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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,734 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Ford Escape engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Ford Escape Owner Comments (Page 4 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #107

Oct 102014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

"stuck gas pedal": as I was driving to work in moderately heavy traffic on us 127 in Michigan at approximately 8 a.M., on 10 October 2014, the gas pedal froze on my (manual transmission) 2008 Ford Escape and I began to lose speed quickly from the 70 mph I had been traveling. The pedal would not move up or down no matter how hard I pushed or pulled at it. I tried kicking it as best as I could but it would not budge, and the floor mat was not near the pedal at all. I had to maneuver to the shoulder of the road and continued 'coasting' while I tried to get the pedal to move. The area I was at was not conducive to a full stop unless absolutely necessary due to the clearance on the side of the road and the curve I was on. My speed had dropped to less than 55 mph when the gas pedal finally released and I was able to push it down to increase my speed again and eventually work back into traffic, though with caution in case it happened again as I was still not in an area safe for a full stop. The temperature at that time was around freezing. I took the Escape to the Ford dealer and they said no codes appeared when scanned so there was nothing to indicate it had happened. They also told me that neither my vehicle, nor the throttle assembly in it are listed as part of the recall for "sticky accelerator pedal" for Ford Escapes. This is a 2008 manual transmission, 4 cy., 4-door, 2wd Escape. Why was it not included in the recall? I've had problems with the gas pedal 'catching' and then immediately releasing since we bought it (at about 16000 miles), but the dealer could never duplicate the problem and thus did nothing about it. My online research indicates this "frozen" or "stuck" pedal (where the pedal will not depress at all) is not a new issue and across all model years, yet nothing has been done by Ford and they refuse to acknowledge it.

- Leslie, MI, USA

problem #106

Sep 252014

Escape

  • 201,000 miles
The gas peddle sticking and affecting being able to accelerate and therefore to drive safe. Took it in for diagnostics and it is a $500 + repair to fix the throttle body. Lots of other Ford Escapes are reporting the same problem per research on this issue. Very disappointed in Ford for not having a recall to fix this dangerous issue. I can continue to drive with this issue but decided to pay the $500 to make it work correctly and not put myself and others at risk.

- Lake Odessa, MI, USA

problem #105

Sep 052014

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 64,789 miles
I was turning right on a stop light and front left ABS tone ring broke. Car slipped gears and would not accelerate for 5-10 seconds. Rsc light and ABS light came on briefly. Car continued to do this randomly and ABS brakes were activated when braking at low speeds. Issue is with tone ring on many Ford Escapes from 2000-2008. Rings often break because of excessive rust build up on Ford components causing expansion. Part is constructed very poorly and as a result safety is compromised and service repairs profit goes up!

- Bloomington, IL, USA

problem #104

Sep 052014

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 136,078 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle surged forward when I came to a stop vehicle would not go into gear until I was at 3500 -4000 RPM. I got on freeway &couldn't get to speed limit. The wrench light is illuminated & when I looked up description in manual it states it is the throttle control/powertrain.after doing some research they do have recalls for this but on the 2009-2012 models. It also specified that Ford as of Feb. 2014 had issued an extended warranty for throttle body assemblies for 2005 - 2012 for 10 years or 150,000 miles. I contacted Ford & then state there is no recall nor consumer satisfaction program 13N03 for my car. Yet, the have the same consumer satisfaction program for the 2011 Milan. This I know cause my daughter has a 2011 Milan & she received notice. I do not understand how Ford can not comply when this Escape clearly has the same problems as the recalled vehicles for 2009-2012. All I was told was to get it fixed & keep receipt and maybe some day could get reimbursed. This is really frustrating and on Ford's part totally unaware and unfair to their consumers!

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #103

Sep 012014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Two days ago, I was driving on the highway and suddenly, my gears started slipping. I was driving 45 mph and then my car decelerated to the point where I could no longer accelerate. This made it very difficult to get back home and I feared that I would be at risk for a crash. Immediately the next morning, I brought my car to a Ford dealer and they diagnosed the problem to be with the transmission. My options were to fix one band or the entire transmission. Upon doing research about this issue, I found that many other Ford customers had experienced the same problems with their 2008 Ford Escape's transmission.

- Bedminster, NJ, USA

problem #102

Aug 132014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 77,320 miles
I was decelerating to a red light, when my accelerator depressed and stuck to the floor on it's own, I had to shut the ignition off and coast into the gas station to get the vehicle to come too a stop. I took it to andy mohr Ford and was told it needs a new electronic throttle body, which is a $600 repair. I bought my Escape used so there is no warranty nor could I afford this repair. I researched the issue and found a recall for the electronic throttle body, but was told by andy mohr, the recall doesn't apply to my specific build. I then contacted Ford corporate and opened a claim with them, I was told they would take care of it ( because it's a manufactures defect and a safety issue )and was referred back to andy mohr this time I spoke with the customer service manager and told the sane thing, that because I don't have a warranty, , the repair isn't coveted and I'm therefore responsible for the cost of repair. This can't be right or legal, this problem poses a safety risk to myself and my family as well as my fellow drivers I could potentially hurt or kill when this accelerator decides to depress and stick again.

- Danville, IN, USA

problem #101

Oct 212009

Escape 4-cyl

  • 11,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This morning driving to work, again....my gas pedal stuck...was going 50 to 1 mph in a second. I have had my 2008 Ford Escape back to the dealer three different times since I purchased it in 2009 and they stated...they could not "replicate" the issue. I have just learned on 8/12/14 there is a recall on the throttle and I hope they honor the recall. This has been a very scary situation over the years, where my life was put in danger and all I have been told is that they cannot "replicate" the issue when the vehicle was in each time soon after it happened. I am calling my local Ford dealer now!

