2008 Ford Escape: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Ford Escape: 3 recalls, 1974 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #14V284000 · 2014 · 740,878 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #14V526000 · 2014 · 70,209 vehicles
What's wrong: The coolant pump for the hybrid system May fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Why it matters: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it May shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #15V606000 · 2015 · 57 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #10E043000 · 2010 · 294 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An improperly deployed airbag could result in serious injury.
The fix: Marathon will notify owners of record and replace the seat cover free of charge. The safety recall began on September 14, 2010.
Suspension Equipment recall #15E045000 · 2015 · 576 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 44 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (1127): the most common themes are steering problems (1094), warning light on (165).
- Transmission & drivetrain (329): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (121), leaks (106), stalls / loses power (52).
- Speed control / throttle (175): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (20).
- Electrical (136): the most common themes are electrical failure (31), stalls / loses power (21).
The 2008 Ford Escape has 1974 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 27 Escape model years for complaints (1.9× the average Escape year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (309 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (254 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (1693 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Ford Escape.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Ford Escape have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Ford Escape, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Ford Escape problems?
Owners have filed 1974 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (1127), transmission & drivetrain (329), speed control / throttle (175).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Escape get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Ford Escape repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.