general problems of the 2008 Ford Escape - part 1

146 problems related to power train have been reported for the 2008 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2008 Escape.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/28/2025

Hazard flashers turn on by themselves any rime night or day even while driving. Transmission oil cooler leaks. Transmission shift lever bushing in shift cable broke [ thankfully while not on the road ] this car only has 25,000 miles on it.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2025

While the person was driving the wheel suddenly became stiff and very difficult to turn but luckily was in his neighborhood to park it. This could have been a very deadly crash if it happened anywhere else or suddenly on the main road. The person could have been seriously injured due to this malfunction or other people as well. This problem has been confirmed by Ford and they issued a recall in 2014 for this exact same issue. The issue with the recall is my vehicle was manufactured during this 3 year period time of faulty manufacturing but is still not included in the recall list and so many other americans are dealing with the same issue and no repairs. I would like Ford to be held accountable and extend the VIN list of cars needing repairs. No the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps prior until the incident which it now says power steering assist fault.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2024

The vehicle frequently shuts down with a stop safely now light displaying on the dash. Gives maybe a 5-10 second warning before the vehicle is immobile. Has not caused an accident for us but has occurred abruptly on busy roads increasing the risk of one. However, it usually occurs when idling in a drive through or light etc. The vehicle also frequently does something that causes the clock and date to reset to 2004. This seems to always occur between drives overnight.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2023

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while parked and attempting to shift into drive(d), the contact had to shift into 2nd gear prior to shifting into drive(d) to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel sized and became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2023

Vehicle rolled backwards due to defective trans shifter bushing on transaxle end. In the process of replacing bushing if available from Ford.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2023

Car was parked on street with a slight downward slope behind it. It was turned off and placed in "park". It rolled backwards down the street and hit a utility pole which caused it to stop. After seeing that it had "moved on its own" the shift handle was checked and still indicated the car was in "park". Suspect some issue with the car actually being in park related to transmission, shift lever, or ignition. The ignition has periodically displayed a reluctance to allow the car to start when the key is turned. The car will go to Ford dealer since I understand there was a large recall for this issue.

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2022

The power steering torque sensor failed while driving today. As a result the vehicle lost all power steering and became difficult to steer and posed a serious risk to my safety while driving a distance over an hour from home on back country roads in kentucky which were winding and made making curves and staying on the road very difficult to manage. There was no warning, no engine check light to come on. About 5 minutes before the power steering failed to function, the steering wheel began to have a very slight movement while at a stop light. This was not a sufficient warning to give me enough time to determine that my vehicle was about to become unsafe and there was no noise coming from the car or affected components. As a result of the malfunction/ equipment failure, I had to make wide turns that made the vehicle leave the roadway slightly at times with the tires going off the side of the road before the wide turn was completed. Steering became very difficult and the vehicle did not respond to my steering attempts. I could not make sharp turns and had a long distance to suffer through the hazard this caused. When I finally arrived home I had to drive through my yard to park because I could not get the vehicle to turn sharp enough to make it into the driveway. While driving there wasn't any shake or noticeable issue with the steering wheel itself other than the loss of power steering that felt as if the entire steering column was locked up. I have contacted the nearest Ford dealership to inquire about getting the recall repair completed tomorrow. I will have it inspected at that time. As of now, the failed component is available for inspection upon request. I am sure the problem will be reproduced as it has not regained steering function hours later and is in need of repair. I never received any notice prior to the equipment failure that there in fact was a safety recall on my vehicle. I would like to know how I was missed on being notified.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/27/2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay when 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 significant delay. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly 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.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2022

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel lost power steering inadvertently. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel did not regain power steering functionality. The power train warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had already been repaired for the same failure under an unknown recall six years ago. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2020

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't go I had to pull off the side of the road and call a tow truck, the shop said the transmission went out. But no issues before this, just went out all of a sudden like the power steering now.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/16/2020

Multiple service lights turn on, all gauges go to zero while driving, seemingly random. I have had the cluster replaced and had the same problem with a new cluster. Looks like the same issue as described in 10024328/ Ford TSB 08-3-6. Information on the issue is not available.

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2020

The car broke down at a traffic light a few miles from the highway entrance and would not run. Battery light, wrench light and stop safely came on. The car was towed to a Ford dealer, diagnosed with p0a7a and p0a78 codes. The dealership said the car needed a new or rebuilt transmission, which would have cost more than the cars trade in value if if good running condition.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2020

I own a 2008 Ford Escape that has recently been diagnosed with a known recalled issue with the torque sensor. Error code b2278. It has caused the electric power steering assist to turn off. My vehicle currently has no power steering due to this issue that has already been recalled. My vehicle falls under the model and year that Ford recalled the part on, however the Ford motor company is claiming they have no responsibility in the repair or replacement of the part. Luckily I was at a slow speed when the power steering went out and did not cause an accident.

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2019

I was driving home from work at night and my 2008 Ford Escape started to lose power. It then just stopped and wouldn't shift. The engine would rev really high, but the transmission wouldn't shift. I was stuck in the middle of highway traffic which made it unsafe. I turned my vehicle off for about five minutes and then turned it back on, it started to shift really slow which I believe was the limp mode. It was towed to a repair shop, the mechanic stated it was a vacuum link and replaced the part. I went back to amp repair shop in clinton township, mi to pick up my vehicle, as I was driving home, it did the same thing with the engine revving high and the transmission not shifting in the middle of gratiot Ave, a main street in clinton township. I had it towed to USA transmission in maduson heights, mi. The mechanic diagnosed and told me it was in fact the cd4e transmission and stated they rebuilt a lot of these. He also said the internal parts were worn out because there were a lot of metal shavings in the tranny pan. He stated the cost to rebuild my transmission will be $3075. I dont understand why this transmission has not been recalled. My Ford Escape has only 120,000 miles on it. It should have lasted longer. I want Ford to admit that the cd4e transmission is defective and I would like for them to pay %100 of the repairs. The transmission went out without warning and made it unsafe, I could have been seriously injured as well as others. .

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2019

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 driving and no hard use.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2019

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 pipe to break which subsequently clogged one of the catalytic convertors to clog.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2019

My car has displayed the issues this model was recalled for numerous times and now will not start again. It stopped driving unexpectedly on several occasions when I have been driving on both freeways and residential streets. When it happens it becomes impossible to steer, gas and brake have no effect, and flashes a mesage that says to stop safely now (even though you have no control over it anyway). It sounds exactly like what happens in the one of the handful of recalls I've read about for this car, yet my VIN number says there are none associated with it and I think that needs to be reexamined.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/06/2019

I bought this used Escape about 2 yrs ago, first yr over $400 into stabilizer bar sway bars front end repairs,,ok, second yr, guess what? yes transmission 3rd gear out. . . After doing reviews on here I'm not the only one. When one lives on social security and you live on $100 a week doesn't leave much for repairs,, yes I know you are going to some maintance but holly cow this transmission problem is not cheap. I have only put 9,223 miles on this SUV since I had it. With as many problems as there is with the Escape transmission one would think Fords would get it right, with all the problems not even a recall. Every place I have taken my car to I't like here comes a ole lady we'll tell her anything and empty her wallet, can't believe all the crap I was told with diff $$ making my head spin, who do you belive when Fords let you down and don't stand behind their product. I have always been a Ford person but not anymore!! I can't make payments and replace tranys on a fixed income. I am doing my homework now and it looks like chevy here I come. Ford get it together.

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2018

The front wheel hub started giving me problems around 10 three 2018. Then on 12 20 2018 the hood came undone and smashed my windshield. Ever since I've had the vehicle since 2015 it had power assist problems in the steering.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/12/2018

When you take the transmission is sluggish on changing gears and after a change out of logan her into high gear is sykes working fine wine step on the brakes the truck starts bouncing feels like the front end is about to fall out from under the truck and I told you to the Ford company and they said there's no any recall on my VIN number but I have a part that is listed under the government site is good that's what's going on with my vehicle is a Ford Escape 2008.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2018

2008 Ford Escape transmission is bad already lost 2nd gear was a recall but Ford motor company will not recall because of expiration warranty I've only had my vehicle 1 year and 10 months I still owe Ford should be responsible for this reopen the recall my Ford Escape is at a dealer ship in g-ville ohio I am on a fixed income disability my mom is also disabled I have a daughter with brain cancer I have to pay someone to take her appointments I really need my vehicle and I think Ford motor company should reopen the recall and replace my transmission and pay for me to get a rental car.

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2018

I paid for my 2008 Ford Escape and warranty just expired in July 2018. I've taken my car for service routinely with Ford dealership and just received service the week prior. I explained I was going for a trip to az (400 mile roundtrip) and needed a full check and service. Everything passed with flying colors. On my return trip up a hill, the wrench light came on and I lost power and limped home. I took it to the service department and codes were not coming up for the wrench light and after keeping it for additional day, the 2nd and 4th gears are out and it will take a week to fix. No warranty coverage and I just hit the 90,000 mile mark. Unbelievable that a transmission goes out at a 90,000 mile. I'm so disappointed in the vehicle after paying so much for it and maintaining all services. No discounts were offered.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2018

Vehicle lurches, stalls, jerks, lunges, slips and so on.

24 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2018

The transmission does not comply with the gear shifter. It feels like the parking brake is on and the vehicle will not proceed.

25 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2018

Transmission wrench light came on internet said the band in transmission was at fault. I was in a parking lot when the light came the car was shifting out of first into second. It has been shifting hard for a couple months. I had the unit worked on last year to replace a band that has broken. It worked fine for awhile then started this hard shifting. I spent over 700$ to get it repaired. The car has 180000 miles on it.

26 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/12/2018

I was driving home from work in my 2008 Ford Escape, when the vehical just stopped accelerating. The rpm would climb, but the vehical would not move. The wrench light on the instrument cluster came on. I was able to get the vehical off the highway. I noticed if I turned the vehical off and turned it back on, it would move until the transmission went into 3rd gear after that it would just rev up as if it was in neutral. I limped it the 5 miles to home and parked it. After some research I have found that this is a common issue with this vehical. Something really should be done about this. It is sad that so many of these have less than 100,000 miles and are having major power train issues. My 2008 Ford Escape only has 55,000 miles.

27 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2018

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!!.

28 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/26/2018

Car will accelerate after coming to complete stop. Transmission shift bands broke. Ford is charging 1537 to rebuild the transmission. The issue seems to be common with the 2008 Ford Escape. Ford should have a recall on this part.

29 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/13/2018

My Ford Escape 2008 model auto transmission with mileage of 98000 started giving trouble today and scary too. After turning on the car & once starts moving, I felt like something wrong with shifting gears from first to second (vehicle moves smoothly for few and after that I can hear the accelerator sound, and I see the wrench sign pops up on the dash board so I had to press the gas pedal up and down to move the vehicle, I drove my Escape home and stopped the car and again I turned on that time wrench sign was gone and started moving the vehicle and the same thing repeated - wrench sign & the problem with shifting gears.

30 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/18/2018

Power steering went out while driving. Nearly impossible to drive the short distance home. Was leaving a grocery store onto the street.

31 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/16/2018

"takata recall" the vehicle is in motion and I was on the freeway when I experience the following problem. My vehicle was not accelerating correctly and the wrench icon light came on signifying that it is a powertrain fault.

32 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2018

My Ford Escape 2008 model auto transmission with mileage of 72000 started giving trouble today and scary too. After turning on the car & once starts moving, I felt like something wrong with shifting gears from first to second (vehicle moves smoothly for few meters and after that I can hear the accelerator sound, and I see the wrench sign pops up on the dash board and vehicle won't move for a few seconds, so I had to press the gas pedal up and down to move the vehicle, felt like vehicle going to stop in the middle of the traffic light. I drove my Escape home and stopped the car and again I turned on that time wrench sign was gone and started moving the vehicle and the same thing repeated - wrench sign & the problem with shifting gears. I am going to call the dealer tomorrow, because their service department closed already.

33 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/12/2017

While driving, the carboard noticed several signs and the speedometer dropped to zero. Also, on other days, I could not start the car.

34 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/29/2017

100300 miles on my 2008 Escape. Car struggles to change from 1st to 2nd gear. Now power, engine revs up but gear will not change, I have to press the gas pedal then lift off, over and over before it changes gear. Car will jerk and almost lose power while in traffic.

35 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/13/2017

Loss of pressure in the top end resulting in failure of transmission. Was coasting into town (took foot off gas for lower speed limit) engine shifted hard and revs to high rpm and has no power.



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