2009 Ford Escape: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Ford Escape? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,687 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2009 Ford Escape Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2009 Ford Escape trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2009 Ford Escape Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated20.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
20.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Ford Escape has 1,687 owner complaints, 33 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Escape
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,687
- Crash-related complaints
- 33
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Ford Escape Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Ford Escape?
The 2009 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Ford Escape
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components thoroughly, including power steering system and tie rods.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components thoroughly, including power steering system and tie rods.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Ford Escape, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Ford Escape are heavily concentrated in steering defects, with over 800 reports. Transmission, engine, and unintended acceleration issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential concerns with steering components, though consumer reports do not confirm manufacturing defects.
- Steering defects account for the largest share of complaints, with 824 reports.
- Transmission/drivetrain and engine problems each have around 300 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 279 complaints.
- There are 33 crash-related complaints out of 1687 total.
- Steering Defects: 824 complaints, indicating a potential issue with steering components.
- Transmission / Drivetrain: 301 complaints, suggesting possible transmission reliability concerns.
- Engine Problems: 289 complaints, pointing to engine-related issues.
All 2009 Ford Escape Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Escape. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2009 Ford Escape Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Ford Escape. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Ford Escape Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Ford Escape reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,687 owner complaints, 33 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Ford Escape, NHTSA complaints include 33 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 1,687 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Ford Escape have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Ford Escape. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Ford Escape?▾
The 2009 Ford Escape shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Ford Escape based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.