2011 Ford Escape recalls and problems

The 2011 Ford Escape has 2 safety recalls and 1,321 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
1,321
Crashes / fires
38 / 7
Injuries / deaths
38 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 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.

2011 Ford Escape problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering417
Power Train268
Fuel/Propulsion System253
Engine248
Vehicle Speed Control245
Electrical System117
Unknown or Other56
Structure43
Fuel System, Gasoline33
Suspension32
Air Bags26
Visibility/Wiper24

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 30
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 7
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 5
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 4
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,000 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 2011 Ford Escape complaints

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

Steering · reported Nov 10, 2026
While driving neighborhood streets or city streets, the steering wheel will lock up completely and you can’t turn it. You have to stop the car right where you are turn it off wait a few seconds and then turn it back on before you can move the steering wheel.
Steering · reported Nov 9, 2026
While driving my 2011 Ford Escape, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult to turn, almost to the point of being impossible. The engine continued running normally, and no warning lights or messages appeared on the dashboard. After stopping the vehicle and turning off the engine, I restarted it, and the steering returned to normal. However, while driving again, the same steering failure occurred a second time. Because of the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the failure, I contacted AAA and had the vehicle towed. The AAA tow driver informed me there had been a recall for this same…
Steering · reported Oct 27, 2026
Power steering repeatedly fails during normal driving conditions. It is resolved by putting the vehicle in park and restarting. This has occurred spontaneously and unpredictably while driving on residential roadways, commercial roadways, highways and parking lots. This is potentially deadly if power steering fails during normal or necessary evasive driving. I've reported this problem to a Ford Dealership Service department in Versailles Kentucky and they do not want to take action on the issue. I am happy to have the vehicle inspected. This issue is the exact same issue as recall number 14SO5…
Steering · at 169,781 miles · reported Oct 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the power steering assist became inoperable, requiring greater effort to steer the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 169,781.
Electrical System · reported Oct 8, 2026
My 2011 ford escape is experiencing symptoms of the recall of the faulty Electric Power Steering (EPS) torque sensor. Its not often, but when I turn on the car I wont have power steering but when I turn it off and turn it back on the power steering works. Is there anyway you could open/put a recall on my 2011 ford escape.

Other Ford Escape years

Compare all Ford Escape years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Ford Escape have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Ford Escape: 16V-777 (fuel system, gasoline), 14V-284 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report steering problems most often (417 reports), followed by power train (268). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,000 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.