Problems · by component

2010 Ford Escape fuel/propulsion system problems

446 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Ford Escape cite fuel/propulsion system, 21% of all 2,130 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
446
21% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“**NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint** Vehicle: 2010 Ford Escape AWD VIN: [XXX] I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has experienced serious safety problems involving both the steering system and the fuel system. The steering wheel has become extremely difficult to turn, making it unsafe to drive. In addition, the fuel system is leaking fuel, creating a potential fire hazard. My understanding is that this vehicle previously received recall repairs related to these systems. Despite those repairs, the same dangerous conditions have returned. The vehicle has been undrivable for approximately two weeks because I believe it is unsafe to operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy was effective and whether these failures indicate that additional action is necessary to protect owners of affected vehicles. Because these defects involve steering control and a potential vehicle fire, I believe they present an unreasonable safety risk.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11774137
“I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2026Steering, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11722382
“There is oil leak that cannot be found. I have taken that truck to 3 different mechanics, conducted 3 different diagnostics using the dye and everything and the source of this leak cannot be found and is causing me problems.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11694380
“My vehicle is not able to pass the inspection and I have had a brand new gas tank put in and the engine lights are always on. I can’t get a new tag for the car and I have been pulled over by police 5 times now and received a citation due to this issue. Please if possible could you help me with this situation. Thank you so much for your time and understanding.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11664241
“Had the car repaired because it stalls at stop signs or waiting for the traffic lights to change has a new turn up and carburetor and had a second opinion and they couldn’t find why but the car still stalled”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2025Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11659439
“The vehicle was dropped off on 12/26/24 at Planet Ford to have 2 recalls fixed. One being the electric power steering and the other being the fuel delivery module flange. A loaner vehicle was asked for, but not provided. The dealer said to contact Ford, and Ford said it was up to the dealer to provide that or rental assistance. The service personnel said after a few weeks and talking to Ford engineers, that the battery the vehicle had in it was not the right amperage/voltage. They said it would need to be replaced in order to continue to fix the recall. I had just put a new battery in it about 4 months prior and it was of the correct spec. I call every few days and have not been given and estimated time to have it fixed. Now, it's over a month and I still have no resolution and no vehicle. They are now saying that the computer is not good and also needs to be replaced. The car is not drivable and the recalls are not fixed. This is my only vehicle, please help with this. I have been patient and have exhausted every avenue available to me.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 31, 2025Steering, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11640007

Showing 6 of 446 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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