2009 FORD ESCAPE Complaints and Recall Information
The 2009 FORD ESCAPE has 14 complaints and 3 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report loss of power steering assist, often without warning lights, posing safety risks. Several complaints also mention issues with the brake system, subframe rust, and occasional engine-related malfunctions.
Common Issues
- Power steering failure. Numerous reports of power steering assist suddenly failing while driving, sometimes linked to steering torque sensor faults or electric power steering system malfunctions.
- Recall-related steering problems. Some vehicles show steering assist faults similar to those covered under recall 14S05 but are not included in the recall list, leaving owners without repair options.
- EGR valve malfunction. Loss of power steering linked to EGR valve failures, confirmed by independent mechanics, with no recall coverage for repair.
- Brake system defects. Repeated brake system repairs with persistent issues such as brake pedal going to the floor or spongy brakes, reported by multiple owners and mechanics.
- Subframe corrosion. Severe rust causing holes in the subframe, deemed unsafe to drive and requiring costly replacement rather than repair.
There are 3 recalls affecting this vehicle that address aftermarket seat covers, electric power steering assist system, and front wheel bearings. These recalls involve equipment safety, steering electronics, and suspension components.
Recalls
- Seat covers. (NHTSA 10E043000) Affects 294 vehicles. Heavier thread seat covers sold as aftermarket equipment could interfere with side airbag deployment, increasing injury risk. Marathon will replace affected seat covers free of charge.
- Electric power steering. (NHTSA 14V284000 / 14S05) Affects 740,878 vehicles. Steering torque sensor may fail to detect driver input, causing loss of electric power steering assist. This increases steering effort at low speeds and raises crash risk. Ford updates software and replaces components if fault history exists, free of charge.
- Front wheel bearings. (NHTSA 15E045000) Affects 576 vehicles. Incorrectly sized aftermarket front wheel bearings sold as service parts can impair braking and steering, raising crash risk. Timken offers free replacement bearings to purchasers through distributors.
Owners facing repeated power steering failures, unresolved recall repairs, or safety-related defects may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting with a qualified legal professional can help clarify available options.
2009 FORD ESCAPE Summary
2009
Model Year
14
Total Complaints
3
Total Recalls
741748
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2009 FORD ESCAPE
576 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
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.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
740878 vehicles affected
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
294 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT
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.
Complaints
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2125246STRUCTURE:BODY
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 parked and not driven, leaving me without transportation as I cannot afford to replace an entire subframe as patching doesn’t seem to be an option due to the amount of rust.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2098546SERVICE BRAKES
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 out of the Kansas City Assembly Plant. It’s a 2009 Ford Escape. I understand that some models out of that facility had recalls.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2097951STEERING
Unknown. Cranked vehicle and had no power steering.05/27/25
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2097682ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the EGR valve. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 129,082.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2097681STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the EGR valve. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 129,082.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2097680ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the EGR valve. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 129,082.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2090188STEERING
The ford escape is experiencing the exact power steering assist fault, same year model in Safety Recall 14S05, but it’s not showing up for the recall.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2090187ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The ford escape is experiencing the exact power steering assist fault, same year model in Safety Recall 14S05, but it’s not showing up for the recall.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2082017SERVICE BRAKES
I have had every part of my brake system replaced multi times and the brake pedal gos to the floor, no one can fix it. When trying to search online, it looks like this is a known issue. Multiple multiple forms with multiple websites people having the same issue. With this Specific vehicle but no one can find a answers.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2074152STEERING
Power steering torque sensor has gone out. Dealership has diagnosed the issue.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2067451STEERING
Vehicle was involved in recall 14S05 for electric power steering failure. Recall was completed in 2016 with no parts replaced because parts had not failed yet - only a reprogram of PSCM was done. Parts have now failed, and power steering has failed. I contacted my Ford dealer, who said they will not help, yet admitted that at the time the recall was completed parts had not failed but have now. I called Ford customer service and was told they will do nothing. I pushed back given the obvious safety concerns, but they were unmoved. They would not allow me to escalate. I'm firm in my belief that Ford should fix the issue here. Not sure where else to go, but starting with the NHTSA.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2060887ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As many other Ford escapes have been recalled due to power steering issues. Mine has been going out while driving and causing a very dangerous safety issue. Ive contacted my local ford dealership and noticed my 2009 ford escape is not on the recall list. Im requesting a change to this as my vehicle is a real safety issue for not just myself but for others. No warning lights appear whenever it goes out either.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2060886STEERING
As many other Ford escapes have been recalled due to power steering issues. Mine has been going out while driving and causing a very dangerous safety issue. Ive contacted my local ford dealership and noticed my 2009 ford escape is not on the recall list. Im requesting a change to this as my vehicle is a real safety issue for not just myself but for others. No warning lights appear whenever it goes out either.
2009 FORD ESCAPE
ID: 2055565STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn to the right or the left. The contact stated that the power steering assist was inoperable. The contact called the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer, who confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. The VIN was not available.