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.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2011
TRANSMISSION DEFECT ON 2008 FORD ESCAPES. *TR
Power train, Dec 7, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE NEW IN SEPTEMBER 2008. AFTER 50,000 MILES I NOTICED A BUZZING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR PROBABLE CAUSES, I DISCOVERED A TSB STATING THAT IDLER PULLEY MAY FAIL PREMATURELY. I PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE PULLEY AND NOTICED A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK NEAR THE RADIATOR. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET SOME MORE, I DISCOVERED ANOTHER TSB STATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLERS CRACK DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN. I CONTACTED FORD THROUGH THE WEBSITE AND THEY STATED THEIR ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE AND DIRECTED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD MY VEHICLE. THE REPAIR ESTIMATES ARE BETWEEN 800-1000 DOLLARS. I HAVE EXCEEDED MY WARRANTY AND MULTIPLE PERSONS HAVE STATED THAT FORD DOES NOT HONOR IT ANYWAY FOR THIS COMPONENT. I HAVE OWNED 3 FORDS WITH THE SIMILAR ISSUES. FORD POSTS TSBS NOT RECALLS EVEN THOUGH THE DEFECTS ARE CAUSED BY POOR DESIGNS. IF THE COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS DOESN'T ADD UP IN THEIR FAVOR, EXPECT TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. I NO LONGER ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND FULLY EXPECT TO TRADE IT IN SHORTLY. *TR
Steering, Dec 3, 2011
I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY STREET,STARTED TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND HAD A HARD TIME TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY SHUT DOWN. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND EVERYTHING WAS OK. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. CHECKED ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. INTERESTED TO SEE HOW FORD HANDLES THIS. *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2011
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. LOOKED ON INTERNET SEEMS TO BE COMMON. *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2011
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY POWER STEERING FAILED - IT DIDN'T LOCK UP BUT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP & THE MAN I SPOKE WITH SAID HE'S NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEING A PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Nov 30, 2011
I WAS IN MY CAR AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS TO ACCELERATE AND PULL OUT ON TO THE ROAD, MY ENGINE RACED AND I ONLY ROLLED FORWARD, DOWN THE SMALL SLOPE, INTO TRAFFIC. AFTER ABOUT 3 SECONDS MY TRANSMISSION CAUGHT AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND I MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL, BARELY MISSING ANOTHER CAR IN THE OTHER LANE. TURNS OUT ALMOST ALL OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT FROM THE TRANSMISSION COOLER, CAUSING A MALFUNCTIONING TRANSMISSION. AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN TO GET INSPECTED, AND TALKING TO MULTIPLE DEALERS, THEY ALL SAY THAT THEY CONSISTENTLY FIX THIS ISSUE ON THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE. SOME EVEN SAY THEY HAVE TROUBLE STOCKING THE PART BECAUSE THEY DO SO MANY. THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION COOLER/AC CONDENSER THAT CONSISTENTLY BREAKS AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LOSE TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN UNSAFE VEHICLES. *KB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FRACTURED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A SPRING IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE AND AS A RESULT, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,100.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 21, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID, THE WARNING CHIME SOUNDED, "SERVICE BRAKES" FLASHED ON THE DISPLAY, AND I LOST ALMOST ALL OF MY BRAKING POWER AS I WAS COMING UP ON A STOP SIGN. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO STOP. LATER, AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF, THE BRAKES WERE RESTORED. THIS HAS OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. EACH TIME I START THE CAR, ALL IS OK, AS I ACCELLERATE, THERE IS A CLUNK AS IF THE ENGINE WANTS TO STALL BUT KEEPS GOING DUE TO MOMENTUM. A SCAN OF SYSTEM FAULTS SHOWS BRAKES ALL OK. I DRIVE THE CAR A FEW MILE AND THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CHECK BRAKES LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. CAR STILL SEEMS TO RUN FINE WITH ABS LIGHT AND CHECK BRAKES INDICATOR. BUT SOFT BRAKES ARE VERY WOORYSOME. *TR
Steering, Nov 21, 2011
PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING MOTOR SUDDENLY SHUTTING DOWN ON THE HYBRID VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM OCCURS AT VEHICLE TURNED ON UP TO MODERATE VEHICLE SPEEDS. WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED, IT CONFUSED THE DRIVER, AS THE POWER STEERING WOULD EXPERIENCE SUDDEN LOSS DURING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN ELECTRIC MODE (0-30MPH). THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING PUTS THE DRIVER IS AT RISK OF LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND ACCIDENT. COMPLAINTS TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT THE STEERING PROBLEM ARE DIFFICULT. WITH THE MOTOR OFF IN ELECTRIC MODE, AND SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, THE DRIVER IS LED TO BELIEVE THAT MOTOR IS AT FAULT, AND WILL COMPLAIN TO THE MECHANIC IN SUCH WAY. PICTURE THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITH NO POWER STEERING. YOUR LED TO BELIEVE THAT VEHICLE MOTOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE HYBRID, AS THE VEHICLE IS NOT ACTUALLY SHUT DOWN, IT'S IN ELECTRIC MODE. NO INDICATORS ARE PRESENT WITHIN VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM TO INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH POWER STEERING. SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATES THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MOTOR PROBLEM, CAUSING A BINDING ISSUE WITH THE COLUMN. TWO SERVICE DEPARTMENTS REPORT THAT THIS IS A UNIQUE ISSUE. SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE ARE INDICATING THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT UNIQUE, AND RATHER COMMON. SERVICE DEPARTMENT ANDY GATES (FORD, VICTORVILLE, CA) REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN IT'S CURRENT STATE. THE REPORT FROM SERVICE DEPARTMENT VICTORVILLE, CA INDICATES THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DESIGNED WITH SAFETY FLAWS, AND FORD IS HAVING DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM EARLY ON. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 20, 2011
PURCHASED 2008 4 WHEEL DRIVE FEH USED IN NOV.2010. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. FIRST OCCASION ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER START/STOP IGNITION BRAKES CAME BACK. TOOK TO FORD DEALER FOR CODES. NO CODES NOTED. SECOND OCCURRENCE OCT. 2011. BRAKES FAILED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE. ABS AND REGEN BRAKE DISABLED LIGHTS CAME ON. TOOK TO LOCAL DEALER KEPT CAR 8 DAYS. COULD NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. CODES DID REGISTER. TALK OF A MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT, BUT FAVORED RECHARGING ELEC. BATTERY AND CHANGED DIRTY FILTER ON IT. I WAS VERY LUCKY - IF THE BRAKES HAD FAILED AS THEY DID AND I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT WITH ANOTHER CAR AHEAD OF ME I WOULD HAVE HIT IT. DEALER SAYS IT PROBABLY OK. BOUGHT CAR FOR OUR 16 YEAR OLD SON TO DRIVE - TOO UNSAFE AND UNPREDICTABLE. TRADED IN. *TR
Steering, Nov 19, 2011
THE POWER STEERING IN THIS VEHICLE FAILED TWICE. BOTH TIMES WERE AT LOW SPEED, AND I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THIS TO BE A SOMEWHAT COMMON PROBLEM WITH ESCAPES, BUT HAS YET TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY FORD. I WILL TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BUT AM AFRAID THAT I'LL HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE AS OTHERS, IN THAT THE PROBLEM WILL NOT BE PRESENT WHEN THE DEALER LOOKS AT IT. AT THIS POINT I NO LONGER CONSIDER THE VEHICLE SAFE. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR. THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 4, 2011
I HAD PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW FROM THE DEALER IN MARCH OF 2008, THIS TRUCK HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS IN THE PAST STARTING WITH THE DAY I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. NOW A FEW YEAR'S LATER THE "A.C. CONDENSER" WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER MY "DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY". I AM NOT A MECHANIC BUT THE SEVERAL MECHANIC'S THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO SAID THAT, THAT PART IS VITAL TO THE POWER TRAIN. I AM A YOUNG STRUGGLING NURSE TRYING TO PAY OFF SCHOOL LOANS, AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THIS IS GOING TO COST $700.00, I CANNOT AFFORD IT AND I NEED MY TRUCK. I BOUGHT THIS NEW WITH THE IMPRESSION THAT THESE THINGS WILL NOT BE AN ISSUE AND IF THEY WERE THEY WOULD BE COVERED BY FORD'S WARRANTY. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS SPECIFIC YEAR AND TRUCK. I AM HOPING THAT YOU GUY'S WILL BE ABLE TO HELP WITH THIS MATTER. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS. *TR
Steering, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Power train, Nov 1, 2011
HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=-6XQ2ZYQMOI - THIS VIDEO DEPICTS EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE FORD 2008 ESCAPES. MY VEHICLE STARTED TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID PROFUSELY LAST WEEK; WHICH IS NOT ONLY A PROBLEM IN MAJOR TRAFFIC IF THE FORD ESCAPE 2008 TRANSMISSION HAS NO FLUID, BUT ALSO IS AN SAFETY ISSUE TO THOSE WHO WALK IN PARKING LOTS WHERE MY CAR HAS LEAKED FLUID; IT MAY CAUSE A FALL... ESPECIALLY WITH SO MANY FORD ESCAPES 2008 HAVING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. HOW MANY FORD ESCAPES 2008 MUST ABRUPTLY RUN OUT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID BEFORE THIS DOES BECOME A DIRE SAFETY PROBLEM? SIDE NOTE: FORD HQ STATES THIS IS AN AC PROBLEM; HOWEVER, IF MY CAR LEAKS OUT ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, ISN'T IT A DRIVE LINE PROBLEM? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 1, 2011
PURCHASED 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN JUNE 2007. AFTER AROUND 25K MILES THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING FLUID ACCORDING TO THE FORD SERVICE CENTER WE TOOK IT TO. THEY REPAIRED THIS AT NO COST SINCE THIS WAS UNDER THE 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. HAD A MINOR ISSUE BACK IN AUGUST WITH THE AIR FAN NOT BLOWING AIR PROPERLY. THE FAN HAD TO BE PLACED ON HIGH BEFORE IT WOULD BLOW OUT ANY AIR. THIS WAS FIXED AND COST APPROX. 200 DOLLARS SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS OUT IN JUNE 2007. NO BIG DEAL. THEN ON OCTOBER 30, AROUND 73K MILES ON THE CAR, IT STARTED STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. PUT ON BRAKES IT WOULD START TO STALL AND WHEN GIVING GAS IT WOULD SHAKE AND THEN STALL. TOOK IT TO THE FORD SERVICE SHOP WHICH IS ALSO THE DEALER WHERE WE HAVE PURCHASED AROUND 5 OR 6 VEHICLES AND WHO HAS ALWAYS SERVICED OUR FORD VEHICLES AND WERE TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION AND SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY THIS WILL COST $4,900.00. HAVE CHECKED ON NUMEROUS WEBSITES AND THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD ESCAPES. I ACTUALLY KNOW SOMEONE WHO BOUGHT HER VEHICLE AT THE SAME DEALER, THE SAME YEAR VEHICLE AND HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE WHEN HER TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AS WELL AS THE FAN PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS SINCE WE HAD THE SAME ISSUE BACK WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 25K MILES ON IT. THIS CAR IS ONLY 3 1/2 YEARS OLD AND WE SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE MANY ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED SO IT WILL SIT IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
Visibility, Nov 1, 2011
11/01/2011: WHILE DRIVING THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLS AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A SMOOTH PAVED STREET, THE REAR WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE REAR WINDOW AND TAILGATE WERE CLOSED AT THE TIME. NO INJURIES OR OTHER DAMAGE REPORTED. THE REAR DEFROSTER HAD BEEN ON FOR 5-10 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND WAS TURNED OFF ABOUT A MINUTE BEFORE THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. NOTE: THE GLASS HAD AN AFTERMARKET TINT FILM APPLIED APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Oct 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT IDLE SPEEDS WHEN A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FOR THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
Steering, Oct 26, 2011
NOTICED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT POSTED SPEED 70 MPH. CONTINUED TO VIBRATE AND MOVE WHILE STOPPED AT STOP LIGHTS. ON 10-25-11 MY WIFE DROVE ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND LOST POWER STEERING WHILE IN PARKING LOT. TURNING VEHILCE OFF AND RESTARTING APPEARED TO SOLVE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST STEERING. STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO MOVE SLIGHTLY SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING TO DEALERSHIP. CURRENTLY UNDER INSPECTION AND WE ARE WAITING FOR PRICE ESTIMATE AT THE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT. *TT
Power train, Oct 23, 2011
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK,A WRENCH LIGHT ILLUMINATED. MY CAR THEN HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING AND SEEMED TO STRUGGLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND ENDED UP HAVING TO SPEND $3,400 ON A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL. I DO NOT THINK THIS SHOULD BE SINCE I SERVICE MY CAR INCLUDING TRANSMISSION SERVICE ON A REGULAR BASIS.THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CONDENSER A WHILE BACK. THIS WAS CORRECTED. *TR
Steering, Oct 20, 2011
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE WITH 70K MILES, THE STEERING SUDDENLY LOCKED UP. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS RARE, BUT I HAVE FOUND DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) MODULE HAS FAILED. FORD HAD MODIFIED THIS MODULE 8 TIMES SINCE 2008 WHEN IT WAS FIRST USED. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE IS $1300. FORD IS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE REASON THE PROBLEM IS RARE IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN AROUND 45K MILES OR ABOVE. MOST 2008 MODEL CARS ARE JUST NOW COMING INTO THAT MILEAGE. THIS IS A LIFE AND DEATH DEFECT AS THE DRIVER LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAPPEN TO BE IN THE FIELD OF BROADCAST. I INTENT TO LAUNCH A NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO ALERT 2008 ESCAPE OWNERS OF THE TICKING TIMEBOMB THEY ARE DRIVING AND TO DETERMINE HOW MANY FAILURES HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED. IF YOU OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU ARE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE. FIRST INDICATION MAY BE A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. AT THIS POINT, FAILURE IS IMMINENT. *TR
Suspension, Oct 18, 2011, crash
TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH. THE LEFT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF. AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE THE CAR JERKED HARD TO THE LEFT THAN BACK TO THE RIGHT AND THEN ROLLED OVER ON TO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND RESTED THERE WITH THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER BACKED OFF THIS IMMEDIATELY AND SAID TO CONTACT FORD DIRECTLY. I CONTACTED FORD VIA THE CORPORATE WEB SITE 4 TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. I ALSO RETURNED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR GUIDANCE THEY GAVE ME THE PHONE NUMBER OF THE DISTRICT MANAGER. I CALLED AND LEFT A MESSAGE. I HAVE YET TO GET A RESPONSE. I HAVE PICTURES IF DESIRED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 17, 2011
GOING FROM MISSOURI TO ARKANSAS MY CAR SIMPLY STOPPED RUNNING NO INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE ON AT THE TIME AND A TRIANGLE CAME ON STATING I COULD PULL OVER SAFELY NOW AND STOP. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AFTER TRYING TO MAKE THE ELECTRIC BATTERY ENGINE WORK. NOTHING HAPPENED. PEOPLE HELPED ME PUSH MY CAR OFF THE ROAD AND THEN A MAN SUGGESTED I TRY TO START IT AGAIN. IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND RAN FOR ANOTHER 20-30 MILES AND THEN PROCEEDED TO DO THIS ABOUT EVERY 5-10 MILES FOR HOURS. THE TEMP WAS RAINING AND ABOUT 60 DEGREES. AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME IN DRY WEATHER AND AT NIGHT IT DID THE SAME THING FOR 136 MILES. THIS WAS AT NIGHT AND I TRIED TO KEEP IT AT 60 MPH. FINALLY DROPPING IT TO 50 AND FINALLY MADE IT HOME. I'M TAKING IT TO MY MECHANIC BUT WHEN I CALLED FORD WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I FIND THIS TO BE AN UNTRUTH AND FORD ( WHICH MY FAMILY HAS SWORN BY FOR MANY YEARS) REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2011
DRIVING DOWN A CONGESTED INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME "STOP IMMEDIATELY" WAS SCROLLING ACROSS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THERE IS NOT SUFFICIENT TIME TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IN TRAFFIC. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS WITH LITTLE ROOM FOR ERROR IN CITY TRAFFIC AS I FEEL LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING A TOTAL OF SIX TIMES BEFORE MAKING IT HOME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE IT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.