2010 Ford Escape Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid sits mid-pack among Escape Hybrid years: 73 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 112, with no recalls and 3 closed investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (18), brakes (13), and engine (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
73
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2010 compare to other Escape Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 18 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 13 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 13 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE STEERING STOPS WITH NO WARNING. IT FIRST HAPPENED IN 2011 WITH 27,259 MILES AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN/MODULE ASSY. IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THERE IS A RECALL, BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID OUR CAR WAS NOT PART OF THAT RECALL AND THEY COULDN'T GET THE CODE TO COME UP SO THEY…”
“I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT A RECALL AND THIS CAR FRAME WAS CRACKED AND WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT IT FROM ANYONE FRONT THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM OR THE COMPANY THAT FIXED IT.”
“UPON STARTING UP THE CAR, AND AFTER ACCELERATING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND ANTI SKID LIGHTS CAME ON AND THERE WAS A CHIME. UPON PRESSING ON THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE. LUCKILY I WAS ON A SIDE STREET BOTH TIMES AND HAD ROOM TO COAST TO A STOP…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND ERRONEOUSLY TRAVELED OVER A CEMENT PARKING DIVIDER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE LUNGE FORWARD AND STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE DEALER…”
“I TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 2.5 MILES WHEN THE CAR STALLED, STOPPED OPERATING AND I HAD NO POWER TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE AIR CONDITIONER AND RADIO STILL WORKED SO I STILL HAD ELECTRICAL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP BUT IT WAS DANGEROUS TRAFFIC. I TURNED EVERYTHING OFF AND THE CAR RESTARTED. IT…”
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 73 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Escape Hybrid year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2010 Escape Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (18 complaints), brakes (13 complaints), engine (13 complaints).
Does the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Is the 2010 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.