- Usa, PA, USA

problem #100

Jun 162014

Escape 4-cyl

  • miles
Went to accelerate and the gas pedal would not move. It was stuck.

- New Haven, MI, USA

problem #99

Jun 052014

Escape 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
When I am stopped at a stop-sign, I go to accelerate and the vehicle does not go. After about 2-3 seconds of pressing the accelerator pedal to turn onto a street, the vehicle will then surge picking up a little speed. I have almost been hit by traffic when turning onto a street numerous times. It does not happen when driving at higher speeds only when I accelerate from a complete stop. This is very dangerous because when I need to accelerate, the vehicle will not let me. So basically there is a delay from the time I press the accelerator, to the time the vehicle actually kicks in and goes. Extremely dangerous!

- Monroe, OH, USA

problem #98

Dec 102013

Escape 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
I bought my 2008 Ford Escape used in November 2013. In December 2013 the gas pedal started sticking each time I went to accelerate. It gets stuck "up", meaning I have to pound my foot on the gas pedal in order for it to accelerate forward. My Ford is a manual transmission and this makes it not only dangerous on the road but almost impossible to not stall out all the time. Called dealership and they were of no help. Said car was used and it is what it is. It is now May 2014 and it my family and I can hardly get anywhere. Car is very dangerous. Took car to midas for a tune up and an estimate. Midas stated my car needs a brand new throttle unit, throttle cable and a 3 part fuel kit. This will cost roughly $1000 midas stated. We don't have that kind of money. I don't feel safe driving my children around and come to find out that Ford extended a warranty for Ford Escapes 2009-2012 for this same exact fuel kit and throttle issues. 2008 Ford Escapes are having the same issue for many consumers. Please help me. My family and I can't afford to get this repaired and my 6 and 8 year old (and my fianc) can't be driven around in this car. My own safety is one thing and I will ensure I get to work everyday, but someone is going to get hurt if this is warranty isn't extended or recalled for Ford 2008 Escapes as well. I have all midas service paperwork and documentation if needed. Please help us. We are in danger each time I drive this car and we need a car to drive. Thank you-cincinnati, Ohio/ May 2014.

- Maineville, OH, USA

problem #97

Apr 282014

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 106,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While turning the wheels the ABS light blinks on and off and the car seemed to be slowly losing power. When wheels were straightened again it ran as normal. This happened three times on the drive home from the grocery store, each time when I was turning, the electrical panel was dimming and the gas pedal lost ability to propel car.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

problem #96

Apr 252014

Escape 6-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
As I was driving about 30 mph my car suddenly sped up on its own. When I began to slow down my car then would not shift into second gear. The rmps would jump to over 300 when I tried to go faster than 25 mph. Once I had gone that speed for a few seconds my car would then do a hard jerk and move into the next gear. This caused many safety hazards for me while driving on the highway.

- Kokomo, IN, USA

problem #95

Apr 082014

Escape 6-cyl

  • 75,975 miles
I left the Ford dealer's service center after having my car exhaust repaired and less than a quarter mile down the road I suddenly lost all power to the car and could no longer accelerate when I stepped on the gas pedal. I was traveling on a very busy road and I was extremely fortunate to roll into a parking lot without getting hit by another vehicle or causing a major accident. The Ford dealer ship found that the throttle body malfunctioned. I found that Ford is extending the warranty on this defective part for certain model years under a "customer satisfaction program". I contacted Ford and they are refusing to extend the warranty on the throttle body for my car. I would like to find out why my car is excluded from this program. The part is obviously defective and should be replaced by Ford per this program.

- North Dighton, MA, USA

problem #94

Mar 102011

Escape 4WD 6-cyl

  • 49,000 miles
I own a 2008 Ford Escape XLT, V6 3.0 engine. At about 49,000 miles, it started having acceleration issues. This has been an on going problem, but never trips any service lights. I go down the drive way pretty good, but when I get on the highway, I have to hammer on the gas pedal to get it to go and the rpms go way up. The Ford dealers can't find anything wrong with it. We know that it's fuel related and have cleaned the throttle body and several sensors. It helped for a short time, several thousand dollars later. But its right back to stalling out. I've never received any recall notices at all. This vehicle is a coffin on wheels ! P.S. this is in regard to the electrical throttle body.

- Clayton, WI, USA

problem #93

Nov 142012

Escape

  • 95,000 miles
For a few months now, the gas pedal has been intermittently sticking in either the fully depressed or non-depressed position. The first few times this has happened, I was on the expressway and traveling approx 70 mph. Once the gas pedal was released, I realized that the vehicle continued to accelerate on its own. The gas pedal was lying completely in the depressed position. I could lift the gas pedal with my foot but it would limply fall back to the floor. I was able to slow the vehicle with the brake pedal, but the acceleration continued when I went off the brake. I exited the highway and turned the vehicle off. I continued to lift the gas pedal and wiggle it and it seemed to go back into place. I noticed over time, that this seemed to happen more when the gas pedal was more fully depressed, like when on the highway. At other times, the gas pedal is sticking in the relaxed (un-depressed) position. This seems to be happening during very cold temperatures but continues while driving and when pressing the gas pedal. The vehicle will "jump" forward with the sudden release of the gas pedal after pressing hard enough to make it release. Sometimes it takes quite a bit of pressure to make it release. I have read about