2008 FORD ESCAPE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    steering electric assist

    1 stranded, 454 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    456
    incidents
    Typical range: 91,500–146,000 mi

    Median 120,000 mi, based on 477 reports (18% had no usable mileage)

    • "ON MONDAY, 15 SEP 2008, ON MY WAY TO WORK (ABOUT 7AM) MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRIED. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SHUT IT OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FI…"~6,818 mi, complaint #689049
    • "WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ON A CITY STREET. WHEN CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND ON IT CLEARED OUT AND WAS OK BUT IT HAPPENED…"~93,862 mi, complaint #1441350
    • "MY 17YR OLD SON WAS DRIVING HIS CAR HOME FROM SCHOOL WHEN HE COULD NOT BARELY TURN OFF HIGHWAY. HE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. HIS CAR WAS NOT PART OF ORIGINAL RECALL. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME TO HOLD ONTO RECEIPTS IN CASE HIS CAR IS INCLUDED IN NEXT RECALL…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1441557
    • "WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO PULL AND SHAKE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE POWER STEERING ALSO SHUTS OFF ENTIRELY WHILE DRIVING, AND RANDOMLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. THE CAR IS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO STEER WHEN THIS OCCURS, MAKING…"~146,000 mi, complaint #1051789
    • "MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THIS CAR AND THE STEERING WENT OUT, IE: STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN.SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN SHE RE-STARTED, THE STEERING WAS FINE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IN THE EXACT SAME MANNER. LUCKILY,…"~1,500,000 mi, complaint #1031248
  2. #2

    transmission automatic

    10 stranded, 193 unsafe, 2 broken

    205
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–97,000 mi

    Median 60,000 mi, based on 262 reports (8% had no usable mileage)

    • "I PURCHSED THIS CAR DECEMBER 22, 2007. IN LATE JANUARY 2008 I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR CREPT ALONG FOR SEVERAL FEET BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION "SLAMMED" INTO GEAR AND THEN THE CAR MOVED NORMALLY. I WENT TO THE DEALER WHERE I PUR…"~500 mi, complaint #1011511
    • "I BROUGHT MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER NOTICING IT WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID TOWARD THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE OF THE CAR. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE CAR WITH NEEDING A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION COOLER AT A TOTAL COST OF $1,142. MY ESCAPE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #706589
    • "I WAS ACCELERATING UP A HILL, WHEN I NOTICED THAT IT DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER. THE CAR WOULD REV UP BUT NOT CHANGE GEARS. WHEN I GOT IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID AN INTERMEDIATE BAND BROKE ON THE TRANSMISSION. APPARENTLY THE ESCAPE IS KNOWN FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLE…"~57,509 mi, complaint #999890
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED NOTICE OF AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURERS RECALL NOTICE IN REGARDS TO THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHA…"~96,000 mi, complaint #850160
    • "TRANSMISSION. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. I WAS DRIVING FROM WORK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE SINCE."~240,000 mi, complaint #1558055
  3. #3

    power steering hydraulic

    183 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    186
    incidents
    Typical range: 84,000–136,000 mi

    Median 108,000 mi, based on 203 reports (16% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHILE TRYING TO LEAVE A FAST FOOD DRIVE UP MY POWER STEERING FROZE UP. I HAD TO MANUALLY REAM ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE ALL CORNERS FROM THE RESTAURANT TO MY CONDO - APPROXIMATELY 4 MILES. I DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPONENT MESSAGES ON THE READ OUT. WHEN THE T…"~13,500 mi, complaint #838863
    • "SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE POWER STEERING DOESN'T WORK, AND WHEN IT DOES THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING AS WELL AS WHEN IT'S DRIVING. *TR"~86,000 mi, complaint #1040890
    • "POWER STEERING QUIT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD FAST ENOUGH FOR ON COMING TRAFFIC. I SEE THAT THERE HAD BEEN QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NOT SURE WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN MADE. *TR"~109,000 mi, complaint #1042083
    • "POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT, WAS WORKING JUST FINE THEN JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT WORKING. DRIVING WENT TO TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS JUST EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN ALMOST WRECKED. PRIOR TO THIS I WAS DRIVING AND TURNED WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULDN…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1702709
    • "POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING LOST IT ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING, PASSENGER'S FRONT WINDOW HAS LOST POWER. LOST IT WHILE DRIVING"~367,865 mi, complaint #1599237
  4. #4

    throttle and pedal

    136 unsafe

    136
    incidents
    Typical range: 43,000–97,000 mi

    Median 74,000 mi, based on 198 reports (7% had no usable mileage)

    • "MY GAS PEDAL STICKS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S COLD OUT. I'VE TALKED TO FORD ABOUT IT AND 3 OTHER MECHANICS AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY. I HAVE A HEATED GARAGE SO IT'S NOT FROZEN. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BUT IS EMBARRASSING AND DANGEROUS! *TR"~500 mi, complaint #960996
    • "GAS PEDAL STICKS, ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. HAVE HAD TO PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL ON MORE THAN 1 OCCASION DUE TO PEDAL STICKING AT HIGH SPEED. ALSO STICKS WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEED, MAKING ACCELERATION ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. *TR"~43,000 mi, complaint #956346
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…"~74,500 mi, complaint #1172793
    • "GAS PEDAL STICKS, I HAVE TO PRSS IT TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER FOR ACCELERATION, IT WON'T LET ME EXCELERATE OVER 5 MILES AND HOUR AND WILL COAST, IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEN SEEMS TO RETURN TO NORMAL, HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES THIS WINTER."~100,000 mi, complaint #1438238
    • "AS THE WEATHER HAS BEEN GETTING COLDER, I STARTED TO NOTICE HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS FOR ME TO ACCELERATE. THIS INCIDENT HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVERY MORNING. ON WEDNESDAY I MENTIONED IT TO THE FORD SERVICE PERSON AND HE SAID THAT IT COULD BE THE BODY THROTTLE. ON THU…"~805,344 mi, complaint #951738
  5. #5

    steering column

    84 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    85
    incidents
    Typical range: 86,000–146,500 mi

    Median 110,000 mi, based on 88 reports (10% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROWN FORD INC ([REDACTED ADDRESS], LYNBROOK, NY 11563, [RED…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1477603
    • "PURSUANT TO THE 2014 RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, I TOOK MY 2008 ESCAPE TO BE SERVICED. UPON INFORMATION AND BELIEF, THE TORQUE SENSOR MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF STEERING. SAID SERVICE WAS PERFORMED ON OCTOBER 1, 2014. ON NOVEMBER 14, 2014, THE…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1131908
    • "THE INITIAL PROBLEM I ENCOUNTERED IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN GEAR THOUGH STOPPED. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS INFORMED OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING A TORQUE ANGLE STEERING SENSOR, WHICH WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE S…"~109,000 mi, complaint #1533500
    • "ABOUT 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY FORD 2008 THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP AND HAS BECOME DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING AN ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING FAILURE, WHICH IS SIMILAR TO HAVING NO POWER STEERING FLUID. AS A RESULT, I CAN'T DRIVE ON…"~142,000 mi, complaint #1658905
    • "TAMARA IRECALL- STEERING COLUM PION IS THE PROBLEM SHAKING WHILE DRIVING AND COME TO A STOP CONTINUES TO SHAKE . FOR A WHOLE WEEK WE'VE CALLED FORD AND WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK AND I HAVE CALLED EVERYDAY AND NO ANSWER FROM ANYONE WE ARE NOT VERY HAPPEN…"~1,675,827 mi, complaint #1551345
  6. #6

