2008 Ford Escape: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Ford Escape has 4828 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train. Owners most often flag *2013-2019 generation:.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

4,828
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
144
Crash reports
14
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
2470
power train
744
service brakes
584
vehicle speed control
400
electrical system
398

Recalls affecting the 2008 Escape

suspension:front:wheel bearing

Campaign 15E045000

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 Tr

hybrid propulsion system

Campaign 14V526000

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 manufacture

power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift

Campaign 15V606000

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 3.0

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 14V284000

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 t

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, with no single consensus. Long-term owners of the first-generation (circa 2001-2007) and second-generation (circa 2008-2012) models with V6 engines report them as durable "tanks" capable of high mileag

  • *2013-2019 Generation:
  • Catastrophic engine failure (coolant intrusion into cylinders) – Affects 1.5L, 1.6L, and some 2.0L EcoBoost engines. Described as a design defect leading to eventual engine replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Numerous recalls – Including for bush bearings that inhibit gear changes and other safety items, with parts often on backorder. Frequency: very frequent.
  • High-pressure fuel system failures – Camshaft wear leading to fuel pump failure, requiring engine removal on some models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission problems – Including failures, notably with the 6F35 transmission unless fluid is changed very regularly. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Escape.

Typical used price

Used Escape listings typically run $21,780–$28,463 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Escape model years