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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering828
- Power train301
- Vehicle speed control279
- Engine254
- Electrical system143
- Fuel/propulsion system116
- Service brakes94
- Fuel system, gasoline88
- Engine and engine cooling37
- Structure32
- Electronic stability control (esc)22
- Suspension19
- Air bags14
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
9
41
24
44
439
132
93
112
91
161
140
112
97
65
57
41
15
19
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 44 |
| 2013 | 439 |
| 2014 | 132 |
| 2015 | 93 |
| 2016 | 112 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 161 |
| 2019 | 140 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 97 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 57 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 19 |
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.
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.”
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.”
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”
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.”
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…”
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”
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.