2010 Ford Escape

Above average

Owners filed 2,069 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the vehicle speed control. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

1,760 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 59,908 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering376
702
Engine328
102
Power Train301
210
Fuel/Propulsion System296
110
Vehicle Speed Control267
612
Electrical System118
000
Structure › Body52
403
Unknown or Other45
000
Service Brakes37
000
Fuel System, Gasoline29
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump16V777000
Filed Oct 26, 2016329,265 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing15E045000
Filed Jun 3, 2015576 vehiclesTimken Company

Defect. The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

Risk. Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System14V284000
Filed May 29, 2014740,878 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.

Equipment10E043000
Filed Sep 3, 2010294 vehiclesMarathon Seat Covers, Inc.

Defect. MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Risk. AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy. MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission10V222000
Filed May 24, 201019 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".

Risk. A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 AND FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Sep 11, 2026TX

The gas tank is leaking gas on the gas tank inlet plastic yellow retainer ring appears to be broken. This gas leak has put safety family members at risk. It appears to be a manufacturer defect built defective.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 16, 2026MN

1. I purchased a 2010 Ford Escape that had a preexisting rusted frame defect. That is shown by the Ford vehicle history report and related service documentation, which support that the problem existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was determined as unsafe to drive and later broke down after the sale. Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was “not safe to drive due to rusted frame,” and after break down, Carlson Automotive also inspected the vehicle and confirmed serious issues. The vehicle and related records can be made available for inspection upon request. 2.My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the structural defect caused loss of control, steering problems, and ultimately a breakdown while driving. This created a danger to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. 3.The problem was confirmed by a dealer ( prior to the sale to me) and an independent service center ( after it broke down ). I am not aware of any police or insurance inspection of the vehicle. The seller is not cooperating. Ford bought the vehicle through a trade in and then held it for resale, top gear obtains the vehicle which then sells it on kbids to me. 4. There were warning signs before the failure THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED AND FORD ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE ITS LOT INSTEAD OF JUNKING IT. The Ford history report and service records showed the rusted frame condition before the vehicle failed, and Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that t

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 2, 2026MI

I own a 2010 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX]. Last year in 2025, my power steering went out. I found out it was from a safety recall. I took it to the Ford dealership in Sandusky, MI. They told me it wasn't a safety recall and they would not cover it. I have been searching online for a YEAR, and I finally found where that certain safety recall was only repaired by computer update, NOT by checking the actual steering column, via the previous owners. I want the steering column looked at and for free. We could have died if it had failed in a turn. The escape is sitting in my garage with NO POWERSTEERING AT ALL and no one can drive it. This is a safety risk because without power-steering I cannot turn or drive my vehicle at all. I want this repaired as soon as possible, for free. There were no messages or failures, it just stopped working. Ford is telling me that they won't fix it because it has already been repaired and it is not in their computer system. I know this is BS because if it was fixed, why is it failed now? I also learned that they did a "system update" to prevent failure of the steering column and I guess mine didn't get one. I am not a happy customer and I will NEVER buy a ford again if this is not repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Suspension
Filed Jun 4, 2026MN

Front subframe on the right side prematurely rusts, causing the vehicle to loose steering and pull to the right.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 3, 2026NY

My car is a limited version which equipped a Microsoft SYNC system which providing backup camera and vehicle system setting and information such as hybrid status, driven mode, battery charging status, GPS navigation, etc. Just because this 'Upgrade', the clock and date setting is different with regular escape hybrid cars which comes from the satellite only. Driver could adjust the hour and minute, but the day, month, and year would be reset to a certain day of 2006 if battery changing. After that, the date could be updated by GPS signal automatically. It was working well until one year ago. Now, my car is showing Oct, 2006 and running day after day. I did some research on internet and found a lot of drivers with same issue. A engineer revealed the root cause that Ford used a ten digits week counting method based on a starting date in 2006 to display the current date which could only working within 1023 weeks (17.5 years). Without changing the hardware, software might not correct this issue. I'm not sure and went to Ford dealer shop last week, they denied this issue and refused to recall even repair this car. I hope Ford could recall the fix this obvious defective product soon.

Steering
Filed May 31, 2026MO

I went out to start my car and the power steering assist fault came on and wouldn't let me turn the wheel easily. When I looked up the problem the code came back to one of the recalls Ford has on those escape. But now my car is not in the recall but it was made with in the years and the plant the they recalled for

Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2026GA

AFTERMARKET SEAT COVER AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. I can't electricly move my seats when I try and air bag warning comes in my dash board

Suspension
Filed Mar 28, 2026MI

The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.

