What do you remember about the year 2010? Is it the late Kobe Bryant surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s 25,000 career point record? How about SpaceX becoming the first private company to launch, orbit, and recover a spacecraft?
If you were in the market for a motor vehicle or a car enthusiast, you probably remember 2010 for another reason— the Ford Motor Company’s 2010 model year Ford Escape. And why wouldn’t you remember it?
After all, the 2010 Ford Escape and its variants (Ford Escape XLT, Escape XLS, Escape Limited) were the no-brainer choice if you needed a fuel-efficient SUV (sport utility vehicle) with ample passenger and cargo space.
And you weren’t the only one who thought so. It was so popular that Ford sold 191,026 units in the U.S. (United States), almost 50,000 more than the 2023 version— which featured more advanced components like an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and an electronic engine.
On the flip side, you probably remember 2010 as the year you made one of the worst buying decisions you ever made— getting lost in the excitement and purchasing a 2010 Ford Escape.
And who can blame you? Some units were lemons. As of April 2024, over a decade since its launch, the 2010 model year Ford Escape sits at a below-average reliability rating among buyers.
Fortunately, Ford announced several recalls throughout the years to fix the issues plaguing the affected vehicles. So, if you own a Ford Escape or are considering buying the 2010 model, this article is for you.
This write-up dives into the details of these safety recalls, exploring the reasons behind them and the actions you must take when facing problems with your unit.
Were Ford’s remedies unable to solve your 2010 Ford Escape’s problems? Then, it might be a lemon car. Visit LemonLawLawyers.org if you need help navigating lemon laws.
Are There Any Issues With the 2010 Ford Escape?
Do you know the best-selling car brand in the U.S. (United States)? You would be close if you answered Toyota or General Motors (GM), as those two rank #2 and #3, respectively.
However, based on 2023 sales figures, the leading manufacturer with roughly 1.9 million units sold is none other than the Ford Motor Company. The same story unfolds if you look at other countries like Canada.
While there are various reasons why Ford towers over other car brands, the main reason is that it has consistently delivered automobiles that fit every type of driver, need, and situation since its founding in 1903.
Are you looking for a midsized car with comfort and fantastic resale value? You have the Ford Fusion. How about a reliable SUV that packs a punch? You have the Ford Explorer.
But before you rush to your nearest Ford dealer, you must understand that Ford vehicles aren’t without flaws. In fact, the blue-oval company only has a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating, placing it at #21 out of 32 car brands.
So, if you ask whether there are any issues with the 2010 Ford Escape model, the answer is yes. Like any other vehicle, it might encounter problems requiring your attention.
As an owner of one of these automobiles or an interested buyer, you must stay informed about potential complications, especially if you want to ensure your chosen vehicle’s continued safety and performance.
Fortunately, you can always check the Ford website for more information regarding their motor vehicles. Alternatively, you can visit LemonLawLawyers.org, where you can read write-ups about recalls and how to pursue recourse if you, unfortunately, wind up with a lemon.
Are There Any Recalls On the 2010 Ford Escape?
For a car over a decade old, no one would blame you for thinking that the 2010 Ford Escape is a relic of a now-bygone automobile era. However, that’s not the case.
As of April 2024, the 2010 model year Ford Escape has a 4.3-star rating on the Kelly Blue Book, a trusted guidebook that compiles car prices in North America, with 83% of people still recommending it.
Unfortunately, as mentioned, this particular Ford automobile isn’t without issues. After all, a motor vehicle wouldn’t have had five recalls if it didn’t, right?
