2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
443 complaints13 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
While driving over 60 MPH the car will begin to say the engine is hot and sometimes without warning going to stop safely now however when you open the hood nothing is hot to touch and there's an extreme amount of coolant gone from the engine coolant tank have replaced coolant tank itself still having issue begin happening in March and is still continuing
- Steering · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and made a hard right and the vehicle jumped the curb. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and made a hard right and the vehicle jumped the curb. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to steer correctly, and the steering wheel needed to be held with added force. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the torque sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated while starting the vehicle later that day, the power steering was no longer functional, and the message was displayed. The dealer was…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated while starting the vehicle later that day, the power steering was no longer functional, and the message was displayed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
- Power train · Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay while shifting into third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that when turning the steering wheel while driving, the…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay while shifting into third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that when turning the steering wheel while driving, the vehicle failed to respond immediately and responded with a significant delay. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more frequently while driving. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V284000 (Steering) and 15V606000 (Power Train). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled, but restarted after 45 minutes. The vehicle stability assists system warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled, but restarted after 45 minutes. The vehicle stability assists system warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel seized. The power steering failure warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel seized. The power steering failure warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with power steering assist failure. The mechanic informed the contact that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that a recall for the steering had expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated he depressed the brake to the floorboard to…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated he depressed the brake to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the HECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message “power assist error” had displayed and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 265,000.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering assist. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence in manual steering mode. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake was applied however, was spongy and slow to respond. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The Regan brakes disable failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake was applied however, was spongy and slow to respond. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The Regan brakes disable failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to a local dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 165,931.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes would not engage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact called jordan ford (609 e jefferson blvd, mishawaka, in…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes would not engage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact called jordan ford (609 e jefferson blvd, mishawaka, in 46545) where it was diagnosed with the hybrid brake system needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,540.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the steering wheel failed to move. The power steering failure message was displayed on the instrument panel. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact stated that the vehicle was undriveable.…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the steering wheel failed to move. The power steering failure message was displayed on the instrument panel. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact stated that the vehicle was undriveable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the failure was similar to nhtsa campaign number: 14v284000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Hybrid propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that while idle or driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut-off as the stop safely now warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation after waiting for approximately…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that while idle or driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut-off as the stop safely now warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation after waiting for approximately five minutes. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 14v526000 (hybrid propulsion system) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in the nhtsa campaign. The manufacturer offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.
- Steering
The steering will lock up when making a turn at low speed. If I pull down hard on the steering wheel it will break lose, but this has almost caused an accident.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased a month ago and the ABS and brake warning indicators illuminated. The contact noticed that the brakes were not functioning and only operated at 40% capacity. The contact stated that the brake lights…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased a month ago and the ABS and brake warning indicators illuminated. The contact noticed that the brakes were not functioning and only operated at 40% capacity. The contact stated that the brake lights would turn on and off and the brake failure occurred intermittently. The manufacturer provided a case number and advised the contact to call nhtsa. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While preparing to make a left turn with the brake pedal depressed, the regenerative braking system indicator illuminated. The contact had to pump the brake pedal almost to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While preparing to make a left turn with the brake pedal depressed, the regenerative braking system indicator illuminated. The contact had to pump the brake pedal almost to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact called preferred ford (located at 1401 s beacon blvd, grand haven, mi 49417, (616) 842-0600) where an appointment was scheduled. The contact stated that since the indicator was no longer illuminated, he had not taken the vehicle to a dealer. Each time the indicator illuminated, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
- Service brakes
As I was driving about 40 mph in my 2008 ford escape hybrid, the asb and brake warning light came on and brakes weren't functioning properly. I was able to carefully drive it home, 5 miles. After the car sat for a short time it was started and the warning lights were not on and it drove normally.…
As I was driving about 40 mph in my 2008 ford escape hybrid, the asb and brake warning light came on and brakes weren't functioning properly. I was able to carefully drive it home, 5 miles. After the car sat for a short time it was started and the warning lights were not on and it drove normally. I took it to ford garage where they said the hcu malfunction and it needed replaced. The hcu problem seems to be a common problem with hybrids and vary expensive to fix and dangerous if not fixed. It's been at the local ford garage for over 7 weeks and they can't bleed the brakes to finish the repair. Also, when they told me they couldn't bleed the brakes, I need to replace the master cylinder. That did not fix the problem of bleeding the brakes. At least it's safe sitting at the ford garage and not being driven. Ford should recall their hcus
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
The vehicle won't stop. The regen brake disabled light, brake light and check engine light comes on. no brakes at all
- Service brakes
Regen brakes disabled malfunction, leads to loss of braking without warning. many many other escape hybrid owners have filed similar complaints . Please do a google search to verify the extent of this problem. This needs to be investigated and addressed promptly before more people are hurt or killed.
- Service brakes
Driving at 35mph ABS light came on then check brakes followed by brake regen disengaged. This created no stopping of vehicle and running through stop light. Fortunately, there were no vehicles coming from other directions. Still no brakes and appears to be a known issue by public and ford.
- Service brakes
-Vehicle ABS (anti-lock brake system) light came on and dash said 'check brake system' and 'regen brakes disabled'. Thank goodness I was parked when the issue occurred and when I tried to drive away, I was able to test the braking ability and quickly turned the car back off. -grinding noise when…
-Vehicle ABS (anti-lock brake system) light came on and dash said 'check brake system' and 'regen brakes disabled'. Thank goodness I was parked when the issue occurred and when I tried to drive away, I was able to test the braking ability and quickly turned the car back off. -grinding noise when depressing the brake pedal. Sound came from front of car after car was turned off -was able to start car properly after 4+ attempts and waiting 15-20 minutes -this was an intermittent problem that could have reoccurred at any time (extremely dangerous) -contacted the manufacturer (ford) to explain the issue and how (at the time) there were 80+ similar issues reported to nhtsa. -cost quotes ranged from $4,800-$7,000 to replace hcu (hydraulic control unit), master cylinder, ABS module replacement -this IS a manufacturer's defect in the braking system (dtc c1478) and extremely dangerous. Vehicle should be recalled -when contacted, ford did not offer any assistance and seemed to not care about the issue -- I will never buy another ford again -ford was aware of issue (ssm 45870) and chose to do nothing ("some 2005-2008 escape/mariner hybrid vehicles may experience the ABS warning indicator illuminated with the following diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) c1478, c1479, c1480 or c1481. Refer to workshop manual (wsm), section 206-09 inspection and verification procedure under diagnosis and testing. If no faults are identified while performing the inspection and verification procedure and before replacing the ABS hydraulic control unit (hcu) verify the caliper flex hoses are thoroughly inspected for damage, internal restrictions or swelling. Damaged caliper flex hoses can generate these pressure control plausibility dtcs.")
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While driving approximately 75 mph, the contact noticed a rattling noise emerging from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to metro ford (5422 wayne terr, madison, wi 53718) where it was determined that the engine…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While driving approximately 75 mph, the contact noticed a rattling noise emerging from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to metro ford (5422 wayne terr, madison, wi 53718) where it was determined that the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
- Service brakes
Driving my car and the ABS and brake warning light came on and brakes failed to work properly. Paul miller ford of lexington ky.said I needed to replace ncu and master cylinder at a cost of $9000. There has been numerous complaints I've discovered after researching this problem. The car IS still at the dealer so I don't have paper work yet.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While the contact's son was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also heard an abnormal noise. The contact was able to stop the vehicle after depressing the brake pedal multiple times.…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While the contact's son was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also heard an abnormal noise. The contact was able to stop the vehicle after depressing the brake pedal multiple times. The contact stated that the emergency brake, check brake system, and ABS warning indicators were illuminated. The contact stated that the regenerative brakes disabled warning message was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact called newins bay shore ford (219 w main st, bay shore, ny 11706, (631) 665-1300) and informed them of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 90,500. *As consumer no longer owns the vehicle.*jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
- Loss of power steering while driving
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric…
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
- Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford…
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10109036Some 2005-2012 Escape Hybrid and 2006-2011 Mariner Hybrid vehicles may set DTCs P0A81 (battery pack cooling fan 1 control circuit) and/or P0A96 (battery pack cooling fan 2 control circuit) in the traction battery control module (TBCM). These codes by themselves normally do not result in any symptoms that are noticeable to the customer. DTCs P0A81/P0A96 are typically found when diagnosing other drivability concerns. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
- 100810142005-2008 escape/mariner hybrid - anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator illuminated with dtc(s) c1478, c1479, c1480 and/or c1481
- 10044212Ford/mercury: some hybrid vehicles may require a unique bleed procedure after a replacement for one or more of hydraulic brake system components.
- 10039053Ford: if there IS an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10033035Ford/mercury: some vehicles may set diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0a81 (battery pack cooling fan 1 control circuit) and/or p0a96 (battery pack cooling fan 2 control circuit) in the traction battery control module (tbcm). These codes by themselves normally do not result in any symptoms that are noticeable to the customer. Replace both high voltage traction battery (hvtb) cooling fans.
- 10029164Ford/mercury: vehicles may exhibit a red triangle light and codes indicating a transaxle overtemp. Condition may result in reduced power as system activates fail safe operation.
Every Ford Escape Hybrid model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.