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
2,417 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jul 15, 2025
While driving, steering column locked up and could not turn - nearly causing crash. Steering column is not key locked, but still will not turn in any position. A few small clicks right behind the steering and one loud click immediately before strong locked up was the only indicator that something was wrong.
Steering, Air bags, Traction control system, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn. The contact stated that the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and pulling into a parking lot, after shifting the vehicle into park(P), the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical power and all electrical functionality, and the contact became locked inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to exit the vehicle and suffered heat strokes during a hot summer day. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to provide the cause for the failure. The contact stated that the mechanic at the dealer was also locked inside the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 8, 2025
It has the no power steering problem just like the other vehicles of the same model and year.
Steering, Suspension, Fuel/propulsion system, May 17, 2025
I have a constant issue with the power steering. This issue makes it hard for my vehicle to turn properly as well as when you go to turn a corner you have to be a body builder to get the car to even turn. At times I can't even drive my car because it gets so bad. Along with this issue I also have a wheel bearing issue in the front suspension. To me this issue feels like my whole car is going to rattle apart while I am driving it. To add to it, the propulsion system, it has a constant whine, tries to stall, and sometimes it will not get up to speed nor gain speed. There has been times when I am driving my car that I have to pull over to the side of the road very carefully because I feel like my car is going to die and then when I turn it off and then back on it acts like it has absolutely no power. I haven't gone anywhere to get my vehicle checked yet. But I have done extensive research on the issues that I am having with my vehicle and the three main issues are a recall for same year and same year make and model.
Steering, May 15, 2025
Power Steering fail. Went to a doctor's appointment, when leaving I start backing up to leave the parking spot and the power steering was too hard, stiff & very difficult to turn end so end up pulling back into the parking spot. Turn OFF the vehicle then open the hood, inspect the hood and under the car, check fuses and everything was fine. No warning light or anything in the dashboard. Turn ON the vehicle again after a few and give it another try but still was really hard to turn. I end up calling a family member for help and end up towing the car.This could have been a serious accident or injury if happened while driving. While doing research about the issues I found out that there was a recall related to the issue 14a05, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was diagnosed by a local mechanic but has not been repair.
Steering, Apr 30, 2025
The power steering goes out. There is not warning light. The vehicle has been to several mechanic shops. They are able to reset the system and it works temporarily, but happens again. There were no warnings, or other symptoms. It happens out of the blue, and could potentially cause an accident.
Steering, Apr 29, 2025
The power steering failed, turning my steering wheel all the way to the left with excessive force. A safety recall exists for my type of vehicle but my vehicle VIN Number is not included recall, numbered 14S05 For Ford Escape model years 2008 - 2011
Service brakes, Mar 21, 2025
In rainy conditions, executed a hard stop activating the ABS. After successfully activating, the brakes go almost to the floor, and ABS function has stopped. No air in brake system, and master cylinder checks out good. Seems dangerous that the one time you really need ABS, it goes out. No warning lights on dash, mechanic has confirmed issue.
Steering, Mar 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to a local independent service center for a second opinion and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the steering shaft and steering sensor kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. An appointment with the local independent service center was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Steering, Tires, Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and made a hard right and the vehicle jumped the curb. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to steer correctly, and the steering wheel needed to be held with added force. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the torque sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 2, 2025
While the person was driving the wheel suddenly became stiff and very difficult to turn but luckily was in his neighborhood to park it. This could have been a very deadly crash if it happened anywhere else or suddenly on the main road. The person could have been seriously injured due to this malfunction or other people as well. This problem has been confirmed by ford and they issued a recall in 2014 for this exact same issue. The issue with the recall is my vehicle was manufactured during this 3 year period time of faulty manufacturing but is still not included in the recall list and so many other Americans are dealing with the same issue and no repairs. I would like ford to be held accountable and extend the vin list of cars needing repairs. No the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps prior until the incident which it now says power steering assist fault.
Steering, Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was parked. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Power Steering Failure Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Steering, Feb 12, 2025
The steering wheel began to shake while parked. The wrench light came on and the steering wheel became stiff while driving. After researching it is apparent it is the torgue sensor as Ford had a recall for previous 2008-2011 Ford & Mercury vehicles torgue sensors. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Recall Item Affected: Date Announced: 05/29/2014 Description of Recall: 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. Action Need To Fix It: 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 is expected to begin by July 25, 2014.
Steering, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving downhill at 40 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff, and the "Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was connected to a handheld diagnostic machine by a friend who stated that there was a failure with a sensor within the steering column. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 8, 2025
So the wheel is very hard to drive and turn. I took it to the dealer tom wood ford in indianapolis indiana and i let them know about the issue and they ended up only fixing the water pump which it was recalled and im sure the power steering has to have some type of recall . I usally drive and my kids ride with me and to have that fault of 2008 FORD Escape power steering assist fault light and be very hard to drive it can cause to have a motor vehicle accident because while driving it looses power
Steering, Feb 6, 2025
My power steering goes out. I have to turn my car off, let it sit and turn it back on. Then I have power steering but then while I'm driving it goes out again. I looked up the issues and found out that there was a recall for the torque sensor on 2008 escapes but mine wasn't included in the recall and I am am having the same issue that the recall is for. I can be doing 25mph and it goes out sometimes when I start my car I automatically don't have power steering but if I turn it out and back on I do.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2025
The vehicle frequently shuts down with a stop safely now light displaying on the dash. Gives maybe a 5-10 second warning before the vehicle is immobile. Has not caused an accident for us but has occurred abruptly on busy roads increasing the risk of one. However, it usually occurs when idling in a drive through or light etc. The vehicle also frequently does something that causes the clock and date to reset to 2004. This seems to always occur between drives overnight.
Steering, Jan 15, 2025
The power steering assist has gone out but I don't understand why it is not included in it
Steering, Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Steering, Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Steering, Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and excessive effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective power steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was also notified of the failure and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was given the same diagnosis as the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Structure, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a tire rotation, and the contact was informed that the subframe was rusted. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection at the same local independent mechanic during another routine tire rotation, it was noticed that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that rust was a category that was not inspected or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Sep 19, 2024
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVE TO COLLEGE AND STOPPED FOR GAS. SHE CALLED ME SAYING THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. BUT SHE HAD NOT LOST POWER STEERING. SHE CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER SAYING SHE COULD NOT TURN HER STEERING WHEEL TO GET TURNED AROUND TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL. I CAME TO ASSIST HER AND SURE ENOUGH THE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO TURN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS BLINK ON THE DASH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I FINALLY GOT THE CAR TURNED AROUND AND STARTED BACK TO OUR MECHANIAC. SHE FOLLOWED BEHIND. I FOUND THE SLOWER I WOULD GO THE HARDER IT BECAME TO STEER. I DID A SOLID 50-55 MPH ALL THE WAY THERE BUT COULD FEEL THE TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. WE MADE IT TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND SAID HE COULDN'T GET IT TO START AND WE NEEDED TO TAKE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CAR SCANNED. WE CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T GET TO IT FOR ANOTHER 2-3 WEEKS AND REFERRED US TO A COMPANY IN A 4-5 HOUR AWAY TO GET A USED PART AND COME TO US TO FIX. WE RESEARCHED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND FOUND 14S05. SINCE WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR AND NEVER WERE NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OR WERE TOLD ABOUT A CURRENT RECALL AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, WE STARTED TO SEARCH IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN FIXED BY THE FIRST OWNER (OUT OF POCKET) OR THROUGH THE RECALL. PLEASE ANY INFORMATION AND/OR GUIDANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Tires, Aug 26, 2024
Tire size: P235/70 R16 Since April, 2024 this tire started inflated every week. After 2-3 weeks trial I decided to take it to the tire shop, after they tested it, no error was detected. Then they told me that technically this tire is defected. It costed me $75-90.00 bucks just for the diagnostics. At that point, I did not have a choice but to buy a new tire. The new tire cost me another $140.00+, before down time and a waste of energy. Time is everything in this country. Thank you,