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, Feb 10, 2012
I WAS DRIVING WITH TWO FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN POWER STEERING FAILED ON A FREEWAY OFF RAMP. STEERING FAILED WHEREAS I NARROWLY AVOIDED A MAJOR COLLISION. VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN WITH ELECTRIC STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Feb 8, 2012
THE NIGHT OF JANUARY 27, 2012, AS I WAS DRIVING THROUGH TRAFFIC NEAR MY HOME, THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID FAILED, MY DASHBOARD READOUT INDICATING MY REGENERATIVE BRAKES HAVE DISENGAGED. I CAREFULLY RETURNED THE QUARTER MILE OR SO HOME, AND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE NEARBY FAIRFIELD (CALIFORNIA) FORD DEALERSHIP EARLY SATURDAY MORNING, BOTH IN ORDER TO AVOID OTHER DRIVERS, AND HAVE MY BRAKES REPAIRED. TO THEIR CREDIT, THEY TOOK MY VEHICLE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT. OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACTED ME TO INFORM ME THAT TWO OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS ON MY VEHICLE HAD FAILED: ONE CONTROLLING THE REGENERATIVE BRAKES, THE SECOND CONTROLLING THE FANS USED TO COOL THE HYBRID VEHICLE'S BATTERIES. IN A MOMENT OF CANDOR, FORD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE[XXX] INFORMED ME THE UNUSUAL FAILURE WAS THE BRAKE-RELATED FAILURE, AS THE FORD OF FAIRFIELD SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS REPLACING THE FAN-RELATED COMPUTER PART, "ALL THE TIME." MY CONCERNS ARE SIMILARLY TWO-FOLD: FIRST, THE THOUGHT THAT MY REGENERATIVE BREAKS SIMPLY DISENGAGED IS DISTURBING ENOUGH, AS IT PUT ME AND MY CHILDREN IN IMMEDIATE HARM. ALMOST MORE THAN THAT, THOUGH, IS THE FACT THAT THE COMPUTER PART CONTROLLING THE COOLING OF MY HYBRID'S BATTERIES APPEARS TO FAIL "ALL THE TIME." SINCE THERE WAS NO INDICATION ON THE PART OF MY VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE INFORMING ME THAT THE HYBRID BATTERY COOLING FAN WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY, THERE IS SIMPLY NO KNOWING WHEN MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THAT AFFECTING SOME VOLTS MANUFACTURED BY CHEVROLET. I AM INTERESTED IN MAKING SURE SIMILAR FAILURES TO NOT IMPACT OTHER OWNERS OF FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS. SHOULD YOU NEED ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, MY DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER IS [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH THE POWER CUT OUT AND A WARNING WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH TO PULL OVER SAFELY. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND CONTINUE DRIVING, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO FORD. THE FORD DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 30, 2011
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY IN THE LEFT HAND LANE DOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND A STOP NOW SAFELY MESSAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND CONTINUE TO MY DESTINATION. THIS AGAIN HAPPENED ON THE WAY HOME THE SAME DAY THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND AT THE TIMES I PULLED OVER AND BOTH TIMES WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE. I HAD NO ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, THIS WAS A SCARY. *KB
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 4, 2011
I HAD PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW FROM THE DEALER IN MARCH OF 2008, THIS TRUCK HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS IN THE PAST STARTING WITH THE DAY I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. NOW A FEW YEAR'S LATER THE "A.C. CONDENSER" WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY "DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY". I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT THE SEVERAL MECHANIC'S THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO SAID THAT, THAT PART IS VITAL TO THE POWER TRAIN. I AM A YOUNG STRUGGLING NURSE TRYING TO PAY OFF SCHOOL LOANS, AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THIS IS GOING TO COST $700.00, I CANNOT AFFORD IT AND I NEED MY TRUCK. I BOUGHT THIS NEW WITH THE IMPRESSION THAT THESE THINGS WILL NOT BE AN ISSUE AND IF THEY WERE THEY WOULD BE COVERED BY FORD'S WARRANTY. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS SPECIFIC YEAR AND TRUCK. I AM HOPING THAT YOU GUY'S WILL BE ABLE TO HELP WITH THIS MATTER. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 5, 2011
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ABS AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON, ALONG WITH MESSAGE "SYSTEM BRAKE FAILURE" AND "REGEN BRAKES DISABLED". AT THIS TIME, THE BRAKES ALMOST FEEL TOTALLY OUT (1/2 PRESSED) OR VERY TOUCHY (FULL PRESS). TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE ABS MODULE ($2500) WHICH WE AGREED TO. A FEW DAYS AFTER IT WAS REPLACED, SAME THING HAPPENED (LIGHTS, MESSAGES AND BRAKES ISSUES). WE TOOK IT BACK, AND BY THE TIME IT WAS TO THE DEALERSHIP THE LIGHTS, MESSAGES AND BRAKES WERE BACK TO NORMAL. THEY COULDN'T FIND AN ISSUES. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE IN A TRAFFIC JAM (VERY SCARY!!!) TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE CODES. TOOK THE CODES TO THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOOK MY ESCAPE FOR 2 DAYS, SAYING THEY RESET THE CODES AND IT WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE. 5 DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN OUR DOWNTOWN (VERY SCARY). NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE HOWEVER I HAVE SEEN OTHER MENTIONS ABOUT THIS ONLINE. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2011
THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR LIGHT COMES ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER SAYS "TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT". AT THE SAME TIME THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VOLUME ON THE STEREO AUTOMATICALLY GOES DOWN OR STOPS WORKING OR CAN'T CHANGE STATIONS WHEN I GET THE TIRE PRESSURE MESSAGE OR REBOOTS ALONG WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWING HOT AIR. THE DOORS DON'T AUTOMATICALLY LOCK, WHEN THEY DO LOCK, THE AC COMES BACK ON. AS IT GOT WORSE THE DASH HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN, SOMEDAYS IT DOESN'T LIGHT UP OTHER DAYS IT STAYS ON ALL NIGHT. SOMETIMES WHEN I RIDE OVER A SPEED BUMP IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT ALWAYS COMES BACK. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 15, 2011
1. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 71-73MPH WHEN A RED TRIANGLE WITH AN EXCLAMATION MARK APPEARD, MY ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND A "STOP VEHICLE SAFELY" MESSAGE CAME ACROSS THE DASH. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN ONE HOUR. EACH TIME, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND I HAD TO PULL OVER. THE CAR WOULD START BACK UP PERFECTLY. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO A SHOP BY KEEPING IT UNDER 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY. 3. THE SHOP SAYS I NEED A MOTOR ELECTRONICS COOLING PUMP AND A PCM REPROGRAMMING. *TT
Electrical system, Jun 4, 2011
I OWN 2008 MODEL OF FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. ON THE INCIDENT DAY, THE CONTROLS AND BATTERY FAILED SUDDENLY WITHOUT PRIOR INDICATIONS OR WARNING SIGNS. SIGNAL LIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO OPERATE. IN THAT CONDITION I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A NEAREST FORD DEALER ON THE DAY. SINCE TWO WEEKS, THE PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. I'VE BEEN TOLD OF COMPUTER AND CONTROL MALFUNCTIONS, AND THAT PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED ONE AT A TIME EVERY 2 OR 3 DAYS. I FEAR EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE GETS FIXED THAT SIMILAR FAILURES MAY OCCUR, AND THERE MAY BE RISKS TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAYS IN FUTURE . *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 12, 2011
DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. THE DASHBOARD OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED A SYMBOL OF AN EXCLAMATION POINT SURROUNDED BY A TRIANGLE. MOREOVER, THE DASH STATED "STOP SAFELY NOW." AT THIS TIME WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING IN A WORK ZONE THAT WAS ONE LANE, AND SURROUNDED BY CONCRETE BARRIERS, WITH NO SHOULDER. A TRACTOR TRAILER WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, SO WHEN I ALL OF A SUDDEN WENT FROM 65 TO NO POWER WHATSOEVER, I WAS ALMOST HIT. FURTHERMORE, I HAD TO BLOCK TRAFFIC TO TURN OFF MY VEHICLE AND TO RESTART IT. MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID REPEATED THIS SAME OCCURRENCE MANY TIMES. SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT, THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, UNFORTUNATELY ALL OCCURRING ON HIGHWAYS WHERE I WAS TRAVELING AT SIGNIFICANT SPEEDS. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY THAT HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS RECURRING PROBLEM, WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. FORD HAS NOT POSTED ANY RECALLS, BUT THE BLOGS HAVE SHOWN THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE SUFFERED FROM THIS OCCURRENCE. PLEASE STEP IN AND ADVICE FORD THAT ALTHOUGH THE "LIMP HOME MODE" MAY BE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, IT IS NOT SAFE FOR ME.
Electrical system, Equipment, Apr 14, 2011
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH EVERYTHING SHUT OFF, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL. NO WARNING AT ALL! HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD AND HIT THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO FORD FOR SERVICE AND THEY FOUND THAT THE FORD MOTORCRAFT BATTERY THAT WAS INSTALLED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED HAD LEAKED BATTERY ACID ONTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS AND CORRODED IT. $1,600. TO REPLACE IT. MY ESCAPE HYBRID WAS TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, ALTHOUGH THE MILEAGE WAS NOT AND FORD WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THEIR EQUIPMENT THAT FAILED AND THE BATTERY HAD OBVIOUSLY BEEN LEAKING FOR MORE THAN TWO MONTHS FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2011
CAR FAILS TO START AND DASHBOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK, THE CAR JUST WILL NOT START. THE ALARM LIGHT BLINKS FAST AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN THE ENGINE OVER FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD ALARM LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ODOMETER WILL RESET TO ALL DASHES, A WARNING READS THAT THERE IS A BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, BUT I CAN CONTINUE TO DRIVE THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE FORD TECHNICIANS CANNOT VERIFY THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET IT TO HAPPEN IN THE SHOP. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT STARTS HALF THE TIME AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 2, 2010, fire
CAR BURNED DOWN TO THE FRAME. TURNED THE CAR ON IT STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. SMOKE AND FIRE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE A/C VENTS. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE AND FIREMEN AND THEY HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK AT THE REMAINS OF THE CAR ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, THE BEST CONCLUSION THEY COULD COME UP WITH AS TO WHAT HAPPENED WAS SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL FUSE MALFUNCTION. UPDATED 12/20/10 * BF THE FIRE ORIGINATED WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND THEN ADVANCED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FIRE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. UPDATED 12/27/10
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2010
THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED 10/8/10 IN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID WITH APPROXIMATELY 53,000 MILES ON IT. DEPARTED CORDOVA, TN ON A WEEKEND TRIP TO TALLADEGA, AL AND CHATTANOOGA, TN. DROVE STEADILY FOR 3 - 4 HOURS AT 65 - 70 MPH AND STOPPED FOR DINNER IN BIRMINGHAM, AL FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR. RESUMED TRIP AND IN ABOUT 15 MINUTES, AT AROUND 8:30 PM ON AN UNLIT STRETCH OF I-20 AT APPROXIMATELY MILE MARKER 135 WEST OF BIRMINGHAM WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH THE MASTER VEHICLE ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNING LIGHT (RED TRIANGLE) CAME ON, THE INFORMATIONAL DISPLAY SHOWED "STOP SAFELY NOW", AND THE ACCELERATOR BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. ALL THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON, STEERING APPEARED NORMAL, AND BRAKES FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. WE WERE BASICALLY COASTING IN 70 MPH TRAFFIC TRYING TO CROSS 3 LANES TO GET OFF THE ROAD. MANEUVERED TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF WITH FLASHERS GOING. AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE COMPOSING MYSELF, DECIDED TO TRY TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT RESTARTED WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES AND ALL SYSTEMS APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. DROVE THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT UNTIL I COULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP. THEY RETRIEVED CODES P1A0D AND P0A3E AND SAID THEY HEARD A LOUD HIGH PITCHED NOISE FROM THE ELECTRONICS COOLING PUMP MOTOR WHICH THEY REPLACED. WE FEEL EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO SOMEHOW GET SAFELY OFF THE ROADWAY WITHOUT CAUSING OR BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. WE WERE ALSO LUCKY THAT THE FAULT DID NOT OCCUR AFTER MILE MARKER 147 BECAUSE, DUE TO CONSTRUCTION THAT WENT TO MILE MARKER 155, THERE WAS NO WAY TO PULL OUT OF THE TRAFFIC FLOW AT ALL. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AS SHE TURN THE IGNITION OFF SHE HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. SHE BELIEVES THE CLICKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. SHE ALSO STATED THAT WHITE PARTIALS WERE ALL OVER HER SEATS AND INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO AUTHORIZED DEALERS AND SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,400.
Electrical system, May 11, 2010
I HAVE A 2008 FORD HYBRID ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING ON A RECENT TRIP - 70MPH IN 92 DEGREE HEAT, I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, AND A MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT SAID "STOP SAFELY NOW." THIS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY, AS I WAS TRYING TO GET HOME TO NC FROM FLORIDA. I WONDERED IF I HAD PURCHASED SOME BAD GAS, SO REFILLED THE TANK. I DROVE THE LAST 4 HOURS WITHOUT PROBLEMS, BUT THE TEMPERATURE FELL TO THE 70S. HOWEVER, YESTERDAY, AS I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM, I FOUND NUMEROUS MENTIONS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS "FIXES" ALL OVER THE INTERNET. SOME DRIVERS REPORTED THE SCARY SITUATION OF DRIVING ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITHOUT A SHOULDER TO PULL OVER ON, AND THE SAME LOSS OF POWER. IT IS VERY SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. IN MOST CASES, AFTER THE POWER FAILURE, THE CAR STARTS RIGHT UP AND YOU CAN DRIVE ON, BUT THE SAME THING WILL HAPPEN AGAIN IN FROM 10 TO 90 MINUTES. IT WAS VERY SCARY. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR IN YET, BUT THINK THE PROBLEM SHOULD DEFINITELY BE INVESTIGATED. FORD KNOWS ABOUT IT AND HAS NOT COME UP WITH ANY ONE "FIX." *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Feb 26, 2010
TCCF TRANSMISSION COOLER CONDENSER FAILURE- JULY 16,2008 REPAIRED; -LEAKING -SLIPPING ON SHIFTING-HAD VERY LITTLE TRANSMISSION OIL ON DIP STICK WHEN REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP UNDER THE 36,000 LIMITED WARRANTY--AFTER 4 DAYS JULY 20, 2008 WIFE WAS REAR ENDED BY A DWI TRAVELING AT ESTIMATED MORE THAN 75 TO 80 MPH(MY WIFE TRAVELING ON A STATE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL REGULATED SPEED OF 50 MPH) -DAMAGES OF OVER $13,500 TO OUR CAR-ALL SHOP AND REPAIRS DONE BY FORD DEALERSHIP , OUR ONLY SHOP AND SERVICE PLACE FOR THIS ESCAPE 2008. ON FEBRUARY 9, 2010(AT 21,000 MILES LATER THE 2ND TCCF-LEAKING FLUID SEEN IN SNOW-DEALERSHIP AFTER CONTACT WITH FORD.COM REPLACED AND REPAIRED UNDER GOOD WILL CUSTOMER PLAN OF THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ALSO REPLACED ON OUR COMPLAINT OF A "CLACKING" TYPE NOISE , A STEERING RIGHT FRONT ASSEMBLY AT NO COST TO US) THERE EVIDENTLY A TSB ON IT. IN ADDITION WE HAVE A HEATING-COOLING FLOW OF AIR FROM OUR HEAT AND AIR VENTS PROBLEM-TEMPERATURES NOT AS WE REGULATE THEM.. THE DEALERSHIP HAD REPLACED A ACTUATOR IN BEHIND DASH(HAVE RECORD OF THAT ALONG WITH ALL SERVICE DATES ON FORD OWNERSHIP HOME PAGE-BELIEVE IT ABOUT ON PREVIOUS SERVICE FOR OIL CHANGE) ON COMPLETION OF RECENT REPAIRS AND OUR VEHICLE RETURNED TO US ON FEBRUARY 18, 2010 WE ADVISED THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE CONTINUING AIR-HEAT REGULATOR PROBLEM-ADVISED THEY WOULD REEXAMINE IT ON NEXT SERVICE OR AT OUR CONVENIENCE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS STOOD BEHIND THE FORD, WE MUST ADMIT THAT-BUT OUR INCONVENIENCE AND THE SO MANY THAT HAVE SEEN BY OTHERS ON THE INTERNET SEEM TO WARRANT A RECALL AS TO ALL THREE RELATED PROBLEMS--SOME OF WHICH SEEM TO BE RELATED TO THE SAME TCC PROBLEMS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2010
THE BATTERY DRAINS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OFF. IT TAKES ABOUT 2 DAYS FOR THE BATTERY TO BE COMPLETELY DEAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANICS COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE THE DRAIN WAS COMING FROM SO THEY FLEW IN AN ENGINEER FROM THE FORD FACTORY. HE HAD THEM REMOVE EACH FUSE & PUT THEM BACK IN 3 AT A TIME. THEN WAIT 2 DAYS TO SEE IF THERE WAS A DRAIN ON THAT ELECTRICAL LINE. AFTER OVER 3 MONTHS OF MY CAR IN THE SHOP, THEY REPLACED THE SMART JUNCTION BOX THINKING THAT WOULD SOLVE IT. IT DIDN'T. THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP I WAS DEALING WITH BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO. I TOLD HER THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW 2 YRS AGO BUT SHE DIDN'T CARE AT ALL. I POSTED MY PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET & HAD 2 OTHER PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY EMAIL ME WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAULTY PRODUCT. I'VE BEEN A LOYAL FORD CUSTOMER FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. I'M ALSO IN THE MILITARY & NEED MY CAR FOR MY DUTIES. I'VE TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. FORD HAS COMPLETELY ABANDONED ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2010
DEFECT IN VEHICLE WIRING HARNESS - MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS SINCE 01/30/2010. THE DEALERSHIP STATED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE WIRES CORRODING AND CAUSING MECHANICAL FAILURES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP HAD ORDERED THE NEW WIRING SYSTEM AS AN EMERGENCY "ORDER" ON 01/30/2010 BUT DUE TO THIS BEING SUCH AN OVERWHELMING ISSUE FORD CANT KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND FOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ! THIS IS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE 4X4, I SHOULD NOT BEING EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEMS WITH A NEW VEHICLE THAT ONLY HAS 46 THOUSAND MILES ON IT. OF COURSE NOTHING IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY WHEN YOUR WIRES CORRODE AND CATCH FIRE. THE DAMAGES SO FAR ARE AROUND $800.00. MY SON AND I BOTH SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING FROM THE TRUCK BUT COULDN'T LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL. ONCE IN THE FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE WIRING THAT HAD CORRODED DUE TO ROAD SALT AND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE AND THAT THEY ARE HOPING FOR A RECALL DUE TO THE VOLUME. UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME THIS WILL BE ALL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS A "NOTORIOUS" ISSUE DOES NOT EASE MY MIND WHEN THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN WERE AT RISK !! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2009, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 10,000.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BACK-UP SENSOR ALARM DID NOT SOUND. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF OBSTACLES IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOW SOUND OF THE ALARM. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BACK-UP SENSOR SPEAKERS WERE INSTALLED AND DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER, LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPEAKERS COULD BE REPOSITIONED TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,200.
Electrical system, Oct 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEEDS, THE PARKING SENSORS FAILED. THE ALARM DID NOT SOUND LOUD ENOUGH TO ALERT THE DRIVER. THE BACKUP SENSOR FAILURE OCCURS CONTINUOUSLY WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SPEAKERS WERE LOCATED IN THE INTERIOR REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE ALARM NOT TO SOUND AS LOUDLY. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPEAKERS COULD BE RELOCATED TO THE INTERIOR FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,200. UPDATED 11-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED. UPDATED 11/19/08. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 5, 2008
TOTAL HYBRID / GASOLINE SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Equipment, Nov 15, 2007
ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY ESCAPE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER SAID "TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT". AT THE SAME TIME THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A THING WRONG WITH IT. IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME THE VOLUME ON THE STEREO AUTOMATICALLY GOES DOWN WHEN I GET THE TIRE PRESSURE MESSAGE ALONG WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWING HOT AIR. IT JUST GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THIS TIME AND THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR 3 WEEKS. THEY CONSULTED FORDS ENGINEERS AND WERE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH FORD (WHO HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT). THEY FINALLY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE COMPUTER. IT DIDN'T FAIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. BUT THIS TIME THE CAR WOULD JUST CONSTANTLY BEEP, THE MOST ANNOYING THING IN THE WORLD, AND THE DOORS DON'T AUTOMATICALLY LOCK. AS IT GOT WORSE THE DASH HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN, SOMEDAYS IT DOESN'T LIGHT UP OTHER DAYS IT STAYS ON ALL NIGHT. THANKFULLY IT HASN'T DRAINED MY BATTERY. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES ALREADY AND I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY TO HELP ME WITH A LEMON LAW CASE. THE DEALER HAS NO CLUE WHAT IS GOING ON. THE ADVISOR SAID THAT I WAS THE ONLY ESCAPE IN THE NATION WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT LOOKING ON THE WEBSITE MINE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE, THERE IS AT LEAST ONE OTHER ONE. MY CAR IS STILL DOING THIS EVEN MORE FREQUENTLY. I HAVE ANOTHER TWO WEEKS BEFORE WE HEAR FROM FORD ABOUT A REPURCHASE. IT'S UNFORTUNATE, BECAUSE I REALLY LOVE MY ESCAPE IF IT WASN'T FOR THIS ONE MAJOR PROBLEM. *TR
Tires, Electrical system, Sep 19, 2007
WHY DRIVING THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT WILL COME ON IN THE DASH AND THE COMPUTER WILL STATE ?TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT.? I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SENSORS AND STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME IT HAS TO DO WITH A CELL PHONE CHARGER PLUGGED INTO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND SETTING OFF THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ON THE DASH, AS WELL AS SENDING A FALSE SIGNAL TO THE COMPUTER. THEY STATE THERE IS A FORD BULLETIN OUT ON IT BUT I CAN FIND ANYTHING ON IT. *JB UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB UPDATED *JB