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: other or unspecified
68 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2025
The gear shift bushing failed . I was lucky . Drive into driveway on a hill. Went to shift to park and the lever started to act like it wasn’t connected and started rolling backwards. While shifting it was in the neutral position. I quickly braked and turned car off . Had to use emergency brake. The dealership said it was recalled but this VIN wasn’t included . I ordered new cable but was told it was easier to replace bushing.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2024
My car was scheduled for the mechanic for ABS brake issues on April 8, 2024. On April 1, 2024 I was driving on the highway at 65 mph when I lost power to the gas pedal. I could have been seriously injured from other motor vehicles. There was no warning lights, no messages, nothing. I got to the side of the road at about 20 mph. I turned off the vehicle and then turned it back on when the engine light came on and the wrench light. I turned it off again and on and no lights lit up. I was towed to my mechanic and they were able to repeat the incident. The mechanic took it off the tow trailer and he said there are no warning lights when he turned the car on. I told him they went off when I turned the car back on on the highway. The throttle body is the part that went bad and was replaced by the mechanic.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 26, 2023
My regen system failure light come on and off. When it does come on I lose my brakes. I have tried effortlessly like others to find out why they are malfunctioning. I am continually having near misses due to the brakes not wanting to work when they choose to. Why has this not been a recall yet. The brakes go all the way to the floor whenever they feel like it. I just purchased the vehicle. I wld have left it at the lot had I know this and no recall seems to be hand. So we get to have accidents or spend endless money while the Ford company doesn’t have to deal with any of it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2022
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR A FEW MONTHS . AT TIMES MY CAR WONT START. EVERYTHING COMES ON. iT FEELS VERY LOOSE AND HAVING TO PUSH IN THE KEY AND TURN IS VERY DIFFICULT AND HURTS MY HAND. PLUS THE ALARM BUTTON GETS PRESSED WHEN I TURN THE KEY.. i HAVE TO TURN KEY ON AND OFF WHILE PUSHING KEY INTO IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES AND PRAY THAT IT WILL CRANK. i HAVE HAD NO OTHER ISSUES OR REPAIRS THAT ARE NEEDED. i NOW HAVE MY CAR IN THE SHOP TO REPLACE THE IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY i HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF $400 FOR THIS REPAIR. i HAVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON REPAIR FOR THIS PART ON THE VEHICLE I OWN.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2022
I was sitting on a driveway that is at an angle. Not sitting flat…. My vehicle dies & Safety Alert Light comes on with the! In the middle of a triangle and vehicle dies will not stay started it will start and then shut off.Died in Middle of Road!!
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2022
Unknown mechanical issues
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2022
The rear passenger door will not catch to release unlock or lock latch. It's like the door is forced closed will not open.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2021
Regen Brakes Disabled light came on dash board after starting. ABS light and Check Braking System also. Took to two local mechanics. Checked sensors brake fluid etc. Advised to take to dealership. These lights are not ALWAYS on. However lately they have been. When illuminated the brakes are very weak and if going over 40 mph very difficult to stop. Nearly impossible to drive on the interstate. Ford dealership said it’s a faulty Hydraulic Control Unit codes C1478 and C1479. They advised there is currently only 1 available in the US. It’s used and their cost is $2600. They advised rear brakes and pads being replaced as well and bleeding the brakes after. My truck has 112k miles on it. Dealership estimated repair cost was just under $4000. I rarely have to drive on the interstate but this particular day was very concerning as I could hardly stop and had to swerve to avoid crashing into the truck in front of me. I was lucky that there wasn’t a vehicle beside me. It’s taken awhile to be diagnosed because I was told mechanics need the lights to be on to know exactly what was happening. This is a major safety issue and several owners have had to deal with it. Ford needs to step up and do the right thing with a recall. I love my truck but unfortunately I think it’ll be the last Ford I’ll own.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2021
The back liftgate glass on my 2008 ford escape separated from latch and exploded when closing.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2021
RED BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. ALL ACCESSORIES WENT OFF AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I JUST REPLACED MY 12V BATTERY THE NIGHT BEFORE. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN 2 MILES, AT MOST. THE BRAND NEW BATTERY HAD BEEN IN THE CAR LESS THAN 24 HOURS. I HAD NO STEERING CAPABILITY AS MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULDN'T SHIFT. THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED MY FOOT BACK LIKE IT WAS "PUMPING" MY FOOT. PUT ANOTHER FULLY CHARGED BATTERY INTO MY CAR AND STARTED RIGHT UP. DROVE HOME AND AS I WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED. BOTH BATTERIES WERE DRAINED COMPLETELY DRY OF ANY VOLTAGE. ABS LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME. CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM/REGEN BRAKE DISABLED ON DRIVE INFO.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2021
TOOK VEHICLE INTO FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE ON FRONT WHEEL, YESTERDAY 1/ 27/ 2021, WHICH IS UNRELATED. SERVICEMAN TOLD ME THAT, DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST, THE UNDERFRAME HAS UP TO SIX CRACKS IN IT AND THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE IS THIRTEEN YEARS OLD. HE STATED THAT THERE IS NO REPAIR FOR THIS EXCEPT TO REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIBODY UNDERFRAME, WHICH FORD TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR. I HAD TO REPLACE THE TWO REAR SHOCK TOWER HOUSINGS BECAUSE ONE POPPED THROUGH THE FLOOR ON SEPT., 2020. THE OUTER BODY HAS SOME RUST BUT LOOKS GOOD, NORMAL RUST FOR IT'S AGE. ON THE INTERNET I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND IT SHOWS THAT THE 2001 TO 2003 ESCAPES HAVE HAD A POSSIBLE RECALL AND SHOWS THAT ONE FORD DEALER HAD A 'FIX' FOR THE ENGINE CRADLE, THAT DID NOT WORK OUT WELL. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINS ONLINE ABOUT UNDERCARRIAGE RUST AND ITS PROBLEMS. I'VE ALSO TALKED TO A BODY SHOP OWNER AND HE TELLS ME THAT THEY GET SEVERAL ESCAPES A YEAR FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO GET THE REAR WHEEL HOUSE MOUNTINGS REPLACED, THERE WAS ANOTHER ESCAPE BEING REPAIRED FOR THE SAME THING IN FROM OF MINE. MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT IRON MIKE'S METAL FAB SHOP IN FLINT, MI. 810 234 2996, OF COURSE WELDING ANY METAL TO RUSTED METAL HAS NO GUARANTEE.. TRUCK WAS IN MOTION ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WHEN THE SHOCK STARTED BREAKING THROUGH THE FLOOR, AROUND MARCH OF 2019. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT I HAVE TO USE, WHICH IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE, ACCORDING TO YOUR STANDARD IS UNDER FIFTEEN YEARS OLD.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 26, 2020
DRIVING FOR THE 1ST COUPLE OF MILES WAS FINE. PROBLEM HAPPENED AFTER STOPPING THE CAR 1ST TIME AT FRIENDS HOUSE THEN 2ND TIME AFTER GAS STATION STOP. AFTER CAR WAS RE~ENTERED ONTO THE ROAD IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH AND FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE ON. THIS WAS AFTER THE 2ND TRIP TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND STARTED RESEARCHING . AFTER TALKING TO FRIENDS AT PARTS STORE HE WAS TOLD THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ONLY HAD VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS SO I AM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING ANY WAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS. IT IS POSSIBLE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT BUT HAS MOVED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS, OR WILL FORD CONTACT ME SINCE TITLE IS NOW IN MY NAME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 4, 2020
SUDDENLY THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STOP PROPERLY.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 18, 2020
MY CAR HAS DISPLAYED THE ISSUES THIS MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR NUMEROUS TIMES AND NOW WILL NOT START AGAIN. IT STOPPED DRIVING UNEXPECTEDLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON BOTH FREEWAYS AND RESIDENTIAL STREETS. WHEN IT HAPPENS IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER, GAS AND BRAKE HAVE NO EFFECT, AND FLASHES A MESAGE THAT SAYS TO STOP SAFELY NOW (EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER IT ANYWAY). IT SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ONE OF THE HANDFUL OF RECALLS I'VE READ ABOUT FOR THIS CAR, YET MY VIN NUMBER SAYS THERE ARE NONE ASSOCIATED WITH IT AND I THINK THAT NEEDS TO BE REEXAMINED.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2020
VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKS, SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM BOTH SIDES CRACKING, AC CONDENSER LEAKING
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 4, 2020
RANDOMLY THE CAR WILL 'STALL' TO TO SPEAK EVEN THOUGH IT IS AN AUTOMATIC AND NOT A 5-SPEED. WHEN I SAY STALL I AM REFERRING TO WHEN I AM STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, RED LIGHT, YIELDING TO TURN, ETC - WHEN I GO TO HIT THE GAS THE RPM'S REV UP HIGH AND THE CAR SPEED IS VERY LOW AND AT A ROLLING SPEED - EVEN THOUGH I PUSH DOWN ALL OF THE WAY IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR TO SPEED UP TO AVOID BEING STRUCK MY OTHER VEHICLES WHEN TURNING. THE CAR WILL THEN REGAIN ALL SPEED AT ONCE - INSTEAD OF GRADUALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE I AM TRYING TO MERGE ONTO AN ONCOMING INTERSTATE RAMP OR AM AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. I HAVE MISSED BEING HIT THUS FAR BUT HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS. I HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS AND AUTO MECHANIC SHOPS THAT HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. THEY HAVE READ THE CHECK ENGINE CODE AND HAVE FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 31, 2019
WHILE DRIVING IT WAS HARD TO PUSH ON BRAKES AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS IT VEHICLE WOULD STOP. SO I TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND HE SAID MY BRAKES WENT W CALIBER OR WHEEL BEARING. A FEW WEEKS LATER SAME THING HAPPEN ALL NEEDED REPLACED NOW AGAIN ITS HAPPENED. THIS IS TO MUCH SOMETHING HAS TO BE WRONG. IT WOULD PULL BACK AND BURN THE BRAKES UP. I MEAN IT WAS HARD TO GET IT TWO 25 MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS PULLING BACK, HARD TO GO FORWARD THEN HARD TO PUSH ON BRAKES THEN THE BRAKES STATED SMOKING.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2019
WHILE DRIVING FROM MIDLAND TEXAS TO EL PASO TEXAS ON THE WAY BACK MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IT STATED SAFELY STOP THIS WILL BE THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME I WAS INFORMED THAT IT CAN BE THE MEC PUMP BUT WHEN CALLING FORD AND PUTTING IT IN MY VIN NUMBER IT DOESN'T SHOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE ONES THAT PARTICULAR HAS A RECALL ON, IT IS ALSO HAVING STEERING ISSUES PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, YET STILL THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS LOOSE
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2019
TAKATA RECALL.. MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE WHEN IT SHIFTS TO 4TH GEAR IT GOES DOWN THEN SHAKES AND GOES UP A GEAR
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2019
THE VEHICLE WON'T STOP. THE REGEN BRAKE DISABLED LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. NO BRAKES AT ALL
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 17, 2019
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL SURGES IN OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS. THE SURGES ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. THEY WILL HAPPEN WHEN WE ARE AT A STOP LIGHT, GETTING READY TO GO; AFTER HAVING MY FOOT ON THE GAS FOR A SECOND (OR LESS) A POWER SURGE WILL HAPPEN IN THE CAR (ABS LIGHT POPS ON AND 2 OTHERS). IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60 OR 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A POWER SURGE HAPPENS. I DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT VIDEO OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT I WILL BE SURE TO GET ONE WITHIN THE NEXT DAY OR SO TO BE SURE I HAVE THIS PROOF ON FILE FOR YOU, IF NEEDED. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE WINTER. WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE ENGINE JUST NEEDED TO WARM UP BECAUSE OF HOW COLD WINTER GOT BUT IT IS NOW WARMER AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE DATE BELOW IS THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT, THE FIRST TIME WE HAD A POWER SURGE WAS IN LATE JANUARY.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2019
TRANSMISSION. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. I WAS DRIVING FROM WORK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE SINCE.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 11, 2019
THE BREAKS CONTINUE TO FAIL. HAS ALL NEW PADS, ROTORS AND THE MASTER CYLENDER REPLACED. WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE BREAKS VIBRATE AND THEN NEED TO PUSH THE PETAL TO THE FLOOR TO BE ABLE TO SLOWLY SLOW DOWN. I THEN NEED TO PUMP VISIOUSLY UP TO 5 TIMES TO GET THE BREAKS TO TEMPORARILY WORK AGAIN. WAS THEN TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THE ABS IS THE ISSUE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE WITH THE YR OF MY VEHICLE TO FIND THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH MANY 08 FORD ESCAPES AND HAVE YET TO FIND A RECAL FOR THIS DEADY MALFUNCTION. MY CAR ONLY HAS 135000 MILES AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD NEEDS TO FIX WITH A RECALL ASAP.
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2018
THE FORD REPAIR SERVICE CENTER HAS INFORMED ME THE MOTOR ELECTRONICS COOLANT MEC PUMP ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID HAS FAILED. THE MEC WAS PART OF A RECALL ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014 FOR 2005-2008 FORD ESCPAES. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN # IS 14V526000. HOWEVER, MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT TELL MY WHY MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY VEHICLE ADDED TO THE RECALL AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT DOING SO. THANK YOU.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2018
MY FRONT AXEL BROKE WHILE DRIVING ONE NIGHT WITHOUT ANY EARLY SIGNS OF ISSUES.