Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Ford Escape electrical problems
moderate 59 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 59 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: AFTER POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE REPROGRAMMING, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IS ON WITH SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P06B8, P068A, P2610, IF KEY NOT LEFT FOR 30 SECONDS IN OFF POSITION FOLLOWING PROGRAMMING ON SOME MODEL 2009-15 VEHICLES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: THROTTLE BODY WILL DEVELOP CONTAMINATION ON INTERNAL MOTOR CONTACTS RESULTING IN AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONNECTIVITY AND MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) OR WRENCH LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2009-2013 FUSION, MILAN, ESCAPE, MARINER. UPDATED 5/7/14.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: THE WRENCH LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN 4X4 FUNCTION IS INOPERATIVE DUE TO ACTIVE TORQUE COUPLING SOLENOID COIL WIRING BEING BROKE, BUT A KIT IS AVAILABLE TO SERVICE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY/REAR DRIVE UNIT (RDU), AT LOWER LEVEL. MODEL 2008-2012 ESCAPE, MARINER.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗COMM-TRANS LUND: SOME 2009-2011 MODELS MAY HAVE THE AIR BAG INICATOR FLASHING WITH A STORED TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electronic throttle body failures dominate these complaints: the engine shuts down mid-drive without warning at speeds from 15 to 70 MPH, with owners unable to accelerate even when pressing the pedal to the floor. Some vehicles fail multiple times in a single day. The vehicle restarts and runs fine moments later, but the pattern repeats unpredictably. Replacement costs $375–$670 depending on shop. Delphi issued a redesigned throttle body (TSB 09-23-5), and Ford ran a field service action, yet many owners say Ford never formalized a recall.
Ignition switch problems are equally common: the key requires hard pushing, turning at just the right angle, or multiple attempts—sometimes 15 tries over several minutes—before the engine cranks. A burning electrical smell sometimes emanates from vents during startup. The issue worsens over time and has left owners stranded.
Stalling without clear cause affects many vehicles; diagnostics turn up no codes or point to throttle body even when cleaning doesn't stick. Some owners report the vehicle enters limp-home mode, crawling at under 5 MPH with full dash warning lights. Dashboard gauges lock up intermittently, requiring a physical tap to restore function, and when they do, air conditioning quits.
Less common but serious: one owner's vehicle lost all electrical power on a steep hill, rolled backward with no brakes or steering, and flipped. Others cite parasitic electrical drains that turn on headlights and radio at night, causing repeat failures even after dealer repairs costing $500–$2,000. Roof leaks allow water to flow over wiring and airbag components with no permanent fix reported.
Same Ford Escape electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction - Loss of Power/Stalling
Engine shuts down or loses power during acceleration or normal driving without warning. Vehicle can be restarted and runs normally afterward. Some owners report the issue recurring multiple times in a single drive or day. Dealers and independent shops diagnose throttle body failure; some owners cite TSB 09-23-5 and Delphi component redesign.
When: Various speeds (15 MPH to 70 MPH), intermittent, some owners report multiple incidents within hours or days
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts down while driving; Complete loss of acceleration/power; Vehicle will not respond to throttle input; Wrench or check engine light illuminates during failure; Vehicle restarts normally after shutdown and restart; RPM shifting up and down; Vehicle enters limp-home mode (reduced power, speed under 5 MPH)
Codes mentioned: P2112 (Throttle Actuator Control System Error), Throttle stuck closed, Throttle open only 52% at full throttle position, B1239 (Air Flow Blend Door Driver Circuit Failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement; throttle cleaning attempted but temporary fix; some shops on nationwide backorder (delays into Oct/Nov); costs $375-$670 reported; one owner's mechanic replaced throttle body and reprogrammed PCM
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 09-23-5 issued (throttle body redesign by Delphi); Field Service Action mentioned but not formalized as recall; some VINs reportedly excluded from Consumer Satisfaction Program 13N03; Ford advised one owner the vehicle was still 'drivable' and to turn off/restart as temporary measure
Ignition Switch / Key Start Difficulty
Key must be pushed in hard or turned in a specific way to start the vehicle. Problem develops gradually and worsens over time, eventually preventing starts. Multiple attempts (up to 5-15 tries) and several minutes may be required. Some owners report burning electrical smell from vents when the vehicle does start.
When: Starts gradually, worsens over months or years; one owner reported issue began ~1 year into ownership; another noted it after returning from Ford recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Key must be pushed in very hard to start; Key must be turned in exact position or pushed upward; Multiple restart attempts required (up to 15); Can take 5-15 minutes to start vehicle; Burning electrical smell from vents during start; Problem occurs every time car is started; Spare key exhibits same issue after initial improvement
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement diagnosed but not always completed by owners; repair costs $500+ mentioned but not completed in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue reported to Ford dealerships; one owner noted the problem worsened after Ford recall 14S05 service
PCM / Electrical System - Parasitic Drain and Component Failures
Vehicle exhibits random electrical malfunctions including headlights and radio turning on at night when parked, turn signals and brake lights shutting down while driving, climate controls disabling, and general electrical instability. Dealers attribute failures to faulty PCM, ignition wiring, or fuse box issues but replacements do not permanently resolve problems. Multiple owners report costs of $500-$2,000 and recurring issues within 6 months.
When: Random, both while parked and while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights and radio coming on at night when parked; Turn signals, brake lights, and climate controls shutting down while driving; Radio shutting off; Concern about fire risk from electrical drain; Multiple collisions nearly avoided due to loss of turn signals and brake lights; Recurring issues after dealer repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace PCM or ignition wiring harness; costs $500-$2,000 reported; problems recur within 6 months; one mechanic suspects wiring harness compromise from high-voltage drain damage requiring full harness replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers reportedly not equipped to diagnose; hub dealership diagnostic cost $400 plus parts and labor; no formal recall or TSB mentioned
Starter Motor - Continuous Engagement and Overheating
Starter continuously engages even after vehicle is running, causing sparks, smoke, and melting of positive battery wire. Issue recurs even after starter, solenoid, and ignition module replacement.
When: Intermittent, recurring 5 months after previous repair
Symptoms owners cite: Starter continuously engaged; Sparks and smoke from starter motor; Positive battery wire melts; Issue recurs after component replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Starter, tumbler, ignition module replaced; solenoid replaced; mechanic suspects wiring harness compromise requiring replacement
Vehicle Stalling - Intermittent and Unpredictable
Vehicle stalls at various speeds and conditions with no warning. Owners report stalling 8-10 times in a single trip, at highway speeds (55-70 MPH), at traffic lights, and during acceleration. Root cause often undiagnosed; some traced to throttle body, others to PCM issues. No consistent diagnostic approach across dealers.
When: Intermittent, various speeds (15-70 MPH), at traffic lights, during acceleration, while idling
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; No check engine light in some cases; Battery and oil lights flash during stall; Vehicle shudders violently when idling in below-freezing weather; Can stall 8-10 times in one trip; Stalling on busy roadways and intersections
Codes mentioned: Throttle stuck closed (some cases), No codes detected in others
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostics inconclusive in many cases; PCM flashed to latest firmware in one case with no resolution; throttle cleaning attempted in one case but ineffective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported field service action on throttle body malfunction but stated it was not formalized as recall
Engine Control Issues - Camshaft and Solenoid Faults (P0011/P0012)
Check engine light illuminates with diagnostic codes P0011 and P0012 indicating camshaft position solenoid failures. Dealers indicate possible need for both solenoid replacement and cylinder head/camshaft replacement if wear detected. Repair occurs just outside 60,000-mile warranty coverage.
When: At 63,296 miles (outside 60,000-mile warranty by 3,296 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: P0011 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank A), P0012 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank B)
Repairs/costs cited: Both solenoids require replacement; possible cylinder head and camshaft replacement if wear detected; very expensive repair cited but not completed; owner was outside warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Coverage limited to 60,000 miles; owner 3,296 miles past warranty
Dashboard Gauge and HVAC Lockup
Dashboard gauges intermittently lock up while driving, requiring physical impact (hitting dash) to restore function. When gauges malfunction, air conditioning also stops working. Combined with throttle issues that cause vehicle to stop accelerating and shaking.
When: Intermittent while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard gauges lock up/freeze; A/C stops working when gauges malfunction; Physical impact to dash restores gauge function; Loss of acceleration (described separately in throttle issues); Entire vehicle shakes as if dying when brakes applied during power loss; Longer crank time after incidents
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealership unable to identify cause; owner has had multiple sensor repairs
Roof Leak with Electrical Hazard
Water intrudes through roof and flows down A and B posts onto floor, passing over electrical wires and airbag components. Fuze panel also exposed to water flow. Floor remains soaked after rain.
When: During and after rain
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks from roof; Water flows over electrical wires and airbag components; Water flows near fuse panel; Floor always soaked; Re-soaking occurs with each rain event
Power Steering Loss
Power steering failure reported by owner whose aunt purchased vehicle new in 2018. Owner sought recall information but was told their vehicle's VIN was not part of recall batch despite having same issue.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering going out
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford confirmed recall existed but owner's VIN excluded from recall batch; multiple online reports of same issue for same year/make
Shift Lock Malfunction - Park Position Lock
Vehicle will not shift out of Park gear. Shifter locks up requiring multiple engine starts and restarts before lock releases.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter lock activated in Park; Unable to shift out of Park; Variable time for unlock; Requires multiple engine restarts to release lock
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Ford Escape?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 59 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 50 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 63,296 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 92,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 63,296; a quarter make it past 115,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.