CarBrief

NHTSA has 2,129 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Ford Escape[1]. The speed control group is named most often, with 566 complaints[2].

2,129owner complaints[1]
3recalls[3]
20–32MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Owner complaints fall into a few component groups, and one complaint can name more than one.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2010 Escape is necessarily included.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Escape FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[15] 21 / 28 / 23 $2,900
Escape FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[16] 22 / 28 / 24 $2,800
Escape FWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive[17] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,200
Escape Hybrid FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[4] 34 / 31 / 32 $2,100
Escape 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive[18] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Escape 4WD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive[19] 18 / 23 / 20 $3,350
Escape Hybrid 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive[20] 30 / 27 / 29 $2,300

Safety ratings

Version Overall Frontal Side Rollover Rollover risk
4 DR FWD/AWD[21] n/a n/a n/a 3 20.4%
4 DR FWD/AWD[22] n/a n/a n/a 3 20.4%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine Horsepower
2010 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder[23] 175 hp
2010 Ford Escape with 3.0L 6-cylinder[24] 240 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
ESCAPE 4DR SUV AWD XLT/LIMITED[25] 175 in 71 in 68 in 103 in 3,547 lb
ESCAPE 4DR SUV FWD XLT[26] 175 in 71 in 68 in 103 in 3,395 lb
ESCAPE HYBRID 4DR SUV AWD[27] 175 in 71 in 68 in 103 in 3,794 lb
ESCAPE HYBRID 4DR SUV FWD[28] 175 in 71 in 68 in 103 in 3,638 lb

How 2010 compares with other years

2001: 996 complaints, 13 recalls20012002: 1,027 complaints, 8 recalls2003: 558 complaints, 7 recalls2004: 499 complaints, 6 recalls20042005: 1,584 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 720 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 393 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 2,417 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 1,846 complaints, 1 recalls2010: 2,129 complaints, 3 recalls2,12920102011: 1,355 complaints, 2 recalls2012: 619 complaints, 1 recalls2013: 2,756 complaints, 18 recalls20132014: 2,089 complaints, 16 recalls2015: 1,125 complaints, 9 recalls2016: 1,162 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 2,700 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 1,820 complaints, 4 recalls2019: 596 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 1,902 complaints, 25 recalls2021: 496 complaints, 21 recalls2022: 385 complaints, 21 recalls20222023: 138 complaints, 13 recalls2024: 88 complaints, 10 recalls2025: 31 complaints, 10 recalls20252026: 4 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Escape model year. The 2010 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200199613
20021,0278
20035587
20044996
20051,5844
20067204
20073932
20082,4173
20091,8461
20102,1293
20111,3552
20126191
20132,75618
20142,08916
20151,1259
20161,1624
20172,7004
20181,8204
20195963
20201,90225
202149621
202238521
202313813
20248810
20253110
202643

NHTSA's counts for the Escape show 2,129 complaints and 3 recalls for 2010[3]. Among the 26 model years listed, 22 have fewer complaints than 2010 and 3 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (4) and the most are for 2013 (2,756)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2010 Escape?

The 2010 Ford Escape has a large file of owner complaints, 2,129 in all[1]. Reports cluster around speed control, engine and power train groups[2][5][6]. These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. Some complaints mention a crash, so it is worth reading the recall section of this page before you buy[1]. If you are shopping, a careful test drive and a service history check can tell you more than any single number.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Ford Escape?
Owners most often name speed control, with 566 complaints, then engine with 541[2][5].
Does the 2010 Ford Escape have recalls?
Yes, the by-year data shows 3 recalls for this model year[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
How many complaints are there for the 2010 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 2,129 owner complaints on file[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2010 Ford Escape?
See the fuel section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2010 Ford Escape reliable?
Complaints about power loss and shifting are well represented[2][6]. See the by-year comparison on this page to put the 2010 model in context.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Escape

Compare all model years of the Ford Escape

Other Ford models from 2010

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2010: suvs

All suvs we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 2,129 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Ford Escape (32 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 23 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 566 complaints name the speed control component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Escape model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Escape Hybrid FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 34 city / 31 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 541 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 513 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 445 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,001). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 441 complaints name the steering component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 114,173). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 218 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,951). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 95 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 86 complaints name the structure component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 16V777, filed October 26, 2016: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 14V284, filed May 29, 2014: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 10V222, filed May 24, 2010: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Escape FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Escape FWD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Escape 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Escape 4WD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Escape Hybrid 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 27 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD/AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2010 Ford Escape with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 175 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2010 Ford Escape with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV AWD XLT/LIMITED: length 175 in, width 71 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,547 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE 4DR SUV FWD XLT: length 175 in, width 71 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,395 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE HYBRID 4DR SUV AWD: length 175 in, width 71 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,794 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ESCAPE HYBRID 4DR SUV FWD: length 175 in, width 71 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,638 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.