2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 153
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Steering
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 153 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 178 |
| 2006 | 219 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 443 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 37 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2020 | 287 |
| 2021 | 124 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
46% · 70 reportsMost commonly citing power steering fluid.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving low speeds in a parking lot and crashed due to a power steering failure. I was trying to turn 90 degrees but it was extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel even with both arms.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-02
Car steering torque sensor not working properly causing power steering assist to be lost compromising electric power steering (eps) assist and increasing the risk of an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-31
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at 15 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-27
Service brakes
21% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
My ABS brakes on my 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid engine light came on and the RPM ramped while I was going 65 MPH down a highway and the front passenger brakes started smoking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-15
Engine
16% · 24 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Our 2009 Ford hybrid escape caught fire in our driveway. The fire department came and it took two firemen to put it out. The entire front was destroyed. Even the dash board was melted as a result of the fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-01
Also filed under Electrical system
Vehicle speed control
11% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My wife was turning around in a parking lot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-23
Power train
10% · 15 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2012-10-02Defect petitionClosed 2013-02-21 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
-
I
2015-04-01Defect petitionClosed 2018-06-14 Loss of power steering while driving
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 70 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 24 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.