The Lemon Index2010 Ford Escape.
The 2010 Ford Escape is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 1,094 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 516, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 20 to 32 mpg combined. The best Ford Escape year is 2019.
Lemon alert. 5.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2019
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 2,129 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Escape year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 43K to 89K miles on the car (1,818 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- speed control complaints mostly came at 41K–65K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 40K–65K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 42K–68K miles
Recalls 5
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
- suspension 2015
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 2014
The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input.
Show all 5 recalls
- equipment 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- transmission & drivetrain 2010
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 49 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The transmission may leak fluid from a seal
- Illuminated mil or safety stop now message, or a no
- On the left hand half shaft seal, there is a fluid leak from the transmission because of wear…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of power steering while driving2015–2018
- ClosedElectronic throttle body malfunction2013–2014
- ClosedElectronic throttle body malfunction2012–2013
- ClosedRear liftgate window glass breakage2011
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Throttle body failure: replacement not only costly, but also on back order and is estimated to take several weeks.
2010 Ford Escape owner · NHTSA complaint 10542107
More owner reports
Stopped at light. Got to 20 mph then engine shut off. Coasted 50 feet shifted to neutral restarted car shook, but got me to safety. Got towed. Error code p2112.
NHTSA complaint 10543164
The car started feeling vibrations in the pedals, lost speed, eventually stalled on a highway. I had it towed to a repair shop and they said the fly-by throttle body unit had failed.
NHTSA complaint 10537663
Quick answers
Is the 2010 Ford Escape reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 5.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 516; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Escape year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2010 Ford Escape problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (43%), transmission & drivetrain (36%) and engine (34%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Escape have?
5 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Ford Escape get?
20 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Escape problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 43,000 and 89,000 miles. The middle report was at 60,000 miles, from 1,818 complaints.
Does the 2010 Ford Escape have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 36% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2010 Ford Escape cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 Ford Escape have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Ford Escape year is better than the 2010?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2015 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works