Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2011 Ford Escape HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1,334 owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. Most complaints involve steering (408) and power train (273). The EPA rates it 29–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall.
Combined MPG
29–32mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
3of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1,334
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1,334 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2011 – Jul 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Escape Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,584 |
| 2006 | 720 |
| 2007 | 393 |
| 2008 | 2,417 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2010 | 2,130 |
| 2011 | 1,334 |
| 2012 | 600 |
| 2020 | 290 |
| 2021 | 363 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
- Crashes reported
- 39
- Fires reported
- 7
- Injuries reported
- 39
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
408 reports5 crashes
“The steering wheel locked in one position i pulled over shut off the car restarted and the steering wheel started working again. Is their a recall on my 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid with this problem. This scared me to death I got lucky and the road was straight and I was able to stop the car. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]”
Power train
273 reports2 crashes
“While driving, the power steering assist intermittently fails without warning. This makes steering very difficult and creates a serious safety hazard, especially at low speeds or during turns. The issue can be temporarily resolved by turning the engine off and restarting the vehicle, but it recurs unpredictably. There are no warning lights or error messages displayed on the dashboard. This is a known issue on this model year and may relate to a defective EPS (electric power steering) module. Please investigate.”
Fuel/propulsion system
256 reports1 crash1 fire
“The fuel pump was replaced and a new one was installed and now the engine is misfiring really hard and when the vehicle is placed in drive or reverse the engine tries to stall. The mechanic is saying that I will have to purchase a fuel rail pressure sensor that controls the fuel to each fuel injector. If this item or the whole fuel system is on a Recall List. Then I shouldn't have to pay anything to have it repaired and replaced by the Dealership. I do need to be notified about this issue immediately. This is a 2011 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV with 3.0 V6 Flex Fuel system.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 30 | 32 | $1,950 | 278 |
| Escape Hybrid 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 30 | 27 | 29 | $2,150 | 306 |
- 32mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
3/ 5
3 of 5Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x4
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 3 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 20.4%
Overall
3 / 5
Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x2
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 3 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 23.7%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 Escape Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 1,334 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (408), power train (273), fuel/propulsion system (256). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid at 29–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid 3 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026