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 22, 2022
On January 22, 2022, I was driving my 2008 Ford Escape from Everett, WA to Puyallup, WA. A few miles from my destination, the wrench indicator came on at the same time my steering wheel jerked from my hands for a second, then went back to normal driving and the wrench indicator turned off. Several more miles passed and I arrived at my destination, but as I was backing up to park, the wrench indicator came back on and I had complete loss of steering. Later that afternoon, I started my car again and the wrench indicator was still on and I had still had complete loss of steering. I had to have my car towed to my mechanic. After diagnostics, they confirmed there was an issue with the steering torque sensor, but that they would have to refer me to a Ford Dealership for further diagnostics. My car was then towed to the Ford Dealership. I was told the torque sensor was faulty and I had two options. I could replace the steering torque sensor or replace the entire steering column. But as steering columns are on back order with no ETA of when they will be back in stock, the sensor was my only option to have an operable vehicle. The dealership replaced the sensor and recalibrated the system on Feb 15, 2022. I picked up my car on Feb 18, 2022 and drove it home with no issues. A couple hours later I drove to a FedEx and the wrench indicator started coming on and off, accompanied by my wheel jerking slightly, and loss of steering. Vehicle was returned to Ford Dealership on 2/21/22 for further diagnostics of why the new sensor was also failing immediately.
Steering, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking and it was slightly difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that she then went to a local auto store to have power steering fluid added to the reservoir however, she was informed that the vehicle was equipped with an electronic power steering. The following day after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality and was difficult to steer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 6, 2022
My 2008 Ford Escape XLT electrical power steering will stop working while driving the vehicle. It is available for an inspection at anytime. The safety issue is the car is next to impossible to steer once it stops working. My wife just missed running into a power pole while driving in a roundabout when it stopped working while she was driving it. It has happened more then this one time. If it happens at low speed it’s even harder to steer. I called a recall number to see if it was in a recall but was told it was not in a recall due to where it was manufactured. I have not taken the Escape to a Ford dealer yet because of what I was told about the recall. However since that time I found out my Escape was manufactured at the plant where the recall is for. There has not ever been a warning light that comes up on the dash before it stops working, it just stops working. It has the same symptoms that are given in the recall.
Steering, Feb 3, 2022
STEERING WHEEL STARTING CLICKING AND MOVING ON ITS OWN, A FEW DAYS LATER A POWER STERRING ASSIST FAULT ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON AND THE SAME DAY THE POWER STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT.
Steering, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized and would not turn in either direction. The driver turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel functionality returned but the power steering assist was inoperable. The driver was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact's husband arrived on the scene and drove the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle remained in the driveway and had not been taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact had spoken to independent mechanics who had not diagnosed the vehicle but verbally stated that there were recalls for similar years, makes, and models. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Steering, Jan 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering torque sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced however, the part was on back order. The local dealer and manufacturer were 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 indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and remained illuminated. The driver continued driving the vehicle in manual steering mode until arriving at his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,832.
Steering, Jan 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering torque sensor was not detecting the driver's steering input and that the power steering assists needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Jan 19, 2022
While I was driving is when I notice the diffrence.And when I was stopped I couldn'do even turn the steering wheel..
Steering, Jan 19, 2022
While I was driving my car my power steering stopped working.I took it to my service garage and he did some kind of a rebate on it.But he also said he dosen"the no how long it will work.
Steering, Jan 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" warning message was displayed. The steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic reset the computer code B2278 (Power Steering Shaft Torque Sensor) and performed steering angle torque sensor calibration; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 124,510.
Steering, Jan 13, 2022
I have a 2008 Ford Escape. I was driving with my 7 year old and 4 year old and my power steering out, out of nowhere and went into manual steering. Without me being aware of that I went to turn and my car would not turn, I almost wrecked (because I could not turn the wheel) into the person at the stop light while my kids were in the car. Thankfully I hit my breaks and did not but it was a very scary moment for myself and my kids. I had my car towed to my mechanic who then told me the torque sensor went out. He looked online and it said there was a recall on the exact problem I am having for the exact model I have. I called Ford and one person told me that the software was cleared. I talked to another guy from a different ford who then told me that my car doesn’t and has never had a recall done and it doesn’t qualify. So I am frustrated trying to get this recall done that I’m getting misinformation on from multiple different people at ford. I can not drive my car because the steering is a safety hazard one and two I am not strong enough to turn the wheel if I wanted to. I need to get my children to and from school and myself to and from work and can’t because of this problem. I don’t understand how one person can tell me I had a recall done and the other tell me I did not and can’t. I’m having a hard time believing that I don’t have a recall on this problem when I have the exact problem and my car is a 2008 escape and the recall they have is for a ford escape models 2008-2011 for the torque sensor and software. I am a single mother who doesn’t have the extra money to have this problem fixed especially when there is a recall on my exact problem but no one at ford is being kind enough to help and they are all giving me different information. At this point I don’t know what to do because they are leaving me confused and with no options. I just want this safety hazard fixed as soon as possible.
Steering, Dec 23, 2021, crash
Vehicle lost electric steering assistance system while driving causing a crash in a street curve. This system problem is now intermittent. The Ford dealer told there is nothing they can do if I don't pay for the repair. I think this is a secury issue and Ford is responsible for it.
Steering, Dec 13, 2021
Power steering assist fault is being displayed on the screen. My vehicle is hard to turn when slowing down.
Steering, Dec 12, 2021
Electric power steering intermittently has a failure while driving. Vehicle gets very hard to steer.
Steering, Dec 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message “power assist error” had displayed and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 265,000.
Steering, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering assist. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence in manual steering mode. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Steering, Nov 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing out of her driveway, the power steering assist failed without warning. The contact called an independent mechanic to her home who informed her that there had been a recall placed on similar vehicles for the power steering, which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer then referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Nov 15, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the power steering failed while the contact was making a left turn. The failure caused the contact to crash into a parked vehicle. The air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact sustained injuries to her neck, back, left hand, and ringing noises were heard in her ears. However, no medical attention was received. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. Prior to the failure, the steering rack and pinion and lower steering coupler shaft were replaced by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Steering, Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle to continue driving. The contact called the dealer where she was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power. The Power Steering Assistant Fault message was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated she was able to pull to a nearby gas station and she turned off the vehicle. The contact stated when she restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel was significantly more difficult to maneuver. The contact stated she was able to forcefully maneuver the steering wheel and drove to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 179,643.
Steering, Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at 5 mph or a slower speed, the steering wheel pulled to the left. The contact would turn the steering wheel with force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and a sound was heard when the failure occurred. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic for a diagnostic test to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Steering, Aug 23, 2021
Hello, While I was driving on the highway suddenly my steering became very stiff and it required much more effort to to turn the steering wheel. This was a very scary and dangerous situation in which could have led to a potential accident. There were no warning lights prior to this issue. I did some initial investigation and found out that there was a big recall for Ford Escapes for this same issue. (Issue with the torque sensor within the steering column, which may result in the loss of electric power steering assist). I called Ford and they informed me that my car had already been recalled and that they had already fixed it and that I would have to fix it at my own cost. It obviously wasn't fixed 100% and now I am being forced to pay the cost even though it is obviously the same issue that the vehicle had originally been recalled for.
Steering, Jul 11, 2021
Hard to steer the vehicle.
Steering, Jun 25, 2021
The loss of power steering that was reported as being fixed with Ford Recall # 14S05 is still happening and Ford is not covering the cost of fixing it again.