2008 Ford Escape problems
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company since the 2001 model year. The first Ford SUV derived from a car platform, the Escape fell below the Ford Explorer in size; the Escape is currently sized between the Ford EcoSport and Ford Edge. The 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid-electric vehicle from Ford, and the first hybrid produced as an SUV.
The first two generations of the Escape used the Ford CD2 platform (jointly developed with Mazda), leading to the release of the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner; as with the Escape, both the Tribute and Mariner were marketed in North America. In Europe, the Escape was initially branded as the Ford Maverick from 2001 to 2008 (replacing a Nissan-produced SUV).
Under the mid-2000s "One Ford" globalization strategy, the third and fourth-generation designs of the Escape have been unified with the Ford Kuga, designed by Ford of Europe. Sharing a common body and chassis underpinnings (and several engines), the Escape and Kuga are manufactured in their home markets. As with previous generations, the fourth-generation Escape is offered with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Outside of North America, the Ford Escape is marketed in Australia, China, and Taiwan.
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Common 2008 Ford Escape problems
The 2008 Ford Escape is a compact four-door SUV that has been praised for its comfortable interior and impressive list of standard safety features. However, there are several common problems reported by owners of this vehicle, which are detailed below.
- Ignition Misfires: A common issue reported by owners is ignition misfires, which can lead to rough idling and poor engine performance. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or clogged fuel injectors.
- Check Engine Light and Hesitation or Stumbling While Driving: The check engine light is often a sign of various issues, including misfires, faulty oxygen sensors, or loose gas caps. When the engine hesitates or stumbles while driving, it can be a sign of ignition or fuel system problems.
- Internal Transfer Case Problem on the 4WD Models: The 4WD models of the 2008 Ford Escape are prone to internal transfer case problems, which can lead to difficulty shifting gears or even complete transmission failure. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out gears or a faulty transfer case control module.
- Throttle Body Problems: The throttle body is responsible for regulating the amount of air that enters the engine. When it fails, it can lead to issues such as rough idling, poor acceleration, and stalling. Throttle body failures are common in the 2008 Ford Escape, occurring at around 70,000 miles.
- MAF Sensor Problems: The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air that enters the engine. When it becomes contaminated, it can lead to issues such as the check engine light coming on and poor engine performance. Cleaning the MAF sensor usually helps.
- Electric Power Steering Problems: The electric power steering system in the 2008 Ford Escape has been known to cause issues, even after a successful recall. If the repair is not covered by warranty, it can be expensive.
- ABS Sensor Problems: The ABS sensor measures the speed of the wheels and sends this information to the ABS system. When the ABS light illuminates and the traction control starts acting erratically, it can be a sign of a broken front ABS sensor ring.
- Sway Bar Links: Worn-out front sway bar links can cause a knocking noise when driving slowly over small bumps. This is a simple and affordable repair.
- Exploding Windows: The rear windows of the 2008 Ford Escape are prone to exploding, even with minor impacts. This is due to the way the rear glass is made, and replacement can cost around $550.
- Transmission Failures: Transmission failures are common in the 2008 Ford Escape, occurring at around 35,000 miles. Replacing the transmission can cost around $3,000.
- Liftgate Release Switch: Corrosion at the liftgate release switch can cause the rear glass or the liftgate to not open from the outside. The release switch is inexpensive and easy to replace.
- Axle Shaft Seal Leaks: The Second Generation Escapes' leaking left axle shaft seal is a common problem that can lead to leaking fluid and damage to the surrounding components.
In summary, the 2008 Ford Escape has several common problems reported by owners, including ignition misfires, check engine light and hesitation or stumbling while driving, internal transfer case problems, throttle body problems, MAF sensor problems, electric power steering problems, ABS sensor problems, sway bar links, exploding windows, transmission failures, liftgate release switch, and axle shaft seal leaks. These problems can be expensive to repair and can affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.
What is the most common problem with a 2008 Ford Escape?
These are the most common problems for 2008 Ford Escapes: Engine and transmission failure: The complete failure of both of these costly parts have been reported by many owners, requiring replacement. Engine hesitation: The engine is reported to hesitate, stumble or lose power while in motion.
How many miles does a 2008 Ford Escape last?
How Long Will the 2008 Ford Escape Last? A properly maintained 2008 Escape will last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too costly to repair, which is 100,000 miles less than a Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, at $515 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Is there a recall on a 2008 Ford Escape transmission?
2008 Ford Escape Recalls
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.
What was the worst year for the Ford Escape?
A: Buyers should avoid the 2013, 2014, and 2008 Ford Escape models. These years are known for significant reliability issues, with the 2013 and 2014 models having serious engine and transmission problems and the 2008 model experiencing the most complaints regarding transmission and steering system issues.
What is the most common problem with a 2008 Ford Escape?
These are the most common problems for 2008 Ford Escapes: Engine and transmission failure: The complete failure of both of these costly parts have been reported by many owners, requiring replacement. Engine hesitation: The engine is reported to hesitate, stumble or lose power while in motion.
What is the reliability of a 2008 Ford Escape?
The 2008 Escape only lasts around 150,000 miles with many transmission and engine failures. At $4,916 – 5,092, it's not worth buying since you'll spend twice as much on repairs. The passenger room is above average, the infotainment system is easy to use and visibility is good.
Is Ford Escape 2008 fuel efficient?
Based on data from 285 vehicles, 23,466 fuel-ups and 6,064,696 miles of driving, the 2008 Ford Escape gets a combined Avg MPG of 22.35 with a 0.07 MPG margin of error.
What was the worst year for the Ford Escape?
A: Buyers should avoid the 2013, 2014, and 2008 Ford Escape models. These years are known for significant reliability issues, with the 2013 and 2014 models having serious engine and transmission problems and the 2008 model experiencing the most complaints regarding transmission and steering system issues.
2008 Ford Escape car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Escape problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Ford Escape vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Ford Escape
The NHTSA has received 2371 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Ford Escape. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Ford Escape vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 1FMCU93Z48K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and excessive effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective power steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was also notified of the failure and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was given the same diagnosis as the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a tire rotation, and the contact was informed that the subframe was rusted. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection at the same local independent mechanic during another routine tire rotation, it was noticed that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that rust was a category that was not inspected or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was not available.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 1FMCU93178K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVE TO COLLEGE AND STOPPED FOR GAS. SHE CALLED ME SAYING THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. BUT SHE HAD NOT LOST POWER STEERING. SHE CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER SAYING SHE COULD NOT TURN HER STEERING WHEEL TO GET TURNED AROUND TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL. I CAME TO ASSIST HER AND SURE ENOUGH THE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO TURN, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS BLINK ON THE DASH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I FINALLY GOT THE CAR TURNED AROUND AND STARTED BACK TO OUR MECHANIAC. SHE FOLLOWED BEHIND. I FOUND THE SLOWER I WOULD GO THE HARDER IT BECAME TO STEER. I DID A SOLID 50-55 MPH ALL THE WAY THERE BUT COULD FEEL THE TIGHTNESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. WE MADE IT TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND SAID HE COULDN'T GET IT TO START AND WE NEEDED TO TAKE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CAR SCANNED. WE CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T GET TO IT FOR ANOTHER 2-3 WEEKS AND REFERRED US TO A COMPANY IN A 4-5 HOUR AWAY TO GET A USED PART AND COME TO US TO FIX. WE RESEARCHED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND FOUND 14S05. SINCE WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR AND NEVER WERE NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OR WERE TOLD ABOUT A CURRENT RECALL AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, WE STARTED TO SEARCH IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN FIXED BY THE FIRST OWNER (OUT OF POCKET) OR THROUGH THE RECALL. PLEASE ANY INFORMATION AND/OR GUIDANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
- VIN: 1FMCU59H98K
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Tire size: P235/70 R16 Since April, 2024 this tire started inflated every week. After 2-3 weeks trial I decided to take it to the tire shop, after they tested it, no error was detected. Then they told me that technically this tire is defected. It costed me $75-90.00 bucks just for the diagnostics. At that point, I did not have a choice but to buy a new tire. The new tire cost me another $140.00+, before down time and a waste of energy. Time is everything in this country. Thank you,
STEERING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-17
- VIN: 1FMCU93168K
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault," message displayed; after which, the driver became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 1FMCU93Z88K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Driving and lost power steering. Replaced torque sensor within the steering column, but power steering is still a no go.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
- VIN: 1FMCU03128K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The power steering while driving goes out and trys locking
STEERING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-06
- VIN: 1FMCU93198K
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was firm and difficult to maneuver. After coming to a stop, the failure progressed, and the steering wheel became extremely firm. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a steering sensor rotation failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recently occurred and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 161,432.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-12
- VIN: 1FMCU59H98K
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Tire Size: P235/70R16 104T In the first week of April, 2024, the rear passenger side tire was showing low air. I took it to a tire shop close by. They checked it and could not find any defection, except air. They inflated and balanced it. I started driving it hoping everything would be OK. After 3 days the same thing happened. Again, I took it to a different tire shop, and they took their time and thoroughly checked, no nails or air leak at all. At that point and after I told them the history of the tire, they suggested that it is a manufacturer's defect or it is a defected tire. More over, the tire guy advised me to contact the NHTSA or the manufacturer. On top the purchasing price, I spent $60.00 for inspection, the purchasing price was $112.50, from Walmart. In conclusion, I purchased a new tire and replaced it, and costed me to mount it. I did not have a choice, and I kept the bad tire. I had to go through all these, because of the defected tire, or the manufacturer's fault. I cant't live without or I do everything with my car, and I have only 1 car. Car is a big part of my/our daily life in America. You guys can take it from here. That is all. Thank you
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-12
- VIN: 1FMCU931X8K
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked and attempting to shift into drive(D), the contact had to shift into 2nd gear prior to shifting into drive(D) to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel was sized and became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-31
- VIN: 1FMCU59H58K
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS brake light goes on and off and regen system disabled appeared. Brake pedal goes between being spongy and going to floor. I took it to an independent service center and the mechanic almost lost control of the car when test driving. There was no braking except to one wheel, which is why he almost lost control. They thought they fixed the problem by bleeding the brakes, but soon after I got it back on April 8, 2024 the ABS and brake lights came back on April 10, 2024. I am afraid that it will cause an accident if the brakes go out. The car is back at the mechanics and they are going to inspect the brake system. Not sure when the car will be fixed and returned back to me.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 1FMCU59H58K
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car was scheduled for the mechanic for ABS brake issues on April 8, 2024. On April 1, 2024 I was driving on the highway at 65 mph when I lost power to the gas pedal. I could have been seriously injured from other motor vehicles. There was no warning lights, no messages, nothing. I got to the side of the road at about 20 mph. I turned off the vehicle and then turned it back on when the engine light came on and the wrench light. I turned it off again and on and no lights lit up. I was towed to my mechanic and they were able to repeat the incident. The mechanic took it off the tow trailer and he said there are no warning lights when he turned the car on. I told him they went off when I turned the car back on on the highway. The throttle body is the part that went bad and was replaced by the mechanic.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-02
- VIN: 1FMCU93148K
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: My escape keeps having the brakes go to the floor. Then they will be fine again for a while and then go to the floor again and have to be pumped to stop. The brake components are good. We replaced the master cylinder, continued to have the problem. Blakes bled by mechanic twice, again the same problem. Mechanic has determined it is a failure with the hydraulic control module. In researching they are back ordered everywhere and there is none available. In further research we have found that there have been over 200000 complaints. Ford wants us to pay 1000.00 to buy a new module and mechanic wants 500.00 to replace it. But again there are not any units available even from the Ford Dealer. Ford needs to recall this part and make them available to be replaced. This is a serious safety issue. Ours have never completely failed but there are many people who say theirs have. Ours is very dangerous if you should have to hit your brakes suddenly and they do not stop or they skid.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: 1FMCU93188K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The torque sensor in my steering wheel is malfunctioning. My steering wheel vibrates and shakes while I’m driving and while I’m sitting in park. There was a recall for this exact issue for 2008-2012 ford escapes, yet this website says my car does not have any recalls…I have videos of my steering wheel shaking.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-27
- VIN: 1FMCU93108K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Power steering was lost randomly during driving. Before completely going out the steering wheel starting vibrating uncontrollably. Later, the Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist message appeared on dash memo.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-27
- VIN: 1FMCU03Z08K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while making a turn from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-19
- VIN: 1FMCU59H48K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated while starting the vehicle later that day, the power steering was no longer functional, and the message was displayed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- VIN: 1FMCU03Z38K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) which was linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-09
- VIN: 1FMCU931X8K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the power steering malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 176,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-05
- VIN: 1FMCU02Z68K
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: When driving, the gas pedal will get stuck down and you will not be able to apply more pressure to the pedal to accelerate. This often happens when I go to change gear and then go back to the gas pedal to accelerate again. This typically will only happen from time to time but today it occurred every time I went to change gears. I had to pull over on the highway because I was unable to keep up with traffic and the weather was quite snowy and it was unsafe for me to try to drive without keeping speed with traffic.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-02
- VIN: 1FMCU03148K
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I’ve bought this 08 escape from a mechanic shop out right as is… had to problems with it at all until a couple of months my steering wheel started to shake, then it got worse to the point where I had to put a firm grip on the wheel, looked it up and did some research on it apparently there was a recall on this a while back due because of the power steering motor,
STEERING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-27
- VIN: 1FMCU49H08K
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay while shifting into third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that when turning the steering wheel while driving, the vehicle failed to respond immediately and responded with a significant delay. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more frequently while driving. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V284000 (Steering) and 15V606000 (Power Train). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- VIN: 1FMCU03118K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of a parking space at slow speeds, the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering), and the VIN was included but had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-01
- VIN: 1FMCU03Z38K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 191,625.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-08
- VIN: 1FMCU03Z08K
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Steering stops and starts working randomly making it hard to turn corners and into gas stations
2008 Ford Escape recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2008 Ford Escape.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Timken Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: MARATHON SEAT COVERS, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2008 Ford Escape car reviews
Positive 2008 Ford Escape car reviews
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In May 2, 2013, my 2008 vehicle was diagnosed with a transmission fluid leak from the condenser. Despite being 8 months out of warranty, I am still 10,000 miles under it. Although the repair cost ranges from $300 to $800, I am confident that this issue will be resolved. To get reimbursed for this problem, a recall must be published. To achieve this, approximately 150,000 complaints must be filed through Ford (1-888-392-3673) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (888-327-4236). Each call takes only 5-10 minutes, and we are one step closer to having a recall issued.
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I wasn't a fan of Ford at all, especially after having bad experiences with my Mustang and F250. My husband and I swore we would never buy another Ford again, as we were both Chevy fans. However, once I test drove my Escape, I knew I had to have it. Although I wasn't initially a fan of the automatic computer-controlled 4x4, it performs amazingly well in the snow! I've owned a Mustang, Camaro, Chevy Tahoe, multiple Chevy trucks, Ford F250, multiple Saturn cars, and multiple Honda Accords, but I must say that I would MUCH rather drive my Escape than any other vehicle I've ever owned!!
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The local auto repair shop informed me that my 2008 Escape's transmission cooler has been leaking for a long time. Despite having taken it to the Ford dealership where I purchased it for servicing, they never mentioned this issue. The extended warranty has expired 600 miles ago, and the dealership is asking for almost $600 to repair it. It is disappointing to see other '08 Escape owners experiencing similar problems with the transmission cooler. Ford must take responsibility for this recurring issue. As a long-time loyal Ford customer, I expect the company to replace this repeatedly defective part.
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I bought my 2008 Ford Escape in 2018 and it has been a great investment. Despite having a 4-cylinder inline engine, it is incredibly economical on gas, getting 22 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles on the highway. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, despite having 150,000 miles on it, the vehicle runs smoothly and without issue. Living in Colorado, where it snows frequently, I was worried about driving on the road, but the front-wheel drive and hydraulic steering make it easy to handle. The turning radius is great and the ride is very smooth. Additionally, there is plenty of cargo room, making it perfect for road trips or hauling items. I was able to get a great deal on the price since it was 10 years old, but it still has front and side airbags for safety. Overall, it is a comfortable and reliable vehicle for both the driver and passengers.
