2011 Ford Escape Problems
What owners have reported about the 2011 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 2011 Ford Escape a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,318 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, fuel system and transmission.
1,318 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 9th worst of 18 Escape years
Top 2011 Ford Escape problems
Steering problems
411 complaints (31%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system and column.
Fuel system problems
284 complaints (22%) name the fuel system, most often the delivery and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.
Transmission problems
268 complaints (20%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and control module (TCM / PCM / TECM).
Engine problems
263 complaints (20%) name the engine, most often the gas recirculation valve (EGR VALVE).
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 (1,048 of 1,318). The amber line is the middle value, about 57,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2011 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 2014Get an email when your 2011 Ford Escape gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2011 Ford Escape, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.
2011 Ford Escape problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2011 Ford Escape a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 1,318 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, fuel system and transmission.
What are the most common 2011 Ford Escape problems?
Owners most often report problems with the steering, fuel system, transmission and engine. 411 complaints (31%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system and column.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford Escape steering problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 80,000–144,000 miles, with a middle value near 111,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Escape have?
3. 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 2011 Ford Escape?
Ask for service records covering the steering, 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.