🇩🇪 guteautoschlechteauto.de
Ford · Compact SUV · 2008–2012 Custom Search

Ford Escape 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

243 PS

3.0L Duratec V6 Benzin

V6 muscle, 15 mpg — towing math, not driving joy

Decent
Problem Engine

158 PS

2.5L Atkinson Hybrid Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Ford Escape 2 is available with 3 engine variants — from 158 to 243 hp.

2.5L Duratec I4 · Petrol· 171 PS
2009 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
3.0L Duratec V6 · Petrol· 240 PS
2008 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Escape Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 155 PS
2008 2012
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Ford 2.5L Duratec I4 (Petrol, 171 PS) has the Duratec25-I4 (2.5L Duratec I4) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Ford 3.0L Duratec V6 (Petrol, 240 PS) has the Duratec30-AJ-Escape (3.0L Duratec V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Ford Escape Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid, 155 PS) has the Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape (2.5L Atkinson Hybrid) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

Explore more

All Ford models
Kia Sportage SL Compact SUV (2010–2015)
Mitsubishi ASX GA Compact SUV (2010–2023)
Nissan Qashqai J10-FL Compact SUV (2010–2014)
Nissan Juke F15 Compact SUV (2010–2014)
Subaru Outback BR Compact SUV (2010–2014)
BMW X1 E84 Compact SUV (2009–2015)

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Electric Power Steering Assist Loss (Recall 14S05)

EPAS torque sensor fails, removing power assist without warning. Recall 14V284 covering 740,878 vehicles (2008-2011) — but the software fix proved inadequate, with documented post-recall repeat failures requiring full steering column replacement. At highway speed, the wheel suddenly requires 3-4x normal effort. Not total loss of steering, but enough to cause accidents in emergency maneuvers.

Symptoms: Sudden heavy steering while driving, EPS warning light, steering wheel shaking, intermittent loss and return of power assist
from 110,000 km
Ad Ford Escape EPAS torque sensorEscape power steering control module PSCMFord Escape 2008-2011 steering recall 14S05
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,734 complaints · 2008–2012
Powertrain
382 ⚠ 8
Steering
337 ⚠ 5
Engine
289 ⚠ 4
Electrical
212 ⚠ 3
Body & Paint
178

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (382 complaints)
⚠ Steering (337 complaints)
⚠ Engine (289 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

Alternatives

Same Segment

Kia Sportage SL

Compact SUV (2010–2015)

Same Segment

Mitsubishi ASX GA

Compact SUV (2010–2023)

Same Segment

Nissan Qashqai J10-FL

Compact SUV (2010–2014)

Same Segment

Nissan Juke F15

Compact SUV (2010–2014)

Same Segment

Subaru Outback BR

Compact SUV (2010–2014)

Same Segment

BMW X1 E84

Compact SUV (2009–2015)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Escape 2 (2008–2012) — 11 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. One problem engine: Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape (2.5L Atkinson Hybrid). Typical issues affect Steering, Gearbox, Rust, Body.

Escape (Duratec30-AJ-Escape, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: PCM Solder Joint Failure from Heat Cycling, Coil-on-Plug Breakdown with PCM Risk, Water Pump Seal Weeping. Power: 240 PS.

Escape (Duratec25-I4, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Ignition Coil Insulation Breakdown, Throttle Body Carbon Buildup and Sticking, Plastic Thermostat Housing Warping. Power: 171 PS.

Escape (Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape, 2008–2012) — Stay Away!: NiMH High-Voltage Battery Pack Degradation, ABS Hydraulic Control Unit Failure, Hybrid Electronics Cooling Pump Failure. Power: 155 PS.

What to watch out for with the Ford Escape? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Escape 2 have? +
The Ford Escape 2 has 11 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Ford Escape 2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Duratec25-I4 (2.5L Duratec I4), Duratec30-AJ-Escape (3.0L Duratec V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Duratec30-AJ-Escape (3.0L Duratec V6). Problem engine: Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape (2.5L Atkinson Hybrid) — stay away!
Which Ford Escape 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Ford Escape 2 — rated: "Decent". {description} 240 hp and 3,500 lbs tow rating — the entire value proposition. Coil-on-plug failures are a certainty past 80k; budget for a full set of six. PCM can die from coil voltage spikes — a uniquely Ford failure that turns a $300 ignition job into $1,500.
Is the Ford Escape 2 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Ford Escape 2 — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Ford Escape 2? +
The Ford Escape 2 is available with engine variants from 158 to 243 hp. Petrol: Duratec25-I4 (2.5L Duratec I4), Duratec30-AJ-Escape (3.0L Duratec V6), Duratec25-Atkinson-Escape (2.5L Atkinson Hybrid).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee