This page covers 3 recalls, 2122 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Ford Escape.
22–32 mpg combined
7.4–10.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
The 2010 Ford Escape draws the most complaints around vehicle speed control, steering, and the powertrain. On the steering side, owners frequently report sudden loss of electric power steering, often described as the wheel going heavy without warning. Some say the problem comes and goes intermittently, while others describe a complete failure requiring column or module replacement. Speed control complaints center on unintended acceleration or throttle behavior, with owners describing the vehicle surging or failing to respond predictably. Powertrain reports cover a range of transmission and engine concerns, including rough running and power loss. A smaller but recurring thread involves subframe and rear wheel well rust, with owners noting structural cracking in the rear subframe. Intermittent power steering loss is the single most consistent symptom pattern, with owners reporting it across varying mileage and maintenance histories.
2,122
Total Complaints
32
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
19
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Ford Escape has 3 recalls, the most serious being two fuel system concerns where a cracked Fuel Delivery Module can leak fuel and create a fire risk near any ignition source.
Both fuel system recalls involve the same component: the Fuel Delivery Module can crack and allow raw fuel to escape from the tank. One recall is specific to vehicles with the 3.0L engine, while the other involves a port wall that may be thinner than required, causing the fuel supply port to crack. In either case, the result is a fuel leak that can ignite if it contacts a hot engine surface or other ignition source. There is also a transmission concern: a retention pin inside the automatic transmission may not have been properly installed, which can allow the park rod guide to shift out of position. When that happens, the transmission's park pawl may not fully engage when the shifter is moved to "Park," leaving the vehicle free to roll even with the gear selector in what the driver believes is a secured position.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel delivery module may crack on certain 2010-2012 Ford Escape and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles with 3.0L engines, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module flange with a redesigned version that prevents leaks.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel delivery module's supply port wall may be thinner than it should be, causing cracks to develop. A cracked port can leak fuel, which could ignite and cause fire or injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module flange with a redesigned one that has a stronger supply port.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission's park rod guide retention pin may not be properly installed. If missing, the park rod guide can shift out of place, stopping the transmission's park pawl from locking when you shift into PARK, allowing the vehicle to roll.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the pin and install it if missing, ensuring the park mechanism locks properly when shifted into PARK.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
