MYRModel Year Report

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
443
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

35% of complaints

Complaints per year

2005: 178 complaints 2005 2006: 219 complaints 2007: 124 complaints 2008: 443 complaints 2008 443 2009: 153 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2011: 37 complaints 2011 2012: 15 complaints 2013: 5 complaints 2013 2020: 287 complaints 2021: 124 complaints 2021 2022: 68 complaints 2023: 23 complaints 2023 2024: 4 complaints 2025: 1 complaint 2025
2005: 178 complaints 2005 2006: 219 complaints 2006 2007: 124 complaints 2007 2008: 443 complaints 2008 443 2009: 153 complaints 2009 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 37 complaints 2011 2012: 15 complaints 2012 2013: 5 complaints 2013 2020: 287 complaints 2020 2021: 124 complaints 2021 2022: 68 complaints 2022 2023: 23 complaints 2023 2024: 4 complaints 2024 2025: 1 complaint 2025
2005: 178 complaints 2005 2006: 219 complaints 2006 2007: 124 complaints 2007 2008: 443 complaints 2008 443 2009: 153 complaints 2009 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 37 complaints 2011 2012: 15 complaints 2012 2013: 5 complaints 2013 2020: 287 complaints 2020 2021: 124 complaints 2021 2022: 68 complaints 2022 2023: 23 complaints 2023 2024: 4 complaints 2024 2025: 1 complaint 2025

2008: 443 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2005178
2006219
2007124
2008443
2009153
201059
201137
201215
20135
2020287
2021124
202268
202323
20244
20251

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

35% · 153 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH
Show 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, 2018-09-06

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, 2018-08-07

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, 2018-06-18

Steering

25% · 111 reports

Most commonly citing column and power steering fluid.

CRASH
Show 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, 2024-02-21

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, 2023-11-27

Also filed under Power train

Engine

17% · 74 reports
CRASH
Show 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, 2026-07-13

Electrical system

14% · 64 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

Power train

10% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

FIRE
Show 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, 2012-01-25

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2008Complaint volume 443 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2012-10-02Defect petitionClosed 2013-02-21 Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
  3. I
    2015-04-01Defect petitionClosed 2018-06-14 Loss of power steering while driving
  4. I
    2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 153 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 111 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 74 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.