2008 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 2,417 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 72 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 45 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
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.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Hybrid propulsion systemSep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Campaign 14V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V284000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
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.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
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.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
200 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2013, crash
POWER STEERING GOES OUT FOR NO REASON. IT CLICKS IN THE HOUSING UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL, IN THE STEERING COLUMN. NEEDED TO ADD THAT WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL INJURIES AND MORE THAN ONE ACCIDENT WHERE A VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2013, crash
AS I WAS BACKING UP, I LOST POWER STEERING. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL WITHOUT GREAT FORCE, AND BACKED INTO THE PORCH. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND TURNING IT BACK ON, THIS RESOLVED. IT HAPPENED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY GOING FORWARD AT 40 MPH. I COULD HEAR SOMETHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN CLICK AND THEN LOST POWER STEERING. NOW THE POWER STEERING HAS COMPLETELY GONE OUT. WHEN I START THE CAR, I CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY ONE DIRECTION AND "TRICK" IT INTO HAVING POWER STEERING FOR A MOMENT BEFORE IT CLICKS OFF AGAIN. I HAVE SUSTAINED A NECK AND SHOULDER INJURY FROM HAVING TO USE MY ENTIRE BODY TO TURN THE WHEEL, AND SLAMMING INTO THE PORCH WHEN THE WHEEL GOT "STUCK" IN A TURNED POSITION AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN IT BACK. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT NO ONE HAS DIED AS A RESULT OF FORD'S DEFECT. WILL THE NHTSA WAIT UNTIL THEN TO FORCE FORD INTO A RECALL? *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Mar 2, 2013, fire
I TURNED ON MY SEAT WARMER ON DRIVER'S SEAT AND HEATER, WITHIN A MINUTE OR SO SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT BOTTOM PART OF CONTROL PANEL WHERE IT MEETS THE CONSOLE. THE SMOKE GOT WORSE. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING OVER TO TURN OFF AND GET STOPPED. BY THIS TIME THE SMOKE WAS QUITE BAD (HAD ELECTRICAL SMELL) I HAD ALL WINDOWS DOWN & SUN ROOF OPEN. THE CAR ALARM WENT OFF, THE HEATER WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I FINALLY GOT STOPPED AND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE. A LADY PULLED IN TO THE CHURCH PARKING AREA WHERE I WAS AND CALLED 911 FOR ME. BY THIS TIME YOU COULD SEE ACTUAL FIRE (FLAMES) COMING FROM THE SAME SPOT AS SMOKE. IT WAS AMAZING HOW QUICKLY IT WAS IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE BLEW UP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED IN TIME TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ONLY THING LEFT IS THE METAL SHELL AND THE TIRES. NOTHING IN THE INTERIOR. ALL WINDOWS AND SUNROOF BLEW OUT. BUMPERS, LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS MELTED. THANKS FORD. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 27, 2013
I WAS DRIVING FROM LA TO PASADENA AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY SUV SLOWS DOWN AND THERE'S A TRIANGLE WARNING SIGN. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT THE FREEWAY WAS NOT CROWDED AND EASILY PULLED OVER. MY FRIEND IS HEARING AND WAS ABLE TO CALL A TOW FOR ME. WE HAD TO TOW THE SUV BACK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN SANTA MONICA. THEY DID A GREAT JOB AND SAID IT WAS THE COOLANT OR WATER PUMP THAT WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY REPLACED IT. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR ONLY ON ROAD TRIPS. I HAD AN ENGINE LIGHT COME ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING FROM BAY AREA TO LA. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I MADE IT TO THE SAME SM DEALERSHIP/REPAIR SHOP AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE IT. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENT AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. I KNOW IT AFFECTED THE GAS BECAUSE I HAD TO REFUEL THREE OR FOUR TIME WHEN I NORMALLY HAVE TO DO ONE AND HALF TIME! AS A DEAF PERSON, IT IS SCARY TO BE HAVING THESE ISSUES ESPECIALLY ON THE FREEWAYS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2013
WHILE COMING TO A STOP I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL GET TIGHT AND I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD LOST IT'S POWER STEERING. I THEN NOTICED THE WRENCH LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN GOING AROUND A CURVE OR MAKING A TURN IF COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 7, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE 5 FREEWAY. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 45 MINUETS. I CHANGED LANES TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY HARD TO MOVE. I PULLED OF THE FREEWAY AT THE NEXT OFF RAMP. THE ENTIRE TIME THE WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. I CAME TO A STOP TURNED OFF THE CAR, CHECKED ALL MY FLUIDS, AND GOOGLED THE ISSUE ON MY PHONE. ALL RESULTS LEAD TO ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND ALL FUNCTION RETURNED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 24, 2013
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE STEERING LOCKED ON MY WIFE'S 2008 FORD ESCAPE. SHE CALLED ME TO COME HELP HER AS SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE HER ESCAPE. UPON ARRIVAL I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR OBVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS, NONE WERE NOTED. I TRIED TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL; I WAS QUITE SHOCKED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE MOVED. SINCE I AM 6'4" AND 300LBS MOST THINGS THAT I GRAB MOVE?THE STEERING WHEEL SHOULD HAVE MOVED, JUST WITHOUT THE ASSIST OF THE POWER ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SENSORS IN THE STEERING COLUMN ARE BAD. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO RESET THE COMPUTER AND THAT THE STEERING NOW FUNCTIONS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT I HAVE TWO CHOICES DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND SEE IF THE ISSUE REPEATS OR REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ($1,500.00). I EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS IN FACT A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY AND LOCKED UP AS I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. FORD CUSTOMER CARE WAS CONTACTED AND THEY HAVE OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE IN THIS ISSUE AND CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY ISSUES PERTAINING TO THIS PROBLEM ON RECORD. THIS STATEMENT BY FORD CUSTOMER CARE SEEMS TO BE HIGHLY SUSPECT AS A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH FOUND MANY IDENTICAL ISSUES. THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE STEERING SYSTEM IS BEYOND UNACCEPTABLE! IF SOMEONE WITH MY STRENGTH CANNOT MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL THAN HOW IS SOMEONE THE SIZE OF MY WIFE SUPPOSED TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IF AND IN THIS CASE WHEN THE STEERING SYSTEM FAILS. FORD NEEDS TO ACCEPT THAT THERE IS IN FACT A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM RELATED TO THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM OF THE FORD ESCAPE. COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE STEERING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. AGAIN THIS WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE STEERING SYSTEM!!! *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 24, 2013
THE AUTO HAD JUST HAD THE PUMP THAT COOLS THE HYBRID ENGINE REPLACED AT A COST OF $590 WHEN WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A JERKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN STOPPED. THE WHEEL WOULD JERK TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT AND MAKE A "CLUCKING" NOISE. ONCE THE CAR WAS MOVING THE JERKING SEEMED TO STOP. BUT THEN WE FOUND THAT WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR THERE MIGHT BE NO POWER STEERING OR POWER FORWARD. THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE FORCIBLY STEERED TO THE SIDE AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. STARTING THE ENGINE AGAIN, THE CAR HAD POWER STEERING AND ENGINE POWER. THIS BEGAN TO HAPPEN NEARLY EVERY TIME THE CAR WAS STARTED, AND THE JERKING OF THE WHEEL EVERY TIME THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL OR STOP. WHILE THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO CAUSE A DANGEROUS SITUATION THE POTENTIAL IS CERTAINLY THERE SHOULD THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR WHILE DRIVING. HAVING REVIEWED THE WEB SITES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE 2008 ESCAPE THERE ARE LITERALLY DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. ONE SITE LISTS NEARLY ONE HUNDRED COMPLAINTS EXACTLY LIKE MINE AND IN SOME THERE HAVE BEEN ACCIDENTS AND POTENTIAL INJURY. FORD IS STONEWALLING EVERYONE ON THIS EVEN WHEN THE MILEAGE IS LESS THAN 50, 000 MILES. OFTEN THEY SAY THEY KNOW NOTHING OF THE PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO OFFER ASSISTANCE IN MEETING CHARGES THAT RANGE UPWARD TO $1700. GIVEN THE INFORMATION THAT I NOW HAVE I CONSIDER THIS TO BE VERY DANGEROUS AND AM HESITANT TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE LACK OF CONCERN BY FORD SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SERIOUS MATTER AND ONE THAT SHOULD CONCERN NHTSA. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Jan 21, 2013
