2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 178 |
| 2006 | 219 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 443 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 37 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2020 | 286 |
| 2021 | 121 |
| 2022 | 66 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: service brakes — 153 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE FAILURE. DURING NORMAL DRIVING I WAS COMING TO AN INTERSECTION TO STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS WAS ALMOST NON EXISTENT. THE ABS LIGHT AND A MESSAGE INDICATING 'REGEN SYSTEM DISABLED' CAME ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180906
WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED YELLOW, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE RED BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. A MESSAGE ON THE DASH SAID "REGEN BRAKES DISABLED".
NHTSA ODI report, 20180807
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT 50+ MPH ON AN POPULATED ROAD. HAD TO STOP USING EMERGENCY BRAKE AND DRIVING ON THE DIVIDER. BRAKE LOSS WAS DUE TO A FAILED MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER AND HYDOLIC CONTROL UNIT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180618
25% of complaints: steering — 111 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and power steering fluid.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240221
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231127
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
17% of complaints: engine — 74 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
While driving over 60 MPH the car will begin to say the engine is hot and sometimes without warning going to stop safely now however when you open the hood nothing is hot to touch and there's an extreme amount of coolant gone from the engine coolant...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
14% of complaints: electrical system — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
10% of complaints: power train — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120125
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Loss of power steering while driving
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (153 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (74 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.