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2008 Ford Escape: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationOne of the worst Escape years.
One of the Ford Escape years to avoid. All Escape years
4,834 owner complaints, most about steering. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Escape?The 2008 Ford Escape has 4834 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train. Owners most often flag transmission failure on 2008 models, requiring replacement before 150,000 miles.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Ford Escape vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Escape years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Escape?
Across the 27 Escape model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2000) to 4,834 (2008). With 4,834 complaints, the 2008 Escape sits above the model's median of 1,110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Escape
suspension:front:wheel bearing
Campaign 15E045000The 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.
hybrid propulsion system
Campaign 14V526000Ford 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.
power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Campaign 15V606000Ford 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.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 14V284000Ford 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.
Show 1 more recall
equipment
Campaign 10E043000MARATHON 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.
What owners report on the 2nd generation Escape
Owners of the 2008-2012 Escape generally describe it as a tough, capable, and reliable small SUV, with many praising its snow performance, off-road ability for a unibody crossover, and overall durability at high mileage.
- RecurrentTransmission failure on 2008 models, requiring replacement before 150,000 miles
- RecurrentElectric power steering torque sensor failure after 100,000 miles
Causing power steering loss at highway speed.
- RecurrentRust on rear wheel wells, shock mounts, and front subframe, especially in salt-belt regions
- RecurrentWater pump failure on V6 models, difficult to replace and can cause engine overheating
- RecurrentA/C desiccant bag rupture in receiver dryer on 2009-2012 models
Filling system with sand and requiring full system replacement.
Owner insights for the 2nd generation Escape. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Escape listings typically run $9,995–$20,378.
Other Escape model years
Compare every Escape year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escape against its rivals
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