2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (44.7% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Steering complaints here are 7.2× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 68 · 44.7% | Investigation closed | DP15001 |
| Engine | 24 · 15.8% | Investigation closed | DP12006 |
| Service Brakes | 21 · 13.8% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 · 11.2% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 15 · 9.9% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 11 · 7.2% | Investigation closed | DP22005 → recall 22V063000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 152 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN…”NHTSA complaint 11110283 — filed 07/09/2018 · STEERING
“MY STEERING WHEEL IS VERY VERY HARD TO STEER ON MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE 2 WD. I NEED THIS FIXED BY THE DEALER & WANT…”NHTSA complaint 11097117 — filed 05/21/2018 · STEERING
“COMPLETE POWER STEERING FAILURE UPON STARTING CAR AND LEAVING A PARKING SPACE.”NHTSA complaint 11093866 — filed 05/15/2018 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 68 of 152 NHTSA complaints (44.7%), followed by engine (24), service brakes (21), vehicle speed control (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
152 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 1 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