These five Ford Escape recalls, from latest to oldest, are as follows:
| Recall Date: October 26, 2016 | |
| Issue | Remedy |
| If you own a Ford Escape equipped with a 3.0L engine manufactured between February 26, 2009, and April 29, 2012, your vehicle might have a fuel delivery module (FDM) prone to cracking. This recall also affects you if you own a Ford Mercury Mariner produced between February 25, 2009, and December 12, 2010. | Ford dealers will replace your automobile’s FDM flange with a redesigned fuel supply port, eliminating potential fuel leaks. |
| Recall Date: June 3, 2015 | |
| Issue | Remedy |
| This recall concerns you if you own any of the following Ford vehicles: • 2001-2012 Escape • 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute • 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner These units use aftermarket front wheel bearings (part number 510072) from the Timken Company with incorrect dimensions (42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width). | If your Ford vehicle is affected, you must contact your Ford dealer. They will change your aftermarket front wheel bearings to the correct dimensions (42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension, and 45mm width). |
| Recall Date: May 29, 2014 | |
| Issue | Remedy |
| If you own any 2008-2011 Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner vehicles produced at the Kansas City Assembly Plant from August 18, 2006, to September 11, 2010, your car might have a faulty steering torque sensor. | Ford-authorized dealers will update the software of your power steering control module (PSCM) and instrument cluster module or replace your unit’s steering column assembly. Doing so eliminates the possibility of the faulty sensor removing your vehicle’s electric power steering (EPS) assist feature, which makes the car harder to control at low speeds. |
| Recall Date: September 3, 2010 | |
| Issue | Remedy |
| This safety recall concerns Ford-manufactured vehicles equipped with aftermarket seat covers from Marathon, a manufacturer of seat covers for SUVs and trucks. So if your Ford Escape has seat covers with any of the following part numbers, it’s affected: • 228 • 228-09 • 267-08 • 333 • 593 • 594 • 578 • 625 • 630 • 960 | Unlike previous recalls, Marathon will provide you with the solution instead of Ford and its licensed dealers. Marathon will replace your motor vehicle’s seat cover. This remedy ensures your seat airbags will deploy during a car crash, which the original seat covers’ heavier threads might prevent. |
| Recall Date: May 24, 2010 | |
| Issue | Remedy |
| If you own a Ford Escape produced between February 27 and March 26, 2010, your unit might have an improperly installed park rod guide retention pin. Other Ford vehicles affected by this recall include the 2010 model year Fusion and Milan. | Ford will repair your impacted motor vehicle to ensure it conforms to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 114 requirement regarding theft protection and rollaway prevention. |
What Acceleration Problems Are Supposed to be Addressed by the Recall of the Ford Escape 2010?
The five recalls mentioned above specifically pertain to the 2010 Ford Escape. While there weren’t any acceleration-related recalls involving the 2010 Ford Escape, the automobile manufacturer was involved in a 2013 class-action lawsuit.
Filed on behalf of consumers from Michigan and 13 other states, the suit alleged that Ford vehicles featuring an electronic throttle control system have unintentional acceleration problems, increasing your risk of a crash if your unit doesn’t have a brake override system.
These automobiles in question include the following:
| 2005-2007 Five Hundred | 2004-2010 Explorer and 2007-2010 Explorer Sport Trac | 2005-2010 Mustang |
| 2005-2009 Crown Victoria | 2004-2010 F-Series | 2008-2010 Taurus |
| 2005-2010 Econoline | 2009-2010 Flex | 2008-2009 Taurus X |
| 2007-2010 Edge | 2008-2010 Focus | 2002-2005 Thunderbird |
| 2009-2010 Escape and 2005-2010 Escape hybrid | 2005-2007 Freestyle | 2010 Transit Connect |
| 2005-2010 Expedition | 2006-2010 Fusion |
Note that the lawsuit also concerns some Ford Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, including the following:
| 2003-2006 LS | 2006-2010 MKZ | 2009-2010 Mariner and 2005-2010 Mariner hybrid |
| 2006-2008 Mark LT | 2005-2009 Town Car | 2006-2010 Milan |
| 2009-2010 MKS | 2006-2010 Zephyr | 2005-2007 Montego |
| 2010 MKT | 2002-2005 Cougar (XR7) | 2004-2010 Mountaineer |
| 2007-2010 MKX | 2005-2009 Grand Marquis | 2008-2010 Sable |
Are There Any Current Recalls on the Ford Escape?
From malfunctioning power steering assist to fuel pumps prone to cracking, the 2010 Ford Escape has several issues that could impact your vehicle’s continued performance and safety.
But what if you have one of the newer, more current Ford Escape units? Would you still encounter the same potential problems as you would with the 2010 model? Let’s find out, shall we?
NHTSA Safety Recall Results
As of April 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) database indicates that the Ford Escape line has had 60 recalls since 2004.
The most recent recall, which occurred on July 20, 2023, attempts to fix issues with improperly soldered instrument cluster panels. This recall concerns you if you own a 2023 Escape or any of the following F-series models:
| Super Duty F-250 | Super Duty F-450 |
| Super Duty F-350 | Super Duty F-550 |
Fuel System, Gasoline
As of April 2024, the most current recall involving the Ford Escape’s fuel system happened on November 17, 2022.
If you own a 2020-2023 Escape with a 1.5L engine, your vehicle might have a crack-prone fuel injector. Ford’s remedies for the problem include the following:
- Updating your Ford Escape’s engine control software so that it can detect fuel injector leaks
- Installing a drain tube to remove leaked fuel from your car’s engine compartment
Component Not Known
The 00V277001 recall doesn’t specifically target current Ford Escape units. However, your automobile might be affected, as this recent recall aims to correct an issue with some Ford SUVs.
The primary culprit? Fuel line O-ring seals that might’ve been damaged during the assembly process. These faulty O-rings might cause your Ford Escape to leak fuel and, at worst, catch fire.
Equipment
The last equipment-related recall involving the 2010 Ford Escape was to fix issues with aftermarket seat covers. So, you might think that you’re off the hook if you own the latest model. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong.
That’s because some newer Ford SUVs, for which your Ford Escape belongs, might have defective or malfunctioning speed or cruise control cables or ones that allow water to enter them.
Recall no. 00V210001 is Ford’s way of fixing the problem— inspecting your potentially affected vehicle’s speed control cables and replacing the defective ones.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission
As of April 2024, the most current recall involving the automatic transmission powertrain occurred on June 9, 2022. Apart from the 2013-2019 Ford Escape, you must visit your local Ford dealership if you own any of the following Ford vehicles:
| 2013-2018 C-Max | 2013-2021 Transit Connect |
| 2013-2016 Fusion | 2015-2018 Edge |
Why? Your unit might have a damaged or missing bushing that could prevent it from shifting into your intended gear. If so, your automobile might move in an unexpected direction or not gear into the “park” position.
Suspension: Front Wheel Bearing
Fortunately, the most recent recall about issues with the Ford Escape’s front wheel bearings occurred on June 3, 2015. So, if you have a more modern Ford Escape model, you’re safe.
As mentioned, however, the June 3, 2015 safety recall involves you if you own any of the following Ford vehicles with aftermarket front wheel bearings from the Timken Company:
- 2001-2012 Escape
- 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute
- 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner
Steering: Electric Power Assist System
As of April 2024, the last recall involving the Ford Escape’s EPS assist feature occurred on May 29, 2014, which affected 2008-2011 Ford Escape units manufactured between August 18, 2006, and September 11, 2010.
Under this recall, your motor vehicle might have a malfunctioning steering torque sensor, preventing it from detecting your steering wheel input and, by extension, turning off your car’s EPS assist.
Ford Mercury Recall: The Vehicle May Roll Without Warning
While it primarily concerns the Ford Mercury, NHTSA campaign I.D. 10V222000, which occurred on May 24, 2010, also applies to you if you own a Ford Escape.
This recall attempts to fix faulty park rod guide retention pins, which can cause your vehicle to roll unexpectedly even when parked if it’s equipped with substandard park rod guide retention pins.
Car Recall Questions
What do I do if I’ve received a recall notice?
When you receive a recall notice, you must take action promptly. Contact your nearest Ford dealership to schedule an inspection and any necessary repairs covered under the recall.
How do I check if my car is part of a recall?
To check for recalls on your Ford Escape or any other vehicle, visit the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or Ford customer service website.
Once there, enter your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) to see if any outstanding recalls require your attention. You can find your motor vehicle’s VIN in the following locations:
- Your automobile’s registration, insurance, lease, or promissory note
- Your vehicle’s drive-side doorjamb— the upright piece forming your car door’s frame
- Your motor vehicle’s lower driver-side corner windshield
Alternatively, you can sign up for a recall reminder service through the NHTSA website or visit Lemon Law Lawyers.
Do I pay for recall repairs?
Your vehicle’s manufacturer typically covers recall repairs. In other words, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for any recall-related remedies for your Ford Escape.
However, there are exceptions to the rule. For one, repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer. Additionally, your motor vehicle must be 10 years old at most.
For this reason, you must confirm with your local Ford dealership regarding its warranty or recall policies before proceeding with any repairs. Otherwise, you might pick up the bill.
Why is a vehicle recalled?
Vehicles are recalled when manufacturers or regulators like the NHTSA identify safety defects or noncompliance with safety standards. In short, recalls aim to address these issues and ensure your automobile’s safety and reliability.
If you want more information on safety recalls, advice on dealing with a lemon car, or a hub for your car-related needs, consider visiting LemonLawLawyers.org.
References
- Historical Events in 2010
https://www.onthisday.com/events/date/2010 - 2010 Ford Escape
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/escape/2010 - Ford Escape US Sales Figures
https://carfigures.com/us-market-brand/ford/escape - 2023 Escape
https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/escape/2023/ - Leading car brands in the United States in 2023
https://www.statista.com/statistics/264362/leading-car-brands - 12 Best-Selling Car Brands in Canada
https://blog.clutch.ca/posts/best-selling-car-brands - HENRY FORD BIOGRAPHY
https://corporate.ford.com/articles/history/henry-ford-biography.html - Ford Fusion vs. Ford Explorer
https://www.iseecars.com/compare/ford-fusion-vs-ford-explorer - Ford Reliability Rating
https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford - 2010 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
https://www.kbb.com/ford/escape/2010/consumer-reviews/ - Blue Book: What it is, How it Works, Effect
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bluebook.asp - 2010 FORD Escape
https://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2010-ford-escape/ - Safety Recall 14S05
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2014/RCMN-14V284-2543.pdf - Ford sued over problems with vehicle acceleration
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation - Ford Recalls
https://www.ford.com/support/recalls/
Images sourced from Ford Media Center.