2011 Ford Escape
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 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 | 1972 |
| 2009 | 1691 |
| 2010 | 2067 |
| 2011 | 1312 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2739 |
| 2014 | 2067 |
| 2015 | 1027 |
| 2016 | 1028 |
| 2017 | 2620 |
| 2018 | 1724 |
| 2019 | 557 |
| 2020 | 1546 |
| 2021 | 323 |
| 2022 | 219 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
31% of complaints: steering — 404 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My young daughter lost control of our 2011 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicle with 94770 miles after starting the vehicle on moving off. She crashed into the sidewalk to avoid hitting pedestrians. ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE was lost.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251013
I HAVE BEEN IN TWO MINOR ACCIDENTS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE POWER STEERING FAILING WHILE DRIVE. THE STEERING FAILS ONCE A DAY AND DOES SO, USUALLY WHEN MAKE A HARD OR SHARP TURN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171123
SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WILL DRIVING, OFTEN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH AND ON STREETS AT 35MPH. I HAVE BEEN IN 3 ACCIDENTS AS DIRECT RESULT, LUCKY NO ONE WAS I HIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171123
20% of complaints: power train — 263 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 253 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE19% of complaints: engine — 248 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
2011 FORD ESCAPE ENGINE STALLS AT RANDOM TIMES: I BOUGHT THE CAR AS A FORD CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE IN AUGUST 2012. IN NOVEMBER THE STALLING ISSUE STARTED. IT'S HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES NOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121204
19% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 244 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE NEXT TO THE BUILDING WHERE I WORK AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND HIT THE BRICK WALL, BROKE A WINDOW AND DENTED THE BUILDING AC UNIT. DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE HOOD, BUMPER AND GRILLE. COST TO REPAIR $4282.75.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121009
SAFETY TIMELINE
Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage
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
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.
Campaign 16V777000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (404 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (263 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (253 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V284000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V777000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Ford Escape reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Ford Escape is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Escape have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.