Worst 2008 Ford Escape Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Unintended Acceleration
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Ford Escape.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 1,106 | 28 | — | 120,129 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 222 | 2 | — | 89,594 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 168 | 5 | — | 82,675 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 127 | 4 | 5 | 106,517 mi | |
| Brakes | 120 | 8 | — | 127,391 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 107 | — | — | 40,327 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 83 | 1 | — | 91,139 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 36 | — | — | 133,629 mi | |
| Fuel System | 36 | — | — | 114,063 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 30 | 2 | — | 125,371 mi | |
| Airbags | 28 | 15 | — | 73,774 mi | |
| Body Structure | 28 | 3 | — | 88,958 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 24 | — | 1 | 63,907 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 20 | — | — | 71,522 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 18 | — | — | 39,390 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 16 | 2 | — | 85,002 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 14 | 2 | — | 83,276 mi | |
| Visibility | 13 | — | — | 39,551 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 12 | — | — | 38,604 mi | |
| Steering:Column | 12 | — | — | 100,300 mi | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 8 | — | — | 19,400 mi | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal | 8 | 1 | — | 114,364 mi | |
| Steering:Electric Power Assist System | 7 | — | — | 141,500 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | 1 | 68,086 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 6 | — | — | 118,083 mi | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooling Unit And Lines | 5 | — | — | 34,350 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | — | 59,500 mi | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | — | — | 58,164 mi | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 4 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Escape. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2008 Ford Escape
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~811,144 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Other Ford Escape Years
2008 Ford Escape — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Ford Escape reliable?
What are common problems with the 2008 Ford Escape?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Ford Escape?
How safe is the 2008 Ford Escape?
Does the 2008 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2008 Ford Escape?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Escape reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2008 Ford Escape
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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