2008 Ford Escape
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 996 |
| 2002 | 1027 |
| 2003 | 558 |
| 2004 | 499 |
| 2005 | 1394 |
| 2006 | 464 |
| 2007 | 254 |
| 2008 | 1973 |
| 2009 | 1692 |
| 2010 | 2068 |
| 2011 | 1316 |
| 2012 | 598 |
| 2013 | 2744 |
| 2014 | 2077 |
| 2015 | 1073 |
| 2016 | 1092 |
| 2017 | 2664 |
| 2018 | 1774 |
| 2019 | 578 |
| 2020 | 1586 |
| 2021 | 335 |
| 2022 | 228 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
57% of complaints: steering — 1132 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and electric power assist system.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE. THE POWER STEERING FAULT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180312
POWER STEERING FAILURE AT 108K MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180124
MY DAUGHTER WAS ON HER WAY TO SCHOOL WHEN ENTERING A CURVE IN THE ROAD HER STEERING LOCKED UP SHE THEN WENT OFF THE ROAD AN STRUCK A CULVERT WENT AIRBORNE AND WHEN COMING DOWN STARTED ROLLING SHE WAS THROWN OUT OF THE CAR EVEN THOUGH SHE HAD HER...
NHTSA ODI report, 20120405
17% of complaints: power train — 335 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
CRASH9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 177 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cables.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: service brakes — 139 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180202
7% of complaints: electrical system — 137 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250625
Also filed under LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
SAFETY TIMELINE
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
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 VE
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.
Campaign 10E043000 — check if this car was fixed
Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
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.
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.
Campaign 14V284000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 14V526000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of power steering while driving
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...
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.
Campaign 15E045000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 15V606000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Ford Escape — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1132 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (335 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (177 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V284000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V526000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E045000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V606000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Ford Escape reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Ford Escape is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Escape?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Escape have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.