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, Feb 8, 2012
LIKE MANY OTHERS THE EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) SYSTEM GAVE OUT ON MY 2008 ESCAPE (75,000 MI.). IT STARTED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OCCASIONALLY CLUNKING AND SHAKING BOTH WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN THE CAR WAS IDLE (AS LONG AS IT WAS STARTED). AS SOON AS THE WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT THE POWER STEERING WOULD ENGAGE AND IT WOULD BE FINE. THE PROBLEM QUICKLY GOT WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE THE CLUNKING/SHAKING WAS HAPPENING AT ALL TIMES UNTIL THE POWER STEERING JUST FLAT OUT FAILED WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS IN A POSITION TO REACT AND MANUALLY STEER WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT I WAS DEFINITELY WORRIED AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THE PLACE I BOUGHT IT WON'T HONOR MY WARRANTY AS THIS ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE POWER TRAIN(UNDERSTANDABLE, BUT STILL VERY FRUSTRATING) AND WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING THERE IS NO FIX WITHOUT SWAPPING OUT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. $1250 PARTS+LABOR+TAX. I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY AND THEY JUST TOSSED ME AROUND SAYING THAT THEY WILL LOOK INTO IT AND SEE IF THEY CAN FIX IT AS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THEY SAID I COULD EXPECT A CALL BACK IN A FEW DAYS, 1 WEEK TOPS. 3 WEEKS LATER AND NO PHONE CALL. AFTER FINDING THIS WEBSITE I REALIZED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER EVERYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN INDICATED ON THIS FORUM. I AM FRUSTRATED IN TRYING TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE. THE LADY AT FORD EXPLAINED THAT RECALLS ARE JUSTIFIED BY CRASH DATA AND THERE IS NO WAY TO GET ONE STARTED PRIOR. THIS IS CRAZY, SO NOT ONLY IS SOMEONE GOING TO NEED TO CRASH, BUT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE GOING TO NEED TO CRASH IN ORDER FOR ANYTHING TO GET DONE. *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2012
I STARTED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE MY OFFICE AT THE END OF THE DAY AND NOTICED A TUGGING SENSATION AT THE STEERING WHEEL. ON THE FREEWAY, IT SEEMED FINE, BUT WHEN I SLOWED TO A STOP I COULD FEEL IT AGAIN. THE NEXT DAY, THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. IT WAS LIKE DRIVING A TANK. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH DISPLAY. MY FORD DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN AT A COST OF $1,374.40. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE MILEAGE, BUT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. *KB
Steering, Jan 16, 2012
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED I HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN OFF THE CAR ONCE I TURNED IT BACK ON IT WAS REALLY HARD TO STEER, VERY DANGEROUS AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY 1100.00 TO GET THIS REPLACED WHICH IS TOO MUCH FOR A 2008, THEY SHOULD RECALL THIS SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2012
WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY AT 40 MPH ON A STRAIGHT GOOD ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN KICKING RIGHT TO LEFT ABRUPTLY. ALMOST LIKE A BIG RIGHT LEFT VIBRATION. THIS LASTED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AND MADE THE STEERING DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTART AND TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE FORD DEALER. DEALER SAID THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNITS WERE BACK ORDER 5 - 8 WEEKS BECAUSE MANY FAILURES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND PEOPLE COULD DIE WITH THE POWER STEERING FAILURES. PLEASE RECALL THEM BEFORE SOMEBODY'S DIES. *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65MPH ON OUR FREEWAY AND I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY POWER STEERING. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY 3 OTHER VEHICLES AS I WAS UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. I THEN PUT MY CAUTION LIGHTS ON AND USED ALL MY FORCE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN POWER THE CAR OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON MY STEERING WAS THEN FINE. I GOT BACK ON THE FREEWAY AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES I LOST ALL OF MY POWER STEERING AGAIN. SO I THEN DID THE SAME THING MULTIPLE TIMES JUST TO MAKE IT HOME. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Steering, Jan 3, 2012
THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED OCCASIONALLY JITTERING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THEN WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE A PARKING LOT THE POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY NON FUNCTIONING. IT HAS SINCE BEEN SPOTTY. *TR
Steering, Dec 20, 2011
I WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY FROM AN ENTRANCE. AS I WAS GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I WAS ABOUT TO PULL ON, WHEN MY STEERING LOCKED UP. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, I STARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WAS FINE. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS. I COULD NOT FIND ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WILL THERE HAVE TO BE A DEATH BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. I WILL PURSUE THIS FURTHER, THRU THE MEDIA, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND LEGALLY. *TR
Steering, Dec 20, 2011
AS I WAS GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM AN ENTRANCE, MY STEERING FAILED. I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO CONTROL THE CAR. THANK GOD I WAS GOING SLOW AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS COMPLAINT AND THERE ARE MANY FORD ESCAPES, WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT. I HOPE THAT SOMETHING WILL BE DONE BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS. I PLAN ON PURSUING THIS FURTHER EVEN UP TO INVOLVING MEDIA AND LEGAL ACTION. *TR
Steering, Dec 17, 2011
ON 12-13-2011, THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME BY EXERTING GREAT FORCE ON THE THEN MANUAL STEERING. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE ACTUALLY IN MOTION I DOUBT THAT I COULD HAVE CONTROLLED THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. THE NEXT MORNING I STARTED THE CAR TO TAKE IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THE STEERING WORKED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. I THEN TELEPHONED THE MANUFACTURE AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HELP ME UNLESS THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. I TOLD THE PERSON THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAS TOLD UNLESS THE DEALER CAN FIND THE PROBLEM WE CAN'T HELP. I TOLD THE PERSON I WOULD REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO THE NTSB AND WAS TOLD THAT IS YOUR RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2011
OUR ESCAPE HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS PAST SATURDAY THE POWER STEERING JUST FAILED! AND I HAD 3 CHILDREN WITH ME!! THANK GOD WE WEREN'T DOING 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE...OR IN A CURVE...NEXT TO AN 18-WHEELER...OR WHERE I HAD TO MAKE A QUICK AVOIDANCE MANEUVER! I LEARNED (FROM INTERNET POSTINGS...'CAUSE IT SURE ISN'T IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL...) THAT IT USUALLY WORKS PROPERLY AGAIN AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING...I GUESS THE COMPUTER 'REBOOTS'???, BUT, WHO KNEW?! WELL, IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN LESS THAN A WEEK LATER TO MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER AND SINCE THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY ISSUE, WE'VE TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP. I LIVE IN TN AND IF ANYONE RECALLS (NO PUN INTENDED), THIS IS ALSO THE PLACE WHERE A LOCAL INVESTIGATIVE NEWS REPORTER BROKE THE INFAMOUS TOYOTA ACCELERATION STORY. HMMM...MAYBE I'LL CONTACT HIM AND SEE IF HE CAN FIND OUT IF FORD IS BENT ON IGNORING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS... JUST DO THE RIGHT THING, FORD! REMEMBER THE EXPLORER!!!*TR
Steering, Dec 15, 2011
I WAS DRIVING AND GAVE A FRIEND A RIDE. I WAITED IN THE CAR WITH THE CAR STILL ON WHILE SHE GOT HER THINGS. WHEN SHE HOPPED ON I ACCELERATED AND WHEN I TRIED TO MAKE A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SO HARD. I COULDN'T TURN IT. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL ANOTHER DAY I WENT TO THE DRIVE THROUGH. SAME THING HAPPENED. I TRIED TO TURN AFTER AND COULDN'T. I HAD TO TURN HE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON. I WENT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT ON THEIR BULLETIN THERE IS A MSG THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED. THEY SAID IT WOULD BE ABOUT 1300.00 FOR ME TO REPLACE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. THERE ARE OTHER BLOGS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2011
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A JERKING MOVEMENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL (FEELS LIKE FORCE FEEDBACK FROM A DRIVING SIMULATOR), MOST NOTICEABLE AT A STOP. IT APPEARED TO BE A MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THIS IS BECAUSE THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IS LOCATED IN THE COLUMN. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME AND ARE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER PUSHING THEIR AVAILABILITY OUT 5 MONTHS OR SO. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS IN A WORSENING CONDITION UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. POWER STEERING WILL COME BACK AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, BUT NOW THE STEERING GOES OUT 3 OR MORE TIMES ON MY 30 MILE HIGHWAY COMMUTE. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE IS A TENDENCY FOR THE VEHICLE TO "AUTO-STEER" OR VEER IN EITHER DIRECTION WITH NO DRIVER INPUT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTLY AND AM AWAITING A RESPONSE. *TR
Steering, Dec 13, 2011
I WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE WORK AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO PULL OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT CARS TO KNOW THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING...NOT KNOWING AT THE TIME THAT MY CAR HAD AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING, I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO CHECK THE FLUID THEN I WENT TO GET MY WAREHOUSE MGR TO COME TAKE A LOOK AT IT FOR ME. WHEN HE STARTED THE CAR THE STEERING WAS FINE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME BUT WAS VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT IT. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED OVER THE PAST WEEK THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WILL VIBRATE OR SHAKE WHEN STOPPED AND THEN THIS OCCURS. FROM WHAT I AM READING THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND DON'T WANT TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THEM IN THE CAR IF THIS OCCURS OUT THE OF THE BLUE AGAIN! WE NOW CONSIDER THIS CAR TO BE A DANGEROUS HAZARD AND UNDRIVEABLE ...WE WILL BE GETTING RID OF IT. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2011
WAS MAKING A TURN AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT. IN THE MIDDLE OF MY TURN I FELT THE POWER STEERING FAIL. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH GREAT EFFORT MADE TO STEER. I GOT HOME AND TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF. MY HUSBAND STARTED MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH STEERING. AFTER POPPING THE HOOD, HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, THERE SEEM TO BE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING AND RESTARTING THE CAR SEEMS TO RESET THE POWER STEERING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM WONDERING WHY NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? I AM ALSO VERY AFRAID OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, Dec 3, 2011
I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY STREET,STARTED TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND HAD A HARD TIME TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY SHUT DOWN. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND EVERYTHING WAS OK. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. CHECKED ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. INTERESTED TO SEE HOW FORD HANDLES THIS. *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2011
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. LOOKED ON INTERNET SEEMS TO BE COMMON. *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2011
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY POWER STEERING FAILED - IT DIDN'T LOCK UP BUT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP & THE MAN I SPOKE WITH SAID HE'S NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEING A PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 21, 2011
PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING MOTOR SUDDENLY SHUTTING DOWN ON THE HYBRID VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM OCCURS AT VEHICLE TURNED ON UP TO MODERATE VEHICLE SPEEDS. WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED, IT CONFUSED THE DRIVER, AS THE POWER STEERING WOULD EXPERIENCE SUDDEN LOSS DURING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN ELECTRIC MODE (0-30MPH). THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING PUTS THE DRIVER IS AT RISK OF LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND ACCIDENT. COMPLAINTS TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THE STEERING PROBLEM ARE DIFFICULT. WITH THE MOTOR OFF IN ELECTRIC MODE, AND SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, THE DRIVER IS LED TO BELIEVE THAT MOTOR IS AT FAULT, AND WILL COMPLAIN TO THE MECHANIC IN SUCH WAY. PICTURE THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITH NO POWER STEERING. YOUR LED TO BELIEVE THAT VEHICLE MOTOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE HYBRID, AS THE VEHICLE IS NOT ACTUALLY SHUT DOWN, IT'S IN ELECTRIC MODE. NO INDICATORS ARE PRESENT WITHIN VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM TO INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH POWER STEERING. SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MOTOR PROBLEM, CAUSING A BINDING ISSUE WITH THE COLUMN. TWO SERVICE DEPARTMENTS REPORT THAT THIS IS A UNIQUE ISSUE. SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE ARE INDICATING THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT UNIQUE, AND RATHER COMMON. SERVICE DEPARTMENT ANDY GATES (FORD, VICTORVILLE, CA) REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN IT'S CURRENT STATE. THE REPORT FROM SERVICE DEPARTMENT VICTORVILLE, CA INDICATES THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DESIGNED WITH SAFETY FLAWS, AND FORD IS HAVING DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM EARLY ON. *TR
