2009 Ford Escape
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1973 |
| 2009 | 1692 |
| 2010 | 2068 |
| 2011 | 1316 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2744 |
| 2014 | 2077 |
| 2015 | 1073 |
| 2016 | 1092 |
| 2017 | 2664 |
| 2018 | 1774 |
| 2019 | 578 |
| 2020 | 1586 |
| 2021 | 335 |
| 2022 | 228 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
49% of complaints: steering — 828 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and electric power assist system.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Unknown. Steering and brakes locked so i lost all control of the vehicle doing about 60 mph down the highway. Which resulted in being drove off the side of the highway through a fence hitting 2 trees before rolling twice.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240326
Also filed under AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK AS IF I'M OUT OF POWER STEERING FLUID, WHICH IT'S NOT. ALSO, THE WHEELS ARE SHAKY AND FEEL LIKE THEIR ABOUT TO COME OFF. SOMEONE HIT MY VEHICLE AND IT COMPLETELY WENT OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180404
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
MY VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO SAFETY RECALL 14S05. I AM THE 2ND OWNER, AND ACCORDING TO FORD THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED IN 2014(REPROGRAMMING THE PSCM. HOWEVER, THE ACTUAL TORQUES SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS NOT REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171214
18% of complaints: power train — 302 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and seal.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS TOWING THE VEHICLE WITH HIS 2009 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER 35 FT. TRITON V10 ENGINE WITH A FORD CHASSIS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE TRANSMISSION IN HIS FORD ESCAPED CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100730
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 281 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE IS FREQUENT SURGING AND STALLING WITH EVENTUAL RESULT IN A NONRESPONSIVE GAS PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130513
Also filed under ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
15% of complaints: engine — 254 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: electrical system — 143 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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 VE
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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.
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.
Campaign 14V284000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of power steering while driving
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...
Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (828 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (302 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (281 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V284000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Ford Escape reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Ford Escape is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Escape have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.