MY FORD ESCAPE IS MY FAMILY AND WORK VEHICLE. ONE MORNING I STARTED IT AFTER IT WAS PARKED IN COLD OVERNIGHT, ENGINE STARTED BUT THE STEERING WAS STUCK, THOUGHT BATTERY WAS BAD. RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL STEERING LOOSENED UP. DROVE CAR AND EVERY STOP LIGHT OR WHILE IDLING, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED SO HARD AND HAVE TO HOLD IT STEADY, THOUGHT, TIME TO HAVE MY CONTROL ARM REPLACED AGAIN. TOOK IT TO A FRIEND'S CAR SHOP , SAID, THEY'VE BEEN HAVING COSTUMERS BRINGING THEIR FORD ESCAPES LATELY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. TOLD ME TO GO TO MY DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED IT , ELECTRONIC STEERING PROBLEM $90 FOR DIAGNOSIS, $1100 PARTS AND LABOR, ABOUT 3-DAYS TO ORDER FOR PARTS. TOO EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS, NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 16, 2013
THE CAR INVOLVED WAS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 AND I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY POWER STEERING. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. I USED ALL MY FORCE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON MY STEERING WAS THEN FINE. I GOT BACK ON THE ROAD AND I LOST ALL OF MY POWER STEERING AGAIN. THIS STEERING PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS AND RECALL MUST BE ENFORCED!! *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 7, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON I-10, TOWARD ARMSTRONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, THE VEHICLE, WITH NO PRE-WARNING BEGAN TO DECELERATE (SLOW DOWN). THE VEHICLES SPEED DID NOT RESPOND TO DEPRESSING THROTTLE PEDAL; THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO VEHICLE IN THE RIGHT LANE AND I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THERE, BY TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE THE TRIP UNTIL THE SECOND AND THIRD OCCURRENCE. THIS SITUATION OCCURRED THREE MORE TIME ON THE RETURN TRIP HOME. ALL ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. NEEDLESS TO SAY, AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE I PROCEEDED IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE WHERE I COULD GET TO THE SHOULDER EASILY. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING ON FORD ESCORTS SINCE 2004 AT LEAST. I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT SUCH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW IN AN AUTOMOBILE HAS PERSISTED SO LONG. IMAGINE WHAT WOULD BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING THIS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF A SIX LANE INTERSTATE WITH 18 WHEELERS ALL AROUND. AT BEST THERE WOULD BE AN ACCIDENT, THERE IS A VERY HIGH PROBABILITY OF FATALITIES. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012
THE DASHBOARD CLUSTER (INSTRUMENT PANEL) FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER AND RPM GAUGES TO DROP TO ZERO. ALL THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS TURNING, CAR NOT STARTING ON, AC BLOWING WARM AI, WERE ALL SIDE EFFECTS OF THE PROBLEM. SEARCHING FOR THE PROBLEM HAS AMOUNTED TO ALMOST $900 IN EXPENSES. SENT IN COMPLAINTS TO FORD, WHO PROMISED TO ESCALATE THE ISSUE AND THEN NEVER CONTACTED ME. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, WHO MENTIONED THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS AND THAT IT WAS SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO A RELIABLE MECHANIC WHO CALLED IN A SPECIALIST TO FIND BROKEN CONNECTIONS WITHIN THE PANEL CAUSING IT TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE THE MECHANIC'S REPORT STATING THAT MANY SIMILAR MODELS HAVE THIS EXACT ISSUE AND IS SURPRISED FORD IN NOT GIVING ATTENTION TO THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
Power train, Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Nov 7, 2012
