2010 Ford Escape
This year had more than double the complaints 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
- 2,070
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2010
Opened by NHTSA
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
2010: 2,070 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1,027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1,974 |
| 2009 | 1,692 |
| 2010 | 2,070 |
| 2011 | 1,316 |
| 2012 | 602 |
| 2013 | 2,748 |
| 2014 | 2,086 |
| 2015 | 1,083 |
| 2016 | 1,116 |
| 2017 | 2,688 |
| 2018 | 1,806 |
| 2019 | 590 |
| 2020 | 1,600 |
| 2021 | 346 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
27% · 558 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
2010 Ford Escape was pulling out of a parking spot, foot off the accelerator, but vehicle proceeded to gain speed and go forward striking another vehicle. Unintended…
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-02
Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact was sitting idle with the brakes depressed. As he removed his foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle abnormally accelerated and crashed into the rear of the vehicle ahead of him.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-12-22
Power train
25% · 508 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and seal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving wrench light came on & with a sudden jerk Ford Escape's gas pedal stopped acceleration. I pulled car on the side. Engine was still running but gas pedal was not responsive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-22
Engine
24% · 493 reportsFuel/propulsion system
21% · 440 reportsSteering
20% · 424 reportsMost commonly citing column and rack and pinion.
Show complaint excerpts
Power steering quits working without notice and ford says itâs not a recall in this vehicle but it says everywhere that itâs a known recall…
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-07
Also filed under Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape limited. The contact stated that while the driver was traveling 5 MPH the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to spin out of control.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-24
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist Power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds. Steering locks up while driving. This has happened 3 times within the last 6 months.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-26
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2010Complaint volume 2,070 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2010-05-28Power train10V222000 Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Fusion, milan, and Escape vehicles manufactured from February 27, through March 26, 2010. The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 28, 2010. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at…
-
R
2010-09-14Equipment10E043000 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…
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.
-
I
2011-04-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-08-18 Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage
-
I
2012-10-02Defect petitionClosed 2013-02-21 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
-
I
2013-02-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-02-28 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
-
R
2014-07-18Steering14V284000 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.
-
I
2015-04-01Defect petitionClosed 2018-06-14 Loss of power steering while driving
-
R
2015-05-20Suspension15E045000 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.
-
R
2017-11-06Fuel system, gasoline16V777000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2010 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 558 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 508 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 493 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10V222000 · Power train
- Recall 10E043000 · Equipment
- Recall 14V284000 · Steering
- Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
- Recall 16V777000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2010 Ford Escape reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Ford Escape is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Escape?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Escape have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.