2009 Ford Escape: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Nov 22, 2021 · Steering · 134,921 miles · WI

The contact's daughter owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel started shuddering inadvertently. The power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter continued to drive the vehicle however, the steering wheel continued to shudder while the vehicle was at a complete stop. The contact stated that as his daughter pulled into a gas station, the steering wheel lost power steering and was significantly more difficult to turn. The contact stated that his daughter was able to forcefully turn the steering wheel while driving the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,921.

Filed Mar 10, 2019 · Steering · SD

The power steering went out. The wheel had been shuddering for a few weeks and gradually getting worse. While driving down the highway the power steering suddenly went out. I had to get the entire power steering column and parts replaced. My mechanic said that ford recalled all power steering in cars made from 2008-2011, but for some reason my car did not have a recall even though it was made during those years.

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 48,000 miles · AK

I was driving up a steep hill on a blind corner in my neighborhood today when the engine suddenly shut off. This is the first time my escape shut off while I was accelerating. It stalled five other times in the past, each as I came to a stop sign or red light. The incidents are completely random with no warning, so I have no idea if next time will be at a red light or on the highway going 55 MPH. When it shuts off I noticed that the dash flashes the battery and oil lights, but the battery is new and the oil is fine. I also noticed that when I'm idling in below freezing weather the engine will shudder, sometimes violently, but eventually stops when I start moving again.

Filed Dec 30, 2013 · Steering · 56,800 miles · NM

Safety issue: my 2009 ford escape's steering wheel began to shudder/vibrate at idle. In addition, when the vehicle is started, the steering wheel cannot be moved left or right. It locks up. I have to shut the vehicle off and re-start it in order to get the steering wheel to move. Today, I was driving down the road at approximately 45 MPH and the steering wheel completely locked up. I could hardly control the vehicle, but was fortunate enough to get it to the side of the road. This could have been disastrous. I had to shut the vehicle off again and turn it back on in order to proceed. This vehicle only has 57,000 miles on it. It has had the regularly scheduled maintenance on it since I purchased it new in jan 2009. I am extremely concerned about this being a safety issue. I have researched online and have read other complaints on this issue, and would like the federal safety agency to investigate this based on safety issues. The situation that I experienced today could have resulted in serious injury or fatalities. The consumer had to pay for a new steering column, at 56,000 miles. Updated 02/24/14

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Transmission · MN

We were driving along at a steady pace of 60 MPH all of sudden there was a shudder felt by everyone in the vehicle and the wrench light came on. The car would not accelerate and dropped speed very quickly, and also making a jerking motion. Luckily, there was no one behind us, we pulled over to the side of the road, and shut off the vehicle. Popped the hood to see what was wrong and could not find anything. We turned the car back on and the wrench light was on and the vehicle ran just fine. Doing research online found that this is a throttle body issue. I just want to say that if this would have happened while someone was behind us, there would have been an accident as we would have been rear ended. Something should be done about this.

Filed Aug 2, 2013 · Acceleration · 74,000 miles · DE

Driving on local highway and engine entered "safe mode" (wrench light came on, was unable to accelerate). Previously vehicle would shudder and near stall but run fine when restarted.

Filed Jul 21, 2013 · Acceleration, Transmission · 46,000 miles · VA

I was driving down highway in morning traffic with cruise control set at 55-60mph when all acceleration cut off and I had to immediately pull over and put my 2009 ford escape into park, at which point the engine was shuddering violently and my wrench light (powertrain) appeared in the dash. Shut off engine, waited 1-2 mins and restart engine. Ran normally, pulled onto highway again and set cruise when the same happened a 2nd time. Happened 3-5 more times (with & without cruise) over the next day until I could get my car to the ford dealer for service. Ford dealer advised it was throttle body in addition to other sensors. (the throttle body was not covered under powertrain warranty and cost me $300 in parts & labor!!) the error codes were: p0012, p0341, p0346, p2111, & p2112.

Filed Mar 10, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 39,000 miles · HI

While accelerating at low speeds (15 - 20 MPH), the vehicle suddenly began to shudder and lurch, with no increase in throttle or power despite flooring the gas pedal. Yellow check engine / repair lights came on, vehicle would jerkingly continue to move forward at a speed of less than 5 MPH. After conducting a search, it appears to be similar to the "limp home mode" throttle body problem reported by the north carolina consumers council.