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.
Service brakes, Jul 2, 2013
I WAS JUST ABOUT TO GET ONTO THE FREEWAY ON-RAMP, WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR FELT FUNNY. I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD AND SAW THAT THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS. THE DISPLAY READ, "CHECK BRAKES SOON" I CALLED A FRIEND FOR ASSISTANCE. HE ADDED SOME BRAKE FLUID AND SUGGESTED I BRING IT TO BE SERVICED. I DROVE HOME. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO DROP THE CAR OFF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR IN THE MORNING, THE LIGHTS WERE OFF, BUT I DROPPED IT OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP ANYWAY. THE SERVICE PROVIDER,[XXX], SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT THEY "THOUGHT" THAT IT WAS THE MASTER CYLINDER. THEY SAID THE BRAKES LOOKED FINE, AND IF I HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS TO CALL BACK. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP. DROVE AROUND THE CORNER TO GET ONTO THE FREEWAY AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. (5:35PM). I STOPPED AS SOON AS I COULD GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND CALLED [XXX] BACK. HE SAID TO BRING THE CAR BACK IN THE MORNING AND HE WOULD LOOK AT IT AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK IN THE MORNING 7:15AM. THE LIGHTS WERE OFF AGAIN. I PICKED THE CAR UP AT 5:15 PM AND [XXX] RE-ITERATED HIS PREVIOUS SUGGESTIONS. I DROVE THE CAR HOME, AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AS I WAS EXITING THE FREE-WAY. AGAIN, THE BRAKES TOOK MORE PRESSURE TO STOP. I CALLED DON AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE. HE SAID NO. I ASKED IF I REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE PROBLEMS PERSISTS, WHAT WOULD OUR NEXT STEP BE? HE SAID ESSENTIALLY THAT WE WOULD ADDRESS THAT IF THAT SHOULD HAPPEN, BUT THAT TYPICALLY ONE PROBLEM MAY CO-EXIST WITH ANOTHER PROBLEM, SO UNTIL THEY ADDRESS THE FIRST PROBLEM, THEY MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE 2ND PROBLEM. I ALSO SENT AN E-MAIL TO THE FORD COMPANY THIS AFTERNOON. I ASKED IF FORD HAS TAKEN ANY ACTION AGAINST THE NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS WITH SIMILAR SITUATIONS AS ARE POSTED ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Jun 28, 2013
I WAS TURNING INTO A BANK PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF. IT TOOK A MINUTE TO EVEN REALIZE WHAT HAD HAPPENED. WHEN THE STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF I REALIZED THE ENGINE HAD TURNED OFF. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR AND PUT IT IN PARK. IT STARTED BACK UP WHEN I TURNED THE KEY. THERE WAS NOT ANY WARNING OR ANY INDICATION THAT THE CAR WAS GOING TO JUST SHUT DOWN. HAD ANOTHER CAR BEEN BEHIND ME I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. *TR
Engine, Jun 24, 2013
WAS DRIVING ON A HWY ON A SUMMER NIGHT, GOING 60 MPH, WHEN A LIGHT CAME ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID'S DASHBOARD THAT SAID "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER/TURNED OFF. I COASTED TO A SHOULDER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED, AND THE WARNING LIGHT WAS GONE, SO I DROVE ON. NOTICED ENGINE WAS RUNNING LOUDER THAN NORMAL AND TRANSITION BETWEEN GAS AND ELECTRIC MODES SEEMED CLUNKY. GOOGLED THE PROBLEM WHEN I GOT HOME AND FOUND DOZENS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS - SAYING IT WAS A FAULTY COOLING PUMP (PART NUMBER 5M6Z-8C419-A) CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THIS WAS WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. REPAIR COST $632.00. NOT COVERED UNDER THE HYBRID WARRANTY. (WE WERE TOLD IT'S NECESSARY FOR THE HYBRID ENGINE TO FUNCTION, BUT IT'S NOT CONSIDERED A HYBRID PART.) DUG FURTHER, SAW THAT FORD HAD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (NOV. 20, 2008) TO DEALERSHIPS: "TSB 08-24-5 STATES THAT SOME 2005-2008 ESCAPE HYBRID AND 2006-2008 MARINER HYBRID VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A RED TRIANGLE LIGHT AND CODES INDICATING A TRANSAXLE OVERTEMP. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN REDUCED POWER AS THE SYSTEM ACTIVATES FAIL SAFE OPERATION." FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS CLEARLY HAPPENING TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. FORD NEEDS TO BE MADE ACCOUNTABLE AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL. IF THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY EXPRESSWAY, OR IF SOMEONE IS BEING TAILGATED, ETC. WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, PEOPLE WILL GET KILLED, IF SOME HAVEN'T BEEN ALREADY. WE CALLED THE FORD OWNER RELATIONS NUMBER AND WERE TOLD THAT THE BEST WAY TO GET A RECALL ISSUED IS TO SUBMIT THESE COMPLAINTS. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE INJURED OR DIE BEFORE THIS IS TAKEN CARE OF? FORD MOTOR COMPANY - IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT PROFITS AND THE BOTTOM LINE - HOW MUCH REPEAT BUSINESS WILL YOU GET ONCE YOU KILL OFF YOUR CUSTOMER BASE? *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2013
ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, ALL OCCURRING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AFTER AT LEAST 40 MINUTES OF DRIVING ON A HOT DAY, THE CAR'S ENGINE SUDDENLY CUT OFF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE SPEED RAPIDLY. A RED TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD WITH THE FOLLOWING WORDS: "PULL OVER SAFELY NOW AND TURN OFF ENGINE". ALL 4 TIMES I WAS DRIVING AROUND 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE. ALL 4 TIMES THE CAR STARTED AGAIN NORMALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES. AFTER THE 3RD INCIDENT, I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN SOON, AND IT STALLED AGAIN AFTER 10 MORE MINUTES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. FIRST INCIDENT LATE JULY 2012, THEN LATE AUGUST 2012, AND TWICE ON JUNE 19, 2013. THIS IS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE, AND I WAS EXTREMELY LUCKY NOT TO BE REAR ENDED. THE DEALER CLAIMS IT CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM OR SEE ANY CODES IN DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER, REFUSES TO PURSUE. HELP!!!! *TR
Steering, Jun 21, 2013, crash
I WAS TAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE POWER STEERING/STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND I CRASHED INTO A CURB, *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jun 20, 2013
AC STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR. CALLED DEALERSHIP. WHEN I TOOK IT THERE, STARTED BLOWING COLD AGAIN. HAS BLOWN HOT AIR FOR 30-40 MINUTES 2 MORE TIMES THEN BLOW COLD AND ACT FINE. MONDAY, DROPPED OFF AT DEALERSHIP, THEY KEPT OVERNIGHT, FIXED MOISTURE PACKS OR SOMETHING THEY CALLED THEM. PICKED UP CAR DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY. YESTERDAY, BLEW HOT AIR AGAIN. WENT BACK TO DEALERSHIP, IT WAS BLOWING COLD AGAIN. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO AND THEY ARE A FORD DEALERSHIP!!! *TR
Structure, Jun 18, 2013
I PURCHASED A USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN SUMMER OF 2010. MAY OF 2013 PAINT BEGAN TO CHIP AROUND THE REAR WHEEL WELLS EXPOSING RUST THAT HAD BEEN THERE FOR WHAT HAD TO HAVE BEEN A LOT LONGER THAN JUST THE PREVIOUS WINTER. I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY TO GET THIS RESPONSE (SHORTENED FOR SPACE): AFTER REVIEWING MY RESOURCES, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OR PROGRAMS IN EFFECT THAT WOULD PROVIDE COVERAGE OF YOUR CURRENT CONCERN. I HAVE ALSO VERIFIED THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY OPEN RECALL PROGRAMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU FEEL THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF YOUR VEHICLE. HOWEVER, FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) WORK TOGETHER TO PROACTIVELY IDENTIFY AREAS OF CONCERN THROUGH INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER AND DEALER FEEDBACK. DURING AN INVESTIGATION FORD COOPERATES FULLY WITH NHTSA. DUE TO OUR RIGOROUS SAFETY STANDARDS AND CONSTANT TESTING, NOT ALL ISSUES RESULT IN RECALL OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS. IF A PROGRAM IS ANNOUNCED ON A SPECIFIC COMPONENT, FORD WILL NOTIFY YOU BY MAIL. IT WAS FURTHER EXPLAINED TO ME VIA PHONE THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED 6/2007 IT WAS OUT OF A 5 YEAR WARRANTY AND FURTHER SINCE I WAS THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NO WARRANTY. UPON DOING RESEARCH BEFORE CONTACTING FORD I FOUND THIS WAS AN ISSUE AS EARLY AS THE 2005 MODEL ESCAPE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A COMPANY TO CONTINUE TO SELL A VEHICLE WITH AN ISSUE SUCH AS THIS. I AM FORTUNATE THAT FINANCIALLY I AM IN A POSITION WHERE GETTING A BETTER CAR WAS POSSIBLE AND HAS BEEN DONE, BUT WHO RESOLVES THIS FOR OTHER OWNERS WHOM COULD NOT SEE THE ISSUE UNTIL PAINT CHIPS, LIKE ME AND THEN ARE TOLD, FORD WHOM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT WILL NOT BE? *TR
Power train, Jun 12, 2013
ADDENDUM: ORIGINAL NHTSA#10283836 (SEPT 2009) BOUGHT CERTIFIED USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN 2009. BEFORE THE FIRST PAYMENT, THE TRANSMISSION COOLING ASSEMBLY BLEW, DUMPING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID ONTO MY DRIVEWAY (PART #8L8Z-19712-J, TSB 09 09 04). MILEAGE: 21,775. COST OF $1000+ REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. FAST FORWARD, MAY 2013 (MILEAGE: 59,391). AS PREDICTED BACK IN 2009 BY MANY HERE ON THIS WEBSITE: COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. IT DIED IN 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC, AS I BLOCKED VEHICLES, NO FORWARD OR REVERSE GEARS. MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS FLUSHED: 2009, 2011, 2012, AND TOPPED OFF OTHERWISE; MEASURES I TOOK TO PROTECT AGAINST THIS EXACT FAILURE. YET IT COMPLETELY FAILED, <60,000 ODOMETER MILES. THIS $3000 REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. CURRENT WARRANTY: NOW 12 MONTHS/12,000 MILES. MINUS TOW TRUCK, 2 MISSED WORK DAYS, AND LOSS OF USE OF MY VEHICLE FOR 3 WEEKS. IT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE THIS DANGEROUSLY FLAWED DESIGN (SHARING AN AC/TRANSMISSION CONDENSER) WILL FAIL YET AGAIN, EVEN AS SOON AS 6 MONTHS. THERE IS NO MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE CONDENSER ASSEMBLY ALLOWS THE FLUID TO REMAIN CHRONICALLY LOW FOR LONG PERIODS. I TOPPED MY FLUIDS REGULARLY & PROACTIVELY FLUSHED 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS, YET THE TRANSMISSION STILL BURNED UP AND FAILED. NOTE THE REPETITION OF THE WORD ?BURNT? IN THE TECHNICIAN NOTES, EVEN THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS WERE LISTED AS OK. THE CONDENSER ASSEMBLY (W/ AC & TRANSMISSION SHARING A CONDENSER W/ A FLAWED WELD THAT BURSTS), AND THE CHRONIC PROBLEM W/ THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING THAT COMPLETELY FREEZES THE STEERING COLUMN IN PLACE ON FAILURE ARE HUGE SAFETY ISSUES. TRAGEDY IS PREDICTED. FOLLOWED W/ CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. MEMOS WILL REVEAL DISCUSSIONS ALL ALONG REGARDING THE EPIC FAIL OF THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE. OUR SAFETY AND MAJOR INCONVENIENCE ARE MINOR COLLATERAL DAMAGE. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Service brakes, Jun 12, 2013, crash
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT AROUND 5-10 MPH, HIT THE BRAKES AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. THE CAR TOOK OF AT AROUND 40-50MPH JUMPED A FENCE AND CRASHED INTO A RAVINE, HITTING A BIG TREE. I WAS PINNED IN THE AUTOMOBILE HIT MY HEAD AND INJURED MY LEG. I WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE I SUFFERED A SPINAL CORD INJURY AND A HUGE HEMATOMA ON MY LEFT LEG. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2013
FORD ESCAPE HYBRID (FEH) "STOP VEHICLE SAFELY" RED TRIANGLE WARNING AND IMMEDIATE ENGINE SHUTDOWN DUE TO THE WELL-KNOWN DEFECT IN THE BOSCH OEM MOTOR ELECTRONICS COOLING SYSTEM (MECS) PUMP IN THE 2005-2008 MODEL YEARS. SEE FORD TSB 08-24-5. IF THE NHTSA DID EVEN A CURSORY SEARCH ON THE INTERNET THEY WOULD SEE MANY, MANY HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS AND RELATED ACCIDENTS OR NEAR-MISSES. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE FAILURE IS ONLY TRIGGERED BY DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR DRIVING UP STEEP HILLS AND THE SHUTDOWN IS IMMEDIATE (NO PRIOR WARNING), CAUSING SUDDEN AND SIGNIFICANT DROP IN SPEED AND FRANTIC ACTIONS BY THE DRIVER TO ABRUPTLY STEER THE UNPOWERED CAR TO THE SHOULDER. THERE ARE NO EXTERNAL INDICATORS TO WARN OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SUDDEN SLOWDOWN AND LANE CHANGE AND THE DRIVER DARE NOT USE THE BRAKES TO SIGNAL OTHERS BECAUSE TO HIT THE BRAKES WITH THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND THE VEHICLE ALREADY QUICKLY SLOWING TO A STOP WOULD CAUSE THE FEH TO ABRUPTLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY. ALTHOUGH THIS PART IS UNIQUE TO THE HYBRID VERSIONS OF ESCAPES, FORD REFUSES TO CLASSIFY IT AS A UNIQUE HYBRID COMPONENT (WHICH WOULD BE COVERED BY THE 8 YR 100,000 MI WARRANTY) AND ROUTINELY CHARGES $800 TO REPLACE IT. IN MY CASE FAILURES HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, ALWAYS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. TWO OF THE FAILURES NEARLY CAUSED MULTIPLE CAR PILEUPS BECAUSE THE INTERSTATE WAS FULL OF CARS AND SEMIS WHEN THE ENGINE CUT OUT. I AM FRANKLY SHOCKED THAT THE NHTSA DIDN'T REQUIRE A RECALL YEARS AGO FOR A WELL-KNOWN AND COMMON DEFECT THAT WITHOUT WARNING CAUSES FEH'S TO ABRUPTLY AND SIGNIFICANTLY SLOW DOWN SPECIFICALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS OR STEEP HILL CLIMBS, FORCING THE DRIVER TO ABRUPTLY CHANGE LANES TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ARE BEING PREPARED. ISN'T IT TIME THE NHTSA ADDRESSED THIS VERY SERIOUS DEFECT? *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2013
MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE'S TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE IN OVERDRIVE. IT THEN WENT OUT AND REVVED UP TO 5,000 RPM'S AND WOULD NOT MOVE WHILE IN OVER DRIVE OR DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE CAUSING ME TO ALMOST GET REAR ENDED. I HAD TO SHIFT TO SECOND GEAR AND LIMP IT HOME. *TR
Power train, Engine, May 31, 2013
MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME APPROX 5:30 PM ON A BUSY FOUR LANE ROAD FROM AN ERRAND AND THE "STOP SAFELY NOW" LIGHT CAME ON. AT THAT POINT SHE COULD NOT GET OVER DUE TO TRAFFIC AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST DOWN A HILL INTO A TURN LANE NEARLY HITTING AN ONCOMING CAR AND STOP THE CAR. WE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND BRING IT HOME. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE COOLANT MOTOR TO THE BATTERY WHICH WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSING THE HYBRID BATTERY TO OVERHEAT THEREBY SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY. THIS IS TO PREVENT THE HYBRID BATTERY FROM OVERHEATING. I DO UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR THIS TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE, BUT THESE SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY 50,000 MILES TO STOP THE ENGINE FROM SHUTTING OFF . WE WERE GETTING READY TO DRIVE ON A 600 MILE TRIP IN THIS CAR AND WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE WAY THE WARRANTY IS WRITTEN, IT IS NOT COVERED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, THIS HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY ESPECIALLY AFTER 50,000 MILES. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND PROVIDE A RECALL AND/OR FIX TO THIS PROBLEM ON THESE CARS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, May 28, 2013
DURING A 300 MILE TRIP, THE FEH "STOP SAFELY NOW" WARNING CAME ON AND CAR SHUT DOWN. WE WERE ON A BUSY LA HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE HIGHWAY, READ UP ON THAT WARNING SYMBOL AND RESTARTED CAR WITHOUT ANOTHER INCIDENT THEN. 25 DAYS LATER, DRIVING THE CAR ON 45 MINUTE TRIP, 'STOP SAFELY NOW' LIGHT CAME ON REPEATEDLY. HAD TO PULL OVER SEVERAL TIMES, WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND RESTART CAR. AGAIN THIS WAS HIGHWAY DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NO CAR SHOULD JUST SHUT DOWN WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, May 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 07/30/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND SHE HAD TO USE BOTH HANDS TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.
Power train, May 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE REVVED BUT FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SECOND AND FOURTH GEARS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 15, 2013
STICKY THROTTLE. ESPECIALLY WHEN WEATHER IS COLD. SOMETHING IS NOT CATCHING AND I HAVE TO PUMP GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO CATCH. PLEASE RECALL!! *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 14, 2013
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS IN THE UP POSITION IN COLD WEATHER. IF SLAMMED WITH DRIVER'S FOOT IT WILL RELEASE THEN START OPERATING...THIS IS AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THE PROBLEM OCCURS EVERY WINTER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR WARRANTY WORK FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM AT LEAST 5 TIMES. THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED TWO TIMES BUT PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. AFTER THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE CORRECTLY FOR A FEW MONTHS THEN THE PROBLEM WOULD RETURN. FORD DEALERSHIPS ( TWO DIFFERENT ONES) AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER OPERATOR & SUPERVISOR REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE . *TR
Engine, May 8, 2013
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ENGINE DECELERATED, RED TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH, WITH DIRECTION TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD. I DID SO, TURNED OFF ENGINE AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES. ENGINE THEN RESTARTED WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT COMING ON. BETWEEN THAT EVENT AND ARRIVING HOME (APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES), THIS OCCURRED 5 MORE TIMES. THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, THERE APPEAR TO BE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXPERIENCE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. *TR
Steering, May 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE TO RESUME PROPER STEERING CAPABILITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE DIAGNOSIS HAD NOT BEEN PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 7, 2013
TRAVELING ON ROAD. PRESS ON GAS PEDAL NOTHING HAPPENS. GAS PEDAL WILL NOT GO DOWN. NO RESPONSE FROM PEDAL .NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. CAR LOSES SPEED.CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. TAKEN TO FORD DEALER. REPLACED THROTTLE CABLE AND GASKET. *TR
Power train, May 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE CONDENSER AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,400.
Structure, May 2, 2013, crash
OPENED HOOD TO JUMP BATTERY @ APPROXIMATELY 1:30AM IN NOVEMBER, CAR WAS JUMPED, HOOD SLAMMED DOWN. DRIVING ON THE I-4 THE HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. THE SAFETY CATCH DID NOT PREVENT THE HOOD FROM OPENING, WHEN TESTED AND REPLACED THE SAFETY CATCH DOES NOT KEEP HOOD FROM OPENING,,IT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AND STILL DOES NOT CATCH. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 2, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT! I STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN THE ESCAPE ON THE CURVE. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF THE CAR, WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL BUT THAT DIDN'T LAST VERY LONG. I PARKED IT FOR AWHILE AND BORROWED A CAR BUT I HAD TO RETURN IT SO NOW I'M DRIVING AND JUST PRAYING I DON'T LOOSE ALL CONTROL. TODAY IT WAS DIAGNOSED, NEED A NEW POWER STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR, COST BETWEEN 1300-1500 DOLLARS! THAT IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING, FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I SEE HOW MANY COMPLAINTS THERE ARE WHEN I CHECKED IT OUT AT ALL LOCATIONS ONLINE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 30, 2013
TRAVELING AT 50 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR "STALLED" AND DRASTICALLY LOST SPEED. WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, PUT IT IN PARK, AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE CAR MADE IT THE 2 MILES BACK HOME WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. DID RESEARCH ON THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED A WEBSITE WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT FORD'S THROTTLE BODIES BEING DEFECTIVE AND CAUSING SIMILAR INCIDENTS. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR AND THE MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME "STALLING" TWO TIMES. AFTER HE LOOKED AT THE THROTTLE BODY TO SEE IF IT WAS BROKEN OR HAD BLOCKAGE, AND AFTER HE CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR INSIGHT, HE SUGGESTED REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $624.30. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER INCIDENTS SINCE REPLACEMENT. *TR
Steering, Apr 30, 2013
THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO WORK. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING, THE STEERING WORKED, BUT HAD VIBRATIONS WHICH WERE MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN STOPPED. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD CLICK AND MOVE ON IT'S OWN. IT HAS CONTINUED AND I AM NOT CONFIDENT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR