Most common 2010 Ford Escape problems
Share of the 2,070 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Escape complaints by model year
Best Escape years: 2025, 2012, 2023. Years to avoid: 2017, 2020, 2013, 2018, 2014. Compare all years →
2010 Ford Escape recalls (3)
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 crack, causing a fuel leak.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: 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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2010 Ford Escape:
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles.
Rear Liftgate Window Glass Breakage
In its response to the agency, Ford acknowledged a higher than normal level of glass breakage incidents in the model year (MY) 2010 to early-build MY 2011 subject vehicles.The incidentsoccurred when the liftgate glass was being opened, or more typically while being closed, but in both cases while the vehicle was stationery, i.e., not moving on the roadway.Additionally failures often occurred during early morning…
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 2010 Ford Escape owners say
Speed control & acceleration all 558 →
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, and then stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and she was able to avoid having an accident. The contact stated that the power steering also became inoperable, and the steering column seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,246.
Turn into a parking space and hit the brake to stop , car surged forward and jumped the curb. Hit a bus shelter, side swiped a tree , then jump curb back to parking lot before Escape came to a full stop. First time sled on a small patch of ice car surged brakes never took hold slid and avoided and street light and a tree before coming to a full stop. Took car to shop for oil change had brakes checked said no problem. But sometimes this SUV has a power surge when appling brakes.
Engine & cooling all 528 →
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing on and off. The vehicle was previously repaired, and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.
concerns regarding my 2010 Ford Escape. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, the transmission completely failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Additionally, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the entire underbody of the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded. This corrosion appears extensive enough to compromise the structural integrity of the frame and essential safety components. While operating the vehicle prior to transmission failure, I also experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 508 →
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle rolled forward. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle would jump forward while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transmission shifter cable bushing was faulty. The mechanic informed the contact that the transmission shifter cable bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jolted and then lost motive power. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she was informed by the manufacturer and the dealer that the recalls on the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was 161,542.
2010 Ford Escape engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 34 / 31 / 32 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | 4WD | 30 / 27 / 29 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Ford Escape a good car?
Based on 2,070 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Escape rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Escape at the same age. It is one of the Escape years we suggest avoiding. 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 2010 Ford Escape?
The speed control & acceleration — 558 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the engine & cooling (528) and transmission & drivetrain (508).
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Escape have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2010 Ford Escape, the most recent from October 26, 2016 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Escape?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2012 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2020, 2013, 2018 and 2014. See the full Ford Escape years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Escape problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 36% 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.