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: steering
1,237 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of a parking space at slow speeds, the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), and the VIN was included but had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 191,625.
Steering, Sep 11, 2023
Steering stops and starts working randomly making it hard to turn corners and into gas stations
Steering, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking space, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of electric power steering assist. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Jul 9, 2023
My girlfriend was driving around 40mph, when the power steering started going out. She continued to drive since she was already close to her place of employment. We had a family mechanic look at the vehicle and he stated that it was the electric power steering that had went out. There were no warning lights except for a yellow tool symbol which had already been on the dash for a while.
Steering, Wheels, Jul 6, 2023
Wheel hubs. Yes High. Yes. No, light came on after
Steering, May 27, 2023
Warning light for “power steering assist fault” came on last night and this morning the steering is hard to control when turning.
Steering, Suspension, May 4, 2023
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING, TORQUE SUSPENSION STOPPED WORKING AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO MANUAL MODE, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND UNDRIVABLE AND UNCONTROLABLE FOR ADULT SENIOR WOMAN THAT WAS DRIVING IT.
Steering, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the yellow wrench warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact continued driving to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure and the contact was made aware that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) recall repair was completed on the day she purchased the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist and the “Service Vehicle” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Steering, Mar 29, 2023
While driving my 2008 Escape the other day the power steering went out while driving down the the highway. The power steering assist fail light came on after I parked and shut my car off and turned it back on. After doing some research I found the recall 14S05, however when looking my VIN up, it shows no active recall. But the incident matches exactly what I have read from 100's of other owners. It would be available for inspection, I have not taken it into a Ford dealership yet. When I called the local one, they told me they couldn't help, as it didn't show up having active recall. The incident occurred 3/25/23 and I have since parked the vehicle until I can figure out what I am going to do with it.
Steering, Mar 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became very firm. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence and turned the vehicle off and on. The power steering functionality did not return. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the electric power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Steering, Mar 1, 2023
Power steering went out and the steering wheel is very hard to turn. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. While driving my steering wheel became hard to turn so I almost got into an accident. I have taken the car to a service dealer and they stated that the power steering column needed to be replaced codes that they got were b2277 and b2278. A warning came across the dashboard saying "power steering assist fault".
Steering, Feb 23, 2023
While driving in a city at about 30mph, my power steering froze and I could not easily make a turn. As a result, I had to stop on the side of the road and inspect what went on. A 'wrench' and a warning control light came on stating 'power steering assist failure'. I was able to drive slowly to my mechanic, with a very limited steering, to diagnose the issue. The error code that appeared on the diagnostic interface was B2278 - Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Malfunction. I was very lucky to drive on a slow road because driving it on a freeway could have been disastrous, maybe fatal in a worst case for myself and others on a freeway. There were no prior signs to the failure. I loved driving the car because it was very reliable. I drive my kids to and from school in this car. I contacted the manufacturer and a few dealerships about this. It turns out that there was a safety recall for 2008 - 2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles (14S05). However, my car, for some reason, was never on a recall list. My car's power steering torque sensor failure clearly satisfies the safety recall requirements. Is there a way that I could take this back to a FORD dealership and get it fixed under the safety recall? I am currently residing and driving this car in Poland.
Steering, Feb 21, 2023
The contact's niece owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped, the steering wheel started shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved code: B2278 (Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Malfunction). The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: (Power Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Steering, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her father was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle, with no power steering, to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact and the independent mechanic researched online and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
Steering, Feb 5, 2023
On Tuesday a light came on that said “power steering assist fault” but it was still driving fine. Then the next morning when I was pull out of the parking spot I could barely turn the wheel. It was super hard to turn. I could hardly get back into the parking spot, it was super hard just to steer it back to the parking spot. If I would’ve been driving it would have definitely caused an accident. I had the car towed to a dealership, I was told that it was probably the power sterling pump but there is a recall on this car for that and my car (vin number) is not listed. But it’s the same problem. Maybe my vin number was miase? Please help.
Steering, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering assist fault message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Steering, Feb 3, 2023
STEERING WHEEL TURNS AUTOMATICLLY TO THE RIGHT WHEN STARING VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HORNE FORD OF NOGALES THEY FOLLOWED SERVICE PROCEDURE AS PER WORKSHOP MANUAL FOUND AND DETERMINED ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN (FAILED) THEY RECOMMENDED REPAIRS: ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. I HAVE A REPAIR ESTIMATE A COST OF 2,827.00
Steering, Jan 30, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
Steering, Jan 23, 2023
Having issues with periodic loss of power steering while driving .making it very difficult to drive. Also I'm having an issue with the battery continuing to die ..when the vehicle is off even.i park it n the evening and Over night it goes dead.
Steering, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering fault message displayed before the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction, making the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering column bolts were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 128,000.
Steering, Jan 4, 2023
The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the power steering assists failed as the power assist fault warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was given a case number by the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Steering, Dec 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact took the vehicle for repair in July/August of 2022. The repair was completed at no cost to the contact due to the open recall and was told that if the issue were to persist, the cost would be covered under warranty. However, that repair did not last and the power steering would still go out intermittently. The contact was told by the dealer that the issue essentially needed to be constant rather than only intermittent in order to get the proper codes to then repair the vehicle. The torque sensor still needs to be repaired.
Steering, Power train, Dec 20, 2022
The power steering torque sensor failed while driving today. As a result the vehicle lost all power steering and became difficult to steer and posed a serious risk to my safety while driving a distance over an hour from home on back country roads in Kentucky which were winding and made making curves and staying on the road very difficult to manage. There was no warning, no engine check light to come on. About 5 minutes before the power steering failed to function, the steering wheel began to have a very slight movement while at a stop light. This was not a sufficient warning to give me enough time to determine that my vehicle was about to become unsafe and there was no noise coming from the car or affected components. As a result of the malfunction/ equipment failure, I had to make wide turns that made the vehicle leave the roadway slightly at times with the tires going off the side of the road before the wide turn was completed. Steering became very difficult and the vehicle did not respond to my steering attempts. I could not make sharp turns and had a long distance to suffer through the hazard this caused. When I finally arrived home I had to drive through my yard to park because I could not get the vehicle to turn sharp enough to make it into the driveway. While driving there wasn't any shake or noticeable issue with the steering wheel itself other than the loss of power steering that felt as if the entire steering column was locked up. I have contacted the nearest Ford dealership to inquire about getting the recall repair completed tomorrow. I will have it inspected at that time. As of now, the failed component is available for inspection upon request. I am sure the problem will be reproduced as it has not regained steering function hours later and is in need of repair. I never received any notice prior to the equipment failure that there in fact was a safety recall on my vehicle. I would like to know how I was missed on being notified.