Owners have filed 194 complaints
about the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 56
Against the median year of the Ford Escape Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Ford Escape Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
42.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
31.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
94.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2212.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3117.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4022.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5228.6%
150,000+ miles
2111.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2009peak 8Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
DP15001Opened 1 Apr 2015Closed 14 Jun 2018STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Loss of power steering while driving
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering i...
DP12006Opened 2 Oct 2012Closed 21 Feb 2013ENGINE
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesWinnetka, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OUR 2009 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND IT TOOK TWO FIREMEN TO PUT IT OUT. THE ENTIRE FRONT WAS DESTROYED. EVEN THE DASH BOARD WAS MELTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. IT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL TRIGGER, BUT THERE IS NO CERTAINIY AS TO WHAT CAUSE THIS FIRE, WHICH HAD FLAMES NEARLY 10 FEET HIGH. MY SON WAS SITTING IN THE CAR TALIKING ON THE PHONE. HE CAME RUNNING IN SAYNG THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE CAR AND WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW IT HAD ALREADY STARTED TO CATCH FIRE. SMOKE AND CATCH FIRE. I AM THANKFUL HE WAS NOT INJURED AND THAT MY HOUSE -A CEDAR SIDED HOME- DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11217258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWinnetka, ILFire
ENGINE
OUR 2009 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND IT TOOK TWO FIREMEN TO PUT IT OUT. THE ENTIRE FRONT WAS DESTROYED. EVEN THE DASH BOARD WAS MELTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. IT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL TRIGGER, BUT THERE IS NO CERTAINIY AS TO WHAT CAUSE THIS FIRE, WHICH HAD FLAMES NEARLY 10 FEET HIGH. MY SON WAS SITTING IN THE CAR TALIKING ON THE PHONE. HE CAME RUNNING IN SAYNG THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE CAR AND WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW IT HAD ALREADY STARTED TO CATCH FIRE. SMOKE AND CATCH FIRE. I AM THANKFUL HE WAS NOT INJURED AND THAT MY HOUSE -A CEDAR SIDED HOME- DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11217258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCarthage, ILFire
SERVICE BRAKES
MY ABS BRAKES ON MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE RPM RAMPED WHILE I WAS GOING 65 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKES STARTED SMOKING. I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT FIXED AND IT WAS GOING TO COST $5700 TO FIX BECAUSE OF SOME HCU UNIT THAT FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT PRETTY GOOD RATE OF SPEED. I AM GLAD IT DIDN'T THROW ME OFF INTO A DITCH OR CATCH ON FIRE WITH ME IN IT. WHAT A CRAPPY DESIGN THIS IS. WOW!!! SCARY STUFF.
NHTSA complaint #11196529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesSpring Lake Park, MNCrash
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID HOME FROM WORK, ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR, WHEN THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. I BARELY AVOIDED A 16 WHEELER AND MADE IT TO THE FREEWAY SHOULDER WHILE HITTING A CONCRETE CURB NEARLY CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND DAMAGING MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE. IT WAS TERRIFYING, AND THIS HAPPENED LESS THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE STEERING WENT OUT, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT ALSO. THE WRENCH SIGN WAS LIGHT UP AND A MESSAGE TO PULL OVER WAS ON. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES, DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, IN THE LAST 2 DAYS MAKING THE CAR BASICALLY UNDRIVEABLE. A CODE 2112 WAS PULLED FROM THE CAR AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY WAS BAD AND THAT THERE WAS A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM THAT SHOULD REPLACE THIS. WHEN I CALLED FORD WITH MY VIN NUMBER, I WAS TOLD THAT MY 2009 HYBRID WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER 2009 ESCAPE HYBRIDS WITH THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT WERE NOT COVERED. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!!!
NHTSA complaint #10893454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCleveland, OHCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10876738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCleveland, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #10876738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Indianapolis, IN
STEERING
Car steering torque sensor not working properly causing power steering assist to be lost compromising electric power steering (eps) assist and increasing the risk of an accident. Ford has a recall 14S05/2014-193, but they are saying my car is not included on this recall at this time although it is exactly the same issue I am having now.
NHTSA complaint #11753983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesRock Island, WA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 8 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel ceased to function; however, the contact was able to make a full turn of the steering wheel, and the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to regain power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to two separate independent mechanics and the contact was informed that the steering wheel module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact had the same failure three times within a month. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the steering module was reprogrammed; however, the dealer was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
NHTSA complaint #11647669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at 15 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The local dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11638819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brentwood, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed as a failure with the electric power steering assist. The contact was informed that the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11602797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesDuquesne, PA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11597952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,000 milesHenderson, NV
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while stopped, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the power steering control module was reset; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing similar failure as in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and advised the contact to reach out to the dealer. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 270,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHarrisburg, PA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to be difficult to maneuver. The power steering sensor failed warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering wheel would shake and vibrate before eventually the message "torque sensor failure" had displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering torque sensor and possibly the steering rack were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
NHTSA complaint #11451904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,746 milesEL Paso, TX
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, it was discovered that the power steering assist had malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 59,746.
NHTSA complaint #11446343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBattle Creek, MI
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that the steering wheel was locked after starting the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The dealer also informed the contact that there was no open recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11433675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zionsville, IN
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that start-up of the vehicle, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, he discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective steering column assembly; however, his vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact then took the vehicle an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle with the same failure and informed him that his vehicle should be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred him NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11428507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesDacula, GA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed intermittently without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which she linked to the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that an unknown sensor had caused the power steering failure. Additionally, the contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11421298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,011 milesBuffalo, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE POWER STEERING FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTION NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 181,011.
NHTSA complaint #11395274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED HASSETT FORD (3530 SUNRISE HWY, WANTAGH, NY 11793, (516) 785-7800) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11383010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesHendersonville, TN
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARCARE IMPORT AND DOMESTIC (350 ROCKLAND RD, HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075 (615) 822-5002) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 129,088. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN IN TO BE REPAIRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED.
NHTSA complaint #11377521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLowell, MA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST WITH THE POWER STEERING FAULT MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART ONCE THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE IGNITION WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE VEHICLE FAILING TO RESTART. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED PRIOR TO HER OWNING THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE NOT SUBJECTED TO THE FREE REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ISSUES RELATED TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED CORROSION IN THE WHEEL WELL WHICH AFFECTED THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SUSPENSION AND THE UNIBODY CONSTRUCTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC NEEDED TO REMOVE THE HYBRID BATTERY, THE FUEL TANK, AND THE FUEL LINE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11364375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLowell, MA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST WITH THE POWER STEERING FAULT MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART ONCE THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE IGNITION WAS DEFECTIVE DUE TO THE VEHICLE FAILING TO RESTART. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED PRIOR TO HER OWNING THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE NOT SUBJECTED TO THE FREE REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ISSUES RELATED TO THE SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED CORROSION IN THE WHEEL WELL WHICH AFFECTED THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SUSPENSION AND THE UNIBODY CONSTRUCTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC NEEDED TO REMOVE THE HYBRID BATTERY, THE FUEL TANK, AND THE FUEL LINE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11364375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesCleveland, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK BRAKING SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL AND EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS REFERRED TO LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER NICK MAYER LINCOLN WESTLAKE LOCATED AT 24400 CENTER RIDGE RD, WESTLAKE, OH 44145, (440) 835-3700, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, BRAKE BOOSTER, ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND MODULE AND ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11352292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME TIME, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOST TORQUE SIGNAL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11279507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGardena, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THROTTLE BODY PROBLEMS P2112 AND P2111
NHTSA complaint #11233886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesWestwood, MA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN BEING DRIVEN FOR AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. JACK MADDEN FORD (825 BOSTON-PROVIDENCE TURNPIKE, NORWOOD, MA 02062, (781) 762-4200) WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 18072344F8W3R8. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11231339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNewark, DE
SERVICE BRAKES
HCU MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. DEADLY FLAW IN BRAKE SYSTEM DESIGN
NHTSA complaint #11221601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesManhattan Beach, CA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES, AND WAS INTERMITTENT THE FIRST TIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT DID NOT ALWAYS CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH BAY FORD (LOCATED AT 5100 ROSECRANS AVE, HAWTHORNE, CA 90250, (301) 584-7641) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING). NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11218250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWinnetka, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OUR 2009 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND IT TOOK TWO FIREMEN TO PUT IT OUT. THE ENTIRE FRONT WAS DESTROYED. EVEN THE DASH BOARD WAS MELTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. IT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL TRIGGER, BUT THERE IS NO CERTAINIY AS TO WHAT CAUSE THIS FIRE, WHICH HAD FLAMES NEARLY 10 FEET HIGH. MY SON WAS SITTING IN THE CAR TALIKING ON THE PHONE. HE CAME RUNNING IN SAYNG THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE CAR AND WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW IT HAD ALREADY STARTED TO CATCH FIRE. SMOKE AND CATCH FIRE. I AM THANKFUL HE WAS NOT INJURED AND THAT MY HOUSE -A CEDAR SIDED HOME- DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11217258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWinnetka, ILFire
ENGINE
OUR 2009 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND IT TOOK TWO FIREMEN TO PUT IT OUT. THE ENTIRE FRONT WAS DESTROYED. EVEN THE DASH BOARD WAS MELTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. IT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL TRIGGER, BUT THERE IS NO CERTAINIY AS TO WHAT CAUSE THIS FIRE, WHICH HAD FLAMES NEARLY 10 FEET HIGH. MY SON WAS SITTING IN THE CAR TALIKING ON THE PHONE. HE CAME RUNNING IN SAYNG THERE WAS SMOKE IN THE CAR AND WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW IT HAD ALREADY STARTED TO CATCH FIRE. SMOKE AND CATCH FIRE. I AM THANKFUL HE WAS NOT INJURED AND THAT MY HOUSE -A CEDAR SIDED HOME- DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11217258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.