VehicleVerdict

2011 Ford Escape problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Ford Escape sits mid-pack among Escape years: 1,871 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 1,256, with 3 recalls and 4 closed investigations. Complainants reported 54 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (410), fuel system (286), and transmission (268), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. Its NCAP crash-test rating is 3 of 5 stars overall.

1,871

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

51

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

54

Injuries

0

Deaths

3

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other Escape years?

Escape NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escape years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Ford Escape problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering41022%
Fuel System28615%
Transmission26814%
Engine26514%
Speed Control24513%
Electrical System1327%
Other603%
Visibility & Wipers473%
Body & Structure422%
Suspension312%
Airbags261%
Brakes261%
Tires & Wheels131%
Seats60%
Seat Belts50%
Latches & Locks40%
Lighting30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%

Does the 2011 Ford Escape have recalls?

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

16V777000Fuel SystemOctober 26, 2016 · 329,265 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE BEEN IN TWO MINOR ACCIDENTS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE POWER STEERING FAILING WHILE DRIVE. THE STEERING FAILS ONCE A DAY AND DOES SO, USUALLY WHEN MAKE A HARD OR SHARP TURN. ONCE, THE POWER STEERING DISENGAGED, REVERTING TO MANUEL, WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH! FORD REFUSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 20, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OBSERVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 31, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS WALKING TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO PUT LUGGAGE IN THE TRUNK AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ROLLING TOWARDS HER. THE CONTACT DOVE TO THE GROUND ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO AVOID BEING HIT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK AND STRUCK THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 29, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE TWICE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRST FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. THE SECOND FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 31, 2017 · fire

“I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE NEXT TO THE BUILDING WHERE I WORK AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND HIT THE BRICK WALL, BROKE A WINDOW AND DENTED THE BUILDING AC UNIT. DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE HOOD, BUMPER AND GRILLE. COST TO REPAIR $4282.75. *TR SEPTEMBER 25,2012 I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 21, 2011 · crash

2011 Ford Escape — common questions

Is the 2011 Ford Escape reliable?

It is close to typical for the Escape: 1,871 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Escape problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (410 complaints), fuel system (286 complaints), transmission (268 complaints).

Does the 2011 Ford Escape have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Ford Escape. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Ford Escape under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.

How safe is the 2011 Ford Escape?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Ford Escape earned an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

Related

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