NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Ford Escape Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2008 Ford Escape has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,974 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Ford Escape, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2008 Ford Escape owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,974 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Ford Escape, describing incidents dated May 1, 2007 to August 20, 2026.

Most-cited components

Steering 1,127 complaints
Power Train 329 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 175 complaints
Service Brakes 139 complaints
Electrical System 136 complaints
Engine 120 complaints

Of the 1,974 complaints on file, 59 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 1,974 complaints, owners report 44 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11761770 · Filed September 2, 2026
Electronic power steering went out a couple times on me .
ODI #11756566 · Filed August 12, 2026
Was driving on highway at 55 when the wrench warning light came on drove car to residence and turned it off, when car was cranked again it had no power steering. Vin number was not included in recall on same issue. Has not been fixed.
ODI #11745583 · Filed June 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle and driving from a parking lot at 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission skipped second and forth gear, and remained in third gear. The vehicle hesitated and…

Read all 1,974 complaints

Owner-reported

2008 Ford Escape mileage at failure

1,681 of the 1,974 complaints on file for the 2008 Ford Escape give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Steering	Median 120,000 miles	Middle half 90,000–145,000 miles	Based on 945 complaints
Power Train	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–105,000 miles	Based on 299 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–105,000 miles	Based on 158 complaints
Service Brakes	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–140,000 miles	Based on 109 complaints
Electrical System	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–130,000 miles	Based on 110 complaints
Engine	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–100,000 miles	Based on 107 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2008 Ford Escape in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Defect Petition DP15-001: Loss of power steering while driving
Closed June 14, 2018
Defect Petition DP12-006: Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Closed February 21, 2013
Preliminary Evaluation PE08-060: TIRE VALVE CRACKING
Closed April 9, 2009

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Rebuilt Transmission Shift Lever May Disengage

NHTSA #15V606000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever and Linkage — Floor Shift · NHTSA notice

Reported September 29, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 57 vehicles

Repair completion: 21.05% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 15S28 · Owners notified October 23, 2015 · Vehicles built March 31, 2001 – September 1, 2009 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Wheel Bearing has Wrong Dimensions

NHTSA #15E045000 · Suspension — Front — Wheel Bearing · NHTSA notice

Reported June 3, 2015 · Timken Company

Potentially affected: 576 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.24% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 20, 2015

Defect description

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 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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Motor Electronics Coolant Pump Failure

NHTSA #14V526000 · Hybrid Propulsion System · NHTSA notice

Reported September 3, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 70,209 vehicles

Repair completion: 54.3% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14S19 · Owners notified October 30, 2014 · Vehicles built October 13, 2003 – June 20, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist

NHTSA #14V284000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported May 29, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 740,878 vehicles

Repair completion: 72.29% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Ford campaign 14S05 · Owners notified July 18, 2014 · Vehicles built August 18, 2006 – September 11, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

AFTERMARKET SEAT COVER

NHTSA #10E043000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported September 3, 2010 · MARATHON SEAT COVERS, INC.

Potentially affected: 294 vehicles

Owners notified September 14, 2010

Defect description

MARATHON 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.

Safety consequence

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET MARATHON SEAT COVERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON GENERAL MOTORS, FORD, CHRYSLER, TOYOTA, OR NISSAN VEHICLES.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2008 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB (Early release)

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

20% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

4 investigations

2008 Ford Escape 4-DR. w/SAB (Later release)

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

20% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

4 investigations

1,974 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Escape.

Steering; Electrical System

ODI #11761770

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: September 2, 2026

Electronic power steering went out a couple times on me .

Steering

ODI #11756566

Incident: August 11, 2026 · Filed: August 12, 2026

Was driving on highway at 55 when the wrench warning light came on drove car to residence and turned it off, when car was cranked again it had no power steering. Vin number was not included in recall on same issue. Has not been fixed.

Power Train

ODI #11745583

Incident: July 15, 2016 · Filed: June 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle and driving from a parking lot at 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission skipped second and forth gear, and remained in third gear. The vehicle hesitated and stalled. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed a bolt failure and that the transmission bands needed to be replaced. The transmission band was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Steering

ODI #11734808

Incident: April 4, 2026 · Filed: April 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel seized. The failure was intermittent. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while reversing out of the driveway. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,548

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Power Train

ODI #11731174

Incident: April 13, 2026 · Filed: April 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the ABS light was illuminated. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the repairs would be at the owner's expense. Another local dealer, Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln, located at 1845 E Joppa Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234, was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

Steering

ODI #11729359

Incident: March 9, 2026 · Filed: April 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and failed to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained for several weeks; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Steering

ODI #11724880

Incident: March 1, 2026 · Filed: March 17, 2026

The power steering torque sensor went out. It was recalled, the repair was made, but the part is failing again. It is creating a safety issue. Ford won't re-repair. The part they put in is failing again. It has been less than 15 years since they put in the recalled part.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11721440

Incident: March 2, 2026 · Filed: March 2, 2026

Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak

Steering

ODI #11718770

Incident: February 11, 2026 · Filed: February 18, 2026

The power steering started going out at low speeds and eventually just stopped working. The car keeps saying power steering assist fault. The power steering no longer works.

Steering

ODI #11715565

Incident: January 16, 2026 · Filed: February 4, 2026

Forscan showing torque sensor malfunction, the same issue that was recalled in 2014. Causing loss of power steering

Other Ford Escape model years

Check your 2008 Ford Escape VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Escape at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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