Most common 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid problems
Share of the 37 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Escape Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Escape Hybrid years: 2013, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2020, 2008, 2021, 2022, 2009. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Loss of power steering while driving
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05).
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles.
What 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid owners say
Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while 65 MPH on the freeway, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the power steering assist failed to operate. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacture was made of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was transferred by the manufacturer to NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated that he was able to safely pull to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted the vehicle drove normally for approximately 30 minutes before the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of NHTSA campaign 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Speed control & acceleration
While turning left, foot on brake pedal, in a small strip mall parking lot, car suddenly accelerated and kept accelerating. Although I tried to steer, car crashed into several hedges, over high curbs, tire blew out, finally stopped by crashing into tree 8 parallel feet from gas pump. Brakes did not slow car down. No idea why.
I bought my Ford Escape because they are dependable. But on my way to work a couple of weeks ago, my car slipped out of cruise control causing me to lurch forward at 70+ MPH on the highway. I couldn't reengage cruise control and the wrench icon was lit on the dash. The next day my car was fine so I thought it was a fluke. Then it happened again. I thought it was just an issue with cruise control so I stopped using it. But that didn't solve the issue and my car would randomly downshift while I was on the highway (the wrench light coming on). While idling, my rpms would go up without me stepping on the gas. Because of my busy work schedule, I spent almost 2 weeks not knowing if I was going to get stuck on the side of the road in 100 degree heat every time I got in the car. Eventually it was the check engine light, not the wrench light, that came on. I knew I had to get my car in. …
Transmission & drivetrain
While driving eastbound on i70 through kansas, my 2011 Escape Hybrid lost power to the drive train. Without warning, the engine started racing as if it had shifted into neutral. While coasting, I put the car into neutral and then back to drive. It continued to be unresponsive to my stepping on the accelerator pedal. I coasted to a stop on the shoulder of the highway. I did not notice any indicator warning at the time, although in subsequent similar events, the stop safely hazard warning light came on. I turned the ignition off and restarted. The car showed no sign of any problem. I put the car in gear and drove on without further trouble. The dealer found no problem with the car and suggested that the problem was somehow a random occurrence that was unlikely to happen again. …
I bought my vehicle, used, a couple of years ago. I asked for the carfax and if there were any issues with the vehicle. The salesman let me glance at his screen and scrolled through to humor me and promised there were no issues. A few days ago while driving on the highway using cruise control, the cc kicked off and my car jerked. Since then, I have had trouble accelerating and controlling the speed of my car. A littel orange wrench came on. This morning as I was driving to work, the check engine light came on. I felt like I almost got into 3 accidents for lack of control of my car. I took it to the shop and they told me I shouldn't even be driving it because of the lack of speed control. Now I'm stuck paying hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands, for lack of proper disclosure and faulty manufacturing. …
2011 Ford Escape Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 34 / 30 / 32 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | 4WD | 30 / 27 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid a good car?
Based on 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Escape Hybrid rates better than average: 68% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Escape Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best Escape Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid?
The steering — 14 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (8) and transmission & drivetrain (5).
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Escape Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2008, 2021, 2022 and 2009. See the full Ford Escape Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 82,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.