Car Yearsto Avoid

2008 Ford Escape Problems

What owners have reported about the 2008 Ford Escape, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2008 Ford Escape a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 1,974 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, transmission and acceleration and speed control.

1,974 complaints 5 recalls, 1 can stall 5th worst of 18 Escape years

Top 2008 Ford Escape problems

1

Steering problems

1,127 complaints (57%) name the steering, most often the column and electric power assist system.

Complaints 1,127 · Usually at 89,000–145,000 miles · Recall 14V284000

2

Transmission problems

329 complaints (17%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.

Complaints 329 · Usually at 41,000–101,000 miles · Recall 15V606000

3

Acceleration problems

175 complaints (9%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal and cables.

Complaints 175 · Usually at 49,000–103,000 miles

4

Brake problems

139 complaints (7%) name the brakes, most often the control unit / module and wheel speed sensor / tone ring.

Complaints 139 · Usually at 71,000–141,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Steering 57%
Brakes 7%
Engine 6%
Fuel System 3%
Unknown or Other 3%
Body 2%
Stability Control 2%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,679 of 1,974). The amber line is the middle value, about 100,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2008 Ford Escape recalls

Gear position indication (PRNDL), Floor shift

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. 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.

Recall 15V606000 · Sep 2015

Wheel bearing

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. Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge.

Recall 15E045000 · Jun 2015

Hybrid System

Can stall

The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating. 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.

Recall 14V526000 · Sep 2014

Electric power assist system

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. 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.

Recall 14V284000 · May 2014

Equipment

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. An improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury.

Fix: Marathon will notify owners of record and replace the seat cover free of charge.

Recall 10E043000 · Sep 2010
Check your VIN for open recalls

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Escape years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2008 Ford Escape problems by system

Common questions

Is the 2008 Ford Escape a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Escape. Owners have filed 1,974 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 18 Escape model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, transmission and acceleration and speed control.

What are the most common 2008 Ford Escape problems?

Owners most often report problems with the steering, transmission, acceleration and speed control and brakes. 1,127 complaints (57%) name the steering, most often the column and electric power assist system.

At what mileage do 2008 Ford Escape steering problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 89,000–145,000 miles, with a middle value near 116,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Escape have?

5. Gear position indication (PRNDL), Floor shift (15V606000); Wheel bearing (15E045000); Hybrid System (14V526000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2008 Ford Escape?

Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.