2009 Ford Escape Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 193 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Escape Hybrid year — the 2009 model ranks #5 of 14 Escape Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Steering leads the complaint categories with 69 reports (36% of the total).
193
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Escape Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 69 | 36% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 32 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 26 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 17 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 15 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 12 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 9 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Other | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING LOW SPEEDS IN A PARKING LOT AND CRASHED DUE TO A POWER STEERING FAILURE. I WAS TRYING TO TURN 90 DEGREES BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EVEN WITH BOTH ARMS. I HAD A LOW-SPEED CRASH THAT WRECKED MY FRONT END. I CHECKED WITH FORD DEALER BUT THEY STATED THE…”
“CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM AND RED EMERGENCY LIGHT CAME ON. PRESSED BRAKES AND CAR DID NOT STOP. HIT CONCRETE WALL. 1ST TIME AT DEALERSHIP, BAD SENSOR. ORDERED NEW SENSOR, AND GOT CAR BACK. SAME DAY SAME LIGHTS CAME ON. 2ND TIME AT DEALERSHIP, CHANGED ABS MODULE. GOT CAR BACK ON 23RD AND ON THE 24TH LIGHTS…”
“OUR 2009 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND IT TOOK TWO FIREMEN TO PUT IT OUT. THE ENTIRE FRONT WAS DESTROYED. EVEN THE DASH BOARD WAS MELTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. IT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL TRIGGER, BUT THERE IS NO CERTAINIY AS TO WHAT CAUSE THIS…”
“MY WIFE WAS TURNING AROUND IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE STARTED TO SHIFT OUT OF REVERSE THE ACCELERATOR SURGED, SHE COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH THE BRAKES, SHE SHIFTED INTO PARK IN A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO STOP, AND SLID SIDEWAYS INTO A CEMENT WALL CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND SHAKING UP…”
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID HOME FROM WORK, ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR, WHEN THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. I BARELY AVOIDED A 16 WHEELER AND MADE IT TO THE FREEWAY SHOULDER WHILE HITTING A CONCRETE CURB NEARLY CAUSING ME…”
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 193 complaints put the 2009 model at #5 of 14 Escape Hybrid years. It is one of the Escape Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2009 Escape Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (69 complaints), brakes (32 complaints), engine (26 complaints).
Does the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Is the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Escape Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape Hybrid years to avoid are 2008, 2020, 2006, 2005, 2009. The cleanest record among Escape Hybrid years belongs to 2024.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.