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.
Power train, Apr 27, 2009
I HAD COME BACK FROM A BUSINESS TRIP AND HAD PARKED THE CAR AT THE AIRPORT. WHEN I STARTED DRIVING, THE CAR WAS LURCHING, FEELING LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THIS CONTINUED ALL THE WAY HOME. THE NEXT DAY, IT WORSENED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAD TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION AND DO MANY OTHER THINGS SURROUNDING THAT AS ALL THE FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT. LUCKILY, IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 27, 2009
I WAS ACCELERATING ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP AND SUDDENLY MY GAS PEDAL WAS NOT THERE - IT WAS LIMP. I CALLED FOR A TOW AND IT IS NOW AT THE DEALER. THEY SAY THE THROTTLE BODY IS STICKING AND THE CABLE IS BROKEN. THIS HAPPENED RIGHT BEFORE RUSH HOUR AND LUCKILY I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OUT OF THE TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED OR I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN KILLED. *TR
Power train, Apr 17, 2009
I PURCHASED MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN DECEMBER, 2008 WITH 35K MILES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A LEAK IN MY TRANSMISSION COOLER. I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS HAS BEEN A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2008 ESCAPE. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THE WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE, BUT IT STILL IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON A VEHICLE THAT IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD. *TR
Traction control system, Apr 14, 2009
MY BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS OFTEN WHEN BRAKING. IT AS THOUGH THE BRAKES STOP WORKING FOR A SPLIT SECOND, SIMILAR TO HOW IT CAN FEEL WHEN THE ANTILOCK BRAKES COME ON SKIPPING SOME IF ON ICE. BUT THIS IS OCCURRING ON DRY PAVEMENT. WHEN I BROUGHT THIS IN TO FORD THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND AN ISSUE, BUT SAID THE BRAKES ON THE FORD 2008 ARE NOT THE GREATEST SO I SHOULD PROBABLY GET THEM REPLACED AND THIS MAY SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I ALLOWED THE FRONT BRAKES TO BE CHANGED, THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOTICED THAT EACH TIME WHEN I FEEL THE BRAKES SLIP, THE ABS ACTIVE/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON IN MY CAR. HAS THERE BEEN OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THIS SAME ISSUE? *TR
Tires, Apr 6, 2009
2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT. TIRE VALVE WAS CRACKED AND CAUSED A FLAT THAT TRIGGERED TPMS AIR , AT INSPECTION TIRE SHOP FOUND ALL TIRE VALVES WERE CRACKED THE VEHICLE HAS 22K MILES AND WAS FIRST DOLT TO ME ON MAY 2007. *TR
Air bags, Mar 25, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OR CRASH OCCURRING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE MODERATE FORCE. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL, WINDSHIELD, AND STEERING WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 111,000.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Mar 14, 2009
MY WIFE WAS STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL WHILE TRAVELING UP AN ON RAMP, THE GAS PEDAL BROKE OFF, SHE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Power train, Mar 13, 2009
2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID, COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WITH LESS THAN 1/4 MILE WARNING. FORD HAS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS PROBLEM: # 7-25-9 (DEC. 24-07) AND 08-3-3 (FEB. 18-08). REPAIR IS A SIMPLE CALIBRATION. SINCE THIS IS A SERIOUS, POTENTIALLY DEADLY DEFECT, WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS? FORD WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE MY MILEAGE WAS BEYOND WARRANTY. IT WAS NOT BEYOND WARRANTY WHEN THE FIRST TSB WAS ISSUED. IF THIS HAD BEEN A RECALL AND FORD HAD BEEN REQUIRED TO NOTIFY ME, I WOULD HAVE HAD IT FIXED THEN, BEFORE IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THANK YOU. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2009
MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE WAS PURCHASED ON DECEMBER 31, 2007 ON MAY 22, 2008, WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE CABLE SNAPPED AND THE GAS PETAL WOULD NOT FUNCTION. I WAS GOING 65 MPH AND THIS PUT ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS POSITION. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ACCELERATING AND HAD TO BE PUSHED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. I WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THERE I WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ON AUGUST 13, 2008, I EXITED FROM THE EXPRESSWAY, PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE THROTTLE CABLE SNAPPED AGAIN. I WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. AGAIN, I WAS TOLD WE DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENED. I NEW CABLE WAS INSTALLED. ON MARCH 3, 2009, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE CABLE SNAPPED AGAIN. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION, I WENT FROM 65 MPH TO NOTHING DURING INTENSE RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN WAS TOLD WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. *TR
Power train, Mar 4, 2009
WE BOUGT A 2008 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO,IT NOW HAS 70,000 MILES AND TRANSMISSION IS STARTING TO GO OUT., AND WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THE COMPRESSOR AND THE GEARBOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRASMISSION FLUID POURS OUT AND IT SHIFTS SO HARD INTO FIRST AND SECOND GEAR THAT TIRES SPIN. *TR
Power train, Mar 4, 2009
I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT ON BEHALF OF MY DAUGHTER. HER 2008 FORD ESCAPE STARTED JERKING AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING THEN ENGAGING. UPON CHECKING THE FLUID LEVEL I FOUND IT WAS SHOWING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DIPSTICK. MY DAUGHTER IS A REGISTERED NURSE AND DOES A LOT OF DRIVING WITHIN OUR TRI-STATE AREA SO AS STRANGE AS I THOUGHT IT WAS TO BE THAT LOW, I ADDED 2 QTS. OF FLUID. TWO DAYS LATER IT WAS THE SAME SITUATION AGAIN EXCEPT THIS TIME I HAD HER MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. AFTER DEALER INSPECTION SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED REPLACED. I CALLED THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER TO SEE IF WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER THE 3YR. 38,000 MI. WARRANTY BECAUSE HER MILEAGE WAS AT 43641. I ASKED ABOUT IT BEING COVERED UNDER THE 5YR. 60,000 MI. POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BECAUSE IT IS CALLED A TRANSMISSION COOLER, AGAIN I WAS TOLD NO. NOW I AM SURE NOT A ROCKET SCIENTIST BUT TO ME A TRANSMISSION COOLER SOUNDS AS IF IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION OPERATION! MY ARGUMENTS WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR PROVED FRUITLESS. WHAT REALLY TICKED ME OFF WAS WHEN THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE MECHANIC WHO HANDLED THE REPAIR SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER WAS LEAKING IN THE SEAM (FAULTY WORKMANSHIP???). THE END RESULT IS THE REPAIR COST MY DAUGHTER $667.04. WHEN I ASKED TO SEE THE OLD PART THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE MECHANIC HELD ONTO IT BECAUSE EACH MECHANIC KEEPS OLD PARTS TO SELL AS SCRAP. I WENT BACK AND GOT THE OLD TRANS. COOLER BECAUSE I FIGURED IF ANYONE SHOULD MONEY OUT OF THE SCRAP ALUMINUM IT SHOULD BE MY DAUGHTER. THE PLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION COOLER RIGHT BEHIND THE GRILLE IS THE STUPIDEST DESIGN. WHY WASN'T SOME TYPE OF GUARD INSTALLED IN FRONT OF IT? *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT IMPROPERLY. THERE WERE INTERMITTENT HARSH SHIFTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLING UNIT AND LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,000.
Power train, Feb 21, 2009
WE BOUGHT THE ESCAPE IN MARCH 2008 WITH 17,000 MILES AND NOW HAVE 41,000 MILES. THE OTHER DAY IT STARTED TO NOT SHIFT RIGHT SO WE CHECKED THE FLUIDS AND SAW THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS VERY LOW. WE FILLED IT AND IT STILL WASN'T REGISTERING AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING. DEALER SAID THERE IS A SLOW LEAK AND WE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT AT OUR COST BECAUSE WE'RE OVER THE 35,000 MILE WARRANTY. SERVICE MANAGER ADMITTED THAT THE LEAK MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE STARTED WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT COULD NOT GO BACK. CALLED FORD AND GOT NOWHERE WITH THEM. DID RESEARCH LAST NIGHT AND SAW ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ALONG WITH THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HEADING BACK TO THE DEALER THIS MORNING TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THE TSB. THE VEHICLE WILL SIT IN THE DRIVEWAY UNTIL FORD OR THE DEALER STEPS UP AND PAYS FOR THIS. FORD KNOWS IT'S A DEFECT SO WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO SPEND THE ESTIMATED $800 TO CORRECT IT. HOPING THEY END UP RECALLING THIS TO SAVE OTHER CONSUMERS THE HASSLE WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH. *TR
Power train, Feb 19, 2009
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO EARLIER COMPLAINT #10256871 DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DO REPAIRS TO VEHICLE AT EARLIER DATE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. VEHICLE NOW QUIT MOVING IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC REQUIRING IT BE TOWED. DEALER NOW REPLACED ENTIRE TRANSMISSION DUE TO COMPLETE INTERNAL FAILURE WHICH APPEARED TO BE CAUSED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION TO INTERNAL COMPONENTS. DEALER COMMENTED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE A COOLER RELATED DESIGN PROBLEM, WHICH RESTRICTS FLUID FLOW IN COLD CLIMATES. *TR
Power train, Feb 16, 2009
HAVE A 2008 ESCAPE WITH 15,500 MILES AND IT BEGAN SHIFTING HARD. TOOK A SHORT TRIP AND PROBLEM WORSENED. HUSBAND NOTED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING, RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. TOOK VEHICLE TO SHOP AND THEY DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER NEEDED REPLACED. STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO THERE WAS NO COST TO ME OTHER THAN A DAY WITHOUT MY VEHICLE AND SHOP WAS EXCELLENT IN CLEANING MY VEHICLE FROM ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID SPLATTERS. GREAT SERVICE BUT THIS PROBLEM ON SO MANY OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE A RECALLED ITEM. *TR
Power train, Feb 13, 2009
MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE IS CURRENTLY AT 16000 MILES AND I HAVE NOTICED FOR ABOUT A WEEK THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING. THEN WHEN I PUT IT INTO REVERSE, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL BUT DOESN'T. HOWEVER, WHEN THEN GOING INTO DRIVE MY CAR HAS STALLED 4 TIMES. I TOOK IT TODAY AND THAT WAS THE SECOND CAR TODAY BROUGHT IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY AUTOMATICALLY SAID IT WOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF DAYS AND GOT ME A RENTAL CAR TILL TUESDAY. *TR
Suspension, Feb 12, 2009
WHEN STANDING AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IT HAS A NOTICEABLE LEAN TO THE DRIVERS' SIDE (BOTH FRONT AND REAR) OF ALMOST 1/2 INCH. THERE HAVE BEEN NO MODIFICATIONS DONE, TIRES ARE ALL THE SAME SIZE AND PROPERLY INFLATED AND IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE TANK IS FULL OR EMPTY. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM BUT IS UNWILLING TO PURSUE IT. *TR
Power train, Feb 2, 2009
I BROUGHT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER NOTICING IT WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID TOWARD THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE OF THE CAR. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE CAR WITH NEEDING A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION COOLER AT A TOTAL COST OF $1,142. MY ESCAPE WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE OF 2007 AND HAS JUST GONE OUT OF WARRANTY HAD JUST OVER 40,000 MILES WHEN FLUID STARTED LEAKING. TSB 08-5-7 WAS ISSUED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. DEALERSHIP OFFERED 60 (FORD)/40 (ME) SPLIT OF COST, BUT I THINK THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED SINCE IT IS ADMITTEDLY A DESIGN FLAW. I'VE ALSO READ OF MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME EXPERIENCE. FORD SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jan 29, 2009
VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE AFTER DRIVING ABOUT TEN MILES. SUB ZERO WEATHER, VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HEATED GARAGE. IT WORKED OK OUT OF GARAGE, AFTER DRIVEN FOR THE TEN MILES REVERSE SLIPPED BADLY. POWERTRAIN LIGHT ON DEALER CHECKED FOR CODES AND CODE READ AS UNKNOWN PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION NOW HAS DELAYED ENGAGEMENT INTO REVERSE. DEALER CHECKED FLUID AND IT IS BURNT, AGAIN NO KNOWN CODES YET LIGHT IS STILL ON. VEHICLE IS 4 CYLINDER WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE. *TR
Visibility, Jan 29, 2009
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE PROBLEM CONCERNS THE WIPERS. EACH TIME IT HAS SNOWED AND WE HAVE NEEDED TO DRIVE IN IT, SNOW AND ICE BUILDS UP ON THE MIDDLE 2/3RDS OF THE BLADE LIFTING IT ENOUGH SO THE BLADE DOES NOT MAKE CONTACT AND CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND ASKED FOR "WINTER BLADES", I WAS TOLD THAT WAS NOT AVAILABLE, I THEN ASKED IF THEY COULD PUT DIFFERENT ARMS ON OUR VEHICLE SO IT COULD ACCEPT "REGULAR" WIPERS, I WAS AGAIN TOLD NO. THE WIPER IS CALLED A CONTOUR WIPER AND WHAT BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR CONSUMER LINE HAVE TOLD ME, THERE IS NO OTHER WIPER ARM OR BLADE THAT WILL FIT THIS VEHICLE. OK, NOW THE DANGER FACTOR ARISES WHEN DRIVING IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE BLADE LOOSES CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD, HENCE THE WINDSHIELD BUILDS UP SNOW AND ICE AND VISIBILITY IS NEAR ZERO. THE ONLY WAY TO CLEAN IT IS TO STOP, NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE AND CLEAN IT, AND THIS IS NOT EASY ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY, PROBLEM IS, WHEN YOU LOSE VISIBILITY, YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO STOP WHEREVER YOU ARE. THE DESIGN IS SO POOR AND I CAN NOT BELIEVE IN ANY TESTING THAT THIS DID NOT ARISE. AND TO DESIGN AND PUT SUCH A LIMITED AVAILABILITY PRODUCT ON A VEHICLE THAT CAUSES SUCH A DANGEROUS CONDITION IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. THEY DO NOT HAVE A SINGLE OPTION FOR A CONSUMER TO REPLACE THESE WIPERS EXCEPT WITH THE EXACT SAME DANGEROUS PRODUCT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I MAY GET FORD TO TAKE A RETURN ON THIS VEHICLE OR TO REPLACE THIS WIPER. THANKS. *TR
Power train, Jan 28, 2009
TOTAL TRANSMISSION COOLER FAILURE AT 48,000 MILES. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE GARAGE DOOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED HUGE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EXPLODED AND THE BACK OF THE HOUSE AND THE GARAGE DOOR WERE BLOWN AWAY AS A RESULT. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR TWO DAYS AND DISPLAYED NO SIGNS OF FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE HOME AND THE VEHICLE WERE DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD FORWARD THE COMPLAINT TO THEIR ATTORNEY AND CALL THE CONTACT BACK WITH AN UPDATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Power train, Jan 23, 2009
I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE THAT I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND WHEN PUT INTO REV. IT WOULD SLIP AND OR CHATTER. WHEN I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED TO ME THAT THEY CAN NOT GET IT TO DO WHAT IT DID FOR ME. THIS HAPPEN FOR A FEW DAYS. IT STARTED TO DO IT WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE AND AFTER DRIVING IT. I HAVE 333000 MILES ON IT AND DO A LOT OF OUT OF TOWN DRIVING. I WOULD LIKE IT FIXED BEFORE IT LEAVES ME STRANDED OUT OF TOWN. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD IT FOR A WEEK NOW AND STILL CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH IT. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO CODE SET FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Jan 21, 2009
THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT DOES NOT WANT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WHEN IT IS PUT INTO REVERSE. THE WHOLE VEHICLE IS "CHUGS" OR SHAKES WHEN IT IS REVERSING AT SLOW SPEEDS. HAS BECOME WORSE WITH TIME. VEHICLE PURCHASED MAY 2008 AND HAS 14,000KM. CURRENTLY IN THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Power train, Jan 17, 2009
TRANSMISSION ISSUES. DOESN'T CATCH INTO REVERSE GEAR AND CANNOT GO IN REVERSE. SHIFTS INTO WHAT FEELS LIKE SECOND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR