2010 Ford Escape recalls and problems

The 2010 Ford Escape has 3 safety recalls and 2,071 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
2,071
Crashes / fires
29 / 3
Injuries / deaths
23 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Ford Escape recalls

Recall 16V-777: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 26, 2016 · 329,265 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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 crack, causing a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.

Recall 14V-284: Steering

Reported May 29, 2014 · 740,878 vehicles affected · Ford Motor Company

Problem: 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 system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.

Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.

Recall 10V-222: Power Train

Reported May 24, 2010 · 19 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 fusion, milan, and escape vehicles manufactured from february 27, through march 26, 2010. The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed which fails to conform to the requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention".

Risk: A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 28, 2010. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 and for the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (Tdd). Representatives are available monday through friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm.

2010 Ford Escape problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control558
Power Train508
Engine493
Fuel/Propulsion System441
Steering425
Electrical System217
Unknown or Other93
Structure92
Visibility71
Fuel System, Gasoline71
Service Brakes43
Engine and Engine Cooling35

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 58
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 30
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 9
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 7
  • Steering › Column — 4
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,908 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Ford Escape complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 28, 2026
**NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint** Vehicle: 2010 Ford Escape AWD VIN: [XXX] I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle has experienced serious safety problems involving both the steering system and the fuel system. The steering wheel has become extremely difficult to turn, making it unsafe to drive. In addition, the fuel system is leaking fuel, creating a potential fire hazard. My understanding is that this vehicle previously received recall repairs related to these systems. Despite those repairs, the same dangerous conditions have returned. The vehicle has been undrivable for…
Steering · reported Sep 26, 2026
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist Power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds. Steering locks up while driving. This has happened 3 times within the last 6 months. Before this, the last few years it has been difficult starting the car with the key. It would take multiple tries before starting. But now that the steering has locked up more than twice while driving is concerning. I see there were previous problems with the steering and corrected in 2014. After reading the recall description, it sounds to be the same problem. And…
Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Sep 11, 2026
The gas tank is leaking gas on the gas tank inlet plastic yellow retainer ring appears to be broken. This gas leak has put safety family members at risk. It appears to be a manufacturer defect built defective.
Structure · reported Jul 16, 2026
1. I purchased a 2010 Ford Escape that had a preexisting rusted frame defect. That is shown by the Ford vehicle history report and related service documentation, which support that the problem existed before I took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was determined as unsafe to drive and later broke down after the sale. Apple Ford Apple Valley documented that the vehicle was “not safe to drive due to rusted frame,” and after break down, Carlson Automotive also inspected the vehicle and confirmed serious issues. The vehicle and related records can be made available for inspection upon…
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 2, 2026
I own a 2010 Ford Escape, VIN [XXX]. Last year in 2025, my power steering went out. I found out it was from a safety recall. I took it to the Ford dealership in Sandusky, MI. They told me it wasn't a safety recall and they would not cover it. I have been searching online for a YEAR, and I finally found where that certain safety recall was only repaired by computer update, NOT by checking the actual steering column, via the previous owners. I want the steering column looked at and for free. We could have died if it had failed in a turn. The escape is sitting in my garage with NO POWERSTEERING…

Other Ford Escape years

Compare all Ford Escape years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Ford Escape: 16V-777 (fuel system, gasoline), 14V-284 (steering), 10V-222 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (558 reports), followed by power train (508). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,908 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.