FORD ESCAPE · model year

2011 FORD ESCAPE

1863 NHTSA complaints, 50 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

3 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011FORDESCAPE carries 1863 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 50 crashes, 12 fires, 54 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 3/5 rating, with 3/5 front crash, 3/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 ESCAPE is steering with 397 filings, followed by power train (263) and fuel/propulsion system (253). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 8 investigation files overlapping the 2011 ESCAPE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1863
Complaints
50
Crashes
12
Fires
54
Injuries
0
Deaths
2011 FORD ESCAPE — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2011 FORD ESCAPE. Overall composite: 3.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 3.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 3.0 ★
  • Side Crash 3.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 3.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

1863 filings

Crashes Reported

50 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 3/5 — Average NCAP rating · Front: 3/5 · Side: 3/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING397
POWER TRAIN263
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM253
ENGINE248
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL244
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM108
UNKNOWN OR OTHER55
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE30
SUSPENSION30
STRUCTURE:BODY29
AIR BAGS24
VISIBILITY/WIPER24
SERVICE BRAKES22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING16
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)15

Recalls (3)

14V28400029/05/2014

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Ford 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 that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the

16V77700026/10/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Ford 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 December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may

15E04500003/06/2015

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

The 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 Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have

Recent Complaints

20260217STRUCTURE:BODY

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. •Th

20260217ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. •Th

20260217UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. •Th

20260207ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased this vehicle on 10/16/25 through Affordable Auto Sales 692 Pleasant St Fall River Ma as it is a buy here pay here. It had 97,626 miles on it day of purchase. I noticed trouble with power steering as it is electric and kept locking up and asked several times to fix it. It didn't get repaired until the week before Christmas. On 1-10-26, took it for first oil change and it had 100,837 miles in total I put 3,211 miles on it. The mechanic called me into the garage and showed me 3 things that were critically wrong with the vehicle. It had severe rot in front and rear, mostly rear, the transmission had a significant leak, and the power steering was still not properly fixed. The mechanic informed me that the dealership had not done their safety inspection and this was deemed an unsafe vehicle and I should not be driving it. I brought it to the attention of Affordable Auto sales and they are accusing me of the damage. The owner Lucy Sousa also changed the mileage on the paperwo

20260207STEERING

I purchased this vehicle on 10/16/25 through Affordable Auto Sales 692 Pleasant St Fall River Ma as it is a buy here pay here. It had 97,626 miles on it day of purchase. I noticed trouble with power steering as it is electric and kept locking up and asked several times to fix it. It didn't get repaired until the week before Christmas. On 1-10-26, took it for first oil change and it had 100,837 miles in total I put 3,211 miles on it. The mechanic called me into the garage and showed me 3 things that were critically wrong with the vehicle. It had severe rot in front and rear, mostly rear, the transmission had a significant leak, and the power steering was still not properly fixed. The mechanic informed me that the dealership had not done their safety inspection and this was deemed an unsafe vehicle and I should not be driving it. I brought it to the attention of Affordable Auto sales and they are accusing me of the damage. The owner Lucy Sousa also changed the mileage on the paperwo

20260207ENGINE

I purchased this vehicle on 10/16/25 through Affordable Auto Sales 692 Pleasant St Fall River Ma as it is a buy here pay here. It had 97,626 miles on it day of purchase. I noticed trouble with power steering as it is electric and kept locking up and asked several times to fix it. It didn't get repaired until the week before Christmas. On 1-10-26, took it for first oil change and it had 100,837 miles in total I put 3,211 miles on it. The mechanic called me into the garage and showed me 3 things that were critically wrong with the vehicle. It had severe rot in front and rear, mostly rear, the transmission had a significant leak, and the power steering was still not properly fixed. The mechanic informed me that the dealership had not done their safety inspection and this was deemed an unsafe vehicle and I should not be driving it. I brought it to the attention of Affordable Auto sales and they are accusing me of the damage. The owner Lucy Sousa also changed the mileage on the paperwo

20260129STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel failed to operate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely tight, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a defective steering column that needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and associated the failure with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

20251130STEERING

My power steering has failed five times in the last year. Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection. The power steering went out on me while I was driving, making it very hard to turn my steering wheel. Took it to a Ford dealer last year. They said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It is very unpredictable when this will happen. It doesn't happen every time I drive it. Don't feel very safe driving!

20251112STEERING

i have a cliking nose in my steering wheel when i am driving

20251013CrashSTEERING

My young daughter lost control of our 2011 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicle with 94770 miles after starting the vehicle on moving off. She crashed into the sidewalk to avoid hitting pedestrians. ALL ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE was lost. Car was taken to AutoNation Ford, St Petersburg, FL. Service personnel stated and provided documentation showing that there was no recall for my daughter's vehicle VIN. However, there were recalls for this similar problem on other Ford vehicles and FORD HYBRID ESCAPE vehicles like hers. Please see attachment. FORD SAYS THIS 2011 VEHICLE IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS HAZARD AND REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM

20250918STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently failed to turn in the intended direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The steering wheel became extremely tight, and excessive force was needed to drive the vehicle while avoiding crashing into another vehicle. The contact called three dealers and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact ordered a power steering torque rotation sensor and planned for an independent mechanic to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

20250819ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 101,000, and at the time of programming the keys, it was discovered that the mileage was 122,765. The VIN was incomplete.

Mileage: 122,765

20250721STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that several messages were displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 251,000.

Mileage: 251,000

20250714STEERING

Subject: Urgent Safety Concern – Request for Recall Coverage Assistance To Whom It May Concern, I am writing with a heartfelt and urgent request regarding a serious malfunction in my vehicle's steering column, which has made it extremely difficult to turn. This presents a clear and dangerous safety hazard, particularly on expressways and in everyday driving when the ability to maneuver quickly is critical. My safety, my child’s safety, and the safety of others has been compromised due to this issue. The vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by a mechanic, and there were no warning lights or prior indicators of an impending failure. I have learned that there is an active recall related to this exact issue for vehicles manufactured between 2008 and September 2011. My vehicle was manufactured in January 2011, just a few months before the cut-off. To be denied assistance over a matter of months feels deeply unfair and disheartening — especially when the failure matches the recall des

20250707STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely tight. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering module. The contact was advised that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250617FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking and there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the fuel leak. The mechanic applied epoxy to the leak, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Mileage: 138,000

20250607STEERING

My car is experiencing the issue in this recall for powerstearing but my vin is not associated, my ford year make mosel and issue is called out in the recall but my 2011 escape vin does not pull up the recall. I lose power steering and its not safe to drive. 14v284000 14so5 I called ford customer service and my vehicle is in the ford dealership, they are refusing to support me.

20250602STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH the power steering function became inoperable. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times to regain power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the power steering assist sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

Mileage: 195,000

20250602STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel intermittently seized. The contact removed the key from the ignition, then re-inserted and pushed the key into the ignition to correct the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred daily. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Mileage: 138,000

20250529SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

The contact's husband owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test determined that the wheel sensors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the wheel sensors were replaced by the mechanic; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the ABS module for the vehicle was no longer in production. The contact stated that several dealers where contacted; however, it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact suggested using an aftermarket part to replace the module; however, the dealers would not program the aftermarket part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered several recommendations, but none of the recommendations were able to assist the contact with repairing the vehicle. The contact was

Compare 2011FORDESCAPE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 FORD ESCAPE have?
The 2011 FORD ESCAPE has 1863 NHTSA complaints, 50 crashes, 12 fires, 54 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 FORD ESCAPE?
The 2011 FORD ESCAPE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 3/5, front crash rating of 3/5, side crash rating of 3/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 FORD ESCAPE?
Yes, the 2011 FORD ESCAPE has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 FORD ESCAPE?
The most-complained component for the 2011 FORD ESCAPE is STEERING with 397 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2011 FORD ESCAPE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 FORD ESCAPE has an NHTSA safety rating of 3/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.