Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
My vehicle is not able to pass the inspection and I have had a brand new gas tank put in and the engine lights are always on. I can't get a new tag for the car and I have been pulled over by police 5 times now and received a citation due to this issue. Please if possible could you help me with this situation. Thank you so much for your time and understanding.
The evaporative emissions canister purge control valve is making my car jerk when accelerating and does not make my car run correctly. This causes an "rubber" smoke smell and could end up causing more issues down the line. The muffler and exhaust, a/c condenser does not function properly
Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in Victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid D is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers
There is oil leak that cannot be found. I have taken that truck to 3 different mechanics, conducted 3 different diagnostics using the dye and everything and the source of this leak cannot be found and is causing me problems.
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.
While driving down the street, the vehicle suddenly seemed to stall. The 'wrench' light came on and the engine was still running but only moving at idle speed. Pressing the accelerator did nothing, the engine kept stayed at idle. I pulled over and then turned off the engine. The car restarted and the wrench light was off. I accelerated up to street speed (30-35 MPH) and the same thing happened again, the wrench light came on. I again pulled over, turned off the engine, and then restarted the car. This time the wrench light went off but the 'check engine' light came on and stayed on. I was able to drive the car where I needed to go by keeping it under 30 MPH. I did make it to a auto-parts store and they were able to hook up a diagnostic machine to give me the p2111 trouble code, throttle body stuck open. …
Purchased 2010 Ford Escape xlt in April 2015. (1) vehicle had sound coming from engine when accelerating. Issued fixed by dealer replacing belt tensioner but noise has since returned. (2) vehicle already had or developed constant vibration at idle when in drive and foot on break and gets worse with A/C on. Took to dealer 3 times who stated they replaced right engine mount and rear transmission mount but vibration continued after repairs. Service dept tech stating that there is a strong vibration but that they are unable to determine engine vibration but that vehicle is operational. Vibration is very strong and almost feels like engine wants to turn off at times. If transmission is put in neutral or park then vibration is gone and not noticeable while driving. …
On August 31, 2015 I was leaving an airport and accelerating to merge onto a highway. I believe I was close to 60mph when I felt something in my car change. All of the electronics were still working, so I knew it was not an issue with my battery. The wrench light appeared and I realized I was no longer able to accelerate. I immediately got over to the right lane and by this time my speed had dropped to 40mph. I was able to safely pull over and put my car into park. The rpms spiked and I turned my car off. After waiting a minute or so I was able to restart my car with no problem. I got back onto the highway and took my exit. Maybe 5-7 miles from the location of the first incident, I was driving approximately 40mph down a 2-lane street when the same thing happened. This time both the wrench light and the engine light were on. …
NHTSA investigations
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 528 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Ford Escape, 26% of the model year's 2,070 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Ford Escape engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 Ford Escape, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Escape engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.