The 2009 Escape lasts around 150,000 miles with transmission and power steering failures. At $5,162 – 6,470, it’s not worth the money for an SUV that breaks down a lot.
Is the 2009 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2009 is a bad year for the Escape. Owner reviews complain about endless mechanical problems, excessive rust, and a harsh ride.
- Reliability ratings are terrible. There are a lot of serious problems on Escape models from 2008 through 2014.
- Performance is average from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 has good power for a compact SUV.
- The Escape is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good, at up to 24 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Escape?
- Consumer Reports says the Escape has an unsettled ride and below average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Escape a 4.4/5 liking the comfortable interior, but says the folding seats are difficult to use.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Escape 4.4/5 and enjoy the high ground clearance, but dislike the extensive mechanical problems.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Ford Escape Have?
Problems found on the 2009 Escape are serious and include transmission failures, worn-out power steering systems, and bad throttle bodies.
Transmission failures are an extremely widespread problem happening in the first 50,000 miles, often. Replacing the transmission fixes the problem, but costs around $3,000.
Worn-out power steering motors are another common issue that shows up at around 100,000 miles. Replacing the power steering assembly costs over $1,000, depending on local labor rates. There is a recall for some parts, but it doesn’t cover everything.
Throttle body failures show up on a lot of Escapes at around 70,000 miles too. The throttle body actuators get worn out, and cost around $500 to replace to get the engine working again.
There are 4 recalls, with the most serious one being for electronic power steering assistance.
How Long Will the 2009 Ford Escape Last?
A well maintained 2009 Escape should last around 150,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than a top competitor like the Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, according to data from Repair Pal, at $541 per year.
It is just now starting to have issues with the transmission. The transmission is slipping in the 3rd gear and the gas mileage is starting to lower.
The 2009 ford escape XLT is a very reliable car. I have not had very many problems with it and it does very well in the winter.
Yes. No major issues after 10 years, just normal lil things all cars have. Glad I bought it, would again.
Yes very reliable. There seems to be a front end issue on the right side that affects the tire.I have had to replace tires a few times.
The ford escape is very reliable. I have had few problems with it over the past 5 years that I have owned it.
Very. I have only had to have it serviced once since I got the car when I was 16. We had to replace the tire sensor pressure monitors, but that happens with any car that has got a little age on it.
It is reliable no problems at all, have not had to have any major work done on the one I have/ o definitely will consider buying another one.
Yes the 2009 ford escape is pretty reliable, no known regular issues or anything to my knowledge. Great car to get around town and even to hop on the highway if needed.
How Much Is the 2009 Ford Escape Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,162 – 6,470, making it around $3,000 cheaper than a Toyota RAV4 or Jeep Commander. When new, the price range was $20,435 to $27,670. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Escape?
There are three models of the Escape available. The infotainment system was last updated in 2008, with more safety features added in 2010.
XLS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
XLT is a step up and adds:
- Automatic Headlights
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Keypad Entry System
- Power Driver’s Seat
Limited is the luxury model and has:
- 16-Inch Machined Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Ambient Cabinet Lighting
- SYNC Infotainment System
What Engines Come In the Escape?
- The base engine found in the Escape is the average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 171 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 3L V6 which produces 240 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking 8.7 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Escape Come In?
How Big Is the Escape?
The 2009 is an average sized compact SUV similar to the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue. Both legroom and headroom are good throughout the cabin, and adults easily fit in the backseats.
Cargo space is smaller than some other SUVs with only 29 cubic feet of room behind the seats, increasing up to 66 when the seats are folded flat.
How Does the Escape Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Edge is another rival from Ford, which costs about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better on the Edge, but the Escape is more capable on off-road trails. We recommend the Edge since it will last longer and has fewer mechanical issues for 2009.
The Honda CR-V is a competitor which is about $3,000 more expensive. Technology and reliability are both better in the CR-V, but the exterior styling is more rugged in the Escape. We recommend the CR-V since it’s a better all-around SUV and lasts longer.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Escape?
Yes. It is very reliable and good on gas. Safety levels are high. Use it for a daily commute for 3 people.
Yes, the ford escape XLT is a very good car. It has good mileage for an SUV and has 4 wheel drive, making it very reliable.
Yes, reliable, enjoy it, no major problems still going after 10 years. Would buy another. Nice driving.
Yes, it is a great vehicle. It has 99,000 miles. Gets through the rough buffalo weather. Just replaced the original battery.
Yes, I love my ford escape. It is an excellent size for what I need, and I feel safe and secure in it.
Yes! We bought the vehicle when it was new in 2009 and has been driven ever since. It has held up nicely and does everything we need it too. The extra space in the back is perfect for me hauling stuff back and forth from college.
Yes it is I have not had any trouble with the whole time I have owned it. I will consider getting another one when I think it is time to trade it in.
Yes it has heated seats, power windows, pretty spacious for my boys and I. It is a good vehicle for rain, sleet, or snow with its slip resistant mode to help in slick weather. I love the built in navigation and Bluetooth capability as well.