Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford Escape, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering411
- Power train268
- Fuel/propulsion system253
- Engine248
- Vehicle speed control245
- Electrical system117
- Unknown or other56
- Structure43
- Fuel system, gasoline33
- Suspension32
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 38 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 98 2011 Escape vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 66 people died inside them, and 16 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 2011 Ford Escape failed the safety check 3.67% of the time — 47% more often than the average 2011 passenger car (2.49%). Median odometer at inspection: 131,170 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In New Zealand
45 2011 cars are on the New Zealand register; 98% 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
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 4 variants; 0 of 4 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x2 | ★★★☆☆ | 23.7 % |
| 2011 Ford Escape Hev SUV 4x4 | ★★★☆☆ | 20.4 % |
| 2011 Ford Escape SUV 4x2 | ★★★☆☆ | 23.7 % |
| 2011 Ford Escape SUV 4x4 | ★★★☆☆ | 20.4 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 3 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 7 variants: combined 9.5–16.2 L/100 km (about 15–25 mpg US), CO₂ 219–271 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 10.4 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| Escape · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.4 | 8.5 | 10.1 |
| Escape 4X4 · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 9.0 | 10.6 |
| Escape FFV · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.3 | 9.5 | 11.1 |
| Escape 4X4 FFV · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 13.0 | 10.3 | 11.8 |
| Escape FFV · Sport utility vehicle · E85 ethanol | 16.7 | 12.6 | 14.8 |
| Escape 4X4 FFV · Sport utility vehicle · E85 ethanol | 18.0 | 13.9 | 16.2 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2011 Ford Escape.
| 2016528 25 Oct 2016 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the thickness of the port wall of the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may be below specification and could result in the supply port cracking. I… |
| 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
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.
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 2011 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 |
| 10177599 | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. |
| 10177598 | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. |
| 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 |
| 10136597 | 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern. |
| 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 |
| 10057834 | FORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA |
| 10057723 | FORD: A JOB AID WAS DEVELOPED AND NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE PTU INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL FLUID LEAKAGE FOR ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. *PE |
| 10056711 | FORD/LINCOLN: THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE LOSS OF ABS SPEED SIGNAL RELATED COMMUNICATION THAT DISABLE OBDII SYSTEM MONITORS FOR PCM REPROGRAMMING. MODEL 2011-14 F-SUPER DUTY, ESCAPE, TAURUS, FUSION, MKT, MKZ. *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 |
| 10056184 | LINCOLN/FORD: IN POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM), THAT ALLOWS ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) AND OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR (OSS) SIGNAL FAULTS, A SOFTWARE ERROR HAS OCCUR AND DISABLED ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) MONITORS WITH NO ILLUMINATION OF MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL). MODEL 2011-2014 F-SUPER DUTY, ESCAPE, TAURUS,FUSION, MKT, MKZ. *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 |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Loss of power steering while driving
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation