DecodedCars2010 Ford Escape
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Xlt/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Xlt, Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,395–3,794 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2010 SUV - (20.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints869 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 37 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Ford Escape is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,547 lb (4dr SUV AWD Xlt/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 31 highway), 55% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 869 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Escape — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Escape →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Xlt/Limited | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,547 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Xlt | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,395 lb | 59/41 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,794 lb | 57/43 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 68.1 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,638 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 31 / 32 | +55% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Escape Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 30 / 27 / 29 | +58% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +16% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Escape FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | +11% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Escape 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Escape FWD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +1% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Escape 4WD FFV FFV | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Ford Escape under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Ford Escape (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Hyundai Tucson | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Oct 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V777000 · 329,265 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 13, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S41.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 740,878 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · May 24, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V222000 · 19 vehicles
- Problem
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".
- Risk
- A VEHICLE PARKED WITHOUT AN ENGAGED PARK PAWL AND WITHOUT AN APPLIED PARKING BRAKE MAY HAVE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH.
- Fix
- FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 AND FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED CALL 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). REPRESENTATIVES ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 8:00AM - 5:00PM.
Not every 2010 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Ford Escape buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 401 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 159 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 75 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Escape years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2024 Escape | 39 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 88 |
| 2023 Escape | 40 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 138 |
| 2022 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 386 |
| 2021 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 21 | 498 |
| 2020 Escape | 41 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 25 | 1,908 |
| 2019 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 597 |
| 2018 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,822 |
| 2017 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 2,702 |
| 2016 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 1,170 |
| 2015 Escape | 26 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,131 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →