2008 Ford Escape Ford Escape 2008

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2008 Ford Escape repairs by problem area

Engine (23%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (12%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (10%)

Other (8%)

Chart based on 265 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Ford Escape.

2008 Ford Escape repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (6%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (32%)

< $100 (48%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 196 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Ford Escape

Engine not specified

Ford Escape in Kansas, United States
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Jun 2021

126000 mi

US $600
Compressor 
Ford Escape in California, United States
Dec 2010 - Mar 2012
Aug 2011

122600 mi

US $300
Windshield stress crack. 
Ford Escape in California, United States
Mar 2008 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

14000 mi

US $20
Rear signal bulb was replaced 

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2008 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

200-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD

Ford Escape in Illinois, United States
May 2010 - Mar 2015
Jan 2011

39000 mi

US $100
Rattle near front passanger air bar. Bracket was lose and resecured.  Compass does not hold calibration. Recalibrated, still having issues. 
Apr 2011

43000 mi
OEM wiring harness with tow package did not work. discovered parts were missing. dealership refused to cover under warranty, issue will be addressed with Ford corporate office. 
Ford Escape in Georgia, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2012
Sep 2008

2000 mi
Intermittent noise when braking in back wheel. Service Manager told me that there was a bulletin problem, solution was to remove wheels and lube. Also, they reset the oil life sensor, light had come on during previous week. 
Jan 2012

13000 mi

US $190
The hydraulic system which helps raise back door and keep it up failed on both sides. 
Ford Escape in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2009 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

49000 mi

US $500
Replaced transmission cooler, leaking bolt- known TSB. Ford refused to cover under warranty due to mileage even though this is an engineering defective bolt in their assembly. 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2009 - Mar 2010
Jan 2009 trans cooler leaking, replaced under warranty 
Ford Escape in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

81000 mi
Replaced struts. 
Ford Escape in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2016 - Oct 2017
Feb 2016

175800 mi

US $50
Blower resistor replaced Blown passenger front speaker 
Jun 2016

180000 mi

US $23
Outer tie rod worn. 
Aug 2016

182600 mi

US $25
Replaced worn tie rod end (other side) 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2009 - Jan 2016
Sep 2010

28520 mi
AC fan would only operate on MAX setting, Resistor was replaced. 
Jan 2011

36580 mi
Replace worn lower control arms 
Apr 2011

38220 mi
Oil leak which dealer couln't isolate, so put blue coloring in oil, on next oil change will try to find problem 
Apr 2015

96820 mi

C $300
Replaced drivers side front wheel hub 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2016 - Jan 2018
May 2017

122140 mi

C $581
water pump replaced 
Dec 2017

127720 mi

C $250
exhaust was repaired 
Ford Escape in Arizona, United States
Feb 2009 - Aug 2012
Jul 2010

38000 mi

US $100
Ignition cylinder replaced. 
Feb 2011

45000 mi
Malfunction of satellite radio 
Nov 2011

59000 mi
Speaker distorted. Speaker replaced 
Ford Escape in Florida, United States
Aug 2014 - Dec 2015
Oct 2014

44300 mi

US $185
idler pulley repaced 
Ford Escape in Louisiana, United States
Jun 2009 - Sep 2012
Dec 2011

59000 mi

US $360
Leaking Transmission fluid from Integrated AC condenser / transmission cooler. NOT covered under powertrain warranty 
Ford Escape in New York, United States
Sep 2014 - Feb 2015
Oct 2014

75500 mi

US $250
Front axle, passenger side. Other side already replaced recently. 
Ford Escape in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2012 - Jul 2014
Nov 2012

49300 mi
Car sits for 1 day, battery is completely dead. Had it to 2 different dealerships and one independent mechanic. No on can find problem. Have to keep portable jumper in car to start it every time. Ford offers no help! 
Jul 2014

107000 mi

US $1400
Tons of repairs. Over $1400.00 and car still would not start without being jump started every day. 
Ford Escape in Rhode Island, United States
Apr 2009 - Feb 2012
Aug 2010

20500 mi
Brought in for A/C problem ... blowing hot air on driver, cold air on passenger ... parts were ordered.  While there they fixed a rattle in the rear hatch. TSB#10-8-6. AC blowing hot air on driver, cold air on passenger. 
Sep 2010

22000 mi
Returned for same rear hatch rattle. Rear hatch latch was replaced which seems to have done the trick. 
Ford Escape in Minnesota, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2011
May 2011

48000 mi
I was having problems with loose steering as well as clicking when turning my steering wheel. On my way to the airport I was making a corner on a cloverleaf and my steering wheel locked up not allowing me to turn my truck. Had to slam brake. 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2008 - May 2021
Mar 2008

3100 mi
The connection from transmission cooler to transmission became loose and all the transmission fluid leak out making the vehicle undriveable. 
Nov 2009

17841 mi
Condensor Assembly replaced as transmission fluid was leaking into airconditioning condensor ?? Also the ignition coil assembly was replaced as several fault codes were being produced. No charge due to extended repair contract. 
Aug 2012

41820 mi

C $400
The Air Conditioner / Heat Blower ceased operating the dealer indicated the resistors had failed ? 
Nov 2012

44420 mi
The rear hatch lock does not operate and the hatch cannot be opened 
Dec 2012

46500 mi

C $400
The repaired rear hatched ceased operating a couple days after initial repair and has now been back to the dealer twice 
Feb 2014

50220 mi

C $500
ABS and TCS warning lights are on 
Feb 2016

64480 mi

C $1500
Replaced U link and tie rod Gas line leak Transmission cooler hose leaking 
Aug 2017

72540 mi

C $200
Tone Ring was broken 
Apr 2018

78740 mi

C $800
Replaced driver side CV joint and boot Replace Brakes, pads and Rotor 

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2008 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

200-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD

Ford Escape in Michigan, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2018
Sep 2009

26025 mi
Transmission leak involving the trans cooler and vent tube. Small leak found during regular oil change,become steadily worse quickly after. Ford replacing with new and larger unit under warranty. 
Feb 2010

27600 mi
Crimped vent in fuel fill line. Rerouted the vent, problem solved. Steering link discovered loose during regular oil change. Parts ordered by dealer and repaired successfully. 
Aug 2010

29000 mi
Idler pulley bearing going bad (had gotten noisy). 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

13020 mi
Replaced transmission fluid cooler under warranty. TSB exists. Fuel economy magically improved from 12 to 21 mpg with no explanation given. 
Ford Escape in Wyoming, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

164000 mi

US $1500
power steering chip went out replaced full steering colum 
Ford Escape in Ohio, United States
Sep 2010 - Feb 2021
Aug 2011

51286 mi

US $427
Dome light was not working properly. Electrical short repaired 
Feb 2021

140000 mi
Transmission failed at 140,000 miles. Would have cost more to repair than the car was worth. 
Ford Escape in Tennessee, United States
Jan 2011 - Jul 2017
Feb 2011

44000 mi

US $168
Replaced the charcoal filter on the vent line. The light still comes on and indicates a leak but they could not find one. 
Ford Escape in British Columbia, Canada
Jan 2013 - Apr 2019
Oct 2015

59920 mi

C $500
Replacement of front wheel bearings 
Ford Escape in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2011 - Sep 2018
Nov 2014

88000 mi
Rear hatch window's striker plate fell off window,leaving window flopping open. Glue holding it to the glass failed. No mechanical fasteners secured it to the glass! 
Dec 2014

90000 mi

US $550
Front wheel bearing wobbled and was replaced and car aligned. 
Jan 2015

94300 mi

US $250
Rear wheel bearing noisy and replaced. 
Oct 2015

94200 mi

US $40
The incredibly poorly designed liftgate window gasket leaked on the hatch switch causing it to corrode & fail. Cleaned the seal surface & forced a bead of silicon gasket and forced it onto the liftgate making sure the silicone sealed it. 
Dec 2016

105000 mi

US $5
One rust spot on left rear fender at rear bumper fascia joint and a second one of deep rust on the inside crimp joint of the rear hatch's lower edge. Wire brushed the spots and repainted them to reduce likelihood of a repeat problem. 
Sep 2017

111000 mi

US $10
In Dec 2016, I wire brushed and painted several body rust spots, that repair was UNSUCCESSFUL! Now the crimp at the bottom of the liftgate has sloughed off a 3" long piece of rusted sheet metal and the surfaces on the fenders are showing tiny rust spots through the repaint of Dec. 2016. This time, I rebrushed the rusty surfaces again with the wire brush and repainted the areas again. 
May 2018

119000 mi

US $600
Replaced entire exhaust system from catalytic converters to the tail pipe extension plus one oxygen sensor. 
Ford Escape in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2013 - May 2015
Oct 2013

65800 mi

US $80
Idler Pulley on Drive Belt. 
Mar 2015

93000 mi

US $370
The universal joint in the steering shaft had broken. Shop replaced the steering shaft, as the joint alone is not replaceable. 
May 2015

93000 mi
Noticed significant rust in rear wheel arches, some of it through the sheet metal. 
Ford Escape in Senegal
Jul 2015 - Jul 2018
Jul 2016

55180 mi
battery exchange 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2010 - Nov 2014
Sep 2010

29760 mi
R rear axle seal replaced, warranty Front strut top stabilizers loose/worn; replaced under warranty 
Dec 2011

50220 mi

C $550
rear shock absorbers worn & leaking, replaced with non-OEM parts 
Oct 2012

66100 mi

C $200
LF Swaybar End Link replaced 
Jul 2013

81280 mi

C $40
Two bolts broken in exhaust,allowed tail pipe to be out of poition. Replaced only the bolts. 
Sep 2013

85560 mi

C $300
Universal joint in steering column failed, replaced 
Nov 2013

88040 mi

C $21
Blower speed resistor 
Jan 2014

74900 mi

C $375
cabin air blender motor replaced 
Ford Escape in New York, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2018
Jun 2011

24000 mi

US $35
Replaced blower motor resistor 
Sep 2015

49000 mi
Fixed jammed overhead light switch 
Mar 2016

51000 mi

US $500
Replaced center rear seatbelt. It stretched excessively while securing a car seat. Replaced sway bar links 
Nov 2016

56500 mi

US $80
Replaced dome lamp fixture 
May 2017

60000 mi

US $30
Replaced fan resistor 
Nov 2017

63000 mi

US $200
Replace exhaust bracket 
Apr 2018

66000 mi

US $300
Replace oil pan gasket Engine running rough at cold start. Cleaned MAF sensor. 
May 2018

66000 mi
Check transfer case to confirm it is still leaking. 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2016 - Aug 2018
Apr 2017

92380 mi

C $3093
Replace O-rings on 4WD mechanism...AGAIN!  My transmission fluid was leaking & the tranny was sometimes slipping from 1st to 2nd gear. I believed the pan needed to be replaced, which was logical after the winter & driving in/out of my driveway as there is quite a difference between the road/driveway in the winter snow - it would be easy enough to bash the pan underneath. I took the vehicle to Mr. Transmission where the mechanic proceeded to add tranny fluid, which came GUSHING out the bottom of the vehicle as fast as he put it in. I thought this was rather odd as I'd only ever seen a small leak in my driveway and nothing like he showed me. $1600 and almost a week later, I picked up my vehicle and immediately noticed the same issues with transmission as when I'd taken the car there. The mechanic shrugged his shoulders & said he'd made a "special part" for the transmission & I just needed to drive the car around. To this day, I think he was full of it & charged me for some mystery repair I didn't need or really get. From what I understand, the vehicle had slippage issues (usually only on wet/snowy roads) because of the broken o-rings/censors and the tires were not functioning in an AWD capacity, causing it to feel like it was the transmission. As I recall, the slippage rarely (if ever) occurred on dry pavement. Once I got the o-rings repaired, I've had no issues with slippage whatsoever. So...was the transmission repair successful? I don't think there was ever an issue with the tranny, other than some transmission fluid leakage in my driveway. I haven't had this repair done yet, but the paint on both rear fenders has peeled off and the rust is starting to take hold. I have noticed many other Ford Escapes with the same flaking paint issue on the same rear fenders. Obviously this is not the owner's fault, but a definite flaw in how Ford paints it's vehicles. Also tie-rod ends 
Jul 2018

99200 mi

C $400
Same day I picked up car from tailpipe repair, I noticed a heavy grinding in the driver side front steering mechanism which was not there when I originally dropped off the car. It sounded like the wheel was grinding on the axle - terrible noise. I took the vehicle back to same repair shop & asked that it be fixed ASAP as I was driving out of town for a scheduled appointment in two days. The shop replaced only the wheel bearing on front left side of vehicle. Noisy muffler system. Took in for repair & told it was a tailpipe. Paid $400 for replacement/labor, but I still have a noisy muffler (which no one said a word about)! 
Aug 2018

99200 mi
Tailgate will no longer open. Upon doing some research, I have discovered it's a common problem for Escapes & the repair is rather costly. I am debating as to whether or not to bother undertaking this repair on a vehicle that is quite literally falling apart under me. 
Ford Escape in Washington, United States
Jan 2009 - Jul 2017
Mar 2011

10000 mi
Car in for oil change, mechanic discovered leaking rear shock 
Jan 2016

30700 mi

US $4000
Transfer Case 
Ford Escape in Northwest Territory, Canada
Jan 2008 - Jun 2011
Feb 2008

12400 mi
Gas tank was slow filling. The dealer told me that almost all of their 2007 and 2008 Escapes have a problem where the gas tank vent gets clogged with ice and dirt. There is apparantly a TSB on it. They fixed and cleaned the fuel tank vent as per the TSB. 
May 2008

15500 mi
Had transmission fluid puddles under car. The transmission cooler developed a leak. TSB issued for this. The service rep told me the bolt attaching the fluid hose to the cooler corrodes and and everything must be replaced. After only one year of service? 
Sep 2008

20460 mi
During visit for oil change and brake job, mechanic noticed front left sway bar linkage needed to be replaced. 
Jun 2009

26660 mi
Bushing on sway bar linkage. 
Aug 2009

31620 mi
A gear on the front axle that monitors the Electronic Stability Control system (and thus the antilock brakes) was cracked, sending false signals to the ESC, causing the anitlock brakes to activate when driving. 
May 2010

38440 mi
Noticed ABS kicking in slightly. Replaced front brakes. Front Stability Control ring cracked (twice now) and replaced.  Got car back and noticeable knocking sound in front. Stabilizer bar links cracked... again. Very weak metal. 
Ford Escape in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2008 - Feb 2013
Jan 2009

36000 mi
Brake pulsation, right front wheel, causing vibration in steering. Mostly occurs when braking on highway in traffic at speed greater than 30mph. Right caliper and rotor replaced, Caliper frozen, caused premature wear of rotor, pads replaced. 
Jun 2009

46000 mi

US $50
ABS sensor failure. Activated ABS when vehicle placed in drive. Unable to driv vehicle, needed tow. 
Aug 2009

47000 mi

US $50
Transmission fluid leak from transmission cooler line. 
Oct 2011

88000 mi

US $50
Right front axle and 4wd unit (TCU) failure 
Feb 2013

110000 mi
control arms, axle, front struts, rear shocks, front caliper 
Ford Escape in New York, United States
Apr 2008 - Nov 2014
Apr 2008 I picked up new vehicle with 16.9 miles. Discovered the left turn indicator did not clear after completing the turn. 
May 2008 Also discovered 2 leaks of water on pass. floor within 50 additional miles. I returned the Escape to the dealer with ~85 miles. Repaired turn signal. 
Jun 2008

2000 mi
The dealer said that the leak was caused by an air conditioning condensate drain that was plugged. That is odd because the previous month the reason for the same leak was a body seam that was not sealed correctly. They undercoated both front wheel wells 
Jun 2009

19000 mi

US $240
Automatic transmission fluid leak. They claimed that it was a condensor but it really seemed to be the tank on the radiator or the threaded connecton to it became loose and leaked ATF on the driveway. 
Nov 2014

113000 mi

US $56
Engine miss, remained after I replaced 3 of the 6 spark plugs. Could have been an ignition coil, another spark plug, maybe even the fuel filter. 
Ford Escape in United Arab Emirates
Feb 2008 - Aug 2014
May 2013

78060 mi

¤1500
The brake pedal was soft and could hear "air leakage" sound, brake action could not kick-in before the pedal almost hitting bottom. Quite scary as it took longer to stop the vehicle. Needed master cylinder and HCU unit (for solenoid valve). 
Mar 2014

88660 mi

¤100
The rear left window was not closing. The mechanism had to be repaired with change of spare parts and the cost of repair outsiide Ford was just about $100. Ford dealer quoted over $ 200. 
Ford Escape in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2007 - Jun 2011
Dec 2007

1000 mi
Discovered trash in the paint in small area. Problem 1 Trip 2: An improvement was made during Problem 1 Trip 1, but still was not repaired to our satisfaction. 
Sep 2009

31000 mi
Defective drivers side back window regulator. 
Nov 2009

35000 mi
Transmission cooler leaking and replaced. 
Ford Escape in Alberta, Canada
Aug 2007 - Jul 2011
Aug 2009

35960 mi
Transmission oil leaking from Transmission cooler / Airconditioning condensor. Ford had issued a TSB for this problem, and the dealer installed a new cooler and condensor then washed the engine bay. No cost. Back on the road in 4 hours. 
Ford Escape in Vermont, United States
Aug 2007 - Jun 2011
Nov 2008

11000 mi
Rear window leaking water on inside and rattle at rear window. Corrected. Rear window defroster. 3 bands quit working. Parts ordered 
Dec 2008

12000 mi
3 bands quit working. Parts ordered Month: November 2008, Repaired 12/26/2008. 
Jun 2009

18000 mi

US $22
One of the pins on the factory towing package wire harness that connects to the car to the trailer corroded away. This also happened on my 2001 Escape. I had only towed my boat 5 times. Didn't even bother to report to Ford. It would happen again 
Oct 2009

22000 mi
Front end creaked steering wheel, shock tightened loose bolts. Rear door rattled. Checked and tightened rear door struts. Still rattled. Determined that needs new door latch. Greased latch for now and ordered new latch to be installed at a later date 
Jun 2010

31000 mi
Rear door rattled and was repaired. Transmission started to slip and was returned to have transmission repaired. There was a recall for hose leaking to transmission cooler. Hose was replaced (warranty) and trans flushed (30k miles)  
Ford Escape in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2007 - Jul 2015
Oct 2007

5000 mi
mini overhead console door would fly open every time i hit a bump, or i would not be able to keep it to stay closed at all. new console installed, and it's working properly. hard ridge formed in drivers seat under left thigh. ford shop sent it to an upholstery shop to repair. 
Dec 2008

21000 mi
Transmission fluid leaking from transmission cooler. 
Jan 2009

21500 mi
check engine light on. There was a TSB for moving the vent hole in the gas tank. The original position got plugged with ice. Also there was a loose hose under the hood. Possibly from previous repair? 
Jun 2009

27000 mi
Air conditioner barely cooling. weather strips on both front doors loose at bottom. doors not sealing completely. new ones ordered by dealer's shop. 
Oct 2013

97300 mi

US $75
Sporatic problem when applying brakes. Makes a noise similar to antilock brake system, pedal goes down further and then stops. Both dealer and personal mechanic have not been able to find problem to fix it. Rotor replacement didn't fix this 
Jul 2015

114000 mi

US $2900
transmission overhaul. Transmission slipping. 
Ford Escape in Connecticut, United States
Jul 2009 - May 2010
Aug 2009

25000 mi
dealer detected idler arm problem during test drive at a scheduled maintenance visit- was repaired under warranty at no cost 
Sep 2009

30000 mi
accelerator cable broke while car was being driven, car was towed, part was replaced 
Ford Escape in New York, United States
- Dec 2008
Nov 2008

25659 mi
Ok, this is the third time I've tried to enter this, not going to retype everything again. Two front sway bar (or stabilizer bar) links replaced in Dec 2008 at the same time the fluid leak was fixed. Covered under warranty. 
Dec 2008

25659 mi
Noticed fluid leak in on my garage floor. Brought vehicle in for service. Diagnosis: Transmission Cooler leak. Warranty repair: Transmission cooler - core assembly in a/c. Also noticed improved fuel economy from 19.2 to 23mpg!!! 
Ford Escape in New York, United States
Apr 2009 - Mar 2010
May 2009

17000 mi
rear hatch rattle during drive on bumpy terrain 
Jul 2009

20000 mi
Hatch rattle and dash rattle repaired. Did repair myself removed center console and center dash trim and applied electrical tape on 6 clips on center console trim that was rubbing on dash frame. Rear latch was fixed with electrical tape as well. 
Ford Escape in Michigan, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Jul 2009

9000 mi
Problem with dealer-installed remote start. 
Ford Escape in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2019
Jun 2009

23000 mi
transmission oil cooler leak 
Jun 2017

145000 mi

US $250
Engine light came on. Replaced oxygen sensor 
Jun 2018

156000 mi

US $550
Engine warning light came on. Replaced 2 oxygen sensors . 
Ford Escape in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2017 - Mar 2018
Jul 2017

111000 mi

US $2000
Overheating. Fan replaced 
Aug 2017

114000 mi

US $2500
Musty odor required complete dashboard to be removed and parts replaced 
Ford Escape in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2008 - May 2015
Dec 2008

5700 mi
Check Engine light. found to be a loose gas cap. 
Jan 2009

6000 mi
Gas cap light came on. After several attempts to correct with no luck the problem cleared itself after several hours. 
Mar 2009

5850 mi
Check engine light. Gas cap seal found crimped. Straighten, code cleared. Check Engine light came on. Found to be a faulty gas cap. Replaced under warranty 
Nov 2012

37000 mi

US $100
Rear seat will not stay secure as the seat latch will not stay engaged. The seat is rarely folded down so there was little use on the latch itself. Latch was disassembled, lubed and reassembled. Rear seat will not stay secure as the seat latch will not stay engaged. The seat is rarely folded down so there was little use on the latch itself. 
Nov 2014

55400 mi

US $250
Sway bar links replaced 
Ford Escape in New Brunswick, Canada
Jun 2013 - Jul 2018
Jun 2016

124000 mi

C $250
Steering position sensor replaced. 
Oct 2017

135780 mi

C $67
4 wheel align. Required every year 
Feb 2018

139500 mi

C $50
TSB re fuel filler vent modification 
Jul 2018

144460 mi

C $200
4 wheel align 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2008 - May 2010
Jan 2009

8060 mi

C $8
Loss of bolt cap on rear wiper. 
Oct 2009

20460 mi
A/C heat fan would not function except at high speed position. 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2008 - Aug 2010
May 2009

21080 mi
Leaking coming from front end. Fixed under the warranty free of charge. Well known problem - TSB 08-16-12 
Mar 2010

30380 mi
Oil leak from the front cover gasket and crank shaft seal. Front cover gaskets have been replaced by dealership under warranty 

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2008 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Ford Escape in Alberta, Canada
Nov 2009 - Mar 2011
Jan 2010

24800 mi
found water dripping off dome's light that at first could not be repaired and needed to bring in for 2 days at least. When car dropped off, floor mat was dripping water. However, dealer says "could not duplicate." Want to get rid off car now. 
Dec 2010

37820 mi
seems tranny keeps leaking after a recall. dealer says is not under warranty any longer. 

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2008 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

153-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2014 - Dec 2017
Oct 2014

74400 mi
Steering loosing power and going to manual, covered by a recall. 
Aug 2015

97000 mi

C $4000
u joint in the steering was changed 
Oct 2016

119660 mi

C $30
High pitched squeal while driving. Pads and rotors 
Oct 2017

127720 mi
Headlight bulb replaced by me 
Ford Escape in Alberta, Canada
Mar 2013 - Dec 2015
Apr 2013

39260 mi

C $226
Pothole related 
Jun 2014

44020 mi

C $197
Minor rust bubble at bottom lip of rear tailgate. Same day drop off. Dealer sanded lip, repaired and repainted. Has not returned since. 
Ford Escape in California, United States
Jul 2009 - Mar 2014
Dec 2009

12000 mi
CD player did not eject properly. Replaced under warranty. 
Ford Escape in Delaware, United States
Apr 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

3000 mi
Rubber weatherstrip around sunroof was cracked and needed to be replaced. Due mostly to defect in rubber, or out of shelf-life material used. 
Ford Escape in Indiana, United States
Dec 2008 - May 2012
Oct 2009

20000 mi

US $50
throttle linkage required lubrication 
Aug 2010

31000 mi
Defective pulley wheel ( belt wheel ) 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2010 - Jun 2018
Jun 2012

115320 mi

C $40
Wheel vibration traced to broken strap of the air pressure sensor. 
Nov 2013

123380 mi

C $425
One of rear glass window hindge broke due corrosion of hindge metal. Changed both. 
May 2018

14880 mi

C $200
Change serpentine belt and tensioner. 
Ford Escape in Nebraska, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2022
May 2022

109000 mi

US $150
Time to replace the front brake pads. 
Ford Escape in Illinois, United States
Jul 2009 - Apr 2017
Apr 2015

95200 mi

US $2600
Won't shift into 2nd. Goes to third. Band broken. Rebuild transmission. 
Ford Escape in Louisiana, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

120000 mi
Upper idler pulley needed to be replaced. 

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2008 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

153-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed automatic AWD

Ford Escape in New York, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2011
Jul 2009

68000 mi
Driver side wheel bearing 
Nov 2009

77000 mi
Replaced driver side wheel bearing. 
Ford Escape in Virginia, United States
Sep 2010 - Aug 2014
Nov 2013

25000 mi

US $125
Battery weak, replaced. 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2011 - May 2018
Apr 2014

124500 mi

C $100
Faulty ignition coil (Cylinder 4). Read codes using ODB and replaced faulty coil by new one. 
Jun 2015

138260 mi

C $50
OD servo cover leaking oil. Replaced by new one in 40 minutes. 
Sep 2016

151900 mi

C $180
Sway bar links worn out. Replaced them and everythink good now. 
Sep 2017

173600 mi

C $1800
Lost 2 and 4 gear. Transmission 2-4 band broken. Replaced by dealership. OV servi and transmission oil pump replaced also (preventive) 
Oct 2017

174034 mi

C $79
Serpentine belt making noise when car was cold. Belt tensionner was worn out. Replaced and problem solved. 
Ford Escape in New York, United States
Oct 2008 - Dec 2012
Aug 2008

1500 mi
Rear Bumper Paint Peeling off. 
Apr 2009

11000 mi
Rear Doors paint was pealing off and rust was forming under doors. Repainted rear doors. 
May 2010

16000 mi
Rear Doors repainted Rust appearing under doors again. 
Oct 2010

19000 mi
The Paint on rear doors was flaking off again and showing rust. Doors repainted. Currently doors ares showing rust a year later. I give up! 
Jun 2012

41000 mi

US $100
Replaced ABS tone rings both front axle. 
Dec 2012

46000 mi
Replaced sway bar link. Parts came from NAPA 
Ford Escape in Minnesota, United States
Jul 2015 - Oct 2021
Apr 2017

164000 mi

US $200
Exhaust system upstream of muffler was loose and was replaced. 

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2008 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

133-horsepower 2.3L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD

Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
- Jun 2008
Jun 2008

4960 mi
Warranty repair - vapor canister for pollution control 
Ford Escape in Hawaii, United States
Nov 2017 - Nov 2017
Nov 2017

109000 mi

US $185
Checked transfer case. Found damage. 
Ford Escape in California, United States
Mar 2017 - Jan 2022
Dec 2021

150000 mi

US $150
Needed to replace a number of old radiator hoses. 
Ford Escape in Michigan, United States
Feb 2021 - Jul 2022
Nov 2021

81000 mi

US $150
replaced front and rear pads. replaced rear calipers and rear rotors 
Feb 2022

82000 mi

US $350
poor gas mileage - grinding noise. replaced drivers front wheel bearing 
Mar 2022

88000 mi

US $250
Noise and vibration R&R driver and passenger CV shaft, R&R passenger intermediate shaft. 
Jul 2022

92000 mi

US $300
banging and rattling sound in rear of car. passenger side rear shock tower was rusted out. bought a replacement panel and replaced shock tower. 
Ford Escape in Illinois, United States
Jul 2010 - Mar 2015
Jun 2011

35000 mi
AC stopped blowing cold, dealer topped up coolant and added dye to assist in finding leak if one existed. Also, side mirror broken while at dealer, being replaces at dealer expense. 
Sep 2013

55000 mi
Ac compressor leak, fixed under extended warranty 
Sep 2014

65000 mi

US $300
Leaking hydraulic system part - affected steering and ABS 
Ford Escape in Oklahoma, United States
Sep 2007 - Sep 2018
Feb 2009

20000 mi
HV Batt AC Actuator arm replaced, via TSB. 
Jul 2009

24000 mi
Hatch Glass latch came undone. Whole window replaced. 
Nov 2009

28000 mi
Knocking sound from inside dash. Replaced drivers blend door actuator on HVAC system. 
Aug 2016

95000 mi

US $750
Compressor, condensor & expansion valve replaced & recahrged 
Aug 2018

105638 mi

US $6500
ABS/brake lights - codes C1478/1480 - dealer diag HCU bad $6500 repair 
Ford Escape in Florida, United States
Aug 2007 - Apr 2019
Dec 2011

39000 mi

US $100
Broken tire pressure sensor 
Mar 2018

72000 mi

US $500
Rattle in liftgate. Turned out to be a broken latch assembly. Had to order the parts. 
Ford Escape in Virginia, United States
Sep 2009 - Nov 2017
Oct 2009

25000 mi
The radio / CD player stopped working. 
May 2016

108300 mi

US $400
One of the ABS tone rings needed replacement. It was a $15 part but took 4 hours of labor to diagnose and fix. 
Aug 2016

110300 mi

US $150
There was a problem with the vacuum plate rubbing against the wheel. 
Mar 2017

118000 mi

US $350
A part in the ignition system broke and had to be replaced in order for the car to start. The tie rods needed to be replaced. 
Ford Escape in California, United States
Feb 2008 - Sep 2016
Aug 2008

5000 mi
Had rear hatch lock replaced and driver side defogger repaired under warranty 
Apr 2010

30800 mi
Engine down on power at start of day. Could not get above 30 MPH/3000 RPM. Dealer could not duplicate problem. No check engine light. Not had problem since. 
Aug 2014

99200 mi

US $2400
Needed to have AC condenser and compressor replaced. Also had Hybris system looked at (seemed to be related to AC Issue, Hybrid is working correctly. 
Feb 2015

107000 mi

US $149
Replace boot cover on tie-rod 
Nov 2015

118000 mi

US $75
Replacing Center dome light group. Switch broken, light no longer works when doors are opened. 
Ford Escape in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2008 - Sep 2017
Nov 2008

16000 mi
Warning light came on about a transmission problem, but nothing was apparent in the operation of the vehicle. Happened initally when operating on battery, but became more frequent, happening when running gas or electric engine. 
Feb 2009

21000 mi
Display indicated "Stop Safely Now" as vehicle came to a complete stop. Had to power off, unlock doors, and restart vehicle. 
Oct 2010

46700 mi
Fixed a temperature difference between driver and passenger side vents. Covered by a TSB and under warranty as it was originally reported while still under warranty. 
Jul 2012

62500 mi

US $100
Two codes were reported, repaired under a combination of extended warranty and a technical service bulletin. The water pump needed to be repaired/replaced. 
Ford Escape in Alberta, Canada
Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010

24800 mi
intermittently a loud "clunk" was heard and felt when braking in reverse and sometimes when turning the steering wheel. Replaced front 2 lower control arms. 
Ford Escape in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2022
Jul 2012

71800 mi

US $500
Hybrid battery a/c system at the rear of the car has to have the blend door actuator replaced. $25 part but you have to take apart the inside of the car to get to it... 
Dec 2013

92000 mi

US $800
MECS pump replaced, it is the cooling pump for the electric motor (Hybrid component) - of course Ford says it is not covered under the Hybrid extended warranty. UPDATE, this became a recall so Ford reimbursed us for the cost of repair. 
Jun 2018

142000 mi

US $100
Replaced MECS pump with new one as the old one was intermittently shutting down the vehicle. Replaced Hybrid cooling system coolant as well. 
Ford Escape in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2014 - Jun 2018
Oct 2014

124000 mi

C $500
check engine light was coming on. Replaced oxygen sensor.  Also some work on transmission 
Jan 2016

C $100
Rear pass side liftgate glass hinge broke and had to be replaced. 
Jun 2016

132680 mi

C $900
Rear break calipers, rotor and pads 
Ford Escape in Maryland, United States
Feb 2014 - Jul 2018
Feb 2014

60000 mi

US $70
I noticed air-con not working. Took to specialized mechanic who diagnosed hole in condensor. His price for new condensor too steep, so I promised to come back after purchasing elsewhere. Fee was for gas refill and labor. I became overdue for oil change, to my peril. Eventually computer told me 5% oil life left, so I planned to take it in. Then it suddenly showed "less than 5% oil life left. Pull over immediately." Never seen before. Able to be pushed to s/ 
Mar 2014

