Electronic Stability Control Related Problems of the 2009 Ford Escape

Table 1 shows one common electronic stability control related problems of the 2009 Ford Escape.

Table 1. Electronic Stability Control related problems of Ford Escape

Problem Category Number of Problems
Electronic Stability Control problems
24

Electronic Stability Control problem #1

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and initially diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The brake master cylinder was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle with anti-lock brake system (abs) and hydraulic failure. The antilock brake system (abs) and hydraulic needed to be replaced however, parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16v733000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control) however, neither the VIN nor the type of vehicle was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 49,900.

Electronic Stability Control problem #2

My wife and I were driving home from work when just before I got on the freeway at a stop light my steering wheel began to vibrate and then I lost all power assist with the vehicle thankfully we hadnt entered the traffic. The power assist is now off and on.

Electronic Stability Control problem #3

Vehicle shut down while in motion.

Electronic Stability Control problem #4

Power steering assist fault. And also tire pressure sensor fault Escape 4wd v6 w/ ~172,xxx. Dash notification appeared on 02/09/19 but quickly went away. Power steering was fine, not one issue ever. Then on 02/11/19 on the way home, the dash alert showed "power steering assist fault" and it wouldn't go away and beeped multiple times. I parked it at home in driveway and went to move it into the street a little bit later and the power steering was nonexistent. Took full body weight to just get it to in front of the house. Lucky that I wasn't driving or delivering for my job like I usually am during the week. But to my luck, my VIN isn't under the recall even though my Escape was built in may 2009, well within the recall time period. I think highly of Ford and am very disappointed at their attempts to silence and curb customer issues. . . And this is a dangerous manufacturing issue! any Ford executive or higher up would have this done ASAP if something bad happened to their own family. We need to all stand up and file a class action lawsuit. They don't care about our safety or our financial wellbeing. Most can't afford these $1-2k fixes.

Electronic Stability Control problem #5

Power steering went out while driving with no warning so there was a recall on some but not all Escapes on a city street while I was turning at an intersection.

Electronic Stability Control problem #6

I was on my to work one morning entering the interstate on ramp and I lost power steering which almost caused me to have an accident. Making it extremely hard to steer the vehicle. Upon taking it to my local Ford dealership they told me my power steering torque control module was failing. This was a recall on Escapes from 2008 / 2011, but they said my particular VIN was not part of the recall??? upon further investigation myself I'm seeing where numerous Ford owners were having the same issue and like myself had to pay for this repair out of pocket. . . Not cheap I may add. It seems that someone will have to loose their life as a result of this defect before a recall is issued for (all) models in this time frame. . . What a horrible thing for Ford to put their consumers and their families in jepordy due to these defective parts. I would like to see full recall on all models between this time frame. Also vehicles to be fixed at Fords expense before someone looses a loved one. And reimburse those of us who have had it fixed at our expense. . . .

Electronic Stability Control problem #7

On a snowy morning the brakes were applied normally and the slippery conditions caused anti-lock brakes to activate. They seemed to work normally, but after that activation the brake pedal felt very soft and would not engage the brakes until the very end of the pedal travel. The vehicle would still stop, but the brakes were unpredictable and unsafe. The problem was diagnosed as a bad hydraulic control unit (hcu) and was replaced with the abs module as a unit ($1700). The new unit required reprogramming and bleeding at the dealership ($200). Because this is a safety component within a reasonable mileage (140,000 vehicle mileage), this should be addressed by the oem with at least a TSB.

Electronic Stability Control problem #8

While driving with my whole family. 2 little girls 12 and 6 and thankfully my husband driving and not me, we were returning a rental car when my car flashed out of no where going about 45mph power steering assist fault upon my research; there has been certain vehicles recalled. Come on Ford! whatever the default is, can you at least give us owners insight on this stuff to get it fixed? is this some kind of money maker for you all? to set up certain timers for this stuff to happen? I'm just so thanmf that I wasn't driving. I would have not had the power my husband does to overtake the wheel. Please please please do something!.

Electronic Stability Control problem #9

My car turns off while driving. This has happened 3 times since April 2018. After the car stalls, I am able to restart it and it runs again. I'm extremely concerned this will happen on a major highway and put my family and other drivers at risk.

Electronic Stability Control problem #10

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a complete stop there was an abnormal noise then the car had beeped and the warning alert appeared that stated power steering assist stalled. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home, however the steering wheel had stiffened and was manually to turn. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering) in December of 2014 for the recall remedy, however the remedy failed. The local dealer (westfield Ford inc, 6200 south la grange rd, countryside, IL, 60525) was contacted and made aware of the failure, where it was brought in the next day and was diagnosed and confirmed that the remedy failed and the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure under case number: cas13563463, however no further assistance was offered. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of the consumer/ contact. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. Jb.

Electronic Stability Control problem #11

Sudden loss of power steering assist even after the recall reprogramming. My vehicle was previously taken in for for recall number 14s05 in July. 2014. Trouble codes were not found at that time so the dealer supposedly did a reprogramming which was designed to prevent the loss of power assist. Our vehicle had a complete loss of power steering assist while driving on 11/7/17 I took the vehicle to my local Ford dealer and they found trouble code b1342 which if found during the 2014 recall appointment, it would have resulted in the steering column being replaced. I was told by the dealer that the steering column needs to be replaced but that my vehicle was no longer eligible for the recall due to the previous reprogramming, even thought it was completely ineffective in resolving the critical safety issue. Clearly, my vehicle experienced the exact power steering loss and failure code that was related to the recall. The reprogramming did not have the intended result whatsoever - I still experienced the power steering loss. I have tried to escalate this issue within Ford customer service but they are denying any responsibility to resolve this known defect under the recall warranty due to the previous reprogramming. I'm hoping NHTSA can help resolve this critical safety issue - I'm sure we're not the only ones affected! im a single mom and do not have the $1300 to replace this part which should of been replaced the first time!!!!!.

Electronic Stability Control problem #12

Loss of powering steering in vehicle going 55 mph on a busy highway. No engine lights or safety signals appeared on the dash when this occurred, there was absolutely no warning. Luckily, I was not in a serious accident when the loss of power steering occured and I was able to take the vehicle to the dealership to have it looked at. At this point they said the recall should have fixed everything regarding the electrical powering steering issue, but now that the recall has been closed there is nothing they can do and I am now responsible to have the power steering column replaced. When the vehicle was taken in the recall initially, it took them 2 minutes to complete the check list checking for dtcs and to reprogram the pscm and instrument cluster. The customer information sheet posted with the safety recall bulletin was never give to me even though all dealership service management should have provided a copy to those who only had reprogramming completed on their vehicle.

Electronic Stability Control problem #13

While driving on the interstate in July of 2017, the car suddenly lost power steering and lost speed. We were barely able to get off on the shoulder and cut the car off. When we started up the car again, everything was back to normal. However, this happened 2 or 3 times in the next couple of days. I called Ford motor CO. To report the problem, and they opened case #cas-12676591. I found a recall notice on this problem dated 09/03/2010, recall #10e043000 and another recall notice #14s05/NHTSA recall 14v-284 dated July 2014. However, Ford motor CO. Refused to repair the problem telling me it was a different manufacturer. My complaint is that the problem was identical to the recall regardless of the manufacturer. It cost us $1,868. 04 to repair the vehicle. Then it happened again in July of 2019, and cost us another $776. 60 to repair. I would have filed this complaint sooner but just found out how to register a complaint with the NHTSA.

Electronic Stability Control problem #14

Lost all power steering on interstate at high rate of speed.

Electronic Stability Control problem #15

I am writing to you to inform you on the safety condition of the 2009 Ford Escape. The number 1 problem is hard to steer the wheel when driving. Number 2 problem is the engine shuts off when turning corners while driving. The date it happen was Friday Nov. 18, 2016.

Electronic Stability Control problem #16

Throttle body failed, rpm up and down. Lost power when driving. Repalced a new one from dealership and it does not last for one year. Car only 99000 miles right now. New throttle body lasts 1290 miles and failed.

Electronic Stability Control problem #17

I have a 2009ford Escape purchased used in may 2014. Last night when driving home my car stalled as if it were not getting gas. We were almost hit by another car because of this. I called Ford this morning and they say they "cannot" do anything because the window to get them fixed ended January 2015. It infuriates me that Ford and NHTSA is aware there is a problem but my children and I could have been killed because they did not issue a "true recall" and now refuses to do anything to correct the problem. This is not acceptable!!?!.

Electronic Stability Control problem #18

When driving the traction control light, brake light, and abs light came on. These light will not go out. Taking it to a mechanic, they tell me it is the abs module. The test cost $100. To replace the module will cost $1395. Should this not be a warranted item for safety? the shop told me that the abs and traction control will not work until the module is replaced.

Electronic Stability Control problem #19

Vehicle has had issues with the dashboard gauges locking up while driving, took to Ford dealership and they could not identify cause of issue. If I hit the dash it gauges would start to work again. When gauges were not working, a/c would stop working as well. Most concerning is the last two days my car has stopped accelerating while driving it, I can put the gas all the way to the floor and it still won't accelerate. During that time a/c stops blowing cool air and if I apply my brakes the entire car will start to shake as if it is going to die. I turn off the car and restart it and it runs fine, however it does take a sec longer to turn over when I start it at that point. I am taking it to have it looked at today. I have had multiple repairs to this vehicle pertaining to the sensors.

Electronic Stability Control problem #20

Vehicle stalled about 2 weeks ago. Oil change light and low tire pressure light came on a week later. Had maintenance done a week later. I was not notified about any recalls. Noticed that the steering wheel was really loose after rotate and balance was done. Took car to dealership and reported issue with steering. Dealership stated that it may need alignment but could not do service until next week. Put gas in car and vehicle stalled. Battery and oil light came on. After a few more times was able to get it started. Stalled again stalled again at stop light. Made it to auto parts shop and put fuel injection fluid in tank. Car stalled. Finally started again. Made it to repair shop. Did diagnostic tests no codes reported. They examined the fuel and it was good. They guessed that the fuel pump may need replacing. I researched recalls on my VIN and found that there are 2 recalls on the vehicle that were never performed. Purchased vehicle in may. Never received recall notices. Repair shops and dealerships are not checking for recalls when diagnosing problems.

Electronic Stability Control problem #21

My family were returning from vacation when the car deccelerated with no warning. We were on the interstate and we were inches from being rear ended by the upcoming traffic. I have been told the issue is with the throttle body and that it is not being recalled because you can still drive it. How about you tell that to my terrified girls (ages 6 and under) that it is safe to have cars and trucks flying past you at 70 mph and you can't accerlerate to move out of the way quick enough. A month later, the same thing happened to my wife returning from work. That's twice in 2 months. We have only the one car and have not been on vacation for fear of the car deccelerating. I guess instead of being in the business of preventing accidents, people have to die first before anything will be done to protect consumers.

Electronic Stability Control problem #22

While driving the steering wheel locks up and hard to turn I have to pull over and turn the ignition off and turn back on. Couple of times it happens on the expressway/as well as street driving. It's happening very often now. While driving the whole truck was shaking, shaking real bad. . .

Electronic Stability Control problem #23

Came off freeway on multiple occasions after doing 70 mph. Stopped. Traffic was clear. Went to accelerate and severe hesitation. Have also had many times where accelerating with vehicle and it will hesitate and then surge.

Electronic Stability Control problem #24

Vehicle stalled when attempting to accelerate after stopping at a light. Vehicle would move approximately 3 mph. Wrench symbol and engine symbol lit up in the display area. Drove (very slowly) vehicle into a parking lot. Shut off vehicle, restarted it, and did not get engine "rev" when depressing gas pedal. Approximately 30 minutes later, the vehicle started and operated normally. Had vehicle towed to repair shop (didn't trust it to drive it). Shop inspected the vehicle in a number of ways the next day and could not reproduce or identify the problem. They said that the on-board event recorder did not record an event. That was the first incident. The 2nd and 3rd incidents occurred today, April 24 2013. Vehicle again stalled while attempting to accelerate at an intersection. Wrench symbol and engine symbol lit up in display area. Pulled into a parking lot, shut off vehicle, and then it started again and ran. About 2 minutes later, the vehicle stalled while driving approximately 40 mph. Again pulled off the main road and restarted the vehicle. Was able to drive it the remaining 3-5 minutes to get home.


Electronic Stability Control related problems in other Ford Escape model year vehicles:



Safety Ratings of Escape Cars
Fuel Economy of Escape Vehicles
Escape Service Bulletins
Escape Safety Recalls
Escape Defect Investigations