Problems · NHTSA complaints

2009 Ford Escape problems

Owners filed 1,693 complaints about the 2009 Ford Escape with NHTSA between Nov 2008 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is steering (828).

Complaints
1,693
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
34
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
17
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering828
  2. Power train301
  3. Vehicle speed control279
  4. Engine254
  5. Electrical system143
  6. Fuel/propulsion system116
  7. Service brakes94
  8. Fuel system, gasoline88
  9. Engine and engine cooling37
  10. Structure32
  11. Electronic stability control (esc)22
  12. Suspension19
  13. Air bags14
  14. Service brakes, hydraulic12

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20081
20099
201041
201124
201244
2013439
2014132
201593
2016112
201791
2018161
2019140
2020112
202197
202265
202357
202441
202515
202619

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

828 reports16 crashes1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026SteeringODI 11766179

Power train

301 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2024Power train, SteeringODI 11578544

Vehicle speed control

279 reports7 crashes
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 28, 2021Suspension, Vehicle speed control, WheelsODI 11445275

Engine

254 reports3 crashes
“On several occasions my 2009 Ford escape xlt completely died as I was driving 1. On the highway at 60mph I had to pull over and restart vehicle. 2. Going through town at 30mph I had to put in neutral to restart as I was moving uphill. 3. As I was at a stop light, again putting in neutral was necessary to restart as vehicle would not move until restarted. I have not had it inspected by anyone yet as I have not had the funds to pay mechanic for service inspection. This was very scary and almost caused a serious accident on 4 out of 5 times this has occurred. On the highway I was in the fast lane to pass a semi truck with several vehicles following close behind and when my vehicle suddenly shut off no long able to move I was afraid the vehicle behind me was going to hit mine. I had no idea what was happening as that was the first time about 6 months ago. After that it has happened 4 more times. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request given I will not be charged for the inspection.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11738281

Electrical system

143 reports2 crashes1 fire
“Me and my [XXX] old was driving on the highway in my 2009 Ford escape and suddenly my power steering completely went out with no warning. I was driving 60 mph because that's my safe speed. Steering got completely resistant to the point I could not turn my steering wheel almost crashing into another vehicle with a child in the vehicle. I found out that Ford has had power steering issues with almost all their vehicles due to their electrical power steering system. My vehicle was inspected by a independent service center that confirmed that Ford's electrical power steering is not safe because it can disable while driving, however I called to see if Ford could inspect the issue complimentary, they declined and said it would cost. Not knowing that as a consumer, that is extremely terrifying to know that while driving I'm at a high risk of an accident. I also called Ford to see about a recall because I was informed Ford had multiple recalls for their electrical power steering in most of their Ford Escapes, but there was none for mine. The Ford service worker i spoke to, infact, volunteered to inform me that all Ford Escapes from 2008-2012 should be recalled due to…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 31, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11714676

Fuel/propulsion system

116 reports2 crashes
“A quien corresponda Por medio de la presente me pongo en contacto con ustedes por motivo de falla mecánica en mi auto móvil Ford escape 2009 ya que hace aproximadamente dos meses atrás al llenar el tanque de gasolina me percaté que el interior olía a combustible y al revisarlo noté que se tiraba por debajo del vehículo lo cual me llevó a investigar posible causa encontrando que en ese modelo es falla del fabricante solicitando sea reparado para evitar posible incendio del mismo ya que según lo que encontré es muy probable sufrir accidente en este estado del vehículo”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11756827
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.