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ProblemsByVin File / 2010-FORD-ESCAPE
2010 · ford

ford Escape problems

1 safety recall. 2,122 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.2 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
475 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
438 reports · avg $700
moderate
cruise control
405 reports · avg $600
moderate
engine
163 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
130 reports · avg $850
moderate
visibility
84 reports · avg $350
severe
fuel system
69 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
body
53 reports · avg $1,500
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 Escape · steering
Steering wheel began rapidly shaking when parked or when in drive. This shaking began to make steering dangerous as it would make me swerve while operating the vehicle. This began a week before the power steering went completely out and now the dash has a message for power…
12/31/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499625.0
2010 Escape · visibility Crash
I SENT THIS EMAIL TO FORD IN SEPTEMBER 2014 I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHERE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT A DEER WHICH LANDED ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WHICH SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OF TINY SHARDS OF GLASS. FOR OVER 2 YEARS, I HAVE BEING DEALING WITH THOUSANDS OF TINY SHARDS…
12/31/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938901.0
2010 Escape · powertrain
WHILE DRIVING ON SURFACE STREETS THE "WRENCH" INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I GOT TO A PARKING LOT AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE I RESTARTED THE ENGINE, THE WRENCH LIGHT WENT OUT AND ALL SEEMED OK. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 6-7 MILES ON THE…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557977.0
2010 Escape · steering
My girlfriend's electric power steering went out when she got home. Something that it was previously recalled for. Also while she was driving she was getting really bad shaking in her steering wheel this is the second time this has happened and it is really dangerous.
12/30/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499604.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 10E043000 03/09/2010

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Fix: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Common questions

Is the 2010 Ford Escape reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 2,122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Ford Escape has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2010 Ford Escape?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 475 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Escape has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Ford Escape?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,122 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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