NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,692 reports32,500 miles · Jun 26, 2019
Steering
ON APRIL 15, 2019, WE PURCHASED THE USED 2009 FORD ESCAPE WITH LESS THAN 33,000 MILES. OUR TEENAGE DAUGHTER DROVE IT TO WORK ON APRIL 17, 2019 WITH NO NOTICEABLE ISSUES, AND WHEN SHE WAS ON HER WAY HOME, SHE NOTICED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ESCAPE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS GETTING MORE DIFFICULT FOR HER TO MOVE AS SHE WAS LE…
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ON APRIL 15, 2019, WE PURCHASED THE USED 2009 FORD ESCAPE WITH LESS THAN 33,000 MILES. OUR TEENAGE DAUGHTER DROVE IT TO WORK ON APRIL 17, 2019 WITH NO NOTICEABLE ISSUES, AND WHEN SHE WAS ON HER WAY HOME, SHE NOTICED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ESCAPE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS GETTING MORE DIFFICULT FOR HER TO MOVE AS SHE WAS LEAVING WORK AND COMING HOME. WE HAD PURCHASED THE ESCAPE ONLY 2 DAYS PRIOR, SO WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHICH SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO KNOWN ISSUES, OF COARSE. WE TOOK THE ESCAPE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THE COMPUTER HAD BEEN RESET FOR THIS ISSUE IN 2014, WHEN A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HE SAID AS TIGHT AS THE STEERING WAS, IT WAS DEFINITELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY TRIED RESETTING IT AGAIN WITH NO IMPROVEMENTS AT ALL. ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE THEN. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED OUR DAUGHTER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT FROM MY UNDERSTANDING. WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR WORK, BUT WAS NOTIFIED FROM THE REPAIR MAN THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED IN 2014 FOR THIS REASON. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL REPRESENTATIVES TODAY, AND ONE INFORMED ME THAT THIS ESCAPE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUES AS OTHERS IN THE 2008-2011 RANGE. I UNDERSTAND THE VIN NUMBER WAS RUN AND THEY SAID NO ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, BUT I HAVE THE REPAIR WORK TO PROVE IT DID. SO I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE RESEARCHED FURTHER IF POSSIBLE, WITH THIS HAPPENING, WHY WAS IT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL? REIMBURSED? ONE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THIS ESCAPE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED IN THE LOCATION THE OTHERS WERE ON THE RECALL LIST SO THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, YET IT HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE?? THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME. THANK YOU
NHTSA ODI #11222689
161,326 miles · Jun 12, 2019
Steering
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST CUTS OUT. HAVE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT STARTS WORKING. HAS NOT CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING YET.
NHTSA ODI #11219611
140,000 miles · Jun 10, 2019
Steering
THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP AND MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE CAR. AFTER A REVIEW ONLINE I SEE MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE ESCAPE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THE STEERING IS ELECTRIC SO NO FLUID CAN BE PUT IN THE CAR. I WAS PARKED AND STARTED THE CAR AND WHEN I WENT TO BACK OUT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. I TRIED TURNI…
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THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP AND MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE CAR. AFTER A REVIEW ONLINE I SEE MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE ESCAPE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THE STEERING IS ELECTRIC SO NO FLUID CAN BE PUT IN THE CAR. I WAS PARKED AND STARTED THE CAR AND WHEN I WENT TO BACK OUT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. I TRIED TURNING OF THE CAR AND RESTARTING BUT IT WAS STILL THE SAME. ON A SIDE NOTE I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 06/06/19 FROM A SMALL DEALERSHIP FOR MY DAUGHTER. IT DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES FOR THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF DRIVING IT.
NHTSA ODI #11218908
155,000 miles · Jun 1, 2019
Service BrakesCrash
BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY OR GOES TO THE FLOOR, STARTED OFF JUST HERE AND THERE BUT NOW IS DOING IT ALMOST DAILY. THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF ESCAPE OWNERS. ARE THEY GOING TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE DIES ( I HOPE IT'S NOT ME) BEFORE THEY DO SOMET…
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BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY OR GOES TO THE FLOOR, STARTED OFF JUST HERE AND THERE BUT NOW IS DOING IT ALMOST DAILY. THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF ESCAPE OWNERS. ARE THEY GOING TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE DIES ( I HOPE IT'S NOT ME) BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. VERY SCARY TO DRIVE AND VERY EXPENSIVE IF YOU HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. I KNOW IT COULD BE NOTHING ELSE, I HAVE REPLACED EVERY OTHER PART ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING. I REPLACED ROTORS, DRUMS, PADS, WHEEL CYLINDERS, CALIPERS, AND MASTER CYLINDER. COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT UNTIL I WENT ONLINE AND SAW ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS. FORD, PLEASE RECALL THE ABS MODULE ON THIS VEHICLE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPIDITY!! BY THE WAY, MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, IT WAS MINOR. BUT IF IT WOULD OF BEEN WORSE I WOULD BE SUING YOUR [XXX] OFF. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11217298
107,000 miles · May 30, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLAN VIGIL FORD OF FAYETTEVILLE (LOCATED AT 275 GLYNN ST N, FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214, (770) 461-1151) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLAN VIGIL FORD OF FAYETTEVILLE (LOCATED AT 275 GLYNN ST N, FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214, (770) 461-1151) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
NHTSA ODI #11210864
122,655 miles · May 29, 2019
Steering
EXPERIENCED POWER STEERING CUTTING OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 15 MPH. DEALER NOTES "REPLACED STEERING TORQUE ANGLE SENSOR" FOR CODE P2278. VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL OF 2008-2011 FORD ESCAPES EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11210631
72,000 miles · May 28, 2019
Unknown Or Other
MY CAR STALLED OUT ON ME TWICE ON ON BUSY ROADS. THE THROTTLE BODY HAD TO GET REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT BOTH TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #11210281
143,000 miles · May 16, 2019
EngineService BrakesSteering
THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THIS FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. THE WHEEL OF THE CAR LOCKS WHEN YOU TRY TOO TURN WHEN DRIVING WHEEL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE SENSORS EVEN THOUGH WE REPLACED THEM KEEP BLOWING WHICH CAUSING THE TRUCK TO DECLINE IN SPEED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. WE HAD TO TURN IT ONT…
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THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THIS FORD ESCAPE XLT. THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. THE WHEEL OF THE CAR LOCKS WHEN YOU TRY TOO TURN WHEN DRIVING WHEEL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE SENSORS EVEN THOUGH WE REPLACED THEM KEEP BLOWING WHICH CAUSING THE TRUCK TO DECLINE IN SPEED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. WE HAD TO TURN IT ONTO TO THE GRASS TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. CONSTANT ENGINE ISSUES AFTER WE HAD IT FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES. WE ARE IN A FINANCIAL NEGATIVE BECAUSE OF THIS TRUCK. THE TIRE SENSORS KEEP GOING ALSO. THESE ISSUES ARE HAPPENING AFTER WE HAVE GOTTEN THIS TRUCK FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MORE DANGEROUSLY WHILE WE ARE DRIVING IT. THE BRAKES, STEERING WHEEL, TRANSMISSION AN THE ENGINE ARE ALL FAULTY. WE HAVE PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THE THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS OUR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK AND WE ARE BEHIND WITH THE NOTES. EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY THERE IS A GRINDING, ALMOST LIKE THE WHEELS WANT TO FALL OFF. WE NEED THIS FIXED WE NEED HELP!!!!!
NHTSA ODI #11207987
Mileage unknown · May 10, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO RESET THE COMPUTER DUE TO THE EPS FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR MAY FLASH IN THE EVENT OF THE FAILURE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. APPLE FORD …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITH NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO RESET THE COMPUTER DUE TO THE EPS FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR MAY FLASH IN THE EVENT OF THE FAILURE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. APPLE FORD LINCOLN APPLE VALLEY (6961, 7200 150TH ST W, APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124, (952) 204-9657) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE SCHEDULED FOR AN APPOINTMENT, THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED FOR FURTHER TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS WHICH HAD NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED AS OF YET. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS TO TEST AND DIAGNOSE THE EPS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCLUDED THE VIN FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) HOWEVER THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11206793
40,800 miles · May 1, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUNTINGTON FORD LINCOLN (333 W JERICHO TURNPIKE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11743, (833) 386-3267) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOUSING AND COLUMN ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUNTINGTON FORD LINCOLN (333 W JERICHO TURNPIKE, HUNTINGTON, NY 11743, (833) 386-3267) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOUSING AND COLUMN ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,800. *BF *JB
NHTSA ODI #11205074
NHTSA investigations
3DP15001 · 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.
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