general problems of the 2011 Ford Escape - part 1

90 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2011 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2011 Escape.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2026

Component: driver-side door latch and lock assembly. The driver-side door latch appears to have failed, preventing the door from opening from both the inside and outside and creating an occupant entrapment risk. The failure is fully reproducible and ongoing. The condition first occurred without any prior warning signs, messages, or symptoms and has persisted for more than a day without resolving. Although the vehicle responds to unlock commands from the key fob, keypad, and interior door controls with normal audible confirmation, the driver door frequently remains unable to open. Failure behavior includes: •the driver door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle, preventing occupant exit. •the door also cannot be opened from the outside during these events. •an occupant became trapped inside and had to crawl across the vehicle and exit through the passenger side. •the vertical lock indicator moves between locked and unlocked positions, but the latch does not release. •the electronic systems appear functional, yet the mechanical latch does not respond. •using the physical key can sometimes force the lock cylinder past a mechanical click point, temporarily allowing the door to open; however, this places the mechanism into abnormal states where the door may remain permanently unlocked or, when turned in the opposite direction, cannot be opened at all regardless of unlock attempts. •all other vehicle doors operate normally. Video evidence documenting the failure is available. This condition presents a serious safety concern because occupants could become trapped inside the vehicle during an emergency or after a crash, delaying rescue. The latch mechanism is a critical safety component that consumers cannot reasonably inspect, predict, or maintain. Given the life-safety implications of a door that cannot be opened from either side, this issue warrants investigation for potential defect trends.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/27/2025

Top of wheel well around shock absorber broke off due to rust as well a frame disintegrating due to rust. When shock broke free part of wheel well lodged behind the tire and destroyed the brand new tire.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2024

I have been having problems with a coolant leak that’s been fixed but then leaks again. Got it fixed 2 different times now since I purchased the car.

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/11/2024

The front subframe on the passenger side is rusted through. I have also heard this part referred to as the engine cradle. I noticed while changing the serpentine belt and had it looked at by a mechanic. Took it to midas and mechanic said front subframe should to be replaced but couldn't get the part. I researched this online and found it to be a common problem. People say it may be from ac water discharge due to occurring mostly on passenger side only. The uploaded images are of my own vehicle. Apparently people say these snap and the car takes a hard right turn when the wheel comes loose. I guess all the people that die don't post anything so the government isn't taking this issue seriously. . . Uploaded images are of my own vehicle. I'm also including youtube links of other people's similar year/make, same model issue as 2011 Ford Escape with the same issue. The first one is apparently by a Ford mechanic, fixing his mom's vehicle because he doesn't want her to die. I'm a combat vet, discovered this on veterans day 2024. Survived combat, but will this faulty vehicle kill me? needs manufacturer recall, myself and many others have no choice but to drive it. Https://youtu. Be/qau0glamfhg?feature=shared https://youtu. Be/pco_ufxzn54?feature=shared.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2023

Discovered my car has electric power steering not seeing a reservoir did some research and seen that there were a lot of 2011 Ford Escapes with safety recalls three being the main problems I've had with my car since I began financing it almost 4 years ago my last payment is in 2 weeks. Went to leave a driveway and within a few seconds my steering wheel locked up and I thought it was strange that's when I found out I have electric power steering and that there has been recalls turned the car off turn to back on and it was just fine. Found out that is a common thing although it may not be considered a safety recall just yet but I would believe it is a major problem because anytime in my life if I was to believe my power steering was failing me I would still have control over the wheel but this thing locks up as if I ain't going nowhere. I seen that there has been recalls for fuel systems front wheel bearings and electric power steering. My engine light has been on for a very long time and people say it's because of the O2 sensor causing a misfire to appear random. My front wheels kind of knock making me think it could be between the rack axle and bearing. Other than that my radio face button stopped working one day as if they were possessed until they completely shut off and I have no access to it besides the steering wheel components. Rear wiper stuck in the up position one day was causing a tick I could hear with no power and no key in the ignition that caused my battery to die several times 2 years in a row. Realized unplugging my rear wiper made it quit but I can't use my front washer fluid without it being unplugged. And my ac open air max ac and heating cooling climate control buttons work but the blower only works on high making me think yet another electrical issue being the blower speed regulator is bad. I would say these are safety issues package together. This website says I have 0unrepaired recalls. Might try fix it with a torque sensor/calling dealership.

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/14/2023

Rust is happening at an increasing rate on the rear wheel wells and rear lift gate.

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/28/2022

Subframe is rotted and its so common why does Ford not doing anything on this.

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2022

Hood latch is stuck. Will not open.

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2022

My ignition is very messed up I have to push the key in way hard and twist fast to get it to work sometimes. Yesterday it took me 4 hours to get my car to turn over. I have had this problem since I have had the car since 2022 it I guess it’s just getting worse. I took in to a dealership and they didn’t fix that problem they fixed the my key problem instead. The shop I took it to even asked me how do I get my car to turn on and I had to show them. You have to have the key in a certain way to get it to work well now that way isn’t even working what do I do and how can I get help getting this fixed. I am on disability and I think this should be in the recall for the ignition doing this.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2022

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The manufacturer was also notified of the recall and provided her the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2022

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering would intermittently fail without warning. The contact stated that the power steering functionality would return upon restart of the engine. The contact had spoken to a dealer who informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The contact also spoke to an independent mechanic who was familiar with the failure and informed him that a sensor would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and promised the contact a call back from a manager however, the contact had not yet heard from a manager. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/29/2021

The power steering failed. The torque sensor was diagnosed as failed. Unable to steer the vehicle. Turns out Ford says this car wasn’t reported as faulty. But 914,000 other Fords from 2008-2011 were recalled !!!!!!! this vehicle is the model and year of all those recalls.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2021

The car started shutting off when putting gas and all the abs lights started turning on. Then it escalated to the car shutting off when pressing the brakes. Now it shuts off randomly never while driving at higher speeds. I was driving the vehicle on the highway and it just shut off and I almost crashed onto the side of the highway because the steering wheel was not working. Thankfully I was able to meet be it a bit and avoid an accident but it happened a few times. Found that some vehicles like mine have some recalls and an extended warranty thing on file and when speaking with a rep at the Lincoln/Ford, she agreed that that what I was experiencing had to do with those, but the car dealerships in my area are not wanting to take responsibility and repair my vehicle which at this point is a public safety hazard not only for my family and me but anyone on the road around me. I can't work or take the car anywhere because of this issue and the carelessness and complete disregard from Ford reps is appalling.

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2021

Vehicle stalled while driving. Was able to pull into a parking lot. Car died and would not start and stay running. Acted as if fuel was not getting to engine. This happened approximately 1 month ago. I had car repaired. A relay was thought to be bad in the fuel supply system. Today the same thing occurs, car stalls and dies in few minutes. Again was able to get into a parking lot before it went completely dead. After stopping car starts up but then stumbles and dies in less than a few seconds. Sounds like it is not getting fuel.

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2021

The front subframe is rusted out and will not pass the PA state inspection. The car has undercarriage corrosion problems. We just replaced the muffler pipe for similar issues last fall. They car has been driving in PA for last 9 years and should not be having these issues. The car has 89000 miles. Godshalls automotive can get a used part and labor to fix will be $1100. This should be look at as a recall.

16 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2019

I was driving my 2011 Ford Escape limited edition and on the highway when I was going at a great amount of speed the vehicle shuts down completely the dash went black and the steering wheel locked up and everything I was able to stop I restarted car it started back up.

17 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2019

When truck has a full or even half tank , always smell a loud gas smell coming from truck. Gas smell so loud can not have truck parked in garage due to fumes. Also with brakes, when forced to stop immediately the brakes make a weird sound and wont lock properly.

18 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2019

My 2011 Ford Escape XLT 2. 5l is stalling while driving, stopped, turning. The rpm's are jumpy. Car stalls with foot on the gas in mid drive! replaced the canister purge valve as diagnosed. Not the fix.

19 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2019

I was driving down the road and the car just died and did not start again and I cant figure out whats wrong with the car but even in the off engion switch still was trying to start its self so I had to remove the battery cables so it would stop trying to start and we cant figure out whats wrong with it still and we just spent 3500. 00 to get the transmission replaced and at this time we have no clue how to fix it .

20 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2018

While driving to work, I noticed that the Ford emblem on my steering wheel was off center, therefore making my car out of alignment but I had no idea how this had happened. I made an appointment to bring my car into town fair tire to get it realigned but was told that they couldn't do it because my engine cradle was extremely rusted so I would need to have that addressed at a mechanic. They also told me that they pulled the vehicle safety check they did on my vehicle from the year before when they changed my tires and there were no issues so this was very odd to them as well as to how this could've happened. I next brought it into my mechanic and was told that in order to fix the issue my entire front end frame would need to be replaced. $1600 later, my vehicle is back in line. Ford motor company is claiming there are no recalls on my vehicle even though they did have recalls on the 2005 Escapes for this same reason. I'm lucky I noticed and addressed this issue before something more serious happened like my engine dropping out of my vehicle on the highway or something. My vehicle isn't that old and only has 81000 miles on it. Something seems off.

21 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2018

Rear lift gate window spontaneously exploded outward while parked in front on my home.

22 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2018

Loss of power while accelerating.

