2011 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,316 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 38 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 38 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
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
56 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2026
The rear hatch clicks like it wants to open but doesn't release the latch to open it and I can't get to the place to release an lower the spare tire which is safety concern to me. Also the driver side seat belt casing broke and doesn't release every time you push button to unlatch it which can cause serious problems if in an accident I had a individual garage guy inspect an said he had replaced several latch mechanisms in the hatch for several escape owners i can't afford to have it replaced at this time. If we're to have a flat in extreme heat or extremely cold weather it can cause heat stroke or hypothermia. There were no warning signs one day wouldn't open. An seatbelt wouldn't release one day until pushed so hard the casing broke off an could push clip inside
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2026
Component: Driver-side door latch and lock assembly. The driver-side door latch appears to have failed, preventing the door from opening from both the inside and outside and creating an occupant entrapment risk. The failure is fully reproducible and ongoing. The condition first occurred without any prior warning signs, messages, or symptoms and has persisted for more than a day without resolving. Although the vehicle responds to unlock commands from the key fob, keypad, and interior door controls with normal audible confirmation, the driver door frequently remains unable to open. Failure behavior includes: •The driver door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle, preventing occupant exit. •The door also cannot be opened from the outside during these events. •An occupant became trapped inside and had to crawl across the vehicle and exit through the passenger side. •The vertical lock indicator moves between locked and unlocked positions, but the latch does not release. •The electronic systems appear functional, yet the mechanical latch does not respond. •Using the physical key can sometimes force the lock cylinder past a mechanical click point, temporarily allowing the door to open; however, this places the mechanism into abnormal states where the door may remain permanently unlocked or, when turned in the opposite direction, cannot be opened at all regardless of unlock attempts. •All other vehicle doors operate normally. Video evidence documenting the failure is available. This condition presents a serious safety concern because occupants could become trapped inside the vehicle during an emergency or after a crash, delaying rescue. The latch mechanism is a critical safety component that consumers cannot reasonably inspect, predict, or maintain. Given the life-safety implications of a door that cannot be opened from either side, this issue warrants investigation for potential defect trends.
Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2025
I have been having problems with a coolant leak that’s been fixed but then leaks again. Got it fixed 2 different times now since I purchased the car.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2025
Top of wheel well around shock absorber broke off due to rust as well a frame disintegrating due to rust. When shock broke free part of wheel well lodged behind the tire and destroyed the brand new tire.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2024
The front subframe on the passenger side is rusted through. I have also heard this part referred to as the engine cradle. I noticed while changing the serpentine belt and had it looked at by a mechanic. Took it to Midas and mechanic said front subframe should to be replaced but couldn't get the part. I researched this online and found it to be a common problem. People say it may be from AC water discharge due to occurring mostly on passenger side only. The uploaded images are of my own vehicle. Apparently people say these snap and the car takes a hard right turn when the wheel comes loose. I guess all the people that die don't post anything so the government isn't taking this issue seriously... Uploaded images are of my own vehicle. I'm also including youtube links of other people's similar year/make, same model issue as 2011 Ford Escape with the same issue. The first one is apparently by a Ford mechanic, fixing his mom's vehicle because he doesn't want her to die. I'm a [XXX], discovered this on Veterans Day 2024. Survived combat, but will this faulty vehicle kill me? Needs manufacturer recall, myself and many others have no choice but to drive it. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2023
My ignition is very messed up I have to push the key in way hard and twist fast to get it to work sometimes. Yesterday it took me 4 hours to get my car to turn over. I have had this problem since I have had the car since 2022 it I guess it’s just getting worse. I took in to a dealership and they didn’t fix that problem they fixed the my key problem instead. The shop I took it to even asked me how do I get my car to turn on and I had to show them. You have to have the key in a certain way to get it to work well now that way isn’t even working what do I do and how can I get help getting this fixed. I am on disability and I think this should be in the recall for the ignition doing this
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 15, 2023
Discovered my car has electric power steering not seeing a reservoir did some research and seen that there were a lot of 2011 Ford Escapes with safety recalls three being the main problems I've had with my car since I began financing it almost 4 years ago my last payment is in 2 weeks. Went to leave a driveway and within a few seconds my steering wheel locked up and I thought it was strange that's when I found out I have electric power steering and that there has been recalls turned the car off turn to back on and it was just fine. Found out that is a common thing although it may not be considered a safety recall just yet but I would believe it is a major problem because anytime in my life if I was to believe my power steering was failing me I would still have control over the wheel but this thing locks up as if I ain't going nowhere. I seen that there has been recalls for fuel systems front wheel bearings and electric power steering. My engine light has been on for a very long time and people say it's because of the O2 sensor causing a misfire to appear random. My front wheels kind of knock making me think it could be between the rack axle and bearing. Other than that my radio face button stopped working one day as if they were possessed until they completely shut off and I have no access to it besides the steering wheel components. Rear wiper stuck in the up position one day was causing a tick I could hear with no power and no key in the ignition that caused my battery to die several times 2 years in a row. Realized unplugging my rear wiper made it quit but I can't use my front washer fluid without it being unplugged. And my AC Open Air Max AC and heating cooling climate control buttons work but the blower only works on high making me think yet another electrical issue being the blower speed regulator is bad. I would say these are safety issues package together. This website says I have 0unrepaired recalls. Might try fix it with a torque sensor/calling dealership.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2023
Rust is happening at an increasing rate on the rear wheel wells and rear lift gate.
Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2022
subframe is rotted and its so common why does ford not doing anything on this
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2022
Hood latch is stuck. Will not open.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the recall and provided her with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering would intermittently fail without warning. The contact stated that the power steering functionality would return upon restart of the engine. The contact had spoken to a dealer who informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact also spoke to an independent mechanic who was familiar with the failure and informed him that a sensor would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and promised the contact a call back from a manager however, the contact had not yet heard from a manager. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
THE POWER STEERING FAiLED. The torque sensor was diagnosed as failed. Unable to steer the vehicle. Turns out Ford says this car wasn’t reported as faulty. BUT 914,000 OTHER FORDS FROM 2008-2011 WERE RECALLED !!!!!!! This vehicle is the model and year of ALL those recalls.
Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2021
The car started shutting off when putting gas and all the ABS lights started turning on. Then it escalated to the car shutting off when pressing the brakes. Now it shuts off randomly never while driving at higher speeds. I was driving the vehicle on the highway and it just shut off and I almost crashed onto the side of the highway because the steering wheel was not working. Thankfully I was able to meet be it a bit and avoid an accident but it happened a few times. Found that some vehicles like mine have some recalls and an extended warranty thing on file and when speaking with a rep at the Lincoln/Ford, she agreed that that what I was experiencing had to do with those, but the car dealerships in my area are not wanting to take responsibility and repair my vehicle which at this point is a public safety hazard not only for my family and me but anyone on the road around me. I can't work or take the car anywhere because of this issue and the carelessness and complete disregard from Ford reps is appalling.
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 35-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled over and crashed into a residence yard. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was knocked unconscious and was transported from the vehicle to the hospital with the assistance of emergency units. A police vehicle was filed. The contact sustained fractured vertebrae at the base of the neck, and several lacerations on the buttocks and face. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2021
Vehicle stalled while driving. Was able to pull into a parking lot. Car died and would not start and stay running. Acted as if fuel was not getting to engine. This happened approximately 1 month ago. I had car repaired. A relay was thought to be bad in the fuel supply system. Today the same thing occurs, car stalls and dies in few minutes. Again was able to get into a parking lot before it went completely dead. After stopping car starts up but then stumbles and dies in less than a few seconds. Sounds like it is not getting fuel.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2021
THE FRONT SUBFRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND WILL NOT PASS THE PA STATE INSPECTION. THE CAR HAS UNDERCARRIAGE CORROSION PROBLEMS. WE JUST REPLACED THE MUFFLER PIPE FOR SIMILAR ISSUES LAST FALL. THEY CAR HAS BEEN DRIVING IN PA FOR LAST 9 YEARS AND SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE ISSUES. THE CAR HAS 89000 MILES. GODSHALLS AUTOMOTIVE CAN GET A USED PART AND LABOR TO FIX WILL BE $1100. THIS SHOULD BE LOOK AT AS A RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2020
CARRIER BEARING DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY CAUSING SEVERE VIBRATION UPON EXCELERATION AND AND LETTING OFF THE GAS PEDDLE ALSO IGNITION ISSUE PUT KEY IN TURN ON CRANKING SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE STARTING UNLESS KEY IS TURNED BACK MY ESCAPE HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE ISSUES.MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND VEHICLE VIBRATION IT HAS NEW TIRES, I REPLACED TIE RODS, BEARINGS, IN FRONT ALL NEW BRAKES THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT I HAVE PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO IT AND ONLY 70,000 MILES FOR A 2011.PLEASE HELP ME OUT WITH THIS SITUATION THIS IS THE FIRST FORD I HAVE EVER OWNED I AM NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER.
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2019
ON DECEMBER 22, 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 6 PM, OUR SON WAS LOADING GROCERIES HE HAD JUST PURCHASED INTO THE BACK OF THE ESCAPE, WHEN HE CLOSED THE REAR LIFT GATE WINDOW, IT SIMPLY SHATTERED INTO SMALL PIECES. MY SON SUFFERED A SMALL ABRASION ON ONE KNUCKLE BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THERE HAD BEEN NO CRACKS OR OTHER SIGNS OF DEFECT IN THE WINDOW. THERE IS A FORD TECHNICAL SERVICES BULLETIN (TSB-11-2-9) ON THIS ISSUE BUT WHEN WE CALLED A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND MENTIONED THE TSB, THEY SAID THAT FORD WOULD NOT PAY T O FIX IT AND THAT THE TSB WAS MERELY INSTRUCTIONS TO THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS ON HOW TO FIX IT. THIS IS BULL. WE ARE AWARE THAT NHTSA HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN 40 COMPLAINS ON THIS ISSUE. OUR SON WAS INJURED, THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 17, 2019
WHEN TRUCK HAS A FULL OR EVEN HALF TANK , ALWAYS SMELL A LOUD GAS SMELL COMING FROM TRUCK. GAS SMELL SO LOUD CAN NOT HAVE TRUCK PARKED IN GARAGE DUE TO FUMES. ALSO WITH BRAKES, WHEN FORCED TO STOP IMMEDIATELY THE BRAKES MAKE A WEIRD SOUND AND WONT LOCK PROPERLY.
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED EDITION AND ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I WAS GOING AT A GREAT AMOUNT OF SPEED THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY THE DASH WENT BLACK AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND EVERYTHING I WAS ABLE TO STOP I RESTARTED CAR IT STARTED BACK UP
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 16, 2019
MY 2011 FORD ESCAPE XLT 2.5L IS STALLING WHILE DRIVING, STOPPED, TURNING. THE RPM'S ARE JUMPY. CAR STALLS WITH FOOT ON THE GAS IN MID DRIVE! REPLACED THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE AS DIAGNOSED. NOT THE FIX.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2019
FIRST ISSUE IS THAT THE BACK BACK DOOR WONT OPEN & THERE IS NO KEYHOLE TO UNLOCK IT EITHER. SECOND ISSUE IS THAT WHEN IT RAINS HEAVY WATER IS COMING THROUGH FROM THE OUTSIDE INTO ALL MY DOORS & IT STAYS THERE BECAUSE THERE IS NO PLUG TO LET THE WATER OUT. THE CHEAPEST OPTION WAS TO DRILL HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF EACH DOOR TO LET THE WATER OUT.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 21, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR JUST DIED AND DID NOT START AGAIN AND I CANT FIGURE OUT WHATS WRONG WITH THE CAR BUT EVEN IN THE OFF ENGION SWITCH STILL WAS TRYING TO START ITS SELF SO I HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLES SO IT WOULD STOP TRYING TO START AND WE CANT FIGURE OUT WHATS WRONG WITH IT STILL AND WE JUST SPENT 3500.00 TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO FIX IT .
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2018
I WAS DRIVING AND MY BACK WINDSHIELD BROKE LOOSE FROM THE CAR. I WAS DRIVING ON MANCHESTER RD NO MORE THAN 40 MILES AN HOUR. UPON CHECKING ,ONE OF THE REAR HINGES HAD BROKE AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS HANIGING BY THE OTHER HINGE. FORTUNATELY FOR MYSELF AND PEOPLE BEHIND ME ON THE HIGHWAY IT HELD ON. IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT THE OTHER HINGE IS ALSO ROTTED AND I'M VERY LUCKY NO ONE WAS INJURED. I WAS TELLING MY COWORKER WHO HAS THE SAME YEAR,MAKE , AND MODEL CAR ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND WE DECIDED TO GO OUT AND LOOK AT HERS. HER HINGES ARE ALSO ROTTED AND THE SAME THING COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO HER AT ANY TIME. WE THEN WENT ON LINE WHERE WE FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. THE FOLLOWING IMAGE IS OF THE HINGES. A FRIEND CAME AND PUSHED THE WINDSHIELD BACK UP IN PLACE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT DOWNPOURING INTO MY CAR. THEN WE DUCKTAPED IT TO GET ME HOME. I DID NOT WANT TO LET IT HANG AGAIN FOR THE PHOTOS BECAUSE I AM AFRAID IT WILL FALL OF COMPLETELY. ONE IMAGE IS OF MY CAR , THE OTHER OF MY COWORKERS.