Problems · by component

2009 Ford Escape electrical system problems

143 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Escape cite electrical system, 8% of all 1,693 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
143
8% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“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
“As many other Ford escapes have been recalled due to power steering issues. Mine has been going out while driving and causing a very dangerous safety issue. Ive contacted my local ford dealership and noticed my 2009 ford escape is not on the recall list. Im requesting a change to this as my vehicle is a real safety issue for not just myself but for others. No warning lights appear whenever it goes out either.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 30, 2025Steering, Electrical systemODI 11639717
“I was driving to work when all the sudden out of nowhere with no warning I lost all power steering control luckily I just got off the highway and wasn’t going too terribly fast though it scared the crap outta me and this could have ended very badly! I was unable to turn my wheel at all!!! On my dashboard it says POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT after researching this I came across a recall for 2008-2014 Ford Escapes for what exactly happened to me on my”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 18, 2024Steering, Electrical systemODI 11578172
“Vehicle Will not shift from Park gear. Locking up and can't drive until it allows me to shift. Time varies and also have to start and restart the engine several times before it allows the shifter lock to release from Park.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2024Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11576580
“At 200,000 miles I'm beginning to have problems withe electric power steering along with suspension issues as well. i start my vehicle drive for a bit could be turning or coming to a brake an steering gives out cause me to work to turn it”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 4, 2023Steering, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11530277

Showing 6 of 143 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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