60000 mi

US $60
Due to diagnosis 3 weeks earlier, I purchased a condensor for mechanic to instal (his were too expensive). He had told me there was a hole in condensor, so not retaining freon/gas. 
Sep 2014

62000 mi
(problem, not a repair) Again and again, "STOP SAFELY NOW." I have determined - from web - that it is the water pump for hybrid motor, but damn annoying. No dealer near. 
Jan 2015

66500 mi

US $300
It was the classic water pump for the electric motor. It was a recall, but I have the car out of the country, so I had to purchase the replacement part and have it installed. It sure solved the problem. Car was undriveable prior to repair. 
May 2015

64600 mi

US $350
Had to replace dead compressor. Due to specific circumstances and high ambient temperatures, I accepted a second-hand compressor with a 6-mth warranty. It seemed to blow some cold air at first, but it never worked to capacity. 
Sep 2016

70000 mi
Replaced 12-volt (starter) battery. (Vehicle had been sitting for 2 months, with battery connected.) The 330-volt (NiMH, "hybrid") battery was de-charged almost entirely. (Vehicle had not been used for 2 months and for at least part of the time, hybrid battery was engaged. Removed the pack from the car, fully discharged, then recharged. Motor electronics cooling pump (for hybrid system) needed replacement, as per recall. Replaced with new style (brushless) pump. Hybrid battery filter needed replacement. Replaced. Gas low. Evac and recharged coolant. Checked for leaks. Throttle body: performed castle decarbon service by chemically cleaning carbon deposits from throttle body. Check engine light came on. Diagnosis pointed to some valves not operating fully. Attributed to fact of car sitting for 2 months 
Sep 2017

79000 mi

US $370
Axle shaft seal - remove & replace - fwd both. 
Apr 2018

85000 mi

US $1900
Braking was spongy. Had an alert light that there was brake problem, and that brakes were not contributing to hybrid power. 
Ford Escape in Washington, United States
Oct 2013 - Jun 2017
Dec 2013

72000 mi

US $126
Engine stumbled and hybrid system said there was a fault. Upon checking though, no fault or problem. Has not reoccurred. 
Jul 2014

78000 mi
AC would not blow cold. Shop took it in and recharged with dye to find leak. 
Aug 2016

81000 mi

US $1800
Multiple leaks in AC system requiring multiple parts. 
Ford Escape in Texas, United States
May 2012 - Feb 2018
Feb 2013

52500 mi

US $250
ABS light, emergency brake light, and HUD reported brake problem. Diagnosed as ABS module shorted out. Module replaced, reprogrammed at Ford dealer (originally taken to CarMax). 
Jun 2016

77000 mi

US $2100
Complete overhaul of AC system - new compressor and evaporator due to leaks and cracks in the old system. 
Ford Escape in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2008 - May 2012
Dec 2009

18600 mi

C $100
Check engine light appeared. Codes were read and a new oxygen sensor was fitted. No driveability issues were noticed, just the warning light. Problem is fixed. 
Mar 2011

36580 mi
Passenger seat bottom wrinkled on outside bolster. Seems to be a separation of the leather and the foam support material. Dealer replaced seat bottom with new assembly. 
Dec 2011

58280 mi
Developed clunk at low speeds on left side. Both left and right end links were replaced under factory extended warranty 
Feb 2012

59720 mi
Heater actuators were replaced. Blew hot one side, cold other, or with a/c, the opposite. Still fighting about bill-have Ford extended warranty. 

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2008 Ford Escape 4dr SUV

133-horsepower 2.3L I4 Hybrid CVT AWD

Ford Escape in New Jersey, United States
May 2010 - Jul 2010
Jun 2010

69000 mi

US $900
Water pump for hybrid battery system failed and the car shut down to protect the battery. Ford claims 100K warranty on hybrid unique parts but wouldn't honor it. Same problem happened to 3 of my co-workers (fleet cars) between 60-70k mi. Water pump for the Hybrid's battery system failed.  
Ford Escape in Iowa, United States
Oct 2008 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

30000 mi
There was a rattle coming from the rear window area. The service consultant said that he'd seen the problem before. The repair/replacement took care of the problem. 
Ford Escape in Illinois, United States
Jun 2017 - Jul 2018
Oct 2017

145000 mi

US $75
[light] not worth fixing. 
Ford Escape in Maryland, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2008
Jun 2007

2000 mi

US $800
Air conditioning compressor replaced due to factory defect. Covered under manufacturer's warranty, so cost was not incurred. 

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2008 Ford Escape 4-door

6-cylinder automatic 2WD

Ford Escape in Illinois, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

32000 mi
Transmission cooler leaking. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Ford models.

2008 Ford Escape Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Ford Escape problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.