NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 1,693 owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Escape. Most complaints involve steering (828) and power train (301). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined.
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 Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
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. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
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 VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Escape model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 1,027 |
| 2002 | 1,070 |
| 2003 | 598 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1,584 |
| 2006 | 720 |
| 2007 | 393 |
| 2008 | 2,417 |
| 2009 | 1,693 |
| 2010 | 2,130 |
| 2011 | 1,319 |
| 2012 | 604 |
| 2013 | 2,757 |
| 2014 | 2,089 |
| 2015 | 1,135 |
| 2016 | 1,178 |
| 2017 | 2,701 |
| 2018 | 1,823 |
| 2019 | 599 |
| 2020 | 1,548 |
| 2021 | 353 |
| 2022 | 238 |
| 2023 | 102 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed bar-yaw angle sensor. The contact was informed that the bar-yaw angle sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.”
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the power train warning light illuminated randomly but disappeared. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.”
“I started to hear a grinding and cracking and popping sound I checked the vehicle and the front left ball joint is bad there is an obvious crack in the joint that is easily visible when inspecting the area of the front left wheel and it’s components”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape FWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Escape FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Escape 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Escape FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Escape 4WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,693 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (828), power train (301), vehicle speed control (279). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Ford Escape at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).