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, Dec 31, 2022
Steering wheel began rapidly shaking when parked or when in drive. This shaking began to make steering dangerous as it would make me swerve while operating the vehicle. This began a week before the power steering went completely out and now the dash has a message for power steering assist fault. The vehicle is also throwing code B2278. I have seen on the ford official recall list that there is a recall on certain ford escapes made in certain manufacturing states but I believe my vehicle is affected by this recall.
Steering, Dec 30, 2022
My girlfriend's electric power steering went out when she got home. Something that it was previously recalled for. Also while she was driving she was getting really bad shaking in her steering wheel this is the second time this has happened and it is really dangerous.
Steering, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 15 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel locked. The contact stated that the vehicle was stopped but the engine was still running. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a full stop, the power steering regained proper functionality. The contact stated that his wife had heard a loud beeping sound but had not observed any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but occurred while the vehicle was driving at slow speeds and turning to the left or the right. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; and it was determined that the steering shaft torque sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the mechanic ran a diagnostic test and retrieved Code: B2278. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
Steering, Dec 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while making a left turn at approximately 20 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. The contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle home. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where he was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The dealer had the vehicle 6-7 months for power steering repairs.
Steering, Dec 13, 2022
Me and my wife was driving on the highway and suddenly there was no steering. Show up massage on dashboard say ( power steering assistance faild ) was really scary because my wife can't control the vehicle but some how we was lucky can stop on the shoulder safely Our life was in real danger I see alot of people online like YouTube and Facebook they have same problem and I believe ford knows already about this problem but they do nothing . Anyway after couple day I took the car to the dealership and guess what they don't have the part and also its cost around 3k Thank you
Steering, Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering assist fault message displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 4, 2022
Power steering assist fault is on the dashboard and I can barely turn the wheel. This happened while driving 65mph on the highway over wolf creek pass and with the snow I could have driven off the cliff or knocked another vehicle off. Unknown. Unknown. Not yet. No warnings it just jolted and then barely turns. Adaptive Cruise Control I will be driving using Cruise control or without and it will start up and just keep speeding up until I stop it. The car randomly speeding up on its own is dangerous if it does this at all. Unknown. Unknown. Not yet. No warnings and it has happened a good six times so fat. The Jerry app says I have 5 recalls on this vehicle I have already fixed the only one I knew about which is the gas line but I am wondering about the other 4? I am clearly having an issue that seems directly related to the recalls but your site says that I don't have any. I will double check the carfax but I am pretty sure that im the only one to address this. Please advise.
Steering, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle from his driveway, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to experience the failure intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the steering column, the steering sensor, and the electronic board controlling the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) was completed by the previous owner of the vehicle in 2014. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and switching lanes, the steering wheel stiffened followed by a beeping sound. The power steering assist fault message was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced; however, the contact was informed that the repair might not fix the failure. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Structure, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was having a routine oil change performed at an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was rusted and there was metal missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
Steering, Oct 10, 2022
Power steering assist fail
Steering, Oct 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road and continued driving straightforward. The contact stated as she continued driving, the power steering became operative. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering assist had failed. The independent mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure an informed the contact that they could not assist as the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module had been previously updated and the computer had been recalibrated under the recall. The contact contacted the dealer who previously completed the recall repair of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Steering, Oct 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while stationary at a traffic light, while depressing the accelerator pedal and making a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering was faulty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Steering, Oct 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate at slower speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact would accelerate to a faster speed and the vehicle would regain proper power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred four times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Service brakes, Sep 7, 2022
8-26-2022 - Traveling on Highway in Colorado, clear evening, dry road conditions. While normal driving at 690 mph I came up to a stop light intersection. The light was green and turned yellow while I was coming up to the intersection. I pressed my brake normally and the pedal went to the floor, there was no warning of any brake issues, the brakes are in normal operating condition. Had there been any vehicles crossing the intersection, I would not have been able to avoid a serious collision. I pulled off and was able to pump the brakes back to where I could stop the vehicle. I have absolutely no confidence in this vehicle stopping.
Service brakes, Sep 7, 2022
My brakes were squishy, so I took it to a Ford dealership, where they replaced the master cylinder and the sender twice. After driving the vehicle about 10 times, they became squishy again, when I was approaching a red light. I became afraid that I would not be able to stop, so I started pumping them, and was able to stop. There were no lights to indicate where the problem was located. I took the vehicle to a different repair shop where they tested the replaced components under pressure, and they failed. Again, the master cylinder and sender unit were replaced. Today, 9-6-2022 a light came on stating the brake fluid was low. I returned to the repair shop where they determined the ABS unit needs to be replaced. Again, the brake fluid message was the only indication that something was wrong. To me this is a safety issue, and I was afraid to drive the vehicle thinking they could completely fail and I would not be able to stop causing an accident.
Structure, Jul 28, 2022
Component: Engine Cradle/Front Subframe - (9L8Z-5C145-A) Large holes rusting in it on passenger side. Mechanic recommends replacement as otherwise hole could weaken the structure to the point it breaks, control arm could pop out. Seems to have been a known issue on older models like 2001-2004, but any newer models are not covered by Ford's recall, despite many people on forums saying they have the same problem. Problem noticed by mechanic within the last year or so. Some people hypothesize the problem comes from where the AC leaks its condensate.
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.
Structure, Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the brakes was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine cradle frame was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Steering, Jun 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while he was seated in the passenger’s side front seat with his daughter driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's daughter turned on the hazard lights and depressed the brake pedal while the contact used extra effort to steer the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the steering wheel remained locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist since the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) in 2014. A case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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
Suspension, Structure, Jun 2, 2022
Driving down the road started hearing minor noises in the rear, then louder clunks when driving over road patches and bumps. Parked in our driveway, and inspected, found out the entire strut tower on the rear driver side tire is rusted from the frame and there is a large crack that has formed in the unibody has well. Our local Ford dealership in town sent us to the auto body shop and the auto body shop will not touch it and said park it and do not drive it. It is dangerous to myself, occupants and others on the road you can move the entire strut tower. We are stuck with a loan for a vehicle when we bought had no rust marks anywhere until after a few months. Also the roof leaks as well which was not visible when we purchased this vehicle of a lot. We took it back to the dealership we bought it from and since we bought as is, they would do nothing. They said they'd help get us in something different and will not return any calls. They had to have known this was a problem when they sold this.
Steering, May 29, 2022
My wife was coming home from the grocery and before she left the parking lot the battery light came on and stayed until she got home, approximately 9 miles. When she was turning into the driveway, she lost her steering and nearly ran into a tree because the steering was so difficult. After she shut off the car I restarted it and the light was out and the steering worked properly. I searched for open recalls but your site says I have no outstanding recalls but this issue was on a past recall.
Structure, May 4, 2022
The front suspension subframe k-frame crossmember has excessive errosion creating large gaps and holes in the frame, directly under the ac unit on the passenger side. The rust hole on top from the leaking fluid from the ac has continued to pool inside the cavity and caused erosion near the control arm. Unknown to me or any daily driver, this excessive rust is not prevalent anywhere else or something I was aware I needed to check. Other owners have been contacted and have experienced the same issue, some have had the part completely fail and cause accidents. The vehicle is very close to failure and I was not aware, there are no apparent side effects. I could easily cause an accident when using the vehicle. No other part of the vehicle has excessive rust so it is not a concern otherwise. The k-frame needs to be replaced and a hose needs to be ran from the Ac to redirect the fluid being dissipated onto the k-frame as it is.
Steering, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to veer to the right independently. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as the torque sensor. The mechanic stated that the torque sensor needed to be replaced and the ECM needed to be recalibrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact researched the cause of the failure and determined that the failure was related to the torque sensor and referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.