Steering
Filed Mar 24, 2026NM

Power steering assist failure on the message board. Making it hard to turn come on and off at different times. Changed rack and pion and steering wheel sensor. Started in Dec 2025 continuing to present

Steering
Filed Mar 13, 2026MI

I took my car into the dealership they had my car for over a month now they sent that I got to pay for a recall of the steering wheel or wait

Steering
Filed Mar 7, 2026CA

Electric power steering failure. Complete loss of steering. Module in steering column failure. Cost me $4000.00 for repairs

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 6, 2026FL

I recently bought this vehicle, I think about three months ago, used obviously. I will be going down the road, and for no apparent reason the vehicle will lose power steering. Not often but about once a month. Also, the majority of the time I can smell fuel from outside the vehicle. It most definitely has a fuel leak. Today, I got down and looked behind the tire at the fuel intake and it seems to be leaking at a yellow ring on the outside of the fuel tank. While researching this issue online seems to be a common issue, however, I have pulled up my VIN many times on the recall list and it has not shown up. It seems like not only an accident hazard with steering, but a fire hazard with the fuel. The fuel issue seems to make it very “jumpy” when idling at red lights, but maybe that’s a separate issue.

Steering
Filed Feb 25, 2026166,320 milesNC

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and failed to respond as designed. The vehicle was restarted several times before the steering wheel unlocked. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,320.

Steering
Filed Jan 27, 2026SC

The steering angle sensor failed. My mechanic replaced it. I do not know if the part is still available for inspection. The safety of those in the vehicle as well as any around it were in jeopardy when the incident occurred. Thankfully no one was injured nor was there any collision for further vehicle damage. While the vehicle was running, suddenly the steering wheel whipped to the left. The vehicle was in motion when this occurred, causing the vehicle to turn further than intended, and requiring substantial strength to re-direct the vehicle under the driver's (and passenger's) guidance. As long as the vehicle was running, the power steering pulled the wheel to the most extreme left. The mechanic confirmed that the steering angle sensor was the issue and replaced it. I was able to reproduce the steering moving itself (the steering wheel, and front tire) left, when the engine was engaged. With the vehicle off, I was able to maneuver the tires left and right. But when I turned on the vehicle, the wheel would turn itself left. The mechanic assessed the vehicle, replaced the part, and reprogrammed, I presume the part, for this issue. Police officers did block traffic, in order to add safety while we pushed the vehicle out of the roadway. However they did not personally assess the vehicle, or file a traffic report that I am aware of. A friend of my daughter's did come by and feel the stiffness with steering wheel tension, also I believe they saw it turn itself left when the engine

Steering
Filed Jan 26, 2026NM

Ford 2010 escape Power assist steering fault- torque sensor needs replacement at only 92,000 miles. My steering wheel became loose and shaking aggressively while driving and at idle causing serious safety and control concerns. The steering wheel has also become very hard to turn. Ford dealer ran a diagnostic and confirmed the issue. This is the exact same issue that has been recalled on other 2010 Ford escapes.

Steering
Filed Jan 16, 2026NM

Took the car into a mechanic for shaking in the steering wheel while driving and shaking/ grinding noise coming from steering wheel while car is idle. Mechanics confirmed it is a power steering assist fault. This causes a safety concern when driving due to a possible loss of steering and harder to control.

Steering
Filed Dec 17, 2025CO

The power system assist fault light came on and steering is very difficult

Steering
Filed Nov 12, 2025OH

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel to the right to exit the highway, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle to reset the power steering. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact advised the dealer that there was a recall for the year, make and model. The contact was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering
Filed Oct 29, 2025CT

Electric Power Steering system failure related to the torque sensor. An unexpected loss of steering while driving. I was driving on the I95 on my way to work when all of a sudden I lost the ability to steer the car. It took all the strength I had to pull over to the shoulder before the car behind me swerved in the nick of time to avoid a collision. It was very scary. I turned the engine off gathered myself and turned the engine back on and the power steering returned. I exited the highway as soon as possible and drove to the mechanic. He ran a test on the car and the code came up for the recall for the electric power steering system failure which is a recall.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 26, 2025CA

Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in Victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid D is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers

20 of 2,069 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263200Routine
202523900Routine
202476801Fatalities reported
2023951130Routine
20222311940Above average
20213431990Above average
20201,5952340Above average
2019586330Above average
20181,791450Above average
20172,6784150Above average
20161,1154100Above average
20151,0939190Above average
20142,083161034Fatalities reported
20132,74918900Do not drive
2012598230Above average
20111,316370Above average
2010 — this page2,069530Above average
20091,692320Above average
20081,974560High concern
2007254422Fatalities reported
2006464592Fatalities reported
20051,3945202Fatalities reported
20044998141Fatalities reported
20035589270High concern
20021,027101042Fatalities reported
200199615583Fatalities reported
20005000Routine

Compare every Escape year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 26, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.