Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 61 | 40% |
| Service brakes | 16 | 10% |
| Engine | 10 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 9 | 6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 4% |
| Power train | 6 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 1% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Car steering torque sensor not working properly causing power steering assist to be lost compromising electric power steering (eps) assist and increasing the risk of an accident. Ford has a recall 14S05/2014-193, but th
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 8 MPH, the steering wheel failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel ceased to function; however, the cont
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at 15 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering assist fail
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn. The vehicle was later taken to the loca
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while stopped, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mec
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed, causing the steering wheel to be difficult to maneuver. The power steering sens
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering wheel would shake and vibrate before eventually the message "torque sensor failure" had displayed and the steer
NHTSA complaint: Steering
| Reliability | 60 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 77 | good |
| Depreciation | 66 | good |
| Performance | 60 | average |
| Efficiency | 50 | average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 61 of them (40%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 60/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2009 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.