    abs module

    67 unsafe

    67
    incidents
    Typical range: 65,000–135,500 mi

    Median 95,000 mi, based on 77 reports (13% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHILE DRIVING MY FRONT WHEEL DRIVE FORD ESCAPE ON A TRIP THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS BOTH CAME ON. THIS DID NOT INITIALLY CAUSE ANY PROBLEMS WITH NORMAL BRAKING WHILE DRIVING IN DRY CONDITIONS. AT THE END OF THE TRIP THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED ON EVERY…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1104039
    • "APPROXIMATELY IN MARCH OF 2014, WE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON AND TRACTION CONTROL COMING ON FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THIS MADE DRIVING/STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. WE TOOK IT TO THE SHOP WHERE THE TONE RING AND SPEED SENSOR WERE REPLACED. IN D…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1147830
    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY DISPLAY THE "PARKING BRAKE" WARNING-LIGHT, ABS WARNING-LIGHT, AND A MESSAGE STATING THAT "REGENERATIVE BRAKING HAS BEEN DISABLED". AT WHICH POINT THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL NO LONGER SLOW THE CAR DOWN UNLESS DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY…"~96,900 mi, complaint #1600047
    • "ABS CONTROL MODULE / HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT HCU HAS GONE OUT ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. IT HAS LEFT ME WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING ABILITY. IF THIS WAS TO HAPPEN ON THE HWY IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. IT IS A $6,000 REPAIR AND IT APPARENTLY REQUIRES…"~137,000 mi, complaint #1344507
    • "WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, PLUS THE INFORMATION DISPLAY INDICATED "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM" AND "REGEN BRAKE DISABLED". I WAS STILL ABLE TO BRAKE, BUT NEEDED TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO STOP AND THERE WAS A N…"~235,000 mi, complaint #1324720
  7. #7

    brake hydraulics

    53 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    54
    incidents
    Typical range: 71,000–197,000 mi

    Median 126,000 mi, based on 47 reports (27% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE…"~6,000 mi, complaint #666923
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ESB SYSTEM AND THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MAN…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1143906
    • "BRAKE PEDDLE GOES TO THE FLOOR SOMETIMES AFTER A HARD BRAKING EVENT. AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDDLE A FEW TIMES, THEY COME BACK. THEY SOMETIMES GO OUT WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD ALSO.AGAIN THEY COME BACK AFTER SOME VIGOROUS PUMPING OF THE PEDDLE. FLUID L…"~126,000 mi, complaint #1604229
    • "ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WENT TO PRESS BRAKE PEDAL BUT PEDAL DOESN'T DEPRESS ALL THE WAY DOWN, AS IF THERE WAS A BLOCK OF WOOD OR SOMETHING PREVENTING IT. "REGEN BRAKE DISABLED" LIGHT WOULD APPEAR ON DASH. BRAKING POWER ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING THESE EPISODES.…"~180,000 mi, complaint #1634188
    • "WHILE DRIVING IT WAS HARD TO PUSH ON BRAKES AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS IT VEHICLE WOULD STOP. SO I TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND HE SAID MY BRAKES WENT W CALIBER OR WHEEL BEARING. A FEW WEEKS LATER SAME THING HAPPEN ALL NEEDED REPLACED NOW AGAIN ITS HAP…"~1,200,000 mi, complaint #1633295
  8. #8

    engine stall or no start

    4 stranded, 48 unsafe

    52
    incidents
    Typical range: 50,000–136,000 mi

    Median 93,000 mi, based on 75 reports (4% had no usable mileage)

    • "AFTER COMING FOR A DRIVE OUT TO PARKER LAKE, A [REDACTED ADDRESS] FROM MY HOME, MY NEW FORD ESCAPE XLT AWD STALLED. LOOSING POWER AND CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO STEER IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LUCKILY I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD. I TRIED TO START IT BUT IT WOUL…"~1,235 mi, complaint #657257
    • "WHEN DRIVING CAR WILL SHUT DOWN WITH A WARNING PULL OVER AND TURN VEHICLE OFF VERY DANGEROUS NO TIME TO FIND EXITS DOES NOT MATTER WHERE YOU ARE AT!!"~56,000 mi, complaint #1468881
    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE CARBOARD NOTICED SEVERAL SIGNS AND THE SPEEDOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO. ALSO, ON OTHER DAYS, I COULD NOT START THE CAR. "~93,000 mi, complaint #1415498
    • "PURCHASED VEHICLE A MONTH AGO WITH 135,000 MILES. IT HAS STALLED 3 TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS, ONCE WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN ON A CITY STREET CAUSING ME TO LOSE STEERING AND ALMOST HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, NO LIGHTS POP ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT JUST DIES WITH NO WARN…"~136,000 mi, complaint #1311184
    • "WHEN TRYING TO START THE IGNITION, IT SOMETIMES WILL NOT START. I HAVE TO PUSH IN WITH THE KEY AND TRY THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WILL CRANK.IF I NEED TO BE IN A HURRY,I CAN'T,BECAUSE IT TAKES ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO GET CRANK.. *TR"~6,789,337 mi, complaint #1090232
  9. #9

    steering rack mechanical

    44 unsafe

    44
    incidents
    Typical range: 80,500–146,000 mi

    Median 119,500 mi, based on 49 reports (16% had no usable mileage)

    • "STEERING WAS VERY LOOSE CAUSING VEHICLE TO WEAVE BACK AND FORTH ON ROADWAY..TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP AND LOWER STEERING ARM WAS REPLACED CORRECTING PROBLEM. *TR"~35,000 mi, complaint #932541
    • "WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS THE STEERING LOCKS UP. WHEN I FORCE IT, IT WILL BREAK LOOSE BUT THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO COME CLOSE TO HAVING AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM."~95,000 mi, complaint #1646078
    • "THE STEERING WHEEL TENDS TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT MATTER THE SPEED BEING DRIVEN. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK IT IS TO ATTEMPT TO PULL OVER TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND START IT AGAIN. BUT THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHW…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1733465
    • "WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON 10/12/16 WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT. I COULDN'T TURN RIGHT OR LEFT. I HAD MY FAMILY (WIFE, 2 CHILDREN (1 AUTISTIC) AND DOG) IN THE VEHICLE. WE BARELY AVOIDED A COUPLE ACCIDENTS AND A…"~148,000 mi, complaint #1327778
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALMOST CRASHED INTO A BARN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANDERSON LINCOLN FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], LIN…"~270,000 mi, complaint #1521451
  10. #10

    airbag system

    19 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=23, median 71,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "AIR BAG AMBER WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AFTER STARTING ENGINE (SOLID LIGHT). MOST TIMES IT WILL GO OUT WHEN YOU TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND RESTART. STAYS OUT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND THE PROBLEM RETURNS. THIS IS HAPPENING FOR OVER A YEAR. SEVERAL DIFFERENT DEALERS…"~1,200 mi, complaint #759470
    • "IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS IN HEAVY RAIN, MY VEHICLE SLID ON THE ROAD AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF A MACH TRUCK. THE SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WAS PUSHED BACK. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER HIT THE STEERIN…"~36,500 mi, complaint #722761
    • "I WAS HIT HEAD ON BY A VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING APROX 60 MILES PER HOUR. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY BASH LIT UP AS IF THEY HAD DEPLOYED. I HAVE ASKED SEVERAL CERTIFIED MECHANICS WHY THIS HAPPENED AND HAVE NEVER BEEN GIVEN THE SAME…"~71,000 mi, complaint #902510
    • "FORD ESCAPE APPROACHED A CITY STREET INTERSECTION WITH RIGHT AWAY BY GREEN LIGHT. A TRUCK RAN THE RED LIGHT OF SAME INTERSECTION. THE FORD ESCAPE VEERED TO LEFT TO AVOID BEING DIRECTLY HIT BY TRUCK. AIR BAGS OF FORD ESCAPE DID NOT DEPLOY, WHEREAS THEY DID IN…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1355557
    • "The contact's son owned a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 60 - 65 MPH, another vehicle rear-ended his vehicle in a hit-and-run collision. The driver's side front seat fractured and detached, hitting the cont…"~170,000 mi, complaint #1809780
  11. #11

    starter

    9 stranded, 8 unsafe

    17
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 87,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 2013 MY CAR IGNITION WAS NOT STARTING THE CAR I HAVE TO PRESS IN THEN TURN SO THAT MY CAR CAN START THIS WAS GETTING SO AGGRAVATING SO I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY SWITCHED OUT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THAT DID NOT LAST LONG. I AM NOW…"~1,575 mi, complaint #1177859
    • "IGNITION SWITCH NOT ALLOWING CRANKING DURING ENGAGING. SWITCH FEELS UNSECURED. ALSO DIFFICULT TO INSERT KEY . THIS IS A CONSTANT ONGOING PROBLEM . MILEAGE IS 85,XXX ."~85,000 mi, complaint #1617035
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS INOPERABLE AND THE STARTER KEY NEEDED TO BE FORCED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION S…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1245096
    • "2008 FORD ESCAPE FAULTY IGNITION IN ORDER TO START THE CAR THE KEY MUST BE PRESSED HARD INTO THE IGNITION WHILE TURNING OTHERWISE THE CAR WON'T START.IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE AND I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL SO IT CAN BE FIXED. *TR"~124,000 mi, complaint #1152273
    • "IGNITION SWITCH WILL STOP WORKING AND BECOME LOOSE, WHICH WILL PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING WHILE STATIONARY."~180,000 mi, complaint #1444015
  12. #12

    glass and windshield

    14 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 47,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "SPONTANEOUS WINDSHIELD CRACK. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED WITHIN A SEVEN MONTH PERIOD. WHEN I REPLACE THIS WINDSHIELD IT WILL BE THE THIRD WINDSHIELD ON THIS VEHICLE AFTER OWING IT FOR 16 MONTHS AND TRAVELING 20,000 MILES. THE CRACKS HAV…"~20,000 mi, complaint #718310
    • "MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING THROUGH A MCDONALD'S DRIVE THRU WITH OUR 2008 ESCAPE WHEN SHE HEARD WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS A EXPLOSION AND GLASS APPEARED EVERYWHERE IN THE VEHICLE. IT SCARED THE HECK OUT OF HER! I REVIEWED OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND FORD DOESN'T SEEM…"~40,000 mi, complaint #837731
    • "BOTH OF THE HINGES ON THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS WERE CRACKED AND SPLITTING. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THAT THIS COULD ALLOW THE REAR GLASS TO FALL OFF IN TRAFFIC CAUSING BOTH DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK AND TO OTHER MOTORIST. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD B…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1024479
    • "MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE HAD IT'S REAR LIFGATE GLASS (THE REAR WINDSHIELD) MYSTERIOUSLY SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AT MY MOTHERS HOUSE AND CAME OUTSIDE AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OF BEING THERE TO SEE A SHATTERED BACK WINDSHIELD. HER HOME IS IN A VERY…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1458591
    • "11/09/09 7:20 A.M. I PROCEEDED TO GO OUT TO MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT TO START IT WHEN I DID I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE ABOVE ME , I THOUGHT IT WAS BIRDS OR SOMETHING, I PROCEEDED TO SLOWLY OPEN THE COVER ON MY SUNROOF ABOUT 1 INCH AND NOTICED IT LOOKED SHATTERED.…"~220,095 mi, complaint #743339
  13. #13

    other

    6 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE GARAGE DOOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED HUGE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE EXPLODED AND THE BACK OF THE HOUS…"~12,000 mi, complaint #705569
    • "FIRST OF ALL, I CANNOT SAY WITH ANY CERTAINTY WEATHER THE ISSUE IS WITH THE AUTOMOBILE OR THE FACTORY ORIGINAL TIRES. I CAN ONLY SUSPECT IT IS WITH THE AUTOMOBILE BASED ON 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OF OWNING AND OPERATING AUTOMOBILES. 1. EXCESSIVELY LOUD NOISE…"~19,000 mi, complaint #675024
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY HOOD BLEW UP, I COULD NOT SEE! I WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LANES AND BY LOWERING MY HEAD I COULD SEE A SMALL AREA AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. I WAS LUCKY NOBODY WAS INJURED. I HAVE TO GET MY HOOD REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1011076
    • "I RESPONDED TO A RECALL NOTICE 14S05. I CALL THE FORD DEALER IN MY AREA AND WAS GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT FOR 11/5/2014. THIS IS UNREASONABLE. HAD I CALLED FOR REGULAR SERVICE THAT WOULD NOT HAVE ME WAIT THIS LONG. *TR"~106,000 mi, complaint #1089479
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPA…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1587699
  14. #14

    tire failure

    2 stranded, 5 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 30,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "JUNE 2008 I PURCHASED A USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE TIRES ARE THE SAME CONTINENTAL TIRES THAT WERE ON THERE WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THE INSIDES OF ALL 4 TIRES ARE WEARING FASTER THAN THE REST OF THE TREAD. SOUNDS LIKE I HAVE "MUD" TIRES/AGGRESSIVE TREAD. WHEN THE NOI…"~20,000 mi, complaint #740808
    • "RECENTLY BOUGHT A DEALER CERTIFIED USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE WITH 21,800 MILES. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED EXTREMELY ANNOYING NOISE COMING FROM REAR TIRES AT HIGHER SPEEDS. TOOK INTO DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT IT IS FROM EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF REAR TIRE(S), T…"~21,800 mi, complaint #685657
    • "I OWN A 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT WITH 29,950 MILES ON THE ORIGINAL CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC SUV TIRES. IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS, I HAVE HAD 2 OF THE TIRES BLOW OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TIRES APPEAR TO BE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE 1ST INCIDENT OCCUR…"~29,950 mi, complaint #813174
    • "OWN A FORD ESCAPE 2008 WITH 43,000 MILES AND ORIGINAL CONTINENTAL TIRES. AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE I REQUESTED A TIRE ROTATION AN FOUND OUT THAT ONE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE (FAILURE OF ONE STEEL BAND) AND WAS CAUSING SIGNIFICANT NOISE AND VIBRATION AT 60 MPH AND ABOVE.…"~43,000 mi, complaint #835274
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC II TIRES, SIZE: 235/70R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES KEPT FLATTENING. THE CONTACT FOUND OUT ONLINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRES. THE CONT…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1501217
  15. #15

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 100,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE LTD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE PEDAL WOULD HESITATE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. SHE HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL A COUPLE OF TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO S…"~68,000 mi, complaint #834980
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULDN'T DRIVE. I PRESSED THE GAS, BUT IT WOULDN'T GO. I LIMPED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR, BUT FORTUNATELY THEY WERE NOT HURT. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO D…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1094233
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 595 SPEED OF 65 MPH THE CAR JUST LOST POWER CAUSING TO REDUCE SPEED FAST WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. HAD TO MOVE FROM THE FAR LEFT LANE TO THE RIGHT LANE ON RUSH HOUR ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR"~96,000 mi, complaint #1021390
    • "WHEN SITTING IDLE AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, IT RUMBLES ROUGHLY, I HIT THE ACCELERATOR IT HESITATES TO GO THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN GETS A BURST OF SPEED. THIS MAINLY HAPPENS IN CITY STREET."~130,000 mi, complaint #1324223
    • "CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY WHILE DRIVING. AFTER STEPPING ON THE GAS WHILE DRIVING, I FEEL A STRONG PULL, AND THE CAR DOESN'T ACCELERATE MORE THAN 20MPH. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AT RANDOM TIMES AND NO SENSOR LIGHTS COME ONE."~170,000 mi, complaint #1378738
  16. #16

    corrosion and rust

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 130,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I HAVE A 2008 USED FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS PURCHASED DECEMBER 2012. IT NOW HAS 37,000 MILES ON IT. IN JUNE OF 2013 I NOTICED ABOVE THE REAR WHEEL WELL THERE IS RUST BUBBLES POPPING UP UNDER THE PAINT. ONCE I NOTICED IT IN JUNE 2012, I TOOK IT TO PACKEY WEBB FOR…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1058698
    • "MY FORD ESCAPE IS RUSTING OUT AROUND THE REAR WHEEL WELL ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE AS WELL AS AT THE WELDED SEAMS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AS THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT CHEAP AND I EVEN PAID EXTRA OR THE RUST PROOFING AND UNDERCOAT BEFORE THE…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1024481
    • "The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the front frame detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was unaware the diagnosis however, the frame was repla…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1802105
    • "THE REAR INNER FENDER RUSTED OUT AND THE REAR STRUT BROKE THROUGH ITS MOUNTING BRACKET WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE IS NOW UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO KEEP RELATIVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND MAKE IT HOME…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1497112
    • "RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT AND TOWER HOLDING THE SHOCK IN PLACE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT"~196,857 mi, complaint #1547005
  17. #17

    engine cooling

    1 stranded, 9 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 40,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "BEEN NOTICING LITTLE RED DRIPS AROUND THE RADIATOR FILLER TUBE SIDE. CLEANED AREA AND NOTICED FLUID DRIPPING FROM WHERE THE TUBES ENTER THE COOLER. NOTICED OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT A SIMILAR PROBLEM. BRINGING INTO THE DEALER. *TR"~20,800 mi, complaint #697742
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUED TO WORK AND THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED, BUT FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE FAILURE R…"~39,148 mi, complaint #675658
    • "I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE 2WD IN FEBRUARY 2008. IN JANUARY 2010, MY HUSBAND NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM MY HOOD AND SOMETHING DRIPPING ON A OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAS SINCE BEEN DETERMINED THAT MY RADIATOR IS LEAKING WHERE THE PLASTIC AND METAL PARTS ARE "SEALE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #784212
    • "LEAKING NOTED. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP. TOLD ME COOLER LEAKING, NEEDED REPLACEMENT. ASKED IF WOULD BE COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. WAS TOLD NO, THAT COOLER NOT PART OF POWERTRAIN, SO WOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE. "~55,000 mi, complaint #1181164
    • "THE MECS COOLANT PUMP FAILS WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE DC-DC INVERTER AND HYBRID DRIVETRAIN TO INSTANTLY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING AT INTERSTATE SPEED. YOU GET THE RED TRIANGLE AND STOP SAFELY NOW WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF LEAVING YOU TO COAST ACROSS 4 LANES…"~108,000 mi, complaint #1286456
  18. #18

    power windows and locks

    7 unsafe, 3 broken

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 110,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "STARTING AT AROUND 15,000 MILES MY WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTOR BROKE IN MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. CURRENTLY IN OCTOBER OF 2013 I HAVE REPLACED ALL OF THE WINDOW REGULATORS/MOTORS (4 TOTAL) IN MY CAR. THE WINDOWS BROKE AT AROUND 15,000 MILES, 30,000 MILES, 60,000 MILES…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1014794
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE OF THE WINDOWS ON THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN INTO THE DOOR PANEL ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE WINDOW REGULATORS ON TWO OF THE WINDOWS. THE THIRD WINDOW NEE…"~70,000 mi, complaint #879812
    • "THE WINDOW JUST FELL DOWN INSIDE THE DOOR. I WASN'T IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND SEVERAL OTHER ESCAPE OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME MALFUNCTION. I INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT SOMEON…"~82,244 mi, complaint #994296
    • "IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 3 OF THE 4 ELECTRIC WINDOWS IN MY WIFE'S FORD ESCAPE HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR DUE TO THE REGULATORS FAILING. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A RECALL FOR THIS EQUIPMENT PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CALLED. IN 2 OF THE INCIDENTS, THE WINDOWS FEL…"~138,000 mi, complaint #1109615
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND CLOSED THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SLID DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND COULD NOT BE RAISED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FO…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1586371
  19. #19

    wiring harness

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 106,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETE…"~10,000 mi, complaint #745104
    • "CAR BURNED DOWN TO THE FRAME. TURNED THE CAR ON IT STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. SMOKE AND FIRE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE A/C VENTS. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE POLICE AND FIREMEN…"~46,843 mi, complaint #828787
    • "THE FAN SWITCH AND RELAY BOX HAS A ELECTRICAL MELT DOWN ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE FORD DEALER. THE FAN SWITCH WAS REPLACED ONCE BEFORE. THE LAST TIME IT COST ME ABOUT $250.00 WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY. NOW THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND WILL COST…"~92,000 mi, complaint #1045665
    • "I WAS AWAKE SITTING AT MY DINNING ROOM TABLE, I SMELT SOMETHING (BURNT RUBBER) SO I CHECK ALL ROOM IN THE HOUSE. I WALK OUTSIDE AND SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM MY FORD ESCAPE THAT WAS PARK. I WOKE MY KIDS, CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND GRABBED THE WATER HOSE.…"~123,543 mi, complaint #1007757
    • "I THINK MY VEHICLE HAS SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL SHORT. AFTER I TAKE THE KEY OUT SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL START BY ITSELF AND TODAY THE LOCKS STARTED LOCKING UNLOCKING BY THEMSELVES. I WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS RUNNING. ALSO THE BACK WINDSHIELD MOTOR COVER…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1201495
  20. #20

    fluid leak unspecified

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 28,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "FORD ESCAPE LIMITED 4WD 2008 THE PTO SEAL ON RIGHT SIDE IS LEAKING AND WAS REPLACED AT 17333KM AND A 20800KM AND IS UNTIL LEAKING THE PTO WILL BLOCK AND THE WHEEL WILL BLOCK VERY DANGEROUS. *TR"~12,600 mi, complaint #779433
    • "2008 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE LOSS ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING *TGW WHEN THE MECHANIC OPENED THE HOOD, HE DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS COVERED IN FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION COOLER WAS LEAKING, AS WELL AS THE COOLANT. "~21,000 mi, complaint #945874
    • "THE TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE RUNNING TO THE A/C CONDENSER LEAKS AND SPRAYS TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERYWHERE. STARTED AT AROUND 36,000 MILES FOUND IT AT 38,000 AND FORD HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION HOSE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY BECAUS…"~38,000 mi, complaint #739293
    • "2008 FORD ESCAPE - I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FLUID LINE LEADING FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE CONDENSER HAD SPRUNG A LEAK. AFTER ASKING TWO SEPARATE FORD DEALERS AND DOING A LOT OF WEB RESEARCH, I HAVE COME TO FIND THAT THIS ISSUE IS WIDELY PREVALENT WITH THIS M…"~40,000 mi, complaint #738667
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FUEL WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE COOLING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED THE LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION COOLIN…"~59,500 mi, complaint #878691
  21. #21

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 stranded, 7 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 115,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "KEY IS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN IGNITION. YOU HAVE TO PUSH AND TURN REALLY HARD. BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A YEAR. EVERY TIME I HAVE MY CAR SERVICED, I HAVE TO HELP THE MECHANICS AND I'M A WOMAN. FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THE IGNITION SWITCH AND LOCK NEED REPLACING. $220 F…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1153688
    • "HAVE TO PUSH THE KEY IN VERY HARD TO GET THE CAR TO START OR "JIMMY" THE KEY AROUND VERY HARD. TAKE AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES TO GET THE CAR TO START BECAUSE OF KEY. SOMETIME IT STARTS SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. KEY NOT TURNING OVER. POSSIBLY IGNITION SWITCH NO WORKING…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1241497
    • "MY KEY FOB UNLOCKED THE CAR, AS USUAL, PUT CHILD IN. GOT IN DRIVERS SIDE. PUT KEY IN IGNITION. ALL LOCKS LOCKED! CAR DID NOT START. I HIT KEY FOB AND THE PAD TO UNLOCK SEVERAL TIMES... UNLOCKED MY DOOR... I ASSUMED ALL DOORS. WOULD NOT OPEN DOOR WHERE DAUGHTER…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1487691
    • "TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A BASIC OIL CHANGE THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE CONCERNING THE STEERING. THEY PROCEEDED TO CORRECT WHATEVER RECALL NEEDED. UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE BACK I HAD A HARD TIME TURNING MY KEY TO START THE CAR. I…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1516720
    • "VEHICLE HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION. THERE IS DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION CYLINDER REQUIRING THE OPERATOR TO HAVE TO PUSH THE KEY IN, OFTEN WITH GREAT PRESSURE, THEN TWIST THE KEY TO GET THE CAR TO START. EVENTUALLY THE…"~220,000 mi, complaint #1480881
  22. #22

    suspension struts shocks

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 135,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE THE FRONT SUSPENSION OR WHEELS SOUND LIKE THEY ARE GOING TO FALL OFF. IT SOUNDS UNSTABLE ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING."~112,700 mi, complaint #1385788
    • "AFTER PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE I HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE AREA BEHIND AND ABOVE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE AND SAW THAT THE SHOCK AND NECESSARY ATTACHMENTS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME."~122,000 mi, complaint #1547124
    • "SUSPENSION AXLE TRANSMISSION FRONT END WHILE IN MOTION LOUD CLANK METAL SOUND. TOOK TO SHOP AND WAS TOLD DRIVE IT UNTIL IT DIES. TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR ENTIREREPAIR OF FROM AXEL SUSPENSION AND TRANSMISSION. I STILL HAVE 15 MONTHS ON MY LOAN. NO EXCESSIVE DRIV…"~147,550 mi, complaint #1620984
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, THE SHOCK BRACKET ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAI…"~172,000 mi, complaint #1522430
    • "REAR PASSENGER STRUT MOUNT RUSTED THRU. STRUT ONLY FASTENED BY LOWER PORTION. CAN SEE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE IN HOLE FROM OUTSIDE WHEEL WELL."~200,000 mi, complaint #1531809
  23. #23

    unintended acceleration

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents
    Typical range: 63,000–134,000 mi

    Median 100,000 mi, based on 50 reports (4% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO HIGHER SPEEDS. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BARRIER BEFORE ROLLING OVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR SC…"~31,000 mi, complaint #862106
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT FINALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE B…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1564552
    • "I HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 8 MILES AND WAS TRAVELING AT 40MPH WHEN THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT 40MPH WITHOUT MY FOOT BEING ON GAS PEDAL (CRUISE WAS NOT ON). I SUCCESSFULLY STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH ENGINE STILL EXCELARATING (RPMS WERE AT 2K)). WHILE SITTIN…"~83,500 mi, complaint #1217908
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT T…"~93,000 mi, complaint #1001823
    • "ON 1/9/20 THE CAR HAD ITS LAST DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION OF SO MANY SENSE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP 10/18. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A BEACH PARKING LOT. AS MY SON WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE THE PARKING LOT HE TURNED CAR ON PUT CAR IN DRIVE SLIGHTLY ST…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1637963
  24. #24

    hv system fault reduced power

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TOTAL HYBRID / GASOLINE SYSTEM FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. *TR"~1,771 mi, complaint #656384
    • "THE VEHICLE NEEDS A SECOND MOTOR REPLACEMENT. IT BREAKS DOWN WITH NO WARNING PRIOR TO DOING SO, CAUSING GREAT DANGER ON THE ROAD FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. BOTH TIMES THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON MY THERE WAS NO INDICATION ON THE…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1121213
    • "I WAS AT A RED LIGHT PRECEDED TO GO FORWARD WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED A WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE THERE WAS A SEMI TRUCK COMING AT HIGH RATE SPEED SO I HAD PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IT WAS SCARY SITUATION I COULD'VE BEEN KILLED…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1218821
    • "ATTEMPTED TO PULL INTO UNCOMING TRAFFIC IN A 45MPH ZONE , BUT COULD NOT GET TO MORE THAN 10MPH. THE POWER TRAIN LIGHT APPEARED AS A WRENCH BOTTOM LEFT OF STEERING WHEEL. GLIDED/STEERED CAR IMMEDIATLY TO CLOSEST PARKING LOT AND CALLED CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP. "~150,000 mi, complaint #1196554
  25. #25

    tpms

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE LOST PRESSURE, FROM 44LBS TO 23LBS, I DO NOT KNOW THE TIME DURATION. WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD ALERTED ME. CORRECTED TIRE PRESSURE AND IT IS 6 POUNDS LOW AGAIN 7 DAYS LATER. FORD DEALER SAID THEY WILL NOT REPLACE ALL STEMS ONLY THE ONE…"~16,000 mi, complaint #693491
    • "ON 1/1/09, 5/24/09, 5/29/09, 7/27/09, 8/15/090, INSIDE PANEL LIT UP WITH "LOW TIRE PRESSURE" MESSAGE AND TIRE WAS DANGEROUSLY LOW WITHIN 15 MINUTES. THESE VARIOUS EVENTS OCCURRED ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS WITH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE AND IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, NO SAFE PLA…"~20,000 mi, complaint #731686
    • "2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT. TIRE VALVE WAS CRACKED AND CAUSED A FLAT THAT TRIGGERED TPMS AIR , AT INSPECTION TIRE SHOP FOUND ALL TIRE VALVES WERE CRACKED THE VEHICLE HAS 22K MILES AND WAS FIRST DOLT TO ME ON MAY 2007. *TR "~22,100 mi, complaint #714949
    • "THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR LIGHT COMES ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER SAYS "TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT". AT THE SAME TIME THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VOLUME ON THE STEREO AUTOMATICALLY GOES DOWN OR STOPS WORKING OR CAN'T CHANGE STATIONS WHEN I…"~24,500 mi, complaint #882037
    • "VIN [XXX] 2008 FORD ESCAPE RIGHT REAR VALVE STEM CAME OUT WITHOUT AIR PRESSURE MONITOR WARNING MILEAGE 53,247 HAS NEVER NEEDED AIR AND WE 34 PSI IN FRONT AND REAR OUT OF WARRANTY ON MILES DEALER SAID WONT REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGING INFORMATION REDACTED…"~53,274 mi, complaint #785795
  26. #26

    instrument cluster

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THE DASHBOARD CLUSTER (INSTRUMENT PANEL) FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER AND RPM GAUGES TO DROP TO ZERO. ALL THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS TURNING, CAR NOT STARTING ON, AC BLOWING WARM AI, WERE ALL SIDE EFFECTS OF THE PROBLEM. SEARCHING FOR THE PROBLEM H…"~53,000 mi, complaint #950911
    • "THIS IS AN UPDATE TO PREVIOUS INCIDENT. $10486901 HAVING SPENT THE PREVIOUS ($900) TO FIND THE PROBLEM, CUSTOMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP. THEY AGREED WITH THE OTHER MECHANICS THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT SAID TH…"~61,250 mi, complaint #968412
    • "WHEN DRIVING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON, THE SPEEDOMETER/FUEL GAUGE/ETC MOVE TO 0 OR THE FAR LEFT. LOOKING ONLINE FOR FORD INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. CHECKED WITH THE MECHANIC WHO SA…"~85,000 mi, complaint #924471
  27. #27

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "MY VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF WHEN I STOPPED FOR RED LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES THEY SAID THE AC CONDENSER WAS BAD. IT WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. IN 2009 AT APPROXIMATELY 25000 MILES. I BEGAN HAVIN…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1040696
    • "AC STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR. CALLED DEALERSHIP. WHEN I TOOK IT THERE, STARTED BLOWING COLD AGAIN. HAS BLOWN HOT AIR FOR 30-40 MINUTES 2 MORE TIMES THEN BLOW COLD AND ACT FINE. MONDAY, DROPPED OFF AT DEALERSHIP, THEY KEPT OVERNIGHT, FIXED MOISTURE PACKS OR S…"~59,000 mi, complaint #987891
    • "I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND IT SEEMS THERE IS A PART IN WHICH THE CARS TRANSMISSION COULD BE RUINED. THIS PART IS THE A/C CONDENSER WHICH TENDS TO GO OUT EVERY 20,000 MILES WHICH IS MY EXPERIENCE SO FAR. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART BUT IT SEEMS IT DID…"~64,865 mi, complaint #856757
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ABNORMAL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE…"~80,000 mi, complaint #937594
    • "THERE IS A BAD WELD ON THE AC CONDENSER/ TRANSMISSION COOLER ESTIMATED COST $800. IF NOT REPLACED TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL. FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS. *TR"~85,000 mi, complaint #1163503
  28. #28

    control module

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 36,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY ESCAPE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE MESSAGE CENTER SAID "TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT". AT THE SAME TIME THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A THI…"~5,000 mi, complaint #646282
    • "WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE, A WARNING LIGHT IN THE SHAPE OF A WRENCH STAYED ON. I LOOK IN THE MANUAL AND THIS SAID POWERTRAIN. UPON FURTHER CHECKING, I FOUND THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THESE ESCAPES. WHEN I STOP AT THE RAILROAD TRACK OR AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE…"~36,178 mi, complaint #1038992
    • "THE IGNITION SWITCH MOVES IN IT'S HOUSING. MAKING THE DRIVER HAVE TO CRACK THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH AND/ OR TURN THE KEY VERY HARD TO GET IT TO START. SOMETIMES GETTING IT STARTED IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. THIS PART IS FAULTY. THERE SHOULD BE RECALL ON THIS IGNITI…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1133642
    • "MY LIGHTS ON DASH WILL ALL RANDOMLY FLASH WHILE MY SPEEDOMETER AND RMP WILL STOP WORKING. MY CAR ALSO SEEMS TO NOT SHIFT WELL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. MY STEERING FEELS EXTREMELY LOOSE AND UNSAFE. I DON'T DARE TO DRIVE OVER 30MPH AND HAVE NOT HAD ANYONE BE ABLE TO T…"~180,000 mi, complaint #1547043
  29. #29

    door latch and hinge

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE PARTIALLY DETACHED UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE…"~43,000 mi, complaint #919054
    • "OPENED HOOD TO JUMP BATTERY @ APPROXIMATELY 1:30AM IN NOVEMBER, CAR WAS JUMPED, HOOD SLAMMED DOWN. DRIVING ON THE I-4 THE HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. THE SAFETY CATCH DID NOT PREVENT THE HOOD FROM OPENING, WHEN TESTED AND REPLACED THE SAFETY CATC…"~75,000 mi, complaint #977019
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE REAR GLASS FELL IN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BODY INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DI…"~97,541 mi, complaint #1231186
  30. #30

    fuel tank and lines

    2 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "SLOSHING SOUND OF FUEL FROM REAR END WHILE MAKING TURNS, BRAKING OR ACCELERATING. IN MOST CASES MAKES SOUND MORE THAN A HALF FULL. CAR HAS A HARDER TIME MAKING TURNS. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO COMPLAIN AND HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTED, ON THE THIRD VI…"~2,800 mi, complaint #666398
    • "MY THIRD FORD AND FUEL TANK STRAPS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO IT BEING ROTTED. *TR"~58,785 mi, complaint #952496
    • "AT OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES BELOW 20 DEGREES F THE FUEL TANK IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FILL. AT 0 DEGREES F IT WILL TAKE OVER 30 MINUTES TO FILL. I AM CONCERNED THAT AT SOME POINT IT WILL NOT TAKE ANY FUEL AT ALL. *TR"~85,125 mi, complaint #1047878
    • "UPON EXITING MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT AND APPROACHING THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR I OBSERVED A DRIPPING OF LIQUID COMING FROM THE AREA IN FRONT OF AND TOWARD THE INSIDE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE. I FELT IT WAS GASOLINE AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED A LOCAL D…"~115,724 mi, complaint #1233836
  31. #31

    stability and traction control

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AND SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING) A…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1140484
    • ""STOP SAFELY NOW". IT DID A COUPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND NOW IT WON'T TURN ON AT ALL."~80,000 mi, complaint #1681273
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN AND TURNING RIGHT TO MERGE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED "THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKED IN" AND THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION AVAILABLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL…"~117,700 mi, complaint #1220493
  32. #32

    sunroof

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. FRONTIER FORD IN SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE. THE VEHICLE WA…"~45,500 mi, complaint #1437164
    • " I WAS DRIVING ON I 40 IN GARNER, NC, AND HEARD VERY LOUD NOISE, IT WAS MY MOON ROOF, EXPLODED, SHATTERED. I LOOKED ON INTERNET AND FOUND NO RECALLS ON THIS. DID FIND PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO THEM WITH THEIR ESCAPES AND F…"~93,000 mi, complaint #973654
    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, IT SOUNDED LIKE A HUGE POP OR LIKE A GUN SHOT SOUND AND WHEN WE STOPPED, WE FOUND THAT THE SUNROOF HAD "EXPLODED". THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HIT OUR CAR. LUCKILY THE SLIDER WAS CLOSED SO THE GLASS THAT SHATTERED DID NOT FALL ALL OV…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1342292
    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING ON VACATION THE SUNROOF JUST SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. NO ACCIDENT, NO DAMAGE, NO ANYTHING HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND AND I, WHO OWN THE CAR WERE JUST DRIVING ALONG AND IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT WENT OFF AND THE NE…"~224,985 mi, complaint #1437185
  33. #33

    suspension arms and bushings

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WAS DRIVING MY NEW FORD 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT ASSEMBLY FELL APART. THE WHEEL BUCKLED UNDER THE CAR WHICH CAUSED ME TO VEER INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. LUCKILY I DID NOT HIT ANYONE NOR ANYONE INCLUDING MYSELF WAS INJURED. WHEN I…"~800 mi, complaint #638578
    • "TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH. THE LEFT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF. AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE THE CAR JERKED HARD TO THE LEFT THAN BACK TO THE RIGHT AND THEN ROLLED OVER ON TO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND RESTED THERE WITH THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I…"~38,000 mi, complaint #886165
    • "WHEEL MECHANICS FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION. NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WHEEL CONTROL BARS AND RIGHT FRONT STABILIZER BAR. MECHANIC SAID UNSAFE TO DRIVE EVEN A 100 MILES. MECHANIC ALSO SAID THIS RESULTED FROM A DESIGN FLAW OF CERTAIN FORD MODELS THAT AFFECTE…"~85,427 mi, complaint #1619687
  34. #34

    trunk or liftgate

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "WHATEVER CAUSES THE BACK HATCH TO STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION WHILE LOADING OR UNLOADING STUFF IN THE BACK OF THE 2008 ESCAPE FAILED IN MY CAR. I WAS PUTTING GROCERIES IN THE BACK OF MY ESCAPE WHEN THE HYDRAULIC OR WHATEVER DIED AND THE WHOLE [XXX] BACK HOOD FE…"~32,000 mi, complaint #788656
    • "I PRESSED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY KEY TO OPEN THE REAR WINDOW HATCH, THEN PUT MY GROCERIES IN THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE. MY SON THEN PUT HIS HAND UP TO CLOSE THE WINDOW DOWN AND THE ENTIRE GLASS JUST EXPLODED, CUTTING US BOTH. WE BOTH IMMEDIATELY FREAKED OUT TH…"~53,700 mi, complaint #819624
    • "THE LIFTGATE WINDOW LATCH ON MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT HAS SEPARATED FROM THE REAR WINDOW GLASS. THE GLUE JOINT HAS FAILED AND ALLOWED THE LATCH TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE WINDOW. NOW THE WINDOW CANNOT BE CLOSED TIGHTLY AND LOCKED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE TH…"~87,484 mi, complaint #1123413
    • "WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A BUSY STREET....THE BACK DRIVER-SIDE LIFT GATE HINGE CRACKED IN HALF AND MY GLASS WINDOW WAS HANGING BY A THREAD. SUPER DANGEROUS TO OTHER VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS. LUCKILY IT DID NOT FALL TO THE ROAD AND SHATTER, OR FLY OFF…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1489437
  35. #35

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE SEAT BELT DIDN'T ENGAGE AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T FULLY INFLATE THEN BROKE OFF AND LANDED IN THE BACK SIT. *TR"~60,000 mi, complaint #1132872
  36. #36

    torque converter

    2 unsafe, 1 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH AND BEGAN VIBRATING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED 60 MPH AND THE VIBRATING CEASED.…"~4,800 mi, complaint #698754
    • "MY ESCAPE ONLY HAD 65000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT OUT , AND THE CLUTCH PACK WENT BAD.I ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER. THE MECHANIC I SPOKE WITH…"~65,000 mi, complaint #939542
    • "2008 FORD ESCAPE, BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. DID GET IT MOVED OUT OF WAY OF TRAFFIC. BUT IT WAS DUE TO A FAILURE IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. AND, AFTER 7 WEEKS AND FINDING OUT THAT IT IS ACTUALLY A RECALL AND FORD STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT NOTIF…"~70,000 mi, complaint #829402
  37. #37

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS. I GO SLOW AND TURN. THE SAME SIDE CONTINUES TO NEED REPAIR I HAVE REPAIRED IT 3 TIMES IN 3 YEARS AND NOW IT IS MESSING UP AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND THEY BOTH SAID THE SAME THING (THAT THE BEARINGS GO OUT…"~190,000 mi, complaint #1075594
  38. #38

    wheel or rim

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE STOCK TIRES PROVIDED WITH THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE MODELS HAVE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS. THE CRACKED RUBBER CAN EITHER CAUSE A BLOW OUT OR SLOW LEAK. ON MY ESCAPE, 3 OUT OF 4 VALVE STEMS WERE DEFECTIVE AND SHOWING MULTIPLE CRACKS. THIS IS ON A "COURTESY RECALL…"~43,000 mi, complaint #718407
    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED HIS VALVE STEM HAS FAILED ON HIS FOUR TIRES. CONTACT STATED HE HAD HIS VEHICLE SERVICED AT THE DEALER AND THEY SHOULD HAVE CHECKED THE TIRES BUT THEY NEVER DID. HE NOTICED HIS TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW CHE…"~43,000 mi, complaint #739357
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. UPON EXAMINING HIS VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE CONCLUDED THAT THE VALVE STEMS ON EVERY TIRE WERE CRACKED; THUS CAUSING A LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE…"~43,000 mi, complaint #739368
  39. #39

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE BATTERY DRAINS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OFF. IT TAKES ABOUT 2 DAYS FOR THE BATTERY TO BE COMPLETELY DEAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANICS COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE THE DRAIN WAS COMING FROM SO THEY FLEW IN AN ENGINEER FROM THE FORD FACT…"~40,000 mi, complaint #764246
    • "RED BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. ALL ACCESSORIES WENT OFF AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I JUST REPLACED MY 12V BATTERY THE NIGHT BEFORE. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN 2 MILES, AT MOST. THE BRAND NEW BATTERY HAD BEEN IN THE CAR LESS THAN 24 HOURS. I HAD NO STEERING CAP…"~88,611 mi, complaint #1731961
  40. #40

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY FRONT AXEL BROKE WHILE DRIVING ONE NIGHT WITHOUT ANY EARLY SIGNS OF ISSUES."~108,000 mi, complaint #1524317
    • "JUST DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN LOUD METAL NOISE. THEN INTERMITTENT METAL SCRAPING SOUND. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT'S AN AXEL AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IT WILL COST MORE TO REPAIR THAN THE CAR IS WORTH. I STILL OWE 2 YEARS OF PAYMENTS. TERRIBLE ABS…"~147,250 mi, complaint #1619223
  41. #41

    engine head gasket

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKS, SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM BOTH SIDES CRACKING, AC CONDENSER LEAKING "complaint #1675114
    • "Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak"complaint #2182001
  42. #42

    engine internal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR VALVE NEED…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1088524
  43. #43

    exhaust system

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED THE CONNECTOR TO FRACTURE, WHICH CREATED A HOLE IN THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS COULD ALLOW CARBON MONOXIDE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WHEN TH…"~115,000 mi, complaint #1503073
  44. #44

    fuel injector

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL IT REMAINED STUCK. THE DEALER WAS ADVISED AND WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM BE CLEANED ONCE E…"~40,000 mi, complaint #830989
    • "The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic and the contact…"~219,000 mi, complaint #1904890
  45. #45

    interior trim

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "2008 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED, LEATHER SEATS PEELING. *CN"~7,954 mi, complaint #777392
    • "THE CEILING LINER OF THE CAR IS FALLING OFF."~48,000 mi, complaint #1195904
  46. #46

    paint and clearcoat

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON THE EXTERIOR OF EACH OF THE FOUR DOORS, THERE IS A BLACK FILM THAT COVERS THE STAINLESS STEEL OF THE WINDOW FRAME. THIS STARTED PEELING OFF 6 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR WITHOUT ANY CONTACT WITH FOREIGN OBJECTS OTHER THAN RAIN. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS JUST…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1379017
    • "I PURCHASED A USED 2008 FORD ESCAPE IN SUMMER OF 2010. MAY OF 2013 PAINT BEGAN TO CHIP AROUND THE REAR WHEEL WELLS EXPOSING RUST THAT HAD BEEN THERE FOR WHAT HAD TO HAVE BEEN A LOT LONGER THAN JUST THE PREVIOUS WINTER. I CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY TO GET THIS R…"~65,000 mi, complaint #987266
  47. #47

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE AND I CAN PUT THE SEATS DOWN FOR STORAGE AND WHEN I TRIED AND LIFTED THE PASSENGER SEAT UP BEHIND THE DRIVERS, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WON'T RELEASE AND I CANNOT PUT THE SEAT UP. I HAVE TRIED A CAN OF AIR AND TAPPING ON THE RETRACTOR…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1078541
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE AT A STOP, A TRACTOR TRAILER REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRACTURED COMPLETELY FROM THE FRAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK PAINS AND RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT.…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1395305
  48. #48

    transfer case awd

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED 4WD WITH APPROX. 29,000 MILES STARTED RUNNING A LITTLE LOUDER THAN NORMAL. THEN IT BEGAN SHAKING WHILE IN MOTION, USUALLY BETWEEN 35 TO 40MPH. WHEN IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME IT HAS A BAD TRANSFER CASE. WHEN THE PAR…"~29,000 mi, complaint #722268
    • "WHEN I START MY CAR THE POWER STEERING WONT WORK. I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT AND IT WILL WORK. I NOTICED MY ESCAPE WAS LEAKING FLUID TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE. AFTER 2500. ITS FIXED AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON BOTH AS…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1057928
  49. #49

    wiper and washer

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVE A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. THE PROBLEM CONCERNS THE WIPERS. EACH TIME IT HAS SNOWED AND WE HAVE NEEDED TO DRIVE IN IT, SNOW AND ICE BUILDS UP ON THE MIDDLE 2/3RDS OF THE BLADE LIFTING IT ENOUGH SO THE BLADE DOES NOT MAKE CONTACT AND CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD. I CAL…"~9,000 mi, complaint #706079
    • "2008 FORD ESCAPE - WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE 2008 MODEL ESCAPE UTILIZES A NEW "SPRINGLESS" WIPER DESIGN. THE FORD EDGE AND TAURUS ALSO USE THE SAME WIPER DESIGN FOR 2008. THE DESIGN DOES NOT PLACE ENOUGH DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON THE WINDSHIELD TO ALLOW FOR CON…"~20,000 mi, complaint #703776
  50. #50

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Similar to the steering issues that others are experiencing, my Escape is pulling significantly to the right. I have had the suspension practically rebuilt, new tires put on and everything re-aligned, and the vehicle continues to pull to the right significantl…"complaint #1848588
  51. #51

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE CALIPER KEEPS SEIZING. I REPLACED IT IN JULY ALONG WITH THE ROTOR AND PADS AND NOW ITS STARTED SEIZING YET AGAIN. THE STEERING SHAFT U JOINT WEARS OUT EASY AND CAUSES THE STEERING TO BECOME LOOSE."~150,000 mi, complaint #1525793
  52. #52

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND THE SAFETY ISSUE OCCURRED WHEN I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN/TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. I WAS STOMPING ON THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET AND THE CAR W…"~106,619 mi, complaint #1152403
  53. #53

    engine mounts

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES ON THE VEHICLE CAUSING EXHAUST PARTS TO BREAK. THE FORD OEM PARTS ONLY LAST ONE YEAR BEFORE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. RECENTLY, THE BAD MOTOR MOUNTS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO MOVE SO MUCH IT CAUSED THE FRONT FLEX…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1605147
  54. #54

    engine oil consumption

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the oil cap had loosened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the oil cap and the valve cover were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the…"complaint #1879277
  55. #55

    lighting interior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THERE ARE TWO SPECIFIC BUT RELATED PROBLEMS REPORTED TO FORD WITHOUT RESOLUTION: 1. DOME LIGHT ASSEMBLY - SWITCH BURNT: IN EARLY 2014 THE MANUAL SLIDE SWITCH ON THE DOME LIGHT SHORTED OUT AND MELTED ? BURNING THE INSIDE OF THE ASSEMBLY. THUS, THE SWITCH…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1126097
  56. #56

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE PASSAGE SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OF THE 2008 FORD ESCAPE. FORD DEALER SAID THE MOTOR THAT THE MIRROR SNAPS INTO IS BROKEN AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MOTOR IS NOT BROKEN AND IN FACT THE MOTOR AND MIRROR WERE REDESIGNED TO CORRECT THE SAFETY DEF…"~22,000 mi, complaint #812575
  57. #57

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I HAVE BEEN HAVING AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 FORD ESCAPE. I HAVE READ ONLINE OF MANY COMPLAINTS AS WELL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE A REALLY LOUD SOUND LIKE I AM DRIVING AN AIRPLANE AND IT IS COMING FROM THE TIRES. I HAVE ROTATED, ALIGNED, AND BALANCED…"~15,000 mi, complaint #792535
  58. #58

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A FLAT PARKING LOT AND THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED. THE FIRST TIME, THE PARKED CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS AND HIT A SIGN. NO PERSON WAS INJURED. I THOUGHT THAT PEHAPS THE PEDAL WAS NOT FULLY DEPRESSED. THE SECOND TIME, ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER,…"~24,000 mi, complaint #721047
  59. #59

    parking sensors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT LOW SPEEDS, THE PARKING SENSORS FAILED. THE ALARM DID NOT SOUND LOUD ENOUGH TO ALERT THE DRIVER. THE BACKUP SENSOR FAILURE OCCURS CONTINUOUSLY WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE. THERE WE…"complaint #691847
  60. #60

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I PURCHASED A 2008 FORD ESCAPE NEW IN SEPTEMBER 2008. AFTER 50,000 MILES I NOTICED A BUZZING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR PROBABLE CAUSES, I DISCOVERED A TSB STATING THAT IDLER PULLEY MAY FAIL PREMATURELY. I PURCHASED…"~54,000 mi, complaint #894077
  61. #61

    transmission cvt

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY 2008 ESCAPE HAS BEEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR FOR MAJOR ISSUES. 1) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL 2) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK, 3) I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE LEAK OF TRANSMISSION FLUID I THANK GOD THAT THE THIS HAPPEN TO…"~26,512 mi, complaint #770469
  62. #62

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The gear shift bushing failed . I was lucky . Drive into driveway on a hill. Went to shift to park and the lever started to act like it wasn’t connected and started rolling backwards. While shifting it was in the neutral position. I quickly braked and turned c…"complaint #2132583

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 10E043000, 14V284000, 14V526000, 15E045000, 15V606000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD ESCAPE directly.