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Hello! Have you been looking for information on the 2008 Ford Transmission Fluid Cooler recall? You're in luck! This website has all the information you need. If you own a vehicle that may be affected, it's important to know that the cooler may develop a crack and leak transmission fluid, which can cause rough/harsh shifting and potential damage to the transmission. But don't worry, FMC has authorized your dealer to perform the necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor). This program will be in effect until August 31, 2010, regardless of mileage. Please don't hesitate to contact your dealer for more information or to schedule a repair. Thank you for choosing Ford!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Ford Escape problems:
2008 Ford Escape Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
May 17, 2022 ... The 2008 Escape only lasts around 150,000 miles with many transmission and engine failures. At $4,916 – 5,092, it's not worth buying since you' ...
What's your guys opinion of the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid? : r ...
Jun 28, 2022 ... This is somewhat true with any car. However you may have battery issues as well at that vintage and mileage.
2008 Ford Escape Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Problem with your 2008 Ford Escape? Our list of 11 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2008 Ford Escape.
2008 Ford Escape Transmission Problems: Q&A on Common Issues ...
Nov 16, 2011 ... Usually this is caused by the 2-4 band slipping due to one of the band anchors pulling away from the band. The steel anchor develops a small ...
2008 Ford Escape Reliability - Consumer Reports
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Other years of Ford Escape
Are you having problems with your 2008 Ford Escape?
Santos Ebert 2025-01-09
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2008 Escape that I bought used a year ago. The transmission pump had already been replaced before I bought it, which was a relief. While it's not the most comfortable ride on the highway (my butt usually goes numb), I find it really easy to drive in the city. The driver's seat is powered, which helps me gain some extra height since I'm only 5'6 and sometimes have trouble seeing over the steering wheel in larger vehicles. The controls are easy to figure out and are large enough for my fingers to handle. While this version doesn't have Ford Sync like newer vehicles, it does have an audio jack. In town, the handling is a breeze, but at higher speeds, it can be a bit of a challenge. However, the stability control really helps out. Thanks for listening!
Brendon Mosciski 2025-01-04
Between my last oil change/inspection at the dealership (where everything looked good), and the one this week, my car developed an oil leak. Unfortunately, there was no oil on my driveway to tip me off. The leakage was only seen when the car was on the lift, and oil was being sprayed on the underside. Since the source of the leak was not readily obvious, I had a dye test done. When the car was seen yesterday, quite a bit of oil had leaked out. The test points to a blown head gasket. Aside from the leak, I had absolutely no indication that there was a problem: no heavy exhaust, no idiot lights on. The bright side is that it was caught before I broke down, killed the engine, etc. I'm posting this mainly to vent. One thing is for absolute sure: I will never, ever buy another Ford.
Charles Graham 2024-10-28
I purchased this vehicle at 60,000 miles for $8000 (I'm at 102,000 now). At the time, I thought it was a great deal and would save me from the $350 monthly payments I was making. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a mistake. The transmission has been leaking about 1-2 quarts a week for the past two years and it has been a real challenge. Despite numerous repairs, the problem persists and the dealer who sold it to me is out of state and not responding to my calls. To make matters worse, when the car hit 100,000 miles, the radiator and water pump failed, adding to the expenses. I would not recommend this car to anyone. However, I have since purchased a 2016 Mazda CX-3 which has been the best car I have ever owned!
Carol Thompson 2024-10-04
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it back in 2008 for 10k and since then, I've put another 10k into it rebuilding the front end. Unfortunately, I've had to replace the transmission three times and repair the power steering. As others have mentioned, the seats are prone to water stains. One thing to note is that replacing three of the six spark plugs requires removing half of the engine, which can be a bit of a hassle. Overall, while I wouldn't choose to own this car again, I'm grateful for the time we've had together!
Tyree Ledner 2024-08-15
I had a very concerning incident happen with my 2008 Escape today that still has me shaken up. While merging into traffic on the highway, my accelerator completely broke! The gas pedal fell to the floor and the car wouldn't accelerate. I had 10 seconds to figure out what was going on, quickly applied my brakes and landed in the median, with 2 lanes of highway traffic going 70 MPH next to me. When my car was towed to the dealership, they informed me that the accelerator cable broke and I would owe $240. I was upset and called the Customer Service Department, but unfortunately, they were unable to assist me. I could have been hit by a tractor trailer with my kids in the car and I feel that Ford should have done more. I'm still feeling a bit shaken up and scared to drive it.