2009 FORD ESCAPE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Escape. This model year has 1,687 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2009 Ford Escape Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Ford Escape. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 824 | 15 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 301 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 289 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 279 | 7 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 142 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 115 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 108 | 10 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 88 | 2 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 88 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 54 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 32 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 5 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 1,687 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and only manual steering was available. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the resi…
Steering sensor failed as documented in Ford fixing the steering torque from a recall on B2778:EF. The steering would not turn and happened while driving near Airport Dr and Garrison in Carthage, Mo. There was traffic and could barely get the SUV to turn at all. Almost hit anoth…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was severe rusting and rot on the frame rail. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,500
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while making a left turn, and the ste…
Yesterday I went to the Ford dealership and asked if my 2009 Ford Escape could have the power steering repaired under recall as the code from the OBD2 data is B2278 and that falls under a RECALL for PSCM Power Steering Control Module - STEERING SHAFT TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAM…
This is a follow up complaint because I would like to attach more files that are pertinent
Power steering quit working. It would go in and out then just stopped all together. I see there is a recall however my vehicle isn't included but is experiencing the same problem. I have read where other vehicle no included in the previous recall also experienced the same proble…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the code “NO BUSS” flashed off and on, causing the instrument cluster to not function as needed…
Me and my [XXX] old was driving on the highway in my 2009 Ford escape and suddenly my power steering completely went out with no warning. I was driving 60 mph because that's my safe speed. Steering got completely resistant to the point I could not turn my steering wheel almost c…
The car had a recall in 2014 was fixed then went out again same part same problem after being fixed ford dealer said they won't handle the recall again steering torque sensor went bad a second time car only had 110000 thousand mile and the same torque sensor that was recalled and…
I was attempting to leave work I started my vehicle and when I backed up I had no power steering I researched the problem and there was a number of recalls for the same manufactured defect that causes steering failure. The steering column needs to be replaced. My 2009 ford escap…
Safety recall on steering. Ford dealership says it is under the recall and the steering column has to be replaced. Part is on back order and he said it could be 3-6 months even a year before the part comes in. This is my main source of income being impacted. I am still paying on …
The power steering, steering assist, has failed in my daughter's 2009 Ford Escape which has less than 90,000 miles on the odometer and very light use. There is zero steering assist. The dealership explained the whole column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was brought to the de…
My fiancé my baby and I were leaving the house to go to the store and the steering wheel started jerking to the left when I went to turn right and then the power steering stopped working and sent a message to my dashboard that it failed. I called the ford dealership because I see…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle back to the residence. Upon investigation, the …
I WENT TO TRADE IN MY CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT FRAME BEHIND FRONT DRIVER SIDE IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. MEANING THE BODY COULD DETACH FROM FRAME OR SOMETHING ELSE DANGEROUS COULD HAPPEN. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
The electric power steering assist has gone out, and now I have no power steering which makes turning difficult.
I was almost home and all the sudden i could barely control my steering wheel, it was so hard to turn and i almost hit another car. Thats when it dawned on me the power steering quit working.
The subframe is rusted. There is an actual hole in the subframe. Yes, as of today, it is available for inspection. It has been put on a lift and looked at by an independent service center, which deemed it unsafe to drive. Because of this costly issue, the vehicle has been pa…
Brakes and power steering failed within 1 day. I’ve had brake system checked by 2 mechanics. I still have spongey brakes. Both systems seem to be a problem on these particular vehicles according to the two mechanics. Seems I’m not the only one with this problem. My vehicle came o…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Ford Escape.
Recalls for 2009 Ford Escape
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Escape. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2009 Ford Escape — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2009 Ford Escape reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2009 Ford Escape has 1,687 NHTSA owner complaints, 33 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Steering Defects (824 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Escape?▾
#1: Steering Defects (824 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (301 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (289 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Ford Escape?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Ford Escape?▾
The 2009 Ford Escape has 33 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 1,687 total NHTSA complaints. 17 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Ford Escape have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Ford Escape. The largest issue: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2009 Ford Escape?▾
The 2009 Ford Escape has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Steering Defects issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2009 Ford Escape
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.