2008 Ford Escape power train problems
329 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2008 Ford Escape — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle and driving from a parking lot at 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission skipped second and forth gear, and remained in third gear. The vehicle hesitated and…”
filed Jun 22, 2026
“The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was…”
filed Apr 14, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E…Campaign 15V606000 · Sep 29, 2015
Power Train problems in other Escape years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 3 | 13% |
| 2024 Escape | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 Escape | 20 | 21% |
| 2022 Escape | 31 | 13% |
| 2021 Escape | 43 | 13% |
| 2020 Escape | 236 | 15% |
| 2019 Escape | 125 | 21% |
| 2018 Escape | 269 | 15% |
| 2017 Escape | 390 | 15% |
| 2016 Escape | 320 | 29% |
| 2015 Escape | 286 | 26% |
| 2014 Escape | 481 | 23% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 Ford Escape
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.