2009 Ford Escape Problems
What owners have reported about the 2009 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2009 Ford Escape a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,693 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, transmission and engine.
1,693 complaints 3 recalls 7th worst of 18 Escape years
Top 2009 Ford Escape problems
Steering problems
828 complaints (49%) name the steering, most often the column and electric power assist system.
Transmission problems
301 complaints (18%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and seal.
Engine problems
289 complaints (17%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and engine.
Acceleration problems
279 complaints (17%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,396 of 1,693). The amber line is the middle value, about 91,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2009 Ford Escape recalls
Wheel bearing
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. Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge.
Recall 15E045000 · Jun 2015Electric power assist system
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. 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 14V284000 · May 2014Equipment
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. An improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury.
Fix: Marathon will notify owners of record and replace the seat cover free of charge.
Recall 10E043000 · Sep 2010Get an email when your 2009 Ford Escape gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 Ford Escape, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Escape years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2009 Ford Escape problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2009 Ford Escape a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,693 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, transmission and engine.
What are the most common 2009 Ford Escape problems?
Owners most often report problems with the steering, transmission, engine and acceleration and speed control. 828 complaints (49%) name the steering, most often the column and electric power assist system.
At what mileage do 2009 Ford Escape steering problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 91,000–150,000 miles, with a middle value near 122,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Escape have?
3. Wheel bearing (15E045000); Electric power assist system (14V284000); Equipment (10E043000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2009 Ford Escape?
Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.