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2010 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

The most common problem on the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is steering, typically around 130,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Escape Hybrid model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
86/100
Owner complaints
59
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    18
  • Brakes
    13
  • Engine
    13
  • Acceleration
    8
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Visibility
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

Power steering loss 10Stalling 9Brake failure 8

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

Loss of power steering while drivingOpened April 1, 2015, closed June 14, 2018

On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to the federal safety agency describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (the federal safety agency 14V‑284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages

DP15001

Electronic Throttle Body MalfunctionOpened October 2, 2012, closed February 21, 2013

In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the federal safety agency to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.

DP12006

Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid 4

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · Steering · 207,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and was still in park(P) in the driveway, the steering wheel failed to turn and seemed to be seized. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist" warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) recall repair had been completed in 2014 and that he had to pay to for Electronic Power Steering Assist repair out of pocket. The contact stated that he was the second owner of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2023 · Steering · 202,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Power Steering Failure" message displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who determined that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 202,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2023 · Steering · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that she was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer and to the federal safety agency hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Mar 14, 2022 · Transmission · 55,500 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was in Park, the transmission would slip. The vehicle would move without the parking brake being deactivated. The contact researched and found a possible failure with the Park retention pin. The contact contacted the dealer who stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 10V222000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,500

Filed Jan 6, 2020 · Fuel system · 215,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ford escape hybrid. While the contact's wife was driving 60 MPH, an odor of fuel emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure could be attributed to the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v777000 (fuel system, gasoline). The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2019 · Engine · 150,000 miles · SD

Engine shuts off while in park or when driving. Marked today going 45 and engine shut off.

Filed Jan 17, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 108,229 miles · CA

The electric power steering stopped working 3 times while driving my daughter had to put the flasher on and muscle the car to the side of the road the last time she was almost hit by another car. At the same time the radio and fdim would come on erratically and really loud. Took the car to larry h miller ford in slc utah they charged her 90.00 which she never agreed to, reprogrammed the car only and replaced no parts. Larry miller ford sent my daughter out with a car that is not safe, the radio and fdim still go off and on in a startling fashion and knowing that this problem will most likely occur again. I just want the car fixed so all safety hazards are addressed.

Filed Jan 11, 2019 · Body, Engine · OH · crash

I was never told about a recall and this car frame was cracked and was never told about it from anyone front the dealer I bought it from or the company that fixed it.

Filed Dec 6, 2018 · Steering · 180,000 miles · IN

My vehicle was in park and I started it. The 'power steering assist fault' alert sounded and displayed. I could not physically steer the car and my husband had to drive the car home. We took it to our usual mechanic, who ran diagnostics and found dtc b2278. He did not want to replace it, and suggested we look into a recall. He even provided the recall number which appeared applicable. Our vehicle was manufactured at the kansas city plant during the manufacture time frame of recall 14s05, but our VIN does not show eligible for the recall. We believe it should be included in recall 14s05, since that specific recall was for this exact problem, known to occur on vehicles manufactured at that plant during that timespan. I would like to know the exact reason my vehicle is not currently included in recall 14s05. I would like to know specifically which criteria is used to decide which VIN numbers are eligible for this recall.

Filed Nov 23, 2018 · Steering · 113,000 miles · NJ

While I was driving during colder weather suddenly it lost complete steering power this resulted in very hard steering. This occurred a few more times. There was no warning lights prior to this happening and no warning lights during the failure.

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Questions about the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

Is the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid, fewer than a typical Escape Hybrid model year.

What is the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid year score?

The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid scores 86 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Escape Hybrid: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid?

Steering, with 18 complaints, typically around 130,000 miles. Next is brakes (13).

How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Ford Escape Hybrid have bad steering?

The Ford Escape Hybrid model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (110 complaints), 2009 (70 complaints) and 2006 (24 complaints).

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