Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 153 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 70 complaints
- Engine 24 complaints
- Service Brakes 21 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 17 complaints
- Power Train 15 complaints
- Electrical System 11 complaints
Of the 153 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 153 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $5,000–$8,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid faces notable issues with its steering and braking systems, leading to a below-average reliability rating. With a high volume of steering complaints, owners should be cautious of potential costly repairs particularly as the vehicle ages. While not the worst performer, attention should be paid to emerging issues related to powertrain and electrical components.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering system | 70,000–100,000 miles | $800–$1,200 | very common |
| brakes | 50,000–80,000 miles | $400–$800 | common |
| engine cooling | 100,000–130,000 miles | $600–$1,000 | common |
| electrical system | 80,000–110,000 miles | $300–$600 | occasional |
| power train | 90,000–120,000 miles | $1,000–$1,600 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Tire rotations
- Brake inspections
- Cooling system service
- Transmission fluid replacement
- Battery checks
- Air filter replacements
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Steering noise or vibration
- Braking inefficiencies or noises
- Engine overheating or coolant loss
- Electrical component failures
- Transmission slipping or hesitations
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.