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2009 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Escape do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,416 reports with mileage · 276 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 827 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 301 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 279 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

34 crash reports2 fire reports8 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

55 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 16, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

On several occasions my 2009 Ford escape xlt completely died as I was driving 1. On the highway at 60mph I had to pull over and restart vehicle. 2. Going through town at 30mph I had to put in neutral to restart as I was moving uphill. 3. As I was at a stop light, again putting in neutral was necessary to restart as vehicle would…

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On several occasions my 2009 Ford escape xlt completely died as I was driving 1. On the highway at 60mph I had to pull over and restart vehicle. 2. Going through town at 30mph I had to put in neutral to restart as I was moving uphill. 3. As I was at a stop light, again putting in neutral was necessary to restart as vehicle would not move until restarted. I have not had it inspected by anyone yet as I have not had the funds to pay mechanic for service inspection. This was very scary and almost caused a serious accident on 4 out of 5 times this has occurred. On the highway I was in the fast lane to pass a semi truck with several vehicles following close behind and when my vehicle suddenly shut off no long able to move I was afraid the vehicle behind me was going to hit mine. I had no idea what was happening as that was the first time about 6 months ago. After that it has happened 4 more times. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request given I will not be charged for the inspection.

NHTSA ODI #11738281

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2025
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels

I WENT TO TRADE IN MY CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT FRAME BEHIND FRONT DRIVER SIDE IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. MEANING THE BODY COULD DETACH FROM FRAME OR SOMETHING ELSE DANGEROUS COULD HAPPEN. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.

NHTSA ODI #11694119

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2024
SteeringUnknown Or Other

I was driving down the road then all the sudden halfway through making a turn the power steering went completely out almost causing me to wreck. I looked up the issue and it is on the recall list but for some reason this individual vehicle doesn't have the recall. It falls into all there peramiters for being recalled. The Ford d…

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I was driving down the road then all the sudden halfway through making a turn the power steering went completely out almost causing me to wreck. I looked up the issue and it is on the recall list but for some reason this individual vehicle doesn't have the recall. It falls into all there peramiters for being recalled. The Ford dealership gave me the same runaround. So now it is sitting with the power steering still not working. There were absolutely no warnings that this was going to happen. Not a light or anything.

NHTSA ODI #11610630

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2024
Unknown Or Other

Fuel inlet light constantly alerting. Known issue, have read thousands of owners having issue with this, installed gas cap didnt fix, cleaned the area didnt fix, only option left is to replace the inlet. If its a known problem due to faulty equipment should be recalled

NHTSA ODI #11579351

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Vehicle Will not shift from Park gear. Locking up and can't drive until it allows me to shift. Time varies and also have to start and restart the engine several times before it allows the shifter lock to release from Park.

NHTSA ODI #11576580

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2023
SteeringUnknown Or Other

The power steering goes in and out. The car is very hard to start when the key is turned and sometimes it would take several tries to get it started. Now it won't start at all I changed the Ignition switch and it still doesn't start.

NHTSA ODI #11509368

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2022
Unknown Or Other

I was almost involved in an accident while on the highway while trying to turn, my wheel locked up randomly, I was almost hit by an on coming vehicle. The mechanic inspected it and he said it was the powersteering, he also stated that they're was a safety recall on these vehicles for the same issue and that Ford motor co. was re…

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I was almost involved in an accident while on the highway while trying to turn, my wheel locked up randomly, I was almost hit by an on coming vehicle. The mechanic inspected it and he said it was the powersteering, he also stated that they're was a safety recall on these vehicles for the same issue and that Ford motor co. was replacing all the steering colums in all other similar years, makes and models due to some failure from the manufacturer. The problem is that all the vehicles with this same issue also fall under different vin numbers. This problem needs to be fixed because it's a major safety concern and is putting people who drive this vehicle as well as other drivers around in danger. I will attach a video of a man on YT explaining the same issue, it's not ok that 5 years later they're still hasn't been a safety recall for this clear and apparent manufacturer issue. Today on 2/16/2022 I called Ford motor Co and spoke to an employee by the name of Aldri and he offered no solution. I would like for this to be recalled so that anyone experiencing the same issues can be safe of the roads. I was terrified for my life when that happened to myself, please do consider this and recall All these vehicles. The link for the video description is included: https://youtu.be/HJtv9gAIzLQ I will also upload several images from the comments section with the exact same issue on the same model and make for the same years they did their other recall on. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11452465

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Sudden failure of power steering assist system while operating vehicle at moderate speed resulting in the steering to revert into manual mode creating a hazardous condition within city traffic. Dashboard notification “ Power steering assist failure “ appearing. No failure code in OBD 2 system.

NHTSA ODI #11446978

73,945 miles · Dec 3, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle regained normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic immediately after experiencing the failure. The contact…

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The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle regained normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic immediately after experiencing the failure. The contact stated that he was informed of a recall regarding the steering, possibly NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was 73,945.

NHTSA ODI #11442543

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2021
Unknown Or Other

When I put my key into the ignition it will not start the vehicle. I’ve searched this on the internet and found it is a very common problem with this model vehicle

NHTSA ODI #11433915

Official recalls

1

14V284000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

DP15001 · Loss Of Power Steering While Driving

Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Jun 14, 2018

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System

On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages

PE13003 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Feb 28, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power.According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode.Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode.In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained.ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed.Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position.According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected.DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding to the limited limp home mode.Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability.Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage.Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that

DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction

Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems