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.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WIRE SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE CABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Air bags, Jan 30, 2012, crash
I WAS HIT HEAD ON BY A VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING APROX 60 MILES PER HOUR. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY BASH LIT UP AS IF THEY HAD DEPLOYED. I HAVE ASKED SEVERAL CERTIFIED MECHANICS WHY THIS HAPPENED AND HAVE NEVER BEEN GIVEN THE SAME ANSWER TWICE. I ASKED A FORD PLANT WORKER THAT HELPED BUILD MY ESCAPE, HE ALSO HAD NO ANSWER. MY BROTHERS WAS ALSO INVOLVED, THIS LAST SUMMER, IN A HIGH IMPACT TOTALING HIS FOCUS AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AGAIN, NO ANSWER, JUST A LOT OF SHRUGS AND HIM HAWING. ONCE AGAIN MY BEST FRIEND HAD A 2012 EXPLORER IT WAS 4 MONTHS OLD SHE HIT A DEER FULL ON CAUSING OVER 18,000$ IN DAMAGE, AND AGAIN, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! WHY? I FIND IT DISTURBING THAT WE ALL PAID NO LESS THAT 15,000$ FOR A FORD VEHICLE AND NONE OF US WERE PROTECTED BY THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT, NOR WERE WE PROVIDED WITH A SUFFICIENT EXPLANATION AS TO WHY IT DID NOT WORK. DO ANY OF YOU HAVE A VIABLE NON DOUBLE SPEAK REASON FOR THIS? * INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) * TT
Power train, Jan 25, 2012, fire
INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON 12/02/2011. AFTER WORK I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON THE 405 FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I WAS IN LEFT LANE GOING APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. SMOKE STARTED TO COME UP FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND TRIED TO MAKE MY WAY TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER ON THE FREEWAY. THE ONLY LANE TO THE LEFT OF ME WAS THE CARPOOL LANE. IT WAS DURING A HEAVY TRAFFIC TIME AND I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED SEVERAL TIMES AS I TRIED TO GET TO THE SHOULDER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS ENTIRE TIME THE CAR WAS GETTING SMOKY AND IT WAS HARD TO SEE AND BREATHE. CARS WERE HONKING AT ME AND ONE CAR PULLED UP NEXT TO ME AND YELLED AT ME THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM MY CAR AND THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND I NEEDED TO GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. I BARELY MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND PARKED AND GOT OUT OF MY CAR. I COULD SEE SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR NEAR THE ENGINE. ONE TRUCK WITH TWO MEN INSIDE PULLED OVER TO HELP ME. I USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER I HAD IN THE CAR TO PUT OUT FIRE. THE TOW TRUCK TOWED MY CAR TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE GEARS INSIDE THE HYBRID POWER UNIT CAME APART AND BROKE. THEN TRANSMISSION FLUIDS LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST AND BURST INTO FLAMES. MY SERVICE ADVISER BRIAN SAID THAT THEY DOCUMENTED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES AS A RESULT OF THIS. HE ALSO SAID HE DID NOT KNOW WHY A CAR WITH ONLY 66,000 MILES WOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HE SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE AN EXPLANATION FOR WHY THE GEARS WOULD BREAK APART. FORD REPLACED THE UNIT BUT DID NOT CLEAN THE CAR, STILL HAS FLUID UNDER IT AND IT SMELLS HORRIBLY TO DRIVE. FORD CANNOT GUARANTEE IT WONT HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE THEY DON'T WHY IT HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE. SUBMITTED CLAIM TO FORD AND THEY REJECTED IT. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2012
MY CAR APPEARED TO GO INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING, THEN REVVED UP AND SHOT FORWARD. PUTTING MYSELF AND PASSENGERS AT DANGER OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON FLAW IN THE POWER TRAIN (TRANSMISSION) OF THE FORD ESCAPES. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED BEFORE A FATALITY OCCURS DUE TO FORD NEGLIGENCE. I CALLED FORD IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVING AT WORK AND WILL TAKE IT IN AT THE END OF THE DAY BUT, HAVING LOOKED FOR COMPLAINTS/RECALLS ON LINE I SEE THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON AND FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Power train, Jan 24, 2012
FOUND PUDDLE OF TRANSMISSION FLUID ON DRIVEWAY. TRANSMISSION COOLER IS LEAKING JUST LIKE ALL 2008 FORD ESCAPES. NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. DEALER CHARGES $816. WHY ISN'T IT COVERED BY A RECALL? WE ARE DISAPPOINTED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, SHE NOTICED A JERKING SENSATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 48,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND COULD NOT BE DISLODGED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO WAY TO REMEDY THE PEDAL FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Jan 16, 2012
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED I HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN OFF THE CAR ONCE I TURNED IT BACK ON IT WAS REALLY HARD TO STEER, VERY DANGEROUS AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY 1100.00 TO GET THIS REPLACED WHICH IS TOO MUCH FOR A 2008, THEY SHOULD RECALL THIS SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jan 12, 2012
I NOTICED A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS BEGINNING TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY, AND SLIPPING BETWEEN GEARS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WAS CAUSING SOME CONCERN WHILE DRIVING IN THE FAST LANE OF THE INTERSTATES. IT WAS BEGINNING TO SPRAY UP UNDER THE HOOD, AND I WAS WORRIED ABOUT IT GETTING ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTING A FIRE. AFTER DOING TONS OF RESEARCH ON LINE, IF FIND OUT ABOUT A TRANS COOLER DEFECT. I SEE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 100'S IF NOT 1000'S OF PEOPLE THAT OWNED 2008 ESCAPES. I WAS TOLD FORD DID DO SOME REPAIRS ON THESE CARS THAT WHERE BUILT EARLY 2008, AND THAT A CSP (CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM) WAS SENT OUT MARCH 2010, AND EXPIRED IN AUGUST 2010. MY ESCAPE WAS BUILT IN SEPT. 2007, WHICH SHOULD HAVE COVERED IT. FORD SENT A CSP #09B10 TO OWNERS FOR A REPLACEMENT BECAUSE OF THE KNOW DEFECT TO THE COOLER. SINCE I DIDN'T NOT OWN THE VEHICLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 2010, I HAD NO IDEA OF THE PROBLEM, AND SINCE THE ORIGINAL OWNER NEVER TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR, I HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE, AND BOTH THEM, AND THE FORD DEALER ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT, BUT WOULD NOT COVER IT. SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL, AND THE CSP IS OVER, I HAD TO PAY $644.41 OUT OF MY POCKET. THIS IS RIDICULES I AM PAYING FOR A DEFECT THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT. THEY BOTH TOLD ME TO HOLD ON TO MY RECEIPT IN CASE THERE IS A RECALL I CAN GET REIMBURSED. I THINK THIS IS THE LAST FORD I WILL OWN. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE TRAIN, AND KEEPS YOUR TRANSMISSION FROM FAILING, ITS NOT A DRIVE TRAIN PART, AND FORD WILL NOT COVER CAUSE ITS NOT INTERNAL. AS FAR AS I SEE IT! ITS POWER TRAIN RELATED, AND IF IT UNKNOWINGLY FAILS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL. HOPEFULLY FORD DOES THE RIGHT THING, AND REPAIRS OR REIMBURSES THE CUSTOMER THAT HAD IT REPAIRED FOR THE MISTAKE FORD MADE WITH THE DEFECTIVE PART BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2012
WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY AT 40 MPH ON A STRAIGHT GOOD ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN KICKING RIGHT TO LEFT ABRUPTLY. ALMOST LIKE A BIG RIGHT LEFT VIBRATION. THIS LASTED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AND MADE THE STEERING DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTART AND TOOK IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE FORD DEALER. DEALER SAID THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNITS WERE BACK ORDER 5 - 8 WEEKS BECAUSE MANY FAILURES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND PEOPLE COULD DIE WITH THE POWER STEERING FAILURES. PLEASE RECALL THEM BEFORE SOMEBODY'S DIES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RESPONSE TIME TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS WAS EXTREMELY SLOW AND THE PEDAL COULD BE DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT LEAST THREE TIMES FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESPOND WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE PEDAL FELT AS IF IT WAS BECOMING SLIGHTLY STUCK WHEN DEPRESSED, BUT THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT BE TOO CONCERNED WITH THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO START AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE KEY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,716.
Steering, Jan 11, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65MPH ON OUR FREEWAY AND I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY POWER STEERING. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY 3 OTHER VEHICLES AS I WAS UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. I THEN PUT MY CAUTION LIGHTS ON AND USED ALL MY FORCE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN POWER THE CAR OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON MY STEERING WAS THEN FINE. I GOT BACK ON THE FREEWAY AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES I LOST ALL OF MY POWER STEERING AGAIN. SO I THEN DID THE SAME THING MULTIPLE TIMES JUST TO MAKE IT HOME. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY FORD ESCAPE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 3, 2012
THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ABS EXPERIENCED A FAILURE RESULTING IN INTERNAL LOSS OF PRESSURE. THE ONLY REPAIR SOLUTION IS FOR THE DEALER TO REPLACE THEN ENTIRE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AT A COST OF OVER $3000. IT SEEMS AWFULLY ODD THAT 1) ONLY THE DEALER CAN DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR ELEMENT, 2) ONLY THE DEALER CAN ORDER THE PARTS, 3) THERE IS NO WAY TO REPAIR JUST THE FAILING COMPONENT BUT THE WHOLE HCU MUST BE REPLACED, AND 4) THE COST IS SO EXTREME. I'VE READ ONLINE ABOUT OTHER FORD ESCAPE OWNERS WHOSE HCU HAD FAILED AND IT SEEMS THIS MAY BE DEFECTIVE IN EITHER DESIGN OR IN FUNCTION. CERTAINLY MAKING IT A DEALER-ONLY REPAIR SEEMS SHADY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK AND COULD NOT BE RELEASED FOR AT LEAST TWENTY MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,800.
Steering, Jan 3, 2012
THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED OCCASIONALLY JITTERING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THEN WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE A PARKING LOT THE POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY NON FUNCTIONING. IT HAS SINCE BEEN SPOTTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 30, 2011
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY IN THE LEFT HAND LANE DOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND A STOP NOW SAFELY MESSAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND CONTINUE TO MY DESTINATION. THIS AGAIN HAPPENED ON THE WAY HOME THE SAME DAY THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND AT THE TIMES I PULLED OVER AND BOTH TIMES WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE. I HAD NO ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, THIS WAS A SCARY. *KB
Power train, Dec 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, FLUID WAS OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED A TRANS CORE LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,842.
Steering, Dec 20, 2011
I WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY FROM AN ENTRANCE. AS I WAS GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I WAS ABOUT TO PULL ON, WHEN MY STEERING LOCKED UP. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, I STARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WAS FINE. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS. I COULD NOT FIND ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WILL THERE HAVE TO BE A DEATH BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. I WILL PURSUE THIS FURTHER, THRU THE MEDIA, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND LEGALLY. *TR
Steering, Dec 20, 2011
AS I WAS GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM AN ENTRANCE, MY STEERING FAILED. I COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO CONTROL THE CAR. THANK GOD I WAS GOING SLOW AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS COMPLAINT AND THERE ARE MANY FORD ESCAPES, WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT. I HOPE THAT SOMETHING WILL BE DONE BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS. I PLAN ON PURSUING THIS FURTHER EVEN UP TO INVOLVING MEDIA AND LEGAL ACTION. *TR
Steering, Dec 17, 2011
ON 12-13-2011, THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME BY EXERTING GREAT FORCE ON THE THEN MANUAL STEERING. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE ACTUALLY IN MOTION I DOUBT THAT I COULD HAVE CONTROLLED THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. THE NEXT MORNING I STARTED THE CAR TO TAKE IT TO THE FORD DEALER AND THE STEERING WORKED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. I THEN TELEPHONED THE MANUFACTURE AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HELP ME UNLESS THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. I TOLD THE PERSON THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAS TOLD UNLESS THE DEALER CAN FIND THE PROBLEM WE CAN'T HELP. I TOLD THE PERSON I WOULD REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO THE NTSB AND WAS TOLD THAT IS YOUR RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2011
OUR ESCAPE HAS LESS THAN 44,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS PAST SATURDAY THE POWER STEERING JUST FAILED! AND I HAD 3 CHILDREN WITH ME!! THANK GOD WE WEREN'T DOING 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE...OR IN A CURVE...NEXT TO AN 18-WHEELER...OR WHERE I HAD TO MAKE A QUICK AVOIDANCE MANEUVER! I LEARNED (FROM INTERNET POSTINGS...'CAUSE IT SURE ISN'T IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL...) THAT IT USUALLY WORKS PROPERLY AGAIN AFTER TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTING...I GUESS THE COMPUTER 'REBOOTS'???, BUT, WHO KNEW?! WELL, IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN LESS THAN A WEEK LATER TO MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER AND SINCE THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY ISSUE, WE'VE TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP. I LIVE IN TN AND IF ANYONE RECALLS (NO PUN INTENDED), THIS IS ALSO THE PLACE WHERE A LOCAL INVESTIGATIVE NEWS REPORTER BROKE THE INFAMOUS TOYOTA ACCELERATION STORY. HMMM...MAYBE I'LL CONTACT HIM AND SEE IF HE CAN FIND OUT IF FORD IS BENT ON IGNORING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS... JUST DO THE RIGHT THING, FORD! REMEMBER THE EXPLORER!!!*TR
Steering, Dec 15, 2011
I WAS DRIVING AND GAVE A FRIEND A RIDE. I WAITED IN THE CAR WITH THE CAR STILL ON WHILE SHE GOT HER THINGS. WHEN SHE HOPPED ON I ACCELERATED AND WHEN I TRIED TO MAKE A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SO HARD. I COULDN'T TURN IT. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL ANOTHER DAY I WENT TO THE DRIVE THROUGH. SAME THING HAPPENED. I TRIED TO TURN AFTER AND COULDN'T. I HAD TO TURN HE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON. I WENT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT ON THEIR BULLETIN THERE IS A MSG THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED. THEY SAID IT WOULD BE ABOUT 1300.00 FOR ME TO REPLACE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. THERE ARE OTHER BLOGS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2011
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING A JERKING MOVEMENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL (FEELS LIKE FORCE FEEDBACK FROM A DRIVING SIMULATOR), MOST NOTICEABLE AT A STOP. IT APPEARED TO BE A MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THIS IS BECAUSE THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IS LOCATED IN THE COLUMN. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME AND ARE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER PUSHING THEIR AVAILABILITY OUT 5 MONTHS OR SO. I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS IN A WORSENING CONDITION UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. POWER STEERING WILL COME BACK AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, BUT NOW THE STEERING GOES OUT 3 OR MORE TIMES ON MY 30 MILE HIGHWAY COMMUTE. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE IS A TENDENCY FOR THE VEHICLE TO "AUTO-STEER" OR VEER IN EITHER DIRECTION WITH NO DRIVER INPUT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIRECTLY AND AM AWAITING A RESPONSE. *TR
Steering, Dec 13, 2011
I WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE WORK AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO PULL OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT CARS TO KNOW THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING...NOT KNOWING AT THE TIME THAT MY CAR HAD AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING, I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD TO CHECK THE FLUID THEN I WENT TO GET MY WAREHOUSE MGR TO COME TAKE A LOOK AT IT FOR ME. WHEN HE STARTED THE CAR THE STEERING WAS FINE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME BUT WAS VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT IT. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED OVER THE PAST WEEK THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WILL VIBRATE OR SHAKE WHEN STOPPED AND THEN THIS OCCURS. FROM WHAT I AM READING THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND DON'T WANT TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THEM IN THE CAR IF THIS OCCURS OUT THE OF THE BLUE AGAIN! WE NOW CONSIDER THIS CAR TO BE A DANGEROUS HAZARD AND UNDRIVEABLE ...WE WILL BE GETTING RID OF IT. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2011
WAS MAKING A TURN AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT. IN THE MIDDLE OF MY TURN I FELT THE POWER STEERING FAIL. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH GREAT EFFORT MADE TO STEER. I GOT HOME AND TURNED MY VEHICLE OFF. MY HUSBAND STARTED MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH STEERING. AFTER POPPING THE HOOD, HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, THERE SEEM TO BE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING AND RESTARTING THE CAR SEEMS TO RESET THE POWER STEERING. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM WONDERING WHY NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? I AM ALSO VERY AFRAID OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR