2008 Ford Escape recalls and problems
The 2008 Ford Escape has 3 safety recalls and 1,974 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Ford Escape vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Ford Escape recalls
Recall 15V-606: Power Train
Problem: 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 3.0L 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.
Risk: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Recall 14V-526: Hybrid Propulsion System
Problem: 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, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Risk: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Recall 14V-284: Steering
Problem: 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 that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
2008 Ford Escape problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1,133 | |
| Power Train | 335 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 177 | |
| Electrical System | 138 | |
| Service Brakes | 120 | |
| Engine | 83 | |
| Unknown or Other | 55 | |
| Structure | 42 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 38 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 36 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 36 | |
| Suspension | 31 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 107
- Structure › Body — 28
- Steering › Column — 12
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 12
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 8
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 8
- Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 7
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines — 5
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 Ford Escape complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Escape years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Ford Escape: 15V-606 (power train), 14V-526 (hybrid propulsion system), 14V-284 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford Escape?
Owners report steering problems most often (1,133 reports), followed by power train (335). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.