NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Escape. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
I was on the freeway and I was going 70 mph was starting to go around a small curve when I realized I had no power steering so I slowed down and took the first exit I came to, when I looked up online it said it was a modular or sensor in the steering column, it's one thing to know you don't have power steering but to go out like it did could have been a very dangerous situation I was very lucky there wasn't a lot of traffic, of course it scared me really bad, I'm a almost [XXX] that doesn't have a lot of strength so driving home was really hard on me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When my daughter was driving, she experienced complete loss of steering assist when trying to make a turn. It is still happened with no warnings at all. reference recall # 14S05 we purchased this vehicle used with only 3,322 miles on it just a few years ago and thought that it had No recall issues, but after further research it looks like the vehicle was taken to Apple Ford around 04/12/21 or 04/27/21. Looks like they cleared the recall from records, but did not address the issue. it only had about 3,322 miles on it when it was reviewed in year 2021. After the complete loss of steering assist. I took the vehicle to Lexington Park Ford on 02/09/2024, they told me it had no recalls, after further research they told me the recall was closed back on 04/2021, they wanted to charge us to fix the same thing that the recall is for and it was never properly address. we did not have it fixed, the steering assist fails at random times and makes this vehicle very unsafe to drive.
Power steering assist fault Torque sensor
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering and yes auto is available for inspection sitting in my driveway unable to drive. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My family including two small infants were driving normally as usual and the steering wheel locked up without any advance notification, which caused us all to lose our lives because a semi-truck was barreling down on us and stopped in the nick of time. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Below is the recall link given to me for my 2009 Escape. [XXX] • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes, see the attached printout from Firestone a reputable Automotive Center • Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? No, this completely caught me off guard. I spent USD 100+ to have a diagnostic done. I have two case file numbers to prove I reached out to Ford Customer Service before being denied and now having to log an official complaint. First One – [XXX] Second One – [XXX] Contact # 800.392.3673 These two case file numbers should prove I’ve followed the right procedures to get this very serious life-threatening mechanical issue resolved. As of this formal complaint, Ford Motor refuses to acknowledge their fault and offer me any financial assistance. I’m a retired senior citizen on a fixed income and cannot come up with well over $2000 to make this repair. I need my vehicle for very important doctor appointments with my cardiologist. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lose of power steering falt notice
Independent mechanic diagnosed The steering torque sensor failed. I was stopped at a stop light when the steering wheel started shaking back and forth, the wrench light illuminated and I discovered I had no power steering after driving a little ways with my grandchildren in the vehicle. I was miles from home and had to have the car towed to the mechanic as I could not steer very well and I did not want to crash. The mechanic contacted the dealer and the soonest they can even look at is 1 months from now. I contacted Ford motor as I see there is a recall on the torque sensor, I was told it doesn't include my 09 Ford Escape. Mechanic has had the vehicle for 8 days. I had to get a rental car. I do not have the invoice for repairs yet.
The car started moving the steering wheel back and forth on its own and then completely lost power steering.
Steering wheel sensor failure. We took the car to Titus Will Ford Tacoma as a recall note stated that this kind of vehicle has an active recall. Unfortunately the dealership could not find our VIN ih the list, though the car fits the criteria: Kansas assembly plant, steering wheel sensor issue. Dealership can confirm Vehicle could not be driven, due to the steering issue, and had to be towed to a dealership. Luckily, it happened as my wife was pulling out of the driveway. . There was no warning lamp but the car shook while driving on the highway. We first thought it was needing wheels balancing. Found out it was not, when my wife tried backing out the driveway and could not steer.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse in a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact then wiggled the steering wheel back and forth, and the steering wheel responded as needed. The contact stated that she drove to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic’s shop was closed. The contact then drove to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,979.
THE ENGINE TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREWAY, WAS THE MOST SCARY THING FOR ME AND MY KIDS , I HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK TEH VEHICLE BUT I COULDN'T FIND ANYHTING, THE BATTERY AND OIL LIGTH COME ON THE DASH BOARD, I HAD TO PULL OVER ADN TURN TEH EMERGENCY LIGHT AND PULL OVER
Driving at 40mph the front right wheel collapsed due to the sub frame failure (rusted out and separated}. I understand that Ford did not treat the frame member for rust properly causing catastrophic failure. Fortunately it did not cause an accident or personal injury. Talking to my mechanic he said it is a common problem in 2004-2012 Ford Escapes, Mercury Mariners,and Masda Tributes.
I was driving in a busy intersection when my steering wheel just would not turn, it just locked. I've gotten 2 parts fixed on my steering wheel and it keeps locking. Extremely unsafe.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Power Steering Assist Fault," message was displayed and the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,000.
Loss of power steering. Ford recall 14S05, not showing for this vehicle. Worked from one minute next minute complete loss of power steering
Vehicle will stop running instantaneously. car will restart after several seconds. No engine warning light so there are no codes to read. The frequency had increased from every few days, but now happens every time you drive.
Brakes developed excessive travel and a soft feel which makes driving at high speeds dangerous. Replaced master cylinder and new front disc pads and rotors, two power bleeds performed but brake shop unable to correct or identify the problem. No warning lights came on. Online research indicates many others with the same problem on their Escapes. Problem appears to be same as a recall issued for other Ford models of the same year, but no recall has been issued for the Escape. The recall for other Fords is "Recall 19S54 – ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event," and is related to DOT 3 brake fluid turning into a gel and causing ABS valve(s) to remain open.
My Ford Escape's ABS system failed, exhibiting the exact same symptoms as a different Ford recall for another model, Ford Fusion 2006-2010 (NHTSA Recall 19V-904, manufacturer recall 19S54). The symptoms were extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash. There were NO warning dash lights or alerts due to the ABS failure. No codes for the failed ABS module were found by my mechanic. Because of this, we replaced the brake booster first, thinking that was the problem, but this made no difference. We contacted multiple Ford Service Depts. as well as a higher manager, seeking a recall or courtesy repair for the ABS module. Everyone contacted admitted that they had heard about multiple complaints on this module in Ford Escaped, but since no specific recall was made for the Ford Escape, they could not cover the ABS module. In total, I spent approximately $589 on the brake booster parts/labor (which turned out not to be the problem), then an addional $1765 parts/labor to repair the ABS module. I was surprised that the recall I found for the Ford Fusion 2006-2010 so exactly matched my vehicle's problem, but Ford has never issued a recall or offered repairs for this important safety component. With no dash warning lights, no problem codes displayed, along with the sheer number for Ford Escapes on the road, I suspect this ABS module is an enormous safety concern.
My Traction Control Lamp, ABS Light, and Brake Light, have all illuminated on the dash at one time when I came out to my car after work. When I went into work there was no lights on. On my way to work there were no lights on, and no brake issues. Now there are. My brake fluid level is full. There is no leaking fluids from the rotors, brake lines etc. Now all these lights are on, and my brakes are pulsing slightly. I looked today and see there was a recall on this system. I have had this vehicle for 6 years, and I know I never took it in for any recalls. When was this ABS System brake recall? When was it done on this vehicle, and is it possible that the FMC just did the cheapest repairs it could do? I need to know because I have a 4 yr old son that rides with me in this vehicle. I need to know when it was done, and what was done, PLEASE.
Brakes intermittingly do not work. Mechanic can not find a part that is constantly failing but did have the brakes not work at one point while test driving. Does not prompt any warning lights or error codes when it happens. Looking online this is a very common problem.
It says the power steering was recalled. When I try to drive my steering wheel gets stuck.
Was informed during inspection the subframe is rusted very badly and could fail. In doing research the 2009 Ford escape has had these recalled for this specific reason that the subframe components were not properly coated causing rust and failure. My VIN isn't on the list after speaking to Ford. My next step is to address you to see if it needed to get added as it is exact nature of the original 2006 subframe recall that mine is not a part of yet needs to be
Power steering has gone out and it registered a fault of B1342. This makes it extremely hard to steer and a safety issue. Ford should be taking care of this as the vehicle only has 80;000 miles on it. Dealership says parts are on back order and it will cost $3,600 to repair.
I was parking my car at a mechanical shop. When I pulled into a parking spot the car failed to stop and went into the neghbors yard going into the wire fence scracthing the the car. I was not going fast but car was scratch up badly. As far as I know the car was not inspected by anyone. The car stayed at the mechanic's garage for about seven weeks until the ABS was replaced.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and making a lane change, the steering wheel slightly pulled to the right. The contact attempted to correct the turn to the right however, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the check battery warning light was illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off and on. The contact stated that the power steering regained functionality. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and he stopped driving the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 222,563.
vehicle steering assist stopped working in multi lane traffic and had to manually steer to roadside almost causing a accident. vehicle was turned off and on 6 times before assist started to work and later failed again driving it home. currently it does not work at all now and vehicle is not used due to life safety issues caused by this problem and family members not able to manually steer the car. In researching in the internet this is happening in numerous ford escapes and no recall noted online with vin search.
At 200,000 miles I'm beginning to have problems withe electric power steering along with suspension issues as well. i start my vehicle drive for a bit could be turning or coming to a brake an steering gives out cause me to work to turn it
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the power train warning light illuminated randomly but disappeared. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Car steering is very stiff as if the steering is locked, and the car is hard to steer at the start of the car or when driven at low speeds below 30mph.
Was driving down the highway and went to make a turn and couldnt. The steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. Power assist fault came on and now car will not let you turn the wheel if you are going under 30 mph
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became firm without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and turn off the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and advised to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The contact's daughter owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The failure mileage was 116,475.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel became firm with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 165,600.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel started shaking with the power steering assist fault message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The contact called a dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a recall on similar vehicles. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
My vehicles steering wheel is having problems turning. Its stuck and if I drive it it will definitely cause a crash bc it wont turn. Its very tight and hardly moves.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the steering wheel suddenly stiffened, and maneuvering the vehicle became extremely difficult. The service engine and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the angle sensor and clock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 118,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the power steering assist and tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but over time became a recurring failure. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned; however, the process worked infrequently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Steering wheel is hard and instrument cluster problem
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Oh yes my power steering went out without warning without notice took it to the shop put it on a diagnostic machine they said it was the power power steering I called my the dealer here in Owensboro they said that the problem was fixed in 2014 the same exact problem that I'm having now so obviously there is a history of this safety matter so it's going to be so is there going to be another recall on it or how we going to solve this problem you.
I was driving my 2009 Escape and the steering wheel started shaking back and forth. Then the power assist went out and I is very hard to steer. I took it to a dealer and they said either the sensor was bad ( $1000 ) to replace or the steering column was bad ($2200) to replace, but they could not get the part. They charged me $130 to diagnosis the problem which took 10 minutes and they knew the steering assist light being on that was the problem. then they told me they could not get the steering column, on mega back order so they won't know when they would get the part. On top of that, they charged a $15 shop FEE. For what? FORD suck and I will never own one again and I will tell anyone who listens that FORD SUCKS.
The contact's aunt owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his aunt was driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently. The message "Steering Torque Sensor Failure" was displayed. The contact's aunt was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the nearby dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced and that the failure was related to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 168,054.
While making a turn the power steering stopped working, the steering wheel jolted straight, giving me the only option to drive straight versus making the turn. From that point the power steering randomly works.
While driving, the power steering kicked off and made it extremely difficult to turn, which was very dangerous. This has happened intermittently 6-9 times over the past several days, it appears the fault is getting worse and happening more frequently.
The contact's spouse owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his spouse was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the power steering assist became inoperable, and the steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that on several occasions, the power steering fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot at 20-25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle several times; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle at low speed by using physical force to steer the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The electronic steering on our 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid stopped working. We responded to the 14S05 recall. Our dealer reprogrammed the system and that seemed to work, however the problem is not with the program, the issue as shared with us by the Ford dealer is with The torque sensor or the electronic steering switches that are affixed to the steering column. The repair per the dealer is to replace the steering column. The software was not the issue, the Ford components are the issue. The recall letter states that "...the dealer may need to replace the torque sensor or the steering column. This service will be performed free of charge (parts and labor). But now Ford will not authorize the repair since the it was 'fixed' previously with software. A correction that ultimately failed. Ford's customer service is unwilling to acknowledge this reoccurring issue as shown by the complaints here. From Ford's perspective they believe the dealer is at fault for not undertakign the proper correction, when the dealer was first advised to address the problem with software. I.e. the cheaper solution. Ford has a know component failure issue that it is refusing to address.
The power steering suddenly stopped working. I checked for recall and there was one- however it says not for my vehicle- but others of the exact year, make and model. It concerns me that a problem was identified yet they might not be fixing every vehicle it effects. I highly doubt it is a coincidence that this exact issue is happening to my car that has happened to so many others of the same model/year out of the blue.
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loss of power steering assist. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 91,300.
Power steering just stopped working
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist became disabled. A clicking noise was coming from the steering column. The check battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage 200,000.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026