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
- 1,316
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 1,316 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.
Steering
31% · 412 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system and column.
Show 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, 2025-10-13
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, 2017-11-23
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, 2017-11-23
Power train
20% · 268 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Fuel/propulsion system
19% · 253 reportsEngine
19% · 248 reportsShow 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, 2012-12-04
Vehicle speed control
19% · 245 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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, 2012-10-09
Also filed under Structure
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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
2011 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 412 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 268 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 253 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V284000 · Steering
- Recall 15E045000 · Suspension
- Recall 16V777000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.