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2011 Ford Escape: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationOne of the weaker Escape years.
2,651 owner complaints, most about steering. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Escape?The 2011 Ford Escape has 2651 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train. Owners most often flag electric power steering torque sensor failure after 100,000 miles: causing power steering loss at highway speed.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escape years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the Escape?
Across the 27 Escape model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2000) to 4,834 (2008). With 2,651 complaints, the 2011 Escape sits above the model's median of 1,110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 Escape
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 16V777000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
suspension:front:wheel bearing
Campaign 15E045000The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. 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.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 14V284000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. 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.
What owners report on the 2nd generation Escape
Owners of the 2008-2012 Escape generally describe it as a tough, capable, and reliable small SUV, with many praising its snow performance, off-road ability for a unibody crossover, and overall durability at high mileage.
- RecurrentTransmission failure on 2008 models, requiring replacement before 150,000 miles
- RecurrentElectric power steering torque sensor failure after 100,000 miles
Causing power steering loss at highway speed.
- RecurrentRust on rear wheel wells, shock mounts, and front subframe, especially in salt-belt regions
- RecurrentWater pump failure on V6 models, difficult to replace and can cause engine overheating
- RecurrentA/C desiccant bag rupture in receiver dryer on 2009-2012 models
Filling system with sand and requiring full system replacement.
Owner insights for the 2nd generation Escape. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Escape listings typically run $9,995–$20,378.
Other Escape model years
Compare every Escape year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escape against its rivals
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