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: power train
372 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 26, 2012
FAILURE OF 2ND AND 4TH GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Sep 15, 2012
MY ESCAPE ONLY HAD 65000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT , AND THE CLUTCH PACK WENT BAD.I ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER. THE MECHANIC I SPOKE WITH TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE CLUTCH PACK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND MINE WAS ONE OF MANY HE HAS SEEN WITH THE SAME ISSUES. NO MORE THAN 6 MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION IS SLAMMING IN TO GEAR AND SHIFTING HARD. WE HAD IT LOOKED AT AND THE MECHANIC SAID WE WILL NEED TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. FORD DENIED ANY CLAIM TO ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND REFUSES TO HELP. *TR
Power train, Sep 8, 2012
THE RPM GAUGE ON THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE SEEMED TO BE "IDLING" HIGH. THE RPM'S DID NOT MATCH HOW FAST I WAS GOING IN MPH LIKE IT USUALLY DOES. IT WAS LIKE THE CAR WAS HESITATING TO MOVE. THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOOKED UP WHAT THAT MEANT IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. IT SAID POWERTRAIN FAULT/DEFAULT, TAKE TO DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY! THE BACK WINDOW STOPPED WORKING TOO. I AM SOOOOO DISAPPOINTED IN THIS VEHICLE!!! I'M STILL MAKING PAYMENTS, AS I BOUGHT THE CAR BARELY 4 YEARS AGO. WITH SO FEW MILES, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS. *TR
Power train, Aug 22, 2012
TRANSMISSION HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AT APPROX. 25,000. NOW, AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAS SEIZED. IT APPEARS MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THIS VEHICLE AND FORD IS TRYING TO SAY THAT ABNORMAL NOISE AND FAILURES ARE TYPICAL. *TR
Power train, Aug 21, 2012
VEHICLE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH IN THE MORNING GOING TO WORK. ON THE WAY HOME I WAS STOPPING BY LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE CODE TESTED. THE AUTO PARTS TECH SAID THAT THERE WERE NO CODES POPPING UP. AS I LEFT AND PULLED AWAY FROM THE STORE THE TRANSMISSION JUMPED IN RPMS BEFORE IT LURCHED INTO THE 2ND AUTOMATIC GEAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUDDER. EVERY TIME I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP TO HIGHER SPEEDS THE RPMS WOULD JUMP UP TO 3-4 THOUSAND BEFORE IT WOULD JUMP INTO THE NEXT GEAR. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER GARAGE. THEY SAID IT WAS GIVING THEM CODES RELATED TO TSB 12-4-8. THE ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR IS $2200. FORD HAS ISSUED THIS AS A TSB KNOWING THAT IT IS AN ISSUE. THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE REPAIR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 30, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING A LONG TRIP (9 HOURS) A TRIANGULAR WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON: STOP SAFELY NOW, AND THE CAR DECELERATED QUICKLY AS THOUGH THE ENGINE HAD ABRUPTLY STOPPED, BARELY ALLOWING TIME TO PULL OFF ROAD. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS A SHOULDER AT THAT SPOT ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE IS NO WAY TO SAFELY STOP A CAR THIS SUDDENLY THAT IS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY! AFTER READING THE MANUAL WHICH DIRECTED DRIVER TO WAIT A BIT AND THEN RESTART CAR, THE DRIVER DID SO AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN, TWICE, ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN AFTER DRIVING FOR ONLY 2 HOURS. PLEASE; JUST BECAUSE THERE WASN'T A CRASH, INJURY, FIRE, OR DEATH DOES NOT MEAN THIS IS "SAFE ENOUGH." *TR
Power train, Jul 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED A PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Jul 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MORE THAN TEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO UPDATE THE POWER CONTROL MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,000.
Power train, Jul 18, 2012
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE, 3.0L V6 ENGINE. WE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND SERVICE CONTRACT WITH FORD AND HAD THE CAR SERVICED AT FORD UNTIL 6 MONTHS AGO WHEN THE SERVICE CONTRACT RAN OUT. THE CAR IS JUST OVER 4 YEARS OLD AT 105,000 MILES AND THE 2ND GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY. I REACHED OUT TO FORD TO REQUEST A GOOD WILL REPAIR GIVEN THE FACT THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE MESSAGE BOARDS AS WELL AS GIVEN THE FACT THAT WE HAVE DILIGENTLY HAD THE CAR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR DONE BY FORD AND THEY REFUSED. LOOKING AT THE MESSAGE BOARDS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE ESCAPE AND I BELIEVE FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THIS PRESENTS NOT ONLY A HAZARD TO THE DRIVER BUT ALSO TO OTHER DRIVERS AS WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR LOOSES SPEED AND THE RPMS REV OUT. *TR
Power train, Jun 20, 2012
2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE DECIDED TO SLOW DOWN BY APPLYING THE BRAKE AND SHIFTING THE CVT TRANSMISSION INTO LOW RANGE, TO HIS SURPRISE THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT DOWN AND ALLOW THE ENGINE COMPRESSION TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO LOW AT 50-60 MPH AND EXPECT IT TO SLOW DOWN. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMERS MANUAL STATED THE TRANSMISSION MAY BE SHIFTED INTO LOW AT ANY SPEED. UPDATED 09/11/12
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 25 MPH AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A WHINING NOISE. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED BY IT SELF. IT WAS TAKEN OUT OF GEAR TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM CRASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE A PART IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THEN CAUSING FAILURE OF THE WHOLE UNIT. *JB
Power train, Jun 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT TRANSMISSION FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURE WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NOT ANY RECALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,972.
Power train, Apr 12, 2012
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH AND AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF HIGHWAY DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING LOST ALL FORWARD ENGINE POWER (COMBUSTION ENGINE AND HYBRID SYSTEM). THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THE MESSAGE "STOP SAFELY NOW" APPEARS ON THE DRIVER DISPLAY. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND NARROWLY AND MIRACULOUSLY AVOIDED ACCIDENTS WITH FOLLOWING TRAFFIC INCLUDING TRACTOR-TRAILERS AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS INDICATES A HYBRID MEC PUMP FAILURE. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS FAILURE MODE ON THE INTERNET AND THROUGH OTHER SOURCES, IT APPEARS THAT THE FOLLOWING SITUATION EXISTS: 1) THIS COMPONENT EXHIBITS A VERY HIGH AND PREMATURE FAILURE RATE AT ALL MILEAGE LEVELS. 2) THE FAILURE MODE (SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF ALL VEHICLE POWER) IS HIGHLY LIKELY TO RESULT IN FATALITIES AND MAJOR ACCIDENTS. 3) THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS WELL KNOWN TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND VARIOUS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPLACEMENT OF THIS COMPONENT. 4) NHTSA HAS PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED 25 SIMILAR OR IDENTICAL DEFECT REPORTS, YET STILL NEITHER NHTSA NOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS ACTED TO PROTECT FORD ESCAPE OWNERS FROM THIS SAFETY CRITICAL DEFECT. I URGE NHTSA AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO OPEN A FORMAL SAFETY INVESTIGATION ON THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID MEC PUMP "STOP SAFELY NOW" POWERTRAIN FAILURES BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST AND MORE ACCIDENTS OCCUR DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Mar 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE IN THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER, WHICH WAS CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,930. UPDATED 04/19/12*LJ UPDATED 04/25/12
Power train, Mar 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
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
Power train, Jan 25, 2012, fire
INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON 12/02/2011. AFTER WORK I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON THE 405 FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I WAS IN LEFT LANE GOING APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. SMOKE STARTED TO COME UP FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND TRIED TO MAKE MY WAY TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER ON THE FREEWAY. THE ONLY LANE TO THE LEFT OF ME WAS THE CARPOOL LANE. IT WAS DURING A HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME AND I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED SEVERAL TIMES AS I TRIED TO GET TO THE SHOULDER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS ENTIRE TIME THE CAR WAS GETTING SMOKY AND IT WAS HARD TO SEE AND BREATHE. CARS WERE HONKING AT ME AND ONE CAR PULLED UP NEXT TO ME AND YELLED AT ME THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM MY CAR AND THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND I NEEDED TO GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. I BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND PARKED AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR. I COULD SEE SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR NEAR THE ENGINE. ONE TRUCK WITH TWO MEN INSIDE PULLED OVER TO HELP ME. I USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I HAD IN THE CAR TO PUT OUT FIRE. THE TOW TRUCK TOWED MY CAR TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE GEARS INSIDE THE HYBRID POWER UNIT CAME APART AND BROKE. THEN TRANSMISSION FLUIDS LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST AND BURST INTO FLAMES. MY SERVICE ADVISER BRIAN SAID THAT THEY DOCUMENTED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES AS A RESULT OF THIS. HE ALSO SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHY A CAR WITH ONLY 66,000 MILES WOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HE SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE AN EXPLANATION FOR WHY THE GEARS WOULD BREAK APART. FORD REPLACED THE UNIT BUT DID NOT CLEAN THE CAR, STILL HAS FLUID UNDER IT AND IT SMELLS HORRIBLY TO DRIVE. FORD CANNOT GUARANTEE IT WONT HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE THEY DON'T WHY IT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE. SUBMITTED CLAIM TO FORD AND THEY REJECTED IT. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2012
MY CAR APPEARED TO GO INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, THEN REVVED UP AND SHOT FORWARD. PUTTING MYSELF AND PASSENGERS AT DANGER OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON FLAW IN THE POWER TRAIN (TRANSMISSION) OF THE FORD ESCAPES. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED BEFORE A FATALITY OCCURS DUE TO FORD NEGLIGENCE. I CALLED FORD IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVING AT WORK AND WILL TAKE IT IN AT THE END OF THE DAY BUT, HAVING LOOKED FOR COMPLAINTS/RECALLS ON LINE I SEE THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON AND FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Power train, Jan 24, 2012
