2010 Ford Escape Problems
What owners have reported about the 2010 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2010 Ford Escape a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 2,070 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the acceleration and speed control, engine and transmission.
2,070 complaints 5 recalls, 1 fire risk 4th worst of 18 Escape years
Top 2010 Ford Escape problems
Acceleration problems
558 complaints (27%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
Engine problems
528 complaints (26%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and engine.
Transmission problems
508 complaints (25%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and seal.
Fuel system problems
507 complaints (25%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel pump and tank assembly.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,752 of 2,070). The amber line is the middle value, about 60,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2010 Ford Escape recalls
Fuel pump
Fire riskOn vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable.
Recall 16V777000 · Oct 2016Wheel bearing
The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width. Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge.
Recall 15E045000 · Jun 2015Electric power assist system
The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist. If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge.
Recall 14V284000 · May 2014Seat covers may block side airbag deployment
Injury riskThe seat covers use heavier thread and are not compatible with seats that have side airbags. The heavier cover could interfere with the airbag fully deploying in a crash, which could cause serious injury.
Fix: The dealer will replace the seat cover free of charge, and Marathon will notify owners of record.
Recall 10E043000 · Sep 2010Automatic transmission
The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed which fails to conform to the requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Representatives are available monday through friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Recall 10V222000 · May 2010Get an email when your 2010 Ford Escape gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2010 Ford Escape, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Escape years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2010 Ford Escape problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2010 Ford Escape a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 2,070 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the acceleration and speed control, engine and transmission.
What are the most common 2010 Ford Escape problems?
Owners most often report problems with the acceleration and speed control, engine, transmission and fuel system. 558 complaints (27%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Escape acceleration and speed control problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 41,000–65,000 miles, with a middle value near 53,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Escape have?
5. Fuel pump (16V777000); Wheel bearing (15E045000); Electric power assist system (14V284000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2010 Ford Escape?
Ask for service records covering the acceleration and speed control, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.