Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Escape, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering828
- Power train301
- Vehicle speed control279
- Engine254
- Electrical system143
- Fuel/propulsion system116
- Service brakes94
- Fuel system, gasoline88
- Unknown or other55
- Engine and engine cooling37
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 17 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
2001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 82 2009 Escape vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 46 people died inside them, and 18 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2009 Ford Escape failed the safety check 3.18% of the time — 26% more often than the average 2009 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 138,569 miles.
14,413first inspections
3.18%failed on safety
138,569 mimedian odometer
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In New Zealand
92 2009 cars are on the New Zealand register; 97% arrived as used imports, 0% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 9.7–11.9 L/100 km (about 20–24 mpg US), CO₂ 223–274 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 10.5 | 8.6 | 9.7 |
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.5 | 8.6 | 10.2 |
| Escape AWD · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.3 | 9.4 | 11.0 |
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.0 | 9.1 | 11.3 |
| Escape AWD · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.6 | 9.8 | 11.9 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2009 Ford Escape.
| 2014193 28 May 2014 | Steering On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the drive… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
14V284000 · Steering29 May 2014 · 740,878 vehicles
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2009 Ford Escape: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10205008 | 6F35 Transmission - Fluid leak at left side halfshaft seal - built on or before 10/14/2013 |
| 10140323 | The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The mast |
| 10138524 | The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The mast |
| 10137113 | Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select |
| 10109070 | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer |
| 10091151 | SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO |
| 10090681 | SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO |
| 10075273 | 6F35 TRANSMISSION - FLUID LEAK AT LEFT SIDE HALFSHAFT SEAL BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10/14/2013 ISSUE Some 2009-2014 Escape, 2009-2011 Mariner, 2010-2014 Fusion, 2010-2011 Milan, 2012-2014 Edge/Explorer, and 2013-2014 Taurus/MKT/MKZ vehicles built on or before 10/14/2013 and equipped with a 6F35 automatic transmission may exhibit a fluid leak from the left hand (LH) transmission halfshaft seal due to wear on the transmission case bushing. |
| 10058224 | FORD 2008-2012 ESCAPE/MARINER: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING STEERING CONTROL MODULE WITH DTC B2278, NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. *LJ |
| 10058196 | 2008-2012 FORD ESCAPE/MARINER: SERVICE INFORMATION INVOLVING THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE WITH DTC B2278- STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT IS NOT REQUIRED. *LJ |
| 10058067 | FORD 2009-2014 ESCAPE, 2010-2014 FUSION, 2012-2014 EDGE, EXPLORER, 2013-2014 TAURUS: LINCOLN 2013-2014 MKT,MKZ: MERCURY 2009- 2011 MARINER, 2010-2011 MILAN. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6F35 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK FROM THE LEFT HAND TRANSMISSION HALFSHAFT SEAL DUE TO WEAR ON THE TRANSMISSION CASE BUSHING. *LJ |
| 10057873 | FORD FUSION, MILAN, ESCAPE, MARINER 2009-2013: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM THROTTLE BODY EXTENDED COVERAGE. *LJ |
| 10057865 | FORD: AFTER POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P06B8, P068A, P2610, IF KEY NOT LEFT FOR 30 SECONDS IN OFF POSITION FOLLOWING PROGRAMMING ON SOME MODEL 2009-15 VEHICLES. *PE |
| 10057860 | FORD: IN VALVE BODY, A WORN SOLENOID PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE HAS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0735 STORED AND INDICATION OF REPAIR HISTORY WAS THE VALVE BODY WAS NOT REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. MODEL 2009-10 ESCAPE, MARINER, 2010 FUSION, MILAN. *PE |
| 10057723 | FORD: A JOB AID WAS DEVELOPED AND NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE PTU INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL FLUID LEAKAGE FOR ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. *PE |
| 10056710 | MERCURY/FORD: IN ONE OR MORE SPEED SETTINGS, ELECTRONIC MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EMTC) A/C SYSTEM IS WARM AND/OR LACK BLOWER MOTOR OPERATION IN SETTINGS DUE TO DAMAGED BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR CAUSED BY WATER ENTERING HEATER AND EVAPORATOR CORE HOUSING. MODEL 2008-12 ESCAPE, MARINER. *PE |
| 10056183 | FORD: THE THROTTLE BODY INTERNAL MOTOR CONTACTS MAY BE CONTAMINATED, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL, INTERMITTENT, CONNECTIVITY, CAUSING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) OR WRENCH LIGHT TO BE ILLUMINATED. MODEL 2009-2012 FUSION, MILAN, ESCAPE, MARINER. *PE UPDATED 11/18/14. *PE |
| 10055355 | FORD: THE WRENCH LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN 4X4 FUNCTION IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO ACTIVE TORQUE COUPLING SOLENOID COIL WIRING BEING BROKE, BUT A KIT IS AVAILABLE TO SERVICE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY/REAR DRIVE UNIT (RDU), AT LOWER LEVEL. MODEL 2008-2012 ESCAPE, MARINER. *PE |
| 10055321 | MERCURY/FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THERE IS A FLUID LEAKAGE, COMING FROM LEFT HAND (LH) HALFSHAFT SEAL OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND A SERVICE KIT IS AVAILABLE NOW, FOR REPAIR. MODEL 2009-2012 ESCAPE, MARINER, FUSION, MILAN. *PE |
| 10054926 | FORD: THROTTLE BODY WILL DEVELOP CONTAMINATION ON INTERNAL MOTOR CONTACTS RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONNECTIVITY AND MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) OR WRENCH LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2009-2013 FUSION, MILAN, ESCAPE, MARINER. *PE UPDATED 5/7/14. *PE |
| 10054916 | FORD/MERCURY: IF DIAGNOSTIC CODE B2278 IS STORED IN POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE (PSCM), IT NEEDS REPLACING WITH TORQUE SENSOR SERVICE KIT THAT IS AVAILABLE AND IF NOT, DOES NOT APPLY. MODEL 2008-2012 ESCAPE, 2008-2011 MARINER. *PE |
| 10054575 | FORD: ON THE LEFT HAND HALF SHAFT SEAL, THERE IS A FLUID LEAK FROM THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF WEAR ON CASE BUSHING. MODEL 2009-2012 ESCAPE, 2009-2011 MARINER, 2010-2012 FUSION, 2010-2011 MILAN. *PE |
| 10053656 | FORD: DUE TO AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF RPM OR LACK OF ACCELERATION, IN SOME VEHICLES, WITH ILLUMINATED WRENCH LIGHT, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P2111, P2112 MAY OR MAY NOT BE STORED IN POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). MODELS 2009-12 ESCAPE, MARINER, FUSION, MILAN. *PE |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
DP15001 · Steering:electric power assist systemopened 1 Apr 2015 · closed 14 Jun 2018
Loss of power steering while driving
PE13003 · Engineopened 21 Feb 2013 · closed 28 Feb 2014
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
DP12006 · Engineopened 2 Oct 2012 · closed 21 Feb 2013
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation