2009 Ford Escape Hybrid problems & reliability
153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering → | 70 | 46% |
| Engine → | 24 | 16% |
| Service Brakes → | 21 | 14% |
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 17 | 11% |
| Power Train → | 15 | 10% |
| Electrical System → | 11 | 7% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 9 | 6% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | 6% |
| Unknown OR Other | 4 | 3% |
| Visibility | 3 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 91,000 miles (middle 50% between 58,600 and 125,600 miles), based on 141 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Car steering torque sensor not working properly causing power steering assist to be lost compromising electric power steering (eps) assist and increasing the risk of an accident. Ford has a recall 14S05/2014-193, but they are saying my car is not included on this recall at this time although it is exactly the same…”
Steering · filed Jul 31, 2026
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 8 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel ceased to function; however, the contact was able to make a full turn of the steering wheel, and the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle…”
Steering · filed Mar 11, 2025
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at 15 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number…”
Steering · filed Jan 27, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Pedestrian alert sounds
Defect Petition DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000
- Loss of power steering while driving
Defect Petition DP15001 · opened Apr 1, 2015 · closed Jun 14, 2018
- Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Defect Petition DP12006 · opened Oct 2, 2012 · closed Feb 21, 2013
Technical service bulletins
5 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Some 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…
TSB 16-0118 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 8, 2016
Comm-trans lund: some 2009-2011 models may have the air bag inicator flashing with a stored trouble code. This is a software problem. *rm
SIS-21841 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2011
Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration. *rm
AS-21769 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2011
Ford/mercury: traction control light with dtc c1440. Some vehicles built may exhibit the traction control light on with dtc code c1440. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period following the illumination of the…
TSB-09-15-1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 9, 2009
Ford: vehicles may exhibit a clicking or rubbing noise from the left front wheel speed sensor and/or exhibit abs warning light activation. Escape and escape hybrid only. *pe
TSB-09-5-5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2009
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 91,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.