A PROBLEM THAT SURFACED AGAIN AFTER EXPERIENCES MANY TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE MENTIONED INCIDENT DATE: A WRENCH SIGN WAS COMING ON THE DASHBOARD FREQUENTLY, AND SOMETIMES DISAPPEARED ITSELF WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING.SIMILAR SIGN OR INDICATION FOR OIL CHANGE WAS ALSO EXPERIENCED EVEN AFTER A SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE WAS DONE WITH THE DEALER. WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED IN EARLY PERIOD, I (THE CUSTOMER) WAS ADVISED TO DISREGARD, BECAUSE THE MECHANIC FORGOT TO RESET AFTER THE OIL SERVICE, WHEN FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS NOTIFIED TODAY (11/7/12), IT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED AS A SERVICE ISSUE, WHICH I DO NOT AGREE. SINCE THE PROBLEM EXISTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW IN EARLY STAGES AFTER THE PURCHASE, MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH BATTERY DOOR WHICH MALFUNCTIONS, AND DOES NOT ALLOW VENTILATION ON & OFF. THE BATTERY WAS DOWN, ALL CONTROLS DISAPPEARED AND THE CAR WAS LOCKED IN POSITION ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO (APPROXIMATE JUNE 2010). THAT TIME A MAJOR SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, WHICH REQUIRED A MONTH LONG PERIOD TO FIX IT. (SAFECAR REFERENCE 365127). UNFORTUNATELY, I NEVER HEARD BACK FROM YOUR OFFICE ON THIS PAST ISSUE AND COMPLAINT. SINCE BOTH PROBLEMS HAVE TO DO WITH BATTERY AND MONITORING DEVICES, I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM FOR SAFETY OF ALL USING THIS MODEL. PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR FINDINGS ON BATTERY VENT DOOR FUNCTIONING. THANKS *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 11, 2012
OUT OF NOWHERE IN SEPT AND OCT OF 2011 MY SUN ROOF, RIGHT PASSENGER AND RIGHT BACK PASSENGER WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING. THEY FELL STRAIGHT DOWN.. THE MOTOR AND THE BAND QUIT AND NOW COME AUGUST AND OCTOBER OF .2012 THE SAME THING ON THE LEFT. I BOUGHT THIS BRAND NEW ON 2008 OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP AND NOW I HAVE TO SPEND MY TIME AND MONEY FOR A DEFECTIVE AUTO. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 8, 2012
STARTING IN THE FALL OF 2009 WHEN THE WEATHER GOT COLDER, THE THROTTLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND HARDER TO DEPRESS, REQUIRING A GREATER EFFORT TO PRESS DOWN THE PEDAL TO UN-STICK AND ONLY THEN WOULD THE THROTTLE PEDAL DEPRESS BEYOND THE IDLE POSITION. THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LURCH FORWARD CREATING A SUDDEN, DANGEROUS CONDITION. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN PERSISTENT AND CONTINUES TO GET WORSE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2012
DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE FORD RECALLS THESE CARS TO FIX THE HYBRID COOLING SYSTEM IN THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM ONCE MYSELF (TWO YEARS AGO) AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THESE CARS SHUT DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OUT WARNING BECAUSE OF SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS TIME MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSING LANE WHEN IT HAPPENED. ONE DAY SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE FROM THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS (ON A HIGHWAY) THE RED TRIANGLE LIGHT COMES ON AND AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS DOWN THE CAR. SOME FAMILY WILL BE KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS AND FORD WILL BE CAUGHT KNOWING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND DOING NOTHING TO FIX IT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 26, 2012
ISSUE HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN LAST COUPLE MONTHS--TWO TIMES WITH MY WIFE-TWO WITH ME-WAS ONCE ON HIGHWAYS WITH EACH OF US -AND ONCE IN JUST GOING INTO A PARKING LOT WHILE TURNING AT 5 MPH OR LESS-HAVE A WITNESS ON LAST OCCASION A COUPLE DAYS BACK AT WORK LOT. HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCE A BATTERY DEAD-TOOK TO ADVANCE AUTO OF HAMMONTON, NJ AND ADVISED ON SUNDAY PASSED THAT BATTERY TESTED FINE. THE IGNITION HAS BEEN LOOSE-AND IS GETTING WORSE -THE KEY WIGGLES -AND ON JUST A NORMAL INPUT THE ENGINE DOES NOT TURN OVER --HAVE TO PUT IN 2ND OR 3RD TIME -PUSHING IN HARD TO GET CONTACT. FEEL , BUT DO NOT KNOW , THAT THIS ISSUE EFFECTS BOTH THE BATTERY AND THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON THE FOUR OCCASIONS--IN ANY CASE IT IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE-WILL NOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE THE CAR-SHE USES NOW THE 2000 SEL FORD VAN WE HAVE FOR SECOND CAR. WE LOVE THE ESCAPE-BUT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE ALL MY RECORDS ON MY HOME PAGE FORD FOR YEARS-AND ALL SERVICE RECORDS-99 PER CENT FROM DEALERSHIP WHERE BOUGHT THIS AND MANY OTHERS. THEY HAVE IN PAST BEEN GREAT. CONTACTED FORD.COM -RECEIVED A REPLY TO MY E-MAIL IN A DAY FROM A [XXX] OF FORD -THEY ARE DOING A VERY INTENSIVE STUDY AND ARE ALSO SAYING THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ON WHAT OUR DEALERSHIP SAID COULD COST AROUND $400 TO PULL DOWN AND REPAIR.[XXX] OF FORD.COM PROMISED A REPLY AND HOPE FOR SOLUTION WITH AND IN CO-OPERATION WITH MY DEALERSHIP AND FORD. FORD IN THE PAST HAS ALWAYS STOOD UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR US , AS HAS OUR DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT LILLISTON FORD , VINELAND, NJ . THANKS FOR ALLOWING TO SHARE THIS WITH OTHER FOLKS -WILL FOLLOW UP ON A CONCLUSION IN THE NEXT WEEKS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 20, 2012
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID WITH APPROX. 50K MILES. AS WITH MANY COMPLAINTS RELATED TO ESCAPE HYBRID, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN PERFECT WEATHER CONDITIONS AT APPROX. 70MPH WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND THE MASTER VEHICLE ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNING LAMP LIT UP. STEERING AND BRAKING WERE NORMAL BUT I HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF BUSY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC TO STOP. IT WAS TERRIFYING. I GATHERED MYSELF AND MY THREE TERRIFIED CHILDREN AND STARTED THE CAR AGAIN WITH NO PROBLEM. THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED THREE MORE TIMES BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO MY DESTINATION, BUT I WAS ANTICIPATING THE ISSUE AND STAYED IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE. THIS ISSUE IS BEING REPORTED TIME AND AGAIN YET NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. WHAT IS FORD AND NHTSA WAITING FOR? THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE! PLEASE, BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR DIES. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2012
VEHICLE GAVE "STOP SAFELY NOW" READOUT ON DISPLAY AND RED TRIANGLE LIGHT ON DASH. POWER DROPPED OFF AND I HAD TO PULL OF THE ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING FROM LA TO SANTA CRUZ IN THE EVENING. HAPPENED FOUR MORE TIMES ON THE SAME DRIVE. JUST HAPPENED AGAIN COMING BACK FROM PALM SPRINGS ALSO IN THE EVENING. TOOK ME SEVEN HOURS TO DRIVE 140 MILES. CAR STOPPED OVER TWENTY TIMES. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jun 23, 2012
WHEN DRIVING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON, THE SPEEDOMETER/FUEL GAUGE/ETC MOVE TO 0 OR THE FAR LEFT. LOOKING ONLINE FOR FORD INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. CHECKED WITH THE MECHANIC WHO SAYS IT IS A COMMON FAILURE WITH FORD. THEY HAVE A BULLETIN ABOUT IT BUT IT WILL NOT CONSTRUE A RECALL UNTIL A DEATH OR INJURY FROM A CRASH RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. THIS MAY ALSO FALL UNDER A TORT LAWSUIT. *TT
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 19, 2012
WE WERE DRIVING UP I-95 FROM FL TO VA WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY GAVE A LOUD WARNING TONE AND DISPLAYED THE MESSAGE STOP SAFELY NOW. THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AS WE QUICKLY TRIED TO CROSS SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC TO REACH THE SHOULDER. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE CAR WE STARTED IT UP AGAIN WITH NO CONSEQUENCE AND CONTINUED ON OUR TRIP. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. AFTER READING THE OWNER'S MANUAL I DISCOVERED THE WARNING MESSAGE INVOLVED A COMPONENT OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. I DECIDED TO TRY SHUTTING OFF THE ECON SWITCH (WHICH ACTIVATES BATTERY) AND ALL AC/ ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THIS WORKED BEAUTIFULLY FOR 100+ MILES UNTIL AT NIGHTFALL THE HEADLIGHTS KICKED ON AND OUR TROUBLES RETURNED. SINCE IT WAS SUNDAY NIGHT WE DECIDED TO STAY OVERNIGHT WHERE WE WERE AND GET IT CHECKED BY THE NEAREST FORD IN THE MORNING. THE DIAGNOSTICS ($95) REVEALED IT WAS THE MOTOR ELECTRONIC COOLING PUMP AT FAULT WHICH THIS DEALER DID NOT CARRY. WE CAUTIOUSLY CONTINUED USING THE NO ELECTRICAL METHOD AND WERE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY REACH OUR DESTINATION 400MILES AWAY WITH NO MORE INCIDENTS, WHERE WE THEN TOOK IT TO OUR HOME DEALER FOR REPAIR. A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH UPON RESEARCH I'M LEARNING IS HAPPENING TO MANY OTHER ESCAPE HYBRID OWNERS. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 4, 2012
PLEASE ISSUE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL FOR THE MOTOR ELECTRONICS COOLING SYSTEM PUMP ON ALL 2005-2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO FORD AND THE SUBJECT OF TSB 08-24-5. THIS PART FAILURE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WHILE THE CITED COMPLAINTS FORM AN ALARMING PICTURE OF THE MECS PUMP FAILURE ISSUE, THIS LIST IS BY NO MEANS EXHAUSTIVE. A SEARCH OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2005-2007 ESCAPE HYBRIDS RETURNS ADDITIONAL HORRIFYING INCIDENTS INVOLVING THIS PART FAILURE. IT IS APPALLING THAT WITH SO MANY REPORTS OF HIGH-SPEED ENGINE SHUTDOWNS AND NEAR-MISS ACCIDENTS THAT THIS ISSUE DOES NOT EVEN HAVING A PENDING DEFECTS INVESTIGATION. PLEASE RIGHT THIS WRONG BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 4, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 75 IN FLORIDA, THE GAS ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND A WARNING LIGHT/MESSAGE APPEARED "STOP SAFELY NOW". OUR VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO DECELERATE, RUNNING ONLY ON THE ELECTRIC MOTOR, AS WE TRIED TO CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC "SAFELY". WE PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER, AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT GETTING THE ERROR MESSAGE. WE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME SUDDEN ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND FEH WARNING 5-6 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF OUR ROAD TRIP FROM WISCONSIN TO FLORIDA AND BACK. UPON RETURN TO WISCONSIN, WE HAD THE CAR CHECKED OUT BY OUR FORD DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED US IT WAS A FAULTY MOTOR ELECTRONICS COOLANT PUMP (PART #5M6Z-8C419-A). FORD HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM (TSB 08-24-5), BUT HAS NOT YET ISSUED A RECALL. SINCE THE UNEXPECTED DECELERATION OF A VEHICLE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS CONSTITUTES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE (AS MANY FORD ESCAPE HYBRID OWNERS ON EDMUNDS.COM CAN ATTEST, HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0FF5B5), I AM STRONGLY URGING YOU TO COMPEL FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS PART. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 30, 2012
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID (PURCHASED IN APRIL 2007), WITH 67,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TRAVELING AT 65MPH, STARTING TO HEAD INTO THE SIERRAS OUTSIDE OF SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR 2 HOURS, AND HAD TRAVELED 120 MILES THAT MORNING WHEN THE CAR ENGINE SUDDENLY CUT OUT, AND THE WARNING LIGHT "STOP SAFELY NOW" APPEARED ON THE DASH. LUCKILY, IT WAS ONLY 6AM AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE OTHER CAR NEAR ME ON THE ROAD. I PULLED OVER 3 LANES, BRAKES AND STEERING WORKING, BUT WITH NO GAS. I TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR A MINUTE, STARTED IT UP WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS OR WARNING LIGHTS. I WAITED ANOTHER MINUTE OR TWO, AND HEADED OUT ON THE ROAD. WHEN I GOT BACK UP TO 65MPH THE ENGINE CUT OUT AND THE WARNING SHOWED UP AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS ALREADY NEAR THE SHOULDER SO I STOPPED AGAIN. I WAS ABOUT TO GET INTO A SNOWY UPHILL CLIMB AND DECIDED THAT, NOT KNOWING WHAT THIS CAR WOULD DO, THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO CONTINUE. I DROVE SLOWLY TO THE NEXT EXIT, AND GOT MYSELF TURNED AROUND. FOR THE FIRST HOUR I DROVE AT UNDER 60MPH WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I WAS ABLE TO ACHIEVE 65MPH IN THE SECOND HOUR WITHOUT PROBLEM. I HAD THE ERROR CODES ASSESSED BY A FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN MEC PUMP FAILURE (THE PUMP THAT COOLS THE ELECTRIC BATTERY). I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED WITH SO LITTLE TRAFFIC VOLUME. THERE WAS NO WARNING, AND THE SUDDEN CUT OUT OF THE ENGINE WAS STARTLING AND UNSAFE. I FEARED FOR MY LIFE WHILE HEADING HOME AS THE VOLUME OF CARS PICKED UP AROUND ME. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 11, 2012
VEH SHOWS A CAUTION SIGN (EXCLAMATION IN TRIANGLE) WITH A WARNING (PULL VEHICLE OVER SAFELY AND TURN OFF ENGINE). VEH LOSES ALL ACCELERATION AND I MUST PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. HAPPENS EVERY TIME WE DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY ONLY, NEVER ON A SIDE STREET OR IN STOP AND GO. I PULL VEHICLE OVER AND TURN OFF ENGINE FOR APPROX 2 OR 3 MINUTES, AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP. SOME TIMES IT WILL HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN A 20 TO 30 MINUTE TIME PERIOD, SOMETIMES ONLY ONCE IN SEVERAL HOURS OF DRIVING. DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHY AND REQUIRES A TOW IMMEDIATELY WHEN IT HAPPENS TO DETERMINE CAUSE. CANNOT TOW WHEN ON THE WAY TO DR, OUT OF TOWN, OR OTHER. *TR