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    Ford Escape

    EPA MPG: 21 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2011 Escape is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2011 Ford Escape has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2011 Ford Escape owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    ""Began a year prior with a trouble code thrown for catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 2, with no noticeable changes in performance. Car developed an exhaust leak and after this repair, immediately when driving the next day, it was very sluggish taking off to the point of almost stalling. Took it back in and turned out 2/3 of the catalytic converters were just about disintegrated inside and needed to be replaced. Was repaired (this was around 11/2025) and have not had issues since.""

    Anonymous A., MI (2011 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)

    "It went bad. Making noise. Replayed with new within a week."

    Anonymous, WI (2011 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)
    Muffler

    "front 13" muffler rusted out. They could not find another one (no longer made) so just put a new pipe on it. Doesn't make any noise."

    Anonymous, NE (2011 Ford Escape Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Mufflers tend to wear out and needed replacement."

    Anonymous, IL (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "It rusted where the front pipe connected and the end of the front pipe disconnected and hung down. The car was very loud. To be fair, this is Wisconsin and it was pretty old, and about time to be replaced anyway."

    Anonymous, WI (2011 Ford Escape Hybrid 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Trunk latch ...trunk wouldn't open."

    Anonymous, WI (2011 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)

    "Ignition switch was unreliable"

    Anonymous A., WA (2011 Ford Escape Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Pipes

    "The pipe attached to the muffler rusted and had to be replaced along with the muffler. To be fair, it was old and this is Wisconsin, so this is normal here."

    Anonymous, WI (2011 Ford Escape Hybrid 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "Took vehicle to local garage and it was repaired successfully."

    Anonymous, (2011 Ford Escape XLS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "They had to put a new control arm with ball joint on front left and right lower and sway bar. Also passenger side axle shaft boot was leaking so put on a new axle shaft assembly."

    Anonymous, NE (2011 Ford Escape Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "ball joints keep wearing out until i had them replaced with top quality ball joints."

    Anonymous, IL (2011 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)
    Other steering/suspension problem

    "Steering locked up"

    Anonymous, MD (2011 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Steering locked up"

    Anonymous, MD (2011 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "Brake pads required replacement"

    Anonymous, IL (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Premature brake wear

    "Weve had this car for 3 years and have had to fix the brakes every year. We drive this car maybe 10000 miles per year. No, its not the drivers."

    Anonymous, WA (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 3.0-L V6)
    Regular brake failure

    "Brake cylinder started sticking. Felt like riding with a flat tire. Mechanic replaced"

    Anonymous A., NC (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Rubber on dr door frame coming apart. Not resolved yet"

    Anonymous, IL (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 3.0-L V6)
    Rust

    "Rust on rear fender started a couple of yrs ago - flaking and bubbling paint"

    Anonymous, IL (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 3.0-L V6)

    "This vehicle rusted from the inside out within a few years. Ive had this problem with other Fords"

    Anonymous A., (2011 Ford Escape XLT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    ""quit, not going to fix""

    Anonymous A., WI (2011 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

    "It was an electrical connection that went bad."

    Anonymous A., VA (2011 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "the box and damper systems failed twice. Mechanic said ford stopped making the replacements."

    Anonymous, CO (2011 Ford Escape XLS 3.0-L V6)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Slipping transmission

    "Ford stopped supporting any software for the vehicle"

    Anonymous, OR (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission leaks

    "fluid leaked from shaft seal, causing failure"

    Anonymous, OH (2011 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Oil leaks from the oil pan due to failing gasket as well as oil leak near timing chain"

    Anonymous, FL (2011 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

    "Started 3 years ago leaking valve cover gasket. Quote of $1800 to repair. the repair is more that the car is worth."

    Anonymous, IL (2011 Ford Escape XLT 3.0-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    CD player

    "Wont operate. Put in a CD and kicks it out."

    Anonymous A., IL (2011 Ford Escape XLT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Can't reconnect. Worked fine then nothinh"

    Anonymous A., IL (2011 Ford Escape XLT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "The battery has had to be changed twice since we got the car from my mother-in-law a year ago."

    Anonymous, (2011 Ford Escape Unsure Unsure)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Volume knob not working consistently. Does not connect with phone consistently."

    Anonymous, FL (2011 Ford Escape XLS 3.0-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "transmission delveloped a leak, began slipping. had to be rebuilt"

    Anonymous, OH (2011 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

    "Transmission and turbo both needed replacement."

    Anonymous, OR (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveline vibration

    ""large rattling sound in front end, power steering occasionally goes out and have to pull over, and restart engine.""

    Anonymous, MO (2011 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

    "This was related to front end wear which was repaired."

    Anonymous, (2011 Ford Escape XLS 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "The seal around the sunroof leaks so every time we go through a car wash we have to hold a bucket so we dont get soaked."

    Anonymous, WA (2011 Ford Escape Unsure 3.0-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Sunroof

    "water leak coming through sunroof"

    Anonymous, MO (2011 Ford Escape Limited 3.0-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2011 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Oct 26, 2016
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Ford 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.
    What should you do:
    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. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V777000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 329265
    SUSPENSION
    Jun 03, 2015
    Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    The 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.
    What should you do:
    Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15E045000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 576
    STEERING
    May 29, 2014
    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.
    Summary:
    Ford 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 should you do:
    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. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V284000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 740878
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