23 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/07/2017

When closing the rear door on the vehicle, the back window just exploded. Small particles of glass flew in all directions. The weather was sunny and dry and there is no reason for this window to have exploded. I was not injured, but picked glass particles out of my clothing. The vehicle was parked in a department store parking lot and not yet occupied when this happened.

24 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2017

Faulty exhaust system, rusted leaking exhaust fumes, not sure how long was faulty before the whole system became totally nonfunctional. Have contacted Ford motor company they agree this is "not typical" of their product but states no recall.

25 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2017

The link between the gas petal and engine sometimes stops working! upon pulling onto a four lane highway, there was no gas feed and so I drifted onto the shoulder, turned the ignition off, started it back up and it was ok again. Until the next time it happened again! this I s very dangerous and I should not have to pay for this fix! the car has only 31,000 miles on it.

26 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2017

I noticed some extreme fogging and a strange smell in my car. The car had just turned over 75,000, and was out of warranty. I took it to my mechanic who said the heater coil had gone out. So, he diconnected the heater coil. After that, the engine fans were running loudly. About 2-3 months later, the fan assemby broke-a piece of the assemby came off. All this occured while driving.

27 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/24/2017

At first my engine light came on then my Ford Escape started but it only creeped down the street it barely wanted to go anywhere when I got to the light it wouldn't move at all so I backed it up then slowly drove it across the street out the way of traffic & when I shut it off it would not start back up the crankshaft & timing chain went out on it. It only has 65,800 miles on it and I only had it 8 months. I think there should be a recall on that part because the mileage is not that high for it to go out already. It's going to cost a lot to get repaired. I need to find out about the crankshaft will be able to get repaired under warranty.

28 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2016

2times vehicle lost all power, steering and brakes. Advised it is due to needing a new throttle body. Both times the vehicle was in motion on a highway.

29 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2016

Car keeps stalling. While accelerating as well as at freeway speed (on streets and on the freeway). The obd-ii reader says its code p2111 which is for the throttle body. Got it leaned immediately after stall. Immediately after picking it up from the shop, it stalled again, showing the same code on the reader. Upon further research these seem to be defective on many Ford Escapes of this year.

30 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/26/2016

I had oil leakage in Jan 2015 and took it to dealership. They said its pto side cover gasket leaking. Car had only 48117 miles. Had extended warranty. They fixed it. Now again in a year I took car for regular oil change and they discover other leak. I don't see oil on the garage floor though. This time it's timing cover gasket. Don't have extended warranty any more. They said it will cost $1340 plus tax. I took it for second opinion and they said no leakage on timing cover gasket but same leak what I had it last year. They worded differently. They call it transfer case cover leaking. Car has only 66300 miles. Not understanding why car can have leakage problem in such low mileage. Ford need to look into these.

31 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2015

Vehicle was parked for 4 days in driveway. Vehicle engine compartment became engulfed in flames unexpectedly. Cause unknown. A 2014 recall related to throttle body is suspicious. Recall was addressed under customer satisfaction program 13n03.

32 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2015

When driving car going about 45mph. Car shut off and wrench will appear on dashboard . I have been able to coast off the road , shut off car wait for a few minutes and restart car . I am in fear that car will shut off in area where there is no shoulder and I will be hit from behind . There seems to be a pattern building with this same problem , same model, same year .

33 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/25/2015

I heard a loud pop while driving down the freeway. The sunroof had shattered and had a large hole in the middle of it. No object hit the car to cause this to happen.

34 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2015

Sun roof shattered while in hot sun,later blew out onto the highway.

35 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2015

First date of occurrence: 7/22/15 I was driving about 40 mph and it seemed as though even though I had fuel in my gas tank, that the car was running out of gas. I put it in park, turned it off and turned it back on again and it ran fine. (vehicle began kind of sputtering and when I pressed on the gas petal, it was like it didn't work at all. ) was driving a distance of approximately 25 miles when this happened. Second date of occurrence: 7/24/15 I was driving about 50 mph and the same issue mentioned above happened. When I turned the vehicle back on, it took it a few seconds to turn back on. Third date of occurrence: 7/25/15 I was driving about 50 mph and the same issue mentioned above happened. Took vehicle to a shop on 7/27/15 and they said they could not find anything wrong with it. Fourth date of occurrence: 7/29/15 I was driving about 40 mph and the same issue mentioned above happened. Drove approximately 2 miles when this occurred. Fifth date of occurrence: 7/30/15 I was driving 40-50 mph and drove approximately 7 miles when this occurred. Had a diagnostics machine hooked up to vehicle and it read error code p2111 throttle actuator stuck open.



Escape Service Bulletins
Escape Safety Recalls
Escape Defect Investigations