VehicleVerdict

2009 Ford Escape problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,348 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Escape year — the 2009 model ranks #6 of 27 Escape years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 42 injuries in total across these filings.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 828 reports (35% of the total).

2,348

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

56

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

42

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Escape years?

Escape NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted3,670 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 1,389 complaints2002: 1,397 complaints2003: 736 complaints2004: 715 complaints2005: 2,030 complaints2006: 627 complaints2007: 350 complaints2008: 2,404 complaints2009: 2,348 complaints2010: 3,182 complaints2011: 1,871 complaints2012: 792 complaints2013: 3,670 complaints2014: 2,650 complaints2015: 1,285 complaints2016: 1,258 complaints2017: 3,207 complaints2018: 2,097 complaints2019: 708 complaints2020: 2,025 complaints2021: 428 complaints2022: 298 complaints2023: 149 complaints2024: 136 complaints2025: 32 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Escape NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Ford Escape problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering82835%
Transmission30213%
Engine29212%
Speed Control28112%
Fuel System2039%
Electrical System1687%
Brakes1085%
Other572%
Body & Structure341%
Suspension191%
Airbags141%
Visibility & Wipers131%
Tires & Wheels121%
Seat Belts70%
Lighting50%
Driver Assistance20%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2009 Ford Escape have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15E045000SuspensionJune 3, 2015 · 576 units

Defect

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Consequence

Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

14V284000SteeringMay 29, 2014 · 740,878 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

Consequence

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.

10E043000OtherSeptember 3, 2010 · 294 units

Defect

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy

MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK AS IF I'M OUT OF POWER STEERING FLUID, WHICH IT'S NOT. ALSO, THE WHEELS ARE SHAKY AND FEEL LIKE THEIR ABOUT TO COME OFF. SOMEONE HIT MY VEHICLE AND IT COMPLETELY WENT OUT. NOW I'M PAYING FOR A RENTAL UNTIL GETS FIXED AND I'M PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS INSTEAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 17, 2018 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS TOWING THE VEHICLE WITH HIS 2009 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER 35 FT. TRITON V10 ENGINE WITH A FORD CHASSIS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE TRANSMISSION IN HIS FORD ESCAPED CAUGHT FIRE. HE STATED THAT HE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE USERS MANUAL WHICH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 2, 2010 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE IS FREQUENT SURGING AND STALLING WITH EVENTUAL RESULT IN A NONRESPONSIVE GAS PEDAL. THE CHECK WRENCH SERVICE LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME RESPONSIVE AGAIN IF THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON. AFTER RESTARTING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 11, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE IS FREQUENT SURGING AND STALLING WITH EVENTUAL RESULT IN A NONRESPONSIVE GAS PEDAL. THE CHECK WRENCH SERVICE LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME RESPONSIVE AGAIN IF THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON. AFTER RESTARTING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 11, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE IS FREQUENT SURGING AND STALLING WITH EVENTUAL RESULT IN A NONRESPONSIVE GAS PEDAL. THE CHECK WRENCH SERVICE LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME RESPONSIVE AGAIN IF THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON. AFTER RESTARTING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 11, 2013 · crash

2009 Ford Escape — common questions

Is the 2009 Ford Escape reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,348 complaints put the 2009 model at #6 of 27 Escape years. It is one of the Escape years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Escape problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (828 complaints), transmission (302 complaints), engine (292 complaints).

Does the 2009 Ford Escape have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Ford Escape. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Ford Escape under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Escape years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2010, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2018, 2005, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among Escape years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.