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, Engine, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault," message displayed; after which, the driver became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The check engine warning light was 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), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Jul 28, 2024
Driving and lost power steering. Replaced torque sensor within the steering column, but power steering is still a no go.
Steering, Jul 16, 2024
The power steering while driving goes out and trys locking
Steering, Engine, May 16, 2024
The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was firm and difficult to maneuver. After coming to a stop, the failure progressed, and the steering wheel became extremely firm. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a steering sensor rotation failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recently occurred and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 161,432.
Tires, May 13, 2024
Tire Size: P235/70R16 104T In the first week of April, 2024, the rear passenger side tire was showing low air. I took it to a tire shop close by. They checked it and could not find any defection, except air. They inflated and balanced it. I started driving it hoping everything would be OK. After 3 days the same thing happened. Again, I took it to a different tire shop, and they took their time and thoroughly checked, no nails or air leak at all. At that point and after I told them the history of the tire, they suggested that it is a manufacturer's defect or it is a defected tire. More over, the tire guy advised me to contact the NHTSA or the manufacturer. On top the purchasing price, I spent $60.00 for inspection, the purchasing price was $112.50, from Walmart. In conclusion, I purchased a new tire and replaced it, and costed me to mount it. I did not have a choice, and I kept the bad tire. I had to go through all these, because of the defected tire, or the manufacturer's fault. I cant't live without or I do everything with my car, and I have only 1 car. Car is a big part of my/our daily life in America. You guys can take it from here. That is all. Thank you
Power train, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked and attempting to shift into drive(D), the contact had to shift into 2nd gear prior to shifting into drive(D) to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel was sized and became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
Service brakes, Apr 11, 2024
ABS brake light goes on and off and regen system disabled appeared. Brake pedal goes between being spongy and going to floor. I took it to an independent service center and the mechanic almost lost control of the car when test driving. There was no braking except to one wheel, which is why he almost lost control. They thought they fixed the problem by bleeding the brakes, but soon after I got it back on April 8, 2024 the ABS and brake lights came back on April 10, 2024. I am afraid that it will cause an accident if the brakes go out. The car is back at the mechanics and they are going to inspect the brake system. Not sure when the car will be fixed and returned back to me.
Service brakes, Apr 9, 2024
My escape keeps having the brakes go to the floor. Then they will be fine again for a while and then go to the floor again and have to be pumped to stop. The brake components are good. We replaced the master cylinder, continued to have the problem. Blakes bled by mechanic twice, again the same problem. Mechanic has determined it is a failure with the hydraulic control module. In researching they are back ordered everywhere and there is none available. In further research we have found that there have been over 200000 complaints. Ford wants us to pay 1000.00 to buy a new module and mechanic wants 500.00 to replace it. But again there are not any units available even from the Ford Dealer. Ford needs to recall this part and make them available to be replaced. This is a serious safety issue. Ours have never completely failed but there are many people who say theirs have. Ours is very dangerous if you should have to hit your brakes suddenly and they do not stop or they skid.
Steering, Mar 22, 2024
The torque sensor in my steering wheel is malfunctioning. My steering wheel vibrates and shakes while I’m driving and while I’m sitting in park. There was a recall for this exact issue for 2008-2012 ford escapes, yet this website says my car does not have any recalls…I have videos of my steering wheel shaking.
Steering, Mar 6, 2024
Power steering was lost randomly during driving. Before completely going out the steering wheel starting vibrating uncontrollably. Later, the Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist message appeared on dash memo.
Steering, Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while making a turn from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated while starting the vehicle later that day, the power steering was no longer functional, and the message was displayed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Steering, Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which was linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the power steering malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 176,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 5, 2024
When driving, the gas pedal will get stuck down and you will not be able to apply more pressure to the pedal to accelerate. This often happens when I go to change gear and then go back to the gas pedal to accelerate again. This typically will only happen from time to time but today it occurred every time I went to change gears. I had to pull over on the highway because I was unable to keep up with traffic and the weather was quite snowy and it was unsafe for me to try to drive without keeping speed with traffic.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 2, 2024
I’ve bought this 08 escape from a mechanic shop out right as is… had to problems with it at all until a couple of months my steering wheel started to shake, then it got worse to the point where I had to put a firm grip on the wheel, looked it up and did some research on it apparently there was a recall on this a while back due because of the power steering motor,
Steering, Power train, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay while shifting into third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that when turning the steering wheel while driving, the vehicle failed to respond immediately and responded with a significant delay. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more frequently while driving. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V284000 (Steering) and 15V606000 (Power Train). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
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
Service brakes, Sep 1, 2023
I was driving home at night with my child, and I stepped on the brake to slow the car down as we were going down a hill, and the brakes did not work. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor after softly stepping on the brake pedal and did not release. I could not stop the SUV, so I coasted as best I could, and THANK GOD WE DID NOT CRASH!
Power train, Aug 16, 2023, crash
Car was parked on street with a slight downward slope behind it. It was turned off and placed in "Park". It rolled backwards down the street and hit a utility pole which caused it to stop. After seeing that it had "moved on its own" the shift handle was checked and still indicated the car was in "Park". Suspect some issue with the car actually being in park related to transmission, shift lever, or Ignition. The ignition has periodically displayed a reluctance to allow the car to start when the key is turned. The car will go to Ford dealer since I understand there was a large recall for this issue.
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.