2011 Ford Escape Hybrid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Escape Hybrid › 2011
These records cover every 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
37 complaints3 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
The steering wheel locked in one position i pulled over shut off the car restarted and the steering wheel started working again. Is their a recall on my 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid with this problem. This scared me to death I got lucky and the road was straight and I was able to stop the car. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while attempting to stop the vehicle the brake pedal extended to the floorboard, causing the stopping distance to be extended. The…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while attempting to stop the vehicle the brake pedal extended to the floorboard, causing the stopping distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while 65 MPH on the freeway, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the power steering assist failed to operate. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while 65 MPH on the freeway, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the power steering assist failed to operate. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacture was made of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was transferred by the manufacturer to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle experienced electrical power steering failure. The check engine and brake system light warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle experienced electrical power steering failure. The check engine and brake system light warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for several years. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque sensor and the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated that he was able to safely pull to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted the vehicle drove…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated that he was able to safely pull to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted the vehicle drove normally for approximately 30 minutes before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of NHTSA campaign 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Steering
When steering car making tight turns causes the steering wheel to lock up and makes it extremely difficult to turn.
- Service brakes
I was driving in atlanta, crossed rr tracks while breaking and ABS and other lights flashed. At the same time I lost all breaking power in my 2011 escape hybrid, the break pedal when all the way to the floor. I was able to swerve into a parking lot and the breaks worked enough for me to stop the…
I was driving in atlanta, crossed rr tracks while breaking and ABS and other lights flashed. At the same time I lost all breaking power in my 2011 escape hybrid, the break pedal when all the way to the floor. I was able to swerve into a parking lot and the breaks worked enough for me to stop the car. After sitting for about 20 minutes I started the escape back up and drive around the parking lot, the breaks seemed to be working again so I drove home. I took the escape to hennessy ford in atlanta ga, they reported two error codes reported indicating a failed hcu (hydraulic control unit) and a failed ecu (electronic control unit). It was explained that the ecu IS the "brain" for the hcu. After resetting the system and test driving the escape, the codes appeared again quickly. Hennessy ford quoted $4100.00 to replace both the hcu and ecu.
- Service brakes
I was driving in atlanta ga on city streets, crossed rr tracks while breaking and ABS and other lights flashed. At the same time I lost all breaking power, the break pedal when all the way to the floor. I was able to swerve into a parking lot and the breaks worked enough for me to stop the car.…
I was driving in atlanta ga on city streets, crossed rr tracks while breaking and ABS and other lights flashed. At the same time I lost all breaking power, the break pedal when all the way to the floor. I was able to swerve into a parking lot and the breaks worked enough for me to stop the car. After sitting for about 20 minutes I started the escape back up and drive around the parking lot, the breaks seemed to be working again so I drove home. I took the escape to hennessy ford in atlanta ga, they reported two error codes reported indicating a failed hcu (hydraulic control unit) and a failed ecu (electronic control unit). It was explained that the ecu IS the "brain" for the hcu. After resetting the system and test driving the escape, the codes appeared again quickly. Hennessy ford quoted $4100.00 to replace both the hcu and ecu.
- Steering
After driving less than a mile from home on a cold day, I was stopped to turn left with the steering wheel turned hard left. the steering wheel forced itself back right with significant force. I couldn't turn it back right so I turned off the ignition. when I turned it back on the steering…
After driving less than a mile from home on a cold day, I was stopped to turn left with the steering wheel turned hard left. the steering wheel forced itself back right with significant force. I couldn't turn it back right so I turned off the ignition. when I turned it back on the steering behaved normally. I took it to a mechanic who performed an inspection and checked the computer codes. that report IS attached. the report states that the fault codes indicated a problem with the torque/angle sensor and steering control module. this problem, should it occur while moving could cause an accident and possible death. since my vin number IS not covered by the existing recalls for this type of problem, I would like the nhtsa to investigate and add my vin to the recall 14v284000 or 14s05.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Remote started vehicle and was walking up less than 2 minutes after. Notice puddle under gas tank area. Gas was pouring out. Vehicle was running but stationary. It was obvious later that gass has been leaking out when I was driving to work
- Steering
I was driving out of a parking lot (going very slow) when my steering wheel started to shake and I could not move the steering wheel right or left it was frozen my entire dash board lit up. I quickly turned off the car and turned it back on - my steering wheel was still shaking but not as much…
I was driving out of a parking lot (going very slow) when my steering wheel started to shake and I could not move the steering wheel right or left it was frozen my entire dash board lit up. I quickly turned off the car and turned it back on - my steering wheel was still shaking but not as much and my dash had the tcs code on. I took it to ford dealership right away and the car was difficult to drive made me so nervous. at a stop light I threw it in neutral and that did seem to help and got rid of the constant tsc light on the dash and the car drove a little smoother to the dealership. the dealership said that I need a new steering wheel column along with torque sensor and software update. I asked if this IS from wear and tear and they said no just a faulty malfunction to the tune of 2036 dollars. I have a ford escape 2011 with 84,000 miles on it only serviced at ford for it's life. I have a case number with the ford regional service manager who will decide if they will take care of this since there IS a recall for this same problem(14s05) for over a million ford escapes and mariners 2008-2011. the recall does not include the hybrid but there are so many less hybrids out there so they are not included. however I had a throttle problem a couple of years back where my car would stall out going 60 miles and hour super dangerous. there was a recall for ford escapes for the throttle but not the ford escape hybrid however they did cover the repair since it was the same problem existing in my car. I am hoping they will cover this again since it IS the same problem (ie recall) of the ford escape and mariners 2008-2011. Also this IS so dangerous thank goodness I was not on the highway because there IS no way I could turn that steering wheel!
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
I bought my vehicle, used, a couple of years ago. I asked for the carfax and if there were any issues with the vehicle. The salesman let me glance at his screen and scrolled through to humor me and promised there were no issues. A few days ago while driving on the highway using cruise control, the…
I bought my vehicle, used, a couple of years ago. I asked for the carfax and if there were any issues with the vehicle. The salesman let me glance at his screen and scrolled through to humor me and promised there were no issues. A few days ago while driving on the highway using cruise control, the cc kicked off and my car jerked. Since then, I have had trouble accelerating and controlling the speed of my car. A littel orange wrench came on. This morning as I was driving to work, the check engine light came on. I felt like I almost got into 3 accidents for lack of control of my car. I took it to the shop and they told me I shouldn't even be driving it because of the lack of speed control. Now I'm stuck paying hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands, for lack of proper disclosure and faulty manufacturing. Ford issues a lifetime warranty rather than a recall, which IS a disgrace as they're waiting for customers to deal with problems and get hurt before they fix anything. This should not be possible!
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel delivery module may develop a crack in the fuel supply port, which could result in a leak safety recall notice 16s41 / nhtsa recall 16V - 777
- Visibility/wiper
One january 23, 2018, the rear window of my legally-parked 2011 ford escape hybrid limited suddenly spontaneously exploded. thousands of glass fragments went all over, narrowly missing a human and a dog, but there were no apparent injuries. the car was not moving at the time, but was legally parked and totally stationary.
- Steering
Steering wheel doesnt move
- Unknown or other
Gear shifter lever goes into park but vehicle continuous rolling forward, exclamation sign comes on vehicle displays safely vehicle will not start until you shift it to drive then park and then apply handbrake
- Steering
While driving on a city street and turning a corner I heard warning beeps and slight shake from the steering. I slowed down and the power steering failure light came on I could barely complete the turn avoiding hitting another car. The power steer went out
- Structure › Body
While closing lift gate the glass exploded before the lift gate ever made contact with vehicle. The vehicle was stationary, in my driveway.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 ford escape hybrid. While fueling the vehicle, the fuel began to leak out. The failure occurred once the fuel tank was filled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- Steering
The power steering failed as I pulled my escape from a parking space on a city street; I could go forward or back but only turn the steering wheel with great effort. I drove home with great difficulty, barely able to turn the wheel for the turns I had to make -- it was a very dangerous situation.…
The power steering failed as I pulled my escape from a parking space on a city street; I could go forward or back but only turn the steering wheel with great effort. I drove home with great difficulty, barely able to turn the wheel for the turns I had to make -- it was a very dangerous situation. I checked the nhsta website and learned that ford has issued a recall for model year 2008-2011 escapes made in the kansas city, mo. Factory due to power steering failure and that nhtsa has an open investigation into the issue. The dealership manager towed it the next morning and told me that it would cost $2100 to replace the power steering column and housing. When I asked why it wasn't covered under the the recall when it met all the criteria, he said because it's a hybrid - the recall only applies to non-hybrids. however, the manager said he would try to get it covered. He was able to get ford to cover two-thirds of the cost; I still had to pay $500. The manager was great, ford was not. I'm extremely upset by ford's position that hybrids aren't covered under the recall when the problem IS exactly the same and the car met all the criteria. it was a terrible way to treat a life long ford owner. things would have been even worse if it weren't for the manager who was very customer-oriented.
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
While turning left, foot on brake pedal, in a small strip mall parking lot, car suddenly accelerated and kept accelerating. although I tried to steer, car crashed into several hedges, over high curbs, tire blew out, finally stopped by crashing into tree 8 parallel feet from gas pump. brakes did not slow car down. no idea why.
- Vehicle speed control
I bought my ford escape because they are dependable. but on my way to work a couple of weeks ago, my car slipped out of cruise control causing me to lurch forward at 70+ mph on the highway. I couldn't reengage cruise control and the wrench icon was lit on the dash. The next day my car was fine so…
I bought my ford escape because they are dependable. but on my way to work a couple of weeks ago, my car slipped out of cruise control causing me to lurch forward at 70+ mph on the highway. I couldn't reengage cruise control and the wrench icon was lit on the dash. The next day my car was fine so I thought it was a fluke. then it happened again. I thought it was just an issue with cruise control so I stopped using it. but that didn't solve the issue and my car would randomly downshift while I was on the highway (the wrench light coming on). while idling, my rpms would go up without me stepping on the gas. because of my busy work schedule, I spent almost 2 weeks not knowing if I was going to get stuck on the side of the road in 100 degree heat every time I got in the car. eventually it was the check engine light, not the wrench light, that came on. I knew I had to get my car in. I was so upset when I learned that the electronic throttle body getting stuck open or stuck shut was an issue that ford already knew about. I take my car in regularly for maintenance and this IS something that could have easily been fixed before it became an issue. now that I cannot depend on ford to look out for my best interest above the almighty dollar, I will be widening my search next time I purchase a vehicle.
- Steering
This complaint IS closely related to a 2014 recall relative to electric power steering assist on ford escape and mercury mariner vehicles, however ford states my vin was not covered under the recall. ref: nhtsa action#dp15001, nhtsa 14v-284, ford 14s05. problem: on a nearly-daily basis, the…
This complaint IS closely related to a 2014 recall relative to electric power steering assist on ford escape and mercury mariner vehicles, however ford states my vin was not covered under the recall. ref: nhtsa action#dp15001, nhtsa 14v-284, ford 14s05. problem: on a nearly-daily basis, the power steering assist (which IS all-electric on this vehicle) "drops out" briefly - typically for 1-3 seconds - often during a turn. the vehicle steering has a strong tendency to "center" so for a driver without upper body strength this could easily cause loss of control. on two occasions the power steering assist has stopped and remained inactive after re-starting, which required me to visit a repair shop to have the software reset - a 5 minute process performed with a programmed ipad. ford's recall center and customer relationship center took the case #, but want me to visit a dealer and pay for a diagnosis. issue has occurred both turning and not turning; low speed and highway speed, cold and warm weather.
- Unknown or other
My husband simply shut the trunk of the car as we have a hundred times before and the rear window abruptly shattered. We were parked and stationary. We'd had snow in portland the day before but the idea that the window couldn't withstand that temperature IS ridiculous. I've read online that an…
My husband simply shut the trunk of the car as we have a hundred times before and the rear window abruptly shattered. We were parked and stationary. We'd had snow in portland the day before but the idea that the window couldn't withstand that temperature IS ridiculous. I've read online that an nhtsa investigation was launched in 2011 into these kinds of events but I do hope that something IS done soon, especially since this could have been dangerous: we are thankful that our two daughters were standing clear of the car when it happened.
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.
- 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.
- 10053408Ford: on various vehicles with my touch,after any apim programming, replacement or disconnect from front display interface module (fdim), touchscreen calibration must be performed. Model years 2011-2013. No models listed.
- 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.