2009 Ford Escape Problems: 3 Known Issues
2009 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Ford Escape has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Hybrid wrench light or Stop Safely Now warning (owner reports), Electric power steering assist can shut off — recall 14V284 and Throttle body fault can cut engine power to limp-home — NHTSA investigation PE13-003. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls23 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Escape problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Ford Escape has 3 documented issues. Documented issues include: Hybrid wrench light or Stop Safely Now warning (owner reports), Electric power steering assist can shut off — recall 14V284, Throttle body fault can cut engine power to limp-home — NHTSA investigation PE13-003. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Escape reliable?
The 2009 Ford Escape has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Hybrid wrench light or Stop Safely Now warning (owner reports) and Electric power steering assist can shut off — recall 14V284 and Throttle body fault can cut engine power to limp-home — NHTSA investigation PE13-003. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2008-2012 Ford Escape Hybrid wrench light or Stop Safely Now warning (owner reports)?
Owners report a wrench light with P0A7C on 2009 and 2010 Escape Hybrids. A 2008 owner reports a red triangle and Stop Safely Now warning after hard driving. The available reports do not establish that a coolant pump caused every warning. It affects 2008–2012 Escape Hybrids; the c… Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2011 Ford Escape Electric power steering assist can shut off — recall 14V284?
A poor signal-to-noise ratio in the electric power steering torque sensor can stop the power steering module from reading the driver's steering input, so the system removes power assist and reverts to manual steering. Steering stays mechanically connected, but more effort is need… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Ford Escape Throttle body fault can cut engine power to limp-home — NHTSA investigation PE13-003?
Contacts inside the electronic throttle body motor can build up high-resistance material, causing an intermittent connection and a sudden loss of engine power. The check engine or wrench light comes on and the engine may be held near 900 rpm in a limp-home mode, while power steer… Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.