2011 Ford Escape Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid sits mid-pack among Escape Hybrid years: 46 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 112, with no recalls and 3 closed investigations.
Steering leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (28% of the total).
46
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other Escape Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 13 | 28% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 17% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 11% | — flat |
| Brakes | 5 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE STEERING WHEEL LOSES POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AGAIN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM OFTEN HAPPENS IN COLD WEATHER AND USUALLY IN THE MORNING. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO MAKES A WEIRD SOUND BEFORE IT LOSES POWER. I HAVE FRIENDS WHO HAVE…”
“WHILE TURNING LEFT, FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, IN A SMALL STRIP MALL PARKING LOT, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND KEPT ACCELERATING. ALTHOUGH I TRIED TO STEER, CAR CRASHED INTO SEVERAL HEDGES, OVER HIGH CURBS, TIRE BLEW OUT, FINALLY STOPPED BY CRASHING INTO TREE 8 PARALLEL FEET FROM GAS PUMP. BRAKES DID NOT…”
“WHILE TURNING LEFT, FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, IN A SMALL STRIP MALL PARKING LOT, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND KEPT ACCELERATING. ALTHOUGH I TRIED TO STEER, CAR CRASHED INTO SEVERAL HEDGES, OVER HIGH CURBS, TIRE BLEW OUT, FINALLY STOPPED BY CRASHING INTO TREE 8 PARALLEL FEET FROM GAS PUMP. BRAKES DID NOT…”
“AS I WAS PULLING OUT ON THE ROAD WITH MY WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN ABOARD, THE CAR SUDDENLY AND WITH OUT WARNING LOST POWER AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. SOME $500.00 PLUS DOLLARS LATER, WE FOUND OUT THE THROTTLE BODY, SAME AS THE ARTICLE MENTIONED, WAS DEFECTIVE AND WE WERE ALSO TOLD THERE WAS A PROBLEM…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
2011 Ford Escape Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 46 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Escape Hybrid year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2011 Escape Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (13 complaints), speed control (8 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Does the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Is the 2011 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.