What is the recall on the 2009 Ford Escape?

There is no single recall that applies to all 2009 Ford Escape vehicles. Recall status is VIN-specific and can change as new campaigns are issued. To know exactly which recalls apply to your SUV, check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in official databases such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) SaferCar.gov recall lookup or Ford’s official recall page.

How to verify recalls for a specific 2009 Ford Escape

To identify which recalls apply to your vehicle, use these steps:

• Find your VIN. It is located on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s door pillar.


• Visit the NHTSA recall lookup at safercar.gov or Ford’s official Owner page and enter the VIN to see any active or open recalls.


• Review the list of recalls, including campaign numbers and the recommended action, typically a free dealer repair.

Car owners should routinely check recalls, even if their vehicle has not previously been summoned for service, because campaigns can be issued years after purchase and may affect vehicles in use today.

What to do if a recall is found

If the lookup shows an active recall for your 2009 Escape, take these steps to ensure prompt remediation:

• Contact an authorized Ford dealer with your VIN to confirm the recall and schedule a free repair.


• Ask whether the recall affects safety systems and if the vehicle can be driven in the meantime; sometimes a temporary remedy or guidance is provided while parts are on order.


• Check for other open campaigns that may appear under the same VIN and ensure you understand the scope of each recall and any required parts or software updates.

Staying current on recalls is essential because some campaigns address critical safety components such as airbags or braking and can impact driver and passenger safety.

Timing and parts availability

Part availability and appointment timing can vary by campaign and dealership. If a recall is listed for your VIN, contact the dealer promptly to secure the earliest possible service window, and ask about loaner options if you need transportation while the repair is performed.

Historical context: notable recall campaigns involving Ford SUVs (contextual, not VIN-specific)

Over the years, Ford SUVs, including the Escape, have been affected by several high-profile recall campaigns. While the recall status for a specific vehicle depends on the VIN, some campaigns have drawn broad attention across the industry:

• Airbag inflator recalls under Takata-era campaigns, which affected many Ford models and required replacement of airbag components.


• Fuel system recalls involving fuel lines or pumps on some Escape and related models to mitigate fire risk or leaks.


• Electrical and ignition-related recalls that can influence engine starting, stalling, or electronic stability control.

For owners, the key takeaway is that VIN-level checks are essential to confirm which campaigns apply to a given 2009 Escape.

Summary

In short, there is no universal recall for all 2009 Ford Escape models. The exact recalls depend on the vehicle’s VIN and the campaigns currently in force. The most reliable way to know is to look up the VIN on the NHTSA SaferCar.gov recall database or Ford’s recall page and contact a dealer to arrange free service for any applicable campaigns. Regularly checking recalls helps keep the SUV safe and compliant with current standards.

For ongoing, up-to-date information, you can start here:
- NHTSA recall lookup: safercar.gov/recalls
- Ford Owner recall page: owner.ford.com

What is a common problem with a 2009 Ford Escape?

Common problems for the 2009 Ford Escape include ignition misfires, engine hesitation, and the blower motor only working on high. For 4WD models, the transfer case can fail, and many owners report issues with the brakes, power steering, and a leaking left axle shaft seal. Other frequent complaints involve paint issues and problems with the hybrid model's battery or cooling system. 
This video discusses common problems in the 2008-2012 Ford Escape, including the throttle body, power steering, and transmission: 58scar PROblemsYouTube · Jul 3, 2022
Engine and drivetrain 

• Ignition misfires: A frequent issue, often caused by faulty ignition coils. 
• Hesitation or stumbling: The engine may hesitate or stumble while driving, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light. 
• Transfer case problems: 4WD models are known to have internal transfer case issues. 
• Leaking axle shaft seal: Leaking from the left axle shaft seal is a common complaint. 

HVAC and electrical

• Blower motor only works on high: A very common problem where the HVAC fan only operates at the highest speed. 
• Electrical issues: Alternator failure has been reported, leading to multiple electrical problems and power loss. 
• Power steering: Some owners report issues with the electric power steering, and the ABS light may come on if the front ABS sensor ring breaks. 

Brakes

• Premature wear: Brakes pads and rotors may wear out faster than expected. 
• Spongy pedal: Some drivers experience a spongy or low brake pedal, even after brake work has been done. 
• Pulsation: Brake pulsation or vibration is another reported issue. 

Other

• Paint and trim: Problems with paint (fading, peeling) and loose interior or exterior trim are common. 
• Rear window: Exploding rear windows have been a frequent problem. 
• Hybrid model issues: Hybrid versions may experience battery degradation or coolant system leaks. 

How do I check if my Ford Escape has a recall?

Recent Ford Escape recalls include an underhood fire risk in certain 2020–2022 models with 1.5-liter engines, a high-voltage battery short circuit risk in 2020–2024 plug-in hybrids, and issues with brake linings or a start/stop accumulator on other models. Ford will contact owners via mail for safety recalls and provides a VIN checker on its website for owners to verify if their vehicle is affected.
 
Recent recalls

• 2020–2022 Escape (1.5L Engine): A recall for a fire risk due to cracked fuel injectors that can leak fuel under the hood. An interim software update is being provided, with a permanent fix under development. 
• 2020–2024 Escape PHEV: A recall for a risk of high-voltage battery short-circuiting, which could cause a fire. A previous software update was insufficient, and a new remedy is being developed. 
• 2025 Escape: A recall for issues with stability control and brake assist, which could make the vehicle difficult to control. 
• 2021–2022 Escape: A recall for incorrectly manufactured rear brake linings that can affect braking performance. 
• 2020 Escape: A recall for a transmission issue where missing or loose bolts in the start/stop accumulator endcap may occur. 

How to check for recalls

• Online VIN checker: Use the Ford's safety recall checker or the RepairPal recall checker by entering your vehicle's VIN or license plate number. 
• Mail notification: Ford will mail a notice to the registered owner of the vehicle if a safety recall applies to it. The notice will provide details about the defect, repair timeline, and instructions on how to get the repair done at no cost. 

How many miles should a 2009 Ford Escape last?

A 2009 Ford Escape can have a lifespan of 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more with consistent maintenance, but it can vary depending on driving habits and care. With proper maintenance, such as regular oil changes and fluid flushes, it is possible to reach over 200,000 miles. Some owners of this generation have reported success with high mileage, but it is important to note that certain engine types or maintenance practices may lead to more issues than others.
 
Factors affecting lifespan

• Maintenance: Regular service, including oil changes, tire rotations, and replacing parts like the timing chain, can significantly extend the life of the vehicle. 
• Engine type: The 3.0L V6 engine is often considered more reliable than the 4-cylinder in this model year by some owners. 
• Driving habits: Smooth acceleration and braking, and avoiding harsh conditions, can reduce wear and tear. 
• Environment: Harsh weather conditions, like extreme heat or cold, can accelerate the breakdown of certain components. 
• Repairs: While the engine and transmission can be repaired, issues can arise with other components like the master cylinder, ABS module, or rust, which can be expensive to fix. 

Does a 2009 Ford Escape have any recalls?

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.