2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Escape Hybrid › 2010
These records cover every 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
59 complaints3 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and was still in park(P) in the driveway, the steering wheel failed to turn and seemed to be seized. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist" warning light was illuminated. The contact had…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and was still in park(P) in the driveway, the steering wheel failed to turn and seemed to be seized. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist" warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) recall repair had been completed in 2014 and that he had to pay to for Electronic Power Steering Assist repair out of pocket. The contact stated that he was the second owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Power Steering Failure" message displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who determined that the Power Steering…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Power Steering Failure" message displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who determined that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 202,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that she…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that she was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer and to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was in Park, the transmission would slip. The vehicle would move without the parking brake being deactivated. The contact researched and found a possible failure with the Park retention pin. The contact contacted the…
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was in Park, the transmission would slip. The vehicle would move without the parking brake being deactivated. The contact researched and found a possible failure with the Park retention pin. The contact contacted the dealer who stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 10V222000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,500
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2010 ford escape hybrid. While the contact's wife was driving 60 mph, an odor of fuel emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure could be attributed to nhtsa campaign number: 16v777000 (fuel…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 ford escape hybrid. While the contact's wife was driving 60 mph, an odor of fuel emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure could be attributed to nhtsa campaign number: 16v777000 (fuel system, gasoline). The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
- Engine
Engine shuts off while in park or when driving. Marked today going 45 and engine shut off.
- Electrical system · Steering
The electric power steering stopped working 3 times while driving my daughter had to put the flasher on and muscle the car to the side of the road the last time she was almost hit by another car. At the same time the radio and fdim would come on erratically and really loud. Took the car to larry h…
The electric power steering stopped working 3 times while driving my daughter had to put the flasher on and muscle the car to the side of the road the last time she was almost hit by another car. At the same time the radio and fdim would come on erratically and really loud. Took the car to larry h miller ford in slc utah they charged her 90.00 which she never agreed to, reprogrammed the car only and replaced no parts. larry miller ford sent my daughter out with a car that IS not safe, the radio and fdim still go off and on in a startling fashion and knowing that this problem will most likely occur again. I just want the car fixed so all safety hazards are addressed.
- Engine · Structure › Body · Wheels
I was never told about a recall and this car frame was cracked and was never told about it from anyone front the dealer I bought it from or the company that fixed it.
- Steering
My vehicle was in park and I started it. The 'power steering assist fault' alert sounded and displayed. I could not physically steer the car and my husband had to drive the car home. we took it to our usual mechanic, who ran diagnostics and found dtc b2278. He did not want to replace it, and…
My vehicle was in park and I started it. The 'power steering assist fault' alert sounded and displayed. I could not physically steer the car and my husband had to drive the car home. we took it to our usual mechanic, who ran diagnostics and found dtc b2278. He did not want to replace it, and suggested we look into a recall. He even provided the recall number which appeared applicable. our vehicle was manufactured at the kansas city plant during the manufacture time frame of recall 14s05, but our vin does not show eligible for the recall. We believe it should be included in recall 14s05, since that specific recall was for this exact problem, known to occur on vehicles manufactured at that plant during that timespan. I would like to know the exact reason my vehicle IS not currently included in recall 14s05. I would like to know specifically which criteria IS used to decide which vin numbers are eligible for this recall.
- Steering
While I was driving during colder weather suddenly it lost complete steering power this resulted in very hard steering. this occurred a few more times. There was no warning lights prior to this happening and no warning lights during the failure.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2010 ford escape hybrid. While driving approximately 15 mph and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle lost steering ability. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who determined that the electric power steering assist failed and needed replacement. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 ford escape hybrid. While driving approximately 15 mph and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle lost steering ability. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who determined that the electric power steering assist failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was driven to latham ford (637 columbia street ext, latham, ny 12110) and was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 231,000.
- Service brakes
The check brake system light comes on, red brake warning light, audible alarm and brake pedal to the floor. The hev stops working and the gas motor doesn't shutoff. This has happen a number of times ford dealer "no codes found, unable to duplicate". Have had a complete brake job done, with upgraded…
The check brake system light comes on, red brake warning light, audible alarm and brake pedal to the floor. The hev stops working and the gas motor doesn't shutoff. This has happen a number of times ford dealer "no codes found, unable to duplicate". Have had a complete brake job done, with upgraded parts as recommended. Problem still continues to come and go intermittently. talk to other ford escape hybrid owners and all seem to have the same problem with the check brake system and the pedal to the floor when brakes are applied.
- Service brakes
While driving our car, in good weather, (110,000 miles on the vehicle) flashed error message "check brake system" it lost all assisted brakes and we had to mash the brakes to the floor to brake adequately. fortunately we weren't on a highway or in any traffic otherwise this would have absolutely…
While driving our car, in good weather, (110,000 miles on the vehicle) flashed error message "check brake system" it lost all assisted brakes and we had to mash the brakes to the floor to brake adequately. fortunately we weren't on a highway or in any traffic otherwise this would have absolutely caused an accident. ford IS saying it'll cost upwards of 5K to have the brakes fixed, it's an electronic module that they believe IS defective, they aren't sure if this will fully fix the issue. I have found many other reports of the same issue with the ford escape hybrids. this should be recalled and fixed by ford as obviously any loss of brake function IS unacceptable in my opinion.
- Power train · Suspension · Unknown or other
When trying to get the car from stop to start the gear are not working correclty seem to skip from 2ND to 1ST and studders when trying to move.
- Engine
On sunday, april 22, 2018, while ascending a grade on the pacific coast highway in newport beach, ca, the 'yellow wrench' warning light on my 2010 ford escape suddenly illuminated and the vehicle rapidly deaccelerated and did not respond to the throttle. At that moment I was in the left lane of a…
On sunday, april 22, 2018, while ascending a grade on the pacific coast highway in newport beach, ca, the 'yellow wrench' warning light on my 2010 ford escape suddenly illuminated and the vehicle rapidly deaccelerated and did not respond to the throttle. At that moment I was in the left lane of a 3-lane highway with other vehicles approaching from behind and passing at 50 mph. My vehicle slowed to about 5 mph as I attempted to move to the right where I hoped it had enough momentum that I could make it to the top of the grade and exit the highway. The right-hand exit was downhill and I was able to coast and creep into a market parking lot where I turned off the engine and tried to calm down. From the vehicle manual I learned that the 'yellow wrench' indicated 'throttle control or drive train problems.' as it turned out it was a sunday morning and I did not have a phone with me so I decided to try restarting the engine. It started and the yellow wrench did not illuminate. After a short test drive in the parking lot I decided to cancel my errands and try to return home, a distance of a few miles. I drove at 25-30 mph on residential side streets and made it home with no further problems. The next day I took the car into the local ford dealer and described what had happened. I was told they would look into it and report back. Later I was informed that the problem was a defective throttle body and they had a replacement part. When I came in to pick up the car I was informed that there was no charge because the repair 'was under warranty!' this was a big surprise, since I had never received any notice of a potential problem nor of a warranty extension. Sudden deacceleration would be dangerous on a freeway in rush hour traffic, not mitigated by "limp home" capability
- Steering
My vehicle steering IS locked no movement it says steering system assistance it IS binding very hard.
- Steering
Power steering: wife started car with baby in the back, and the power steering system was out. Cluster displaying "power steering assist fault". Fuse appears to be intact. Contacted ford about recall# 14s05, and multiple reps say there IS no active recall, even though it's listed on the nhtsa site.
- Steering
I received an error about my steering assistant and then my steering just went out. it was extremely hard to turn the wheel and I was driving my mother home. I am lucky we weren't both killed! or killed someone else!!! I was surprised to find out that my vin isn't covered as part of the recall…
I received an error about my steering assistant and then my steering just went out. it was extremely hard to turn the wheel and I was driving my mother home. I am lucky we weren't both killed! or killed someone else!!! I was surprised to find out that my vin isn't covered as part of the recall that involves this same issue. it will be $900 to fix and I'm unsure how to complain. ford IS an upstanding company that I though stood by its products but I'm finding out that may not be the case. it IS unfortunate to my family as well, since its only a few weeks until christmas but will need to pay this expense. there IS a sticker on the windshield that says it was made in kansas. based on the recall in place that IS the plant affected. I can send a pic of that sticker if you need it.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2010 ford escape hybrid. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle lost steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering required excessive effort to operate. The power steering and traction stability control warning indicators illuminated. Leif johnson ford…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 ford escape hybrid. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle lost steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering required excessive effort to operate. The power steering and traction stability control warning indicators illuminated. Leif johnson ford (501 e kaenig ln, austin, tx) diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referenced nhtsa campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The contact was informed that the recall was satisfied after the software was updated. The contact stated that the recall letter stated that there were three steps that were to be performed regarding the recall; however, the dealer only performed the first step. The failure mileage was 95,000. *Bf *as the consumer wanted to add 4 questions to evoq and they are as follows: why or how, would reprogramming the pscm remedy the faulty torque sensor? why would or how could this satisfy the recall enough to close it out, all the while, the faulty torque sensor IS still in my vehicle? if a software update was completed, customers should keep a faulty part in their vehicle, even though that faulty part IS prone to a failure that could lead to an accident? if this IS not the position held, can you confirm for me then, it seems to be the position of ford, that if the replacement parts have a lower probability of failing, this still does not warrant an extension to the coverage for those older/original parts, IS this correct? *tr
- Steering
Problem first arose while driving ~60 mph on highway, there was a slight jerk of the steering wheel, as well as a dinging-alarm heard. Did not notice a warning on the dash at the time, car drove fine the rest of the day besides this quick incident. A few days later, the power steering went out upon…
Problem first arose while driving ~60 mph on highway, there was a slight jerk of the steering wheel, as well as a dinging-alarm heard. Did not notice a warning on the dash at the time, car drove fine the rest of the day besides this quick incident. A few days later, the power steering went out upon turning right at a stop light, steering was very hard but manageable. Upon starting the car again later the same day, I noticed a message of "power steering assist fault" on my dash along with dinging heard, and no power steering at all. Drove home without power steering, forced and difficult turning. Found that there were recalls for this problem of my car, just not for my vin specifically.
- Service brakes
While driving at 30 mph on a city street, the power brake system failed. my wife was able to eventually stop the car by pressing down as hard as possible on the brake. luckily the car stopped just before entering the intersection against a red light. she parked the car and had it towed to the…
While driving at 30 mph on a city street, the power brake system failed. my wife was able to eventually stop the car by pressing down as hard as possible on the brake. luckily the car stopped just before entering the intersection against a red light. she parked the car and had it towed to the dealer. we were informed that the problem was a faulty electronic brake control module (ebcm.) we were also informed that an employee at the dealer had the same problem. both failures were without warning while the vehicle was being operated. Our car has approximately 95,000 miles on it. this IS a serious failure of an essential safety system within the vehicle, and appears to not be an isolated incident. I therefore believe that ford should be required to recall all vehicles subject to this catastrophic failure and repair and/or replace the defective parts at their expense.
- Steering
My vehicle IS covered under recall #14v284000. I have tried 4 times with local ford dealership to setup this appointment and each time gotten a run around. dates and times I attempted to try: feb 15TH at 4:07pm, feb 11, feb 8TH, 2:15pm, feb 1ST, at 1:45pm and jan 2ND at 2:45pm. ford IS clearly…
My vehicle IS covered under recall #14v284000. I have tried 4 times with local ford dealership to setup this appointment and each time gotten a run around. dates and times I attempted to try: feb 15TH at 4:07pm, feb 11, feb 8TH, 2:15pm, feb 1ST, at 1:45pm and jan 2ND at 2:45pm. ford IS clearly trying to avoid fixing my truck and has given me excusing ranging from we will have service department call you back to no one IS in the service department right now. never have they called me back once. I consider this criminal intent to avoid fixing this issue till my vehicle IS over the 150,000 limit. I am expecting nhtsa to promote this case as such or I will do so with every means at my disposal.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle idled roughly. at a light, vehicle idled roughly, dashboard wrench icon light up, and engine stalled. this happened twice. was able to start again and drive to dealer. dealer determined it was throttle body and replaced it.
- Steering
The steering assist system turns on and off at will and makes the vehicle nearly inoperable and definetly a safefty issue.
- Service brakes
Hydraulic control unit failure at 65000 miles. car was in motion, driving down the road at normal speeds. ABS, traction control, and brake indicators all lit as well as a message to check brakes all came on simultaneously. applying the brakes caused dramatically reduced braking ability (nearly…
Hydraulic control unit failure at 65000 miles. car was in motion, driving down the road at normal speeds. ABS, traction control, and brake indicators all lit as well as a message to check brakes all came on simultaneously. applying the brakes caused dramatically reduced braking ability (nearly none), rendering the car undrivable. car has been meticulously serviced at the dealer since purchase. purchased the extended bumper to bumper warranty and that ended last year. repair cost $2500 at the dealer.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
- Loss of power steering while driving
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric…
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
- Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford…
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10195291Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- 10109036Some 2005-2012 Escape Hybrid and 2006-2011 Mariner Hybrid vehicles may set DTCs P0A81 (battery pack cooling fan 1 control circuit) and/or P0A96 (battery pack cooling fan 2 control circuit) in the traction battery control module (TBCM). These codes by themselves normally do not result in any symptoms that are noticeable to the customer. DTCs P0A81/P0A96 are typically found when diagnosing other drivability concerns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
- 10057834Ford: no service action IS recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter noise, at highway speeds when the rear door window(s) or sunroof are open.
- 10044540Ford: due to a possible leak in the internal check valve, the red brake lamp illuminates with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1015, c0101c or p1a1b with brake pedal feeling no change.
Every Ford Escape Hybrid model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.