Steering, Nov 19, 2011
THE POWER STEERING IN THIS VEHICLE FAILED TWICE. BOTH TIMES WERE AT LOW SPEED, AND I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THIS TO BE A SOMEWHAT COMMON PROBLEM WITH ESCAPES, BUT HAS YET TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY FORD. I WILL TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BUT AM AFRAID THAT I'LL HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE AS OTHERS, IN THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT BE PRESENT WHEN THE DEALER LOOKS AT IT. AT THIS POINT I NO LONGER CONSIDER THE VEHICLE SAFE. *TR
Steering, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Steering, Oct 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT IDLE SPEEDS WHEN A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FOR THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
Steering, Oct 26, 2011
NOTICED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT POSTED SPEED 70 MPH. CONTINUED TO VIBRATE AND MOVE WHILE STOPPED AT STOP LIGHTS. ON 10-25-11 MY WIFE DROVE ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND LOST POWER STEERING WHILE IN PARKING LOT. TURNING VEHILCE OFF AND RESTARTING APPEARED TO SOLVE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST STEERING. STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO MOVE SLIGHTLY SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING TO DEALERSHIP. CURRENTLY UNDER INSPECTION AND WE ARE WAITING FOR PRICE ESTIMATE AT THE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT. *TT
Steering, Oct 20, 2011
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE WITH 70K MILES, THE STEERING SUDDENLY LOCKED UP. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS RARE, BUT I HAVE FOUND DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) MODULE HAS FAILED. FORD HAD MODIFIED THIS MODULE 8 TIMES SINCE 2008 WHEN IT WAS FIRST USED. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS $1300. FORD IS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE REASON THE PROBLEM IS RARE IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN AROUND 45K MILES OR ABOVE. MOST 2008 MODEL CARS ARE JUST NOW COMING INTO THAT MILEAGE. THIS IS A LIFE AND DEATH DEFECT AS THE DRIVER LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAPPEN TO BE IN THE FIELD OF BROADCAST. I INTENT TO LAUNCH A NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO ALERT 2008 ESCAPE OWNERS OF THE TICKING TIMEBOMB THEY ARE DRIVING AND TO DETERMINE HOW MANY FAILURES HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED. IF YOU OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU ARE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE. FIRST INDICATION MAY BE A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. AT THIS POINT, FAILURE IS IMMINENT. *TR
Steering, Oct 9, 2011
THE 2008 ESCAPE I OWN HAS BEEN THE MOST DANGEROUS VEHICLE THAT HIT THE ROAD. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE HAS BEEN THE STEERING SHAFT AND A JOINT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNABLE TO STEER. IT HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AND I JUST SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES SO I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. THE CAR WAS CLUNKING AND MY MECHANIC SAID MOST LIKELY IT'S A BALL JOINT OR TIE ROD AND TO GET IT IN SOON, BUT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CATCH UP AS THIS VEHICLE WAS JUST IN DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION COOLER WHICH WAS ALMOST A $1000 REPAIR. THE CAR AGAIN IS UNDRIVEABLE, AND FROM WHAT I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM IS ANOTHER $1500 TO REPAIR. FORD IS MAKING MONEY HAND OVER FIST WITH THESE VEHICLES AND WILL NOT REPAIR ANYTHING. SECOND MAJOR ISSUE WHERE I WAS TOLD OUT OF WARRANTY NOT OUR PROBLEM! PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET KILLED, IF I WASN'T 1 YEAR FROM PAYING THIS JUNK BOX OFF I WOULD DUMP IT. THE FIRST ISSUE ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE PART THAT FAILED DUMPED ALL MY TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT AND I WENT TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND MY VEHICLE ALMOST STOOD STILL AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THIS STEERING PROBLEM WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE AS 95% OF MY 55 MILE COMMUTE IS HIGHWAY AND I AM THANKING GOD IT HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. SOMEONE NEEDS TO HELP US NOT ONLY TO GET FORD TO FIX AND PAY FOR THEIR FAULTY PRODUCT BUT TO RECALL THESE ITEMS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!!!! DON'T BUY A FORD ESCAPE THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND A HUGE MONEY PIT! *TR
Steering, Oct 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND REGAINED POWER STEERING AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.