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2009 Ford Escape AWD XLT

The 2009 Ford Escape AWD XLT is a 171-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and all-wheel drive. It starts at $24,480 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 171 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 171 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The Escape measures 174.7 inches long on a 103.1-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,272 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$24,480 ($37,091 *)
MSRP with Destination$25,175 ($38,144 *)
Destination Charge$695
Engine
Engine Type2.5L I4
Displacement2.5 L
Horsepower171 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque171 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City22 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Tank Capacity16.5 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16.0 in
Wheels Rear16.0 in
Tires FrontP235/70R16
Tires RearP235/70R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length174.7 in
Width81.3 in
Height67.9 in
Wheelbase103.1 in
Curb Weight3,272 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (20.4 % risk)
Tested variant: 2009 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford ESCAPE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 3, 2015 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

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.

Consequence: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 15E045000

May 29, 2014 · STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 14V284000

Sep 3, 2010 · EQUIPMENT

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. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

NHTSA campaign 10E043000

1,693 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2009 Ford ESCAPE

Owner Complaints

1,693 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford ESCAPE (34 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 8 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Steering828
Power Train301
Vehicle Speed Control279
Engine254
Electrical System143
Fuel/Propulsion System116
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 22, 2026 · Steering
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult…”
Aug 13, 2026 · Fuel/Propulsion System
“A quien corresponda Por medio de la presente me pongo en contacto con ustedes por motivo de falla mecánica en mi auto móvil Ford escape 2009 ya que hace aproximadamente dos meses atrás al llenar el…”
Jun 23, 2026 · Steering
“Hi! I [XXX] [XXX] my vehicle streeing wheel struck or lock when the vehicle slow down or stopped. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
May 20, 2026 · Steering
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure…”
May 16, 2026 · Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Engine
“On several occasions my 2009 Ford escape xlt completely died as I was driving 1. On the highway at 60mph I had to pull over and restart vehicle. 2. Going through town at 30mph I had to put in neutral…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2009 FORD ESCAPE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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