FOUND PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID ON DRIVEWAY. TRANSMISSION COOLER IS LEAKING JUST LIKE ALL 2008 FORD ESCAPES. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. DEALER CHARGES $816. WHY ISN'T IT COVERED BY A RECALL? WE ARE DISAPPOINTED. *TR
Power train, Jan 12, 2012
I NOTICED A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS BEGINNING TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY, AND SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WAS CAUSING SOME CONCERN WHILE DRIVING IN THE FAST LANE OF THE INTERSTATES. IT WAS BEGINNING TO SPRAY UP UNDER THE HOOD, AND I WAS WORRIED ABOUT IT GETTING ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTING A FIRE. AFTER DOING TONS OF RESEARCH ON LINE, IF FIND OUT ABOUT A TRANS COOLER DEFECT. I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 100'S IF NOT 1000'S OF PEOPLE THAT OWNED 2008 ESCAPES. I WAS TOLD FORD DID DO SOME REPAIRS ON THESE CARS THAT WHERE BUILT EARLY 2008, AND THAT A CSP (CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM) WAS SENT OUT MARCH 2010, AND EXPIRED IN AUGUST 2010. MY ESCAPE WAS BUILT IN SEPT. 2007, WHICH SHOULD HAVE COVERED IT. FORD SENT A CSP #09B10 TO OWNERS FOR A REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF THE KNOW DEFECT TO THE COOLER. SINCE I DIDN'T NOT OWN THE VEHICLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 2010, I HAD NO IDEA OF THE PROBLEM, AND SINCE THE ORIGINAL OWNER NEVER TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR, I HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE, AND BOTH THEM, AND THE FORD DEALER ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT, BUT WOULD NOT COVER IT. SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL, AND THE CSP IS OVER, I HAD TO PAY $644.41 OUT OF MY POCKET. THIS IS RIDICULES I AM PAYING FOR A DEFECT THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT. THEY BOTH TOLD ME TO HOLD ON TO MY RECEIPT IN CASE THERE IS A RECALL I CAN GET REIMBURSED. I THINK THIS IS THE LAST FORD I WILL OWN. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE TRAIN, AND KEEPS YOUR TRANSMISSION FROM FAILING, ITS NOT A DRIVE TRAIN PART, AND FORD WILL NOT COVER CAUSE ITS NOT INTERNAL. AS FAR AS I SEE IT! ITS POWER TRAIN RELATED, AND IF IT UNKNOWINGLY FAILS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL. HOPEFULLY FORD DOES THE RIGHT THING, AND REPAIRS OR REIMBURSES THE CUSTOMER THAT HAD IT REPAIRED FOR THE MISTAKE FORD MADE WITH THE DEFECTIVE PART BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Power train, Dec 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, FLUID WAS OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED A TRANS CORE LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,842.
Power train, Dec 7, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE NEW IN SEPTEMBER 2008. AFTER 50,000 MILES I NOTICED A BUZZING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR PROBABLE CAUSES, I DISCOVERED A TSB STATING THAT IDLER PULLEY MAY FAIL PREMATURELY. I PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE PULLEY AND NOTICED A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK NEAR THE RADIATOR. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET SOME MORE, I DISCOVERED ANOTHER TSB STATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLERS CRACK DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN. I CONTACTED FORD THROUGH THE WEBSITE AND THEY STATED THEIR ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND DIRECTED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD MY VEHICLE. THE REPAIR ESTIMATES ARE BETWEEN 800-1000 DOLLARS. I HAVE EXCEEDED MY WARRANTY AND MULTIPLE PERSONS HAVE STATED THAT FORD DOES NOT HONOR IT ANYWAY FOR THIS COMPONENT. I HAVE OWNED 3 FORDS WITH THE SIMILAR ISSUES. FORD POSTS TSBS NOT RECALLS EVEN THOUGH THE DEFECTS ARE CAUSED BY POOR DESIGNS. IF THE COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS DOESN'T ADD UP IN THEIR FAVOR, EXPECT TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. I NO LONGER ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND FULLY EXPECT TO TRADE IT IN SHORTLY. *TR
Power train, Nov 30, 2011
I WAS IN MY CAR AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE AND PULL OUT ON TO THE ROAD, MY ENGINE RACED AND I ONLY ROLLED FORWARD, DOWN THE SMALL SLOPE, INTO TRAFFIC. AFTER ABOUT 3 SECONDS MY TRANSMISSION CAUGHT AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND I MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL, BARELY MISSING ANOTHER CAR IN THE OTHER LANE. TURNS OUT ALMOST ALL OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT FROM THE TRANSMISSION COOLER, CAUSING A MALFUNCTIONING TRANSMISSION. AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN TO GET INSPECTED, AND TALKING TO MULTIPLE DEALERS, THEY ALL SAY THAT THEY CONSISTENTLY FIX THIS ISSUE ON THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE. SOME EVEN SAY THEY HAVE TROUBLE STOCKING THE PART BECAUSE THEY DO SO MANY. THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION COOLER/AC CONDENSER THAT CONSISTENTLY BREAKS AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LOSE TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN UNSAFE VEHICLES. *KB
Power train, Nov 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR. THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
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