2011 Ford Escape Problems

1,314 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Steering · verdict AVOID 26/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Steering407
Power Train268
Fuel/Propulsion System253
Engine248
Vehicle Speed Control245
Electrical System116

In the owners’ words

“I went for an oil change and my mechanic found that the subframe/cross member assembly was almost rusted through. Very dangerous. Needs to be replaced. Found out this is very common with the Ford Escape model of these years. Will cost thousands to repair.”NHTSA complaint, 2011 Ford Escape owner
“The rear hatch clicks like it wants to open but doesn't release the latch to open it and I can't get to the place to release an lower the spare tire which is safety concern to me. Also the driver side seat belt casing broke and doesn't release every time you push button to unlatch it which can cause serious problems if in an accident I had a individual garage guy inspect an said he had replaced several latch mechanis”NHTSA complaint, 2011 Ford Escape owner
“The steering shaft torque sensor unexpectedly malfunctioned while driving resulting in a loss of steering. There was no indication that this would happen, no check engine light was on, and no symptoms prior to the incident. The vehicle is undrivable due to a lack of steering and was diagnosed by an independent garage. The steering shaft torque sensor is recalled for other 2010 Ford Escapes, but not this one.”NHTSA complaint, 2011 Ford Escape owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
26/10/2016Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump SAFETYFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to Decemb
03/06/2015Suspension:Front:Wheel BearingThe Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tr
29/05/2014Steering:Electric Power Assist System SAFETYFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor

Questions owners ask

Is the 2011 Ford Escape reliable?

On the federal record it scores 26/100: 1,314 owner complaints (87.6 per year on the road) and 3 recall campaigns, 2 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Ford Escape?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Steering, with 407 of 1537 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2011 Ford Escape scored 26/100 on the federal record.

Full 2011 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Escape yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking