CarModelProblems.com

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 7.2× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
152Complaints
0Recalls
6Crashes
3Fires
1Injured
0Deaths

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) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Steering complaints here are 7.2× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering68 · 44.7%not available
Engine24 · 15.8%not available
Service Brakes21 · 13.8%not available
Vehicle Speed Control17 · 11.2%not available
Power Train15 · 9.9%not available
Electrical System11 · 7.2%not available

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

STEERING68 · 44.7%
ENGINE24 · 15.8%
SERVICE BRAKES21 · 13.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17 · 11.2%
POWER TRAIN15 · 9.9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11 · 7.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9 · 5.9%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC8 · 5.3%
Unspecified / other4 · 2.6%
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC2 · 1.3%

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

320119252013301720152815201716182019542021312023222025

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 07/12/2026. 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?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

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.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.