear door child lock will not disengage. 2. Liftgate lock failed, and will not open.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 3, 2023
The evaporative emissions canister purge control valve is making my car jerk when accelerating and does not make my car run correctly. This causes an “rubber” smoke smell and could end up causing more issues down the line. The muffler and exhaust, a/c condenser does not function properly
Steering, Aug 29, 2023
The electronic power steering goes in and out making it very dangerous for driving
Seat belts, Aug 24, 2023
Driver seat belt jams up and will not unlock at times while out. I am often left stuck in the vehicle. At time's the seat belt will NOT lock into place when starting my vehicle to leave. I often have to drive with no seat belt because I don't lock at times and other times I don't feel safe in the seat belt. The Dealership have not provided a fix and believe this is a defect that needs attention.
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.
Suspension, Aug 7, 2023
A/C drain line located above the crossmember(Engine Cradle-#9L8Z-5C145-A) caused it to prematurely rot on the passenger side of the vehicle. Issue was discovered during a routine oil change. Crossmember rot is directly above lower control arm attachment point. In the event of total failure, it would result in loss of control of the vehicle. The driver's side of the crossmember does not have any signs of corrosion.