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, Apr 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while her husband was at a stop sign and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to continue to drive by using excessive force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact's husband that the vehicle had already been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Mar 22, 2022
POWER STEERING WENT OUT DUE TO A FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR ON THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC LANE. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN THAT LANE. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, SEEMS THAT IS THE ONLY PLACE IT IS SAFE TO OWN!!!!!
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
Steering, Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway, the steering wheel locked up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Steering, Mar 1, 2022
The contact's mother owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while his mother was driving, the power steering assist failed while in mid-turn. The "power assist fault" warning light had illuminated on the instrument panel during the failures. After the first failure, his mother had taken the vehicle to a dealer where the warning light was reset and the power steering returned. A year later while his mother was making a left turn, the power steering failed nearly causing the vehicle to strike several pedestrians on a busy sidewalk. The contact arrived at the scene and had to use excessive force to steer the vehicle home. The next day, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where he was provided an estimate for a torque sensor replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to NHTSA for assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Feb 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, he heard an abnormal popping sound as the "power steering assist fault" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle but he was able to drive home. The contact called the dealer and manufacturer and was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated after the failure occurred. The contact stated that she was unable to reset the power steering. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who informed her of an unstated recall. The contact spoke with the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
Steering, Feb 2, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH in the snow and icy road conditions, power steering failed and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. As a result of the failure, the contact crashed into a ditch. The contact stated that there were no injuries sustained, nor was medical attention needed. The contact stated that her husband was on the passenger side during the incident but was able to drive her vehicle to her residence after the crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and was advised to call NHTSA to check for a recall on the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The mileage failure was 166,000.
Steering, Jan 27, 2022
My daughter was driving her 2010 Ford Escape on the highway and a warning light appeared stating "Power Steering Sensor Fault" and once she stopped she lost the ability to use power steering on the vehicle. The car currently doesn't have power steering and I took it to a Ford Dealership and they wanted to charge just over $2200 to replace the steering column. There was a recall on 2010 Ford Escapes, recall NHTSA 14V284000 Ford 14S05 for this problem on other 2010 Ford Escapes but the car we have the Vin number isn't part of this recall. There are many Ford Escapes built between the years 2008-2010 with this problem. Plus I had a 2008 Ford Escape a few years back with this problem and it was fixed by our local Ford dealership through the recall.
Steering, Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel was locked up. The power steering system disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the steering column. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to keep the receipts. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Jan 22, 2022
hard to turn steering wheel when i driving I-65 have to pull over. that is really danger safety for my family.
Steering, Jan 20, 2022
On 12/16/2019, I took my 2010 Ford Escape, [XXX] to Kelly Ford, Beverly, MA for recall 14S05. Electric Power Steering could fail, due to a faulty Torque Sensor. Mileage was 84,977. I was told that dealer found that new Torque Sensor was not needed. System was reprogrammed. After this I experienced intermittent failure of the electric power steering. Brought vehicle to Kelly Ford 1/29/2020. Mileage was 85,811. They could not duplicate the steering failure. On 1/16/2022, the power steering has completely failed, & a power steering assist fault message has appeared. Mileage is now 91,945 Two Ford dealers told me that Ford will likely not cover the repair, since the recall was “closed” after they saw the vehicle. I called Ford customer service 1/19/2022, & was told the same. She said that Ford does not open recalls. I think this is wrong, since the problematic Torque Sensor was not replaced during my recall visit. This repair could exceed $2K, since the steering column must now be replaced. I think that Ford should be held responsible to repair my vehicle correctly. Especially since the vehicle can no longer be safely driven. Ford states that upon failure, vehicle will revert to manual steering mode. NOT TRUE. When power steering fails, it is much harder to turn than a manual steering equipped vehicle, & therefore unsafe to drive. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Steering, Jan 17, 2022
Power Steering failed while driving at approximately 50 miles per hour. The power steering assist light came on, I was able to pull the vehicle over but it was quite difficult. Checked for power steering fluid and this vehicle is not equipped with it, all seems to be electronic. What I didn't realize at that time was when the power steering goes your all wheel drive goes which makes it twice the hazard in the winter. I am thankful the roads were not icy as I probably would have crashed. There seem to be many recalls for this particular issue but not on my vehicle VIN.....why is that? Do I need a dealer to give me a failure report? Will Ford fix this? I await your reply, thank you for your time.
Steering, Jan 15, 2022
Power steering assist error and there is no power steering. The code has been reset several times but it keeps happening.
Steering, Jan 12, 2022
As everyone is aware, Ford had a recall on 2010 escape, Recall # 14S05 - Electronic Power Steering that I took in to Ford 9-20-2016, recently the power steering Failed, and I am Thankful no one was on a road driving with a hard turn, then losing power steering that could possibly hurt or killed someone, my daughter usually drives this car with my grandson whose 22 months old, if the outcome would have been a fatality of one or both my daughter, and grandson, I would without a doubt have hired an attorney. I am shocked NHTSA is not pursuing this any longer, I hope you change your position, and make ford replace the torque sensor, that its not a matter of if it goes out, but when. My understanding is there are about 1,000,000 cars possibly more, with this issue, if the cost to repair were 500.00 a car for parts and labor, that would be a cost to Ford Motor Co. 1/2 BILLION DOLLERS or more, I hope its not money talking.
Steering, Jan 9, 2022
Power steering failed and information panel shows 'POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT'. There was a prior recall 14S05 from Ford which was completed (software reflash) by previous owner. We purchased the vehicle in November, 2017, with the mileage at 71,000 and the current mileage is 117,000 The steering wheel vibrated off and on without any errors shown beginning about 85,000 miles. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer yet.
Steering, Jan 6, 2022
I drove to a shopping center, parked the car and went to do some shopping. When I was done, started the car and attempted to pull out from the parkin place. The steering system was almost unmovable. Using extreme force, was able to crack it a little bit while slowly moving back; however realize i could not possibly drive the car at that kind of effort to steer. Pulled back into the parking slot, an proceeded to attempt to re start the car. by the 3rd attempt, the power steering worked normally; I tried moving the steering both directions, and after verifying that it was working apparently normal, decided to drive slowly back home. I parked the car and have not used it for almost a week, I have been trying to find if there were any recalls on this unnerving kind of failure. The steering system.
Steering, Dec 23, 2021
I had no warning when I lost control of the vehicle as the power steering just stopped working. Managed to get home and park it. Message on the dash says POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT
Steering, Dec 22, 2021
Noticed the steering on my 2010 Ford Escape would oscillate back and forth approximately 1/4" when in park. I made an appointment with the local ford dealer to have it inspected. In my own research I discovered Recalls: NHTSA 14V284000 FORD 14S05. But my VIN was not listed for the recall and I have owned the vehicle since new. Dealer reported that the steering column needed to be replaced but parts are backordered and it would be safe to drive until then. The next day, driving down the road the power steering failed with code B2278. The recall explains that only the torque sensor needs to be replaced, not the entire steering column. This is a safety issue and should be covered under the recall.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress the floorboard without warning. The contact stated that he would have to pump the brakes and engage the ABS to stop the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers where he had the brake lines bled, the master cylinder replaced, and the hydraulic control unit replaced. Despite the multiple repairs, the contact stated that extra brake travel time was needed to stop the vehicle. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed him that they could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Dec 9, 2021
After a few minutes of driving, the power steering assist began to fail. First, the "power steering assist fault" notification/error appeared in my message center, and steering became difficult, but the error disappeared after a few seconds and I was then able to steer easily. I parked my car and turned it off. When I turned the car on again about three minutes later, the "power steering assist fault" message appeared at startup and did not disappear. The power steering has not worked since. The error code "power steering assist fault" signifies that the power steering control module cannot determine the driver's steering input. Because the electric power steering system cannot determine what direction the driver is steering, the EPS shuts down. This exact error was the cause of a recall that began May 27, 2014 (see NHTSA campaign # 14V284000) (see also Ford recall # 14S05). The recall states that "vehicles potentially affected are certain 2008-2011 model year Fold Escape & Mercury Mariner vehicles built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 18, 2006, to September 11, 2010." My vehicle meets all of these criteria; my vehicle also has experienced the specific error mentioned in the recall documents. I noticed no other errors or malfunctions with the vehicle at the time. The vehicle is available for inspection as needed. The error has been examined by an individual with knowledge of vehicle error codes and repair. The first EPS system fault occurred while I was actively driving. If the EPS had not briefly restored itself, I would have been stuck in an intersection and blocked the entrance to a large parking lot. Additionally, I had just pulled off of a highway; if the EPS had faulted a minute earlier, I would have been unable to leave the highway and would have been in a more perilous situation.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact stated she was safely able to slow the vehicle to approximately 10 MPH and proceed back to her residence. The contact stated that on her way to the residence she noticed that the power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact called an independent mechanic and informed the mechanic of the failure. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15E045000 (Suspension) and 14V284000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recalls and that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Steering, Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated when she returned to start the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not drivable. 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 contact attempted to call the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 67,500.
Suspension, Nov 16, 2021
The vehicle started making occasional "clunking" sounds upon right hand turns around the 120,000 mile mark as if my tire were falling into a pothole that wasn't there. Had one occurrence where a sharp right hand turn resulted into what I'd call a "locked up" steer or loss of steering control and flashing warning light. It then mysteriously resumed normalcy. At 135,000 during a brake job service, mechanic pointed out that the crossmember has prematurely corroded through along with concerns about the subframe and this car was unfit to drive which may be the reason for the above. I'm reading very similar stories of all the same symptoms that have already resulted in accidents with this car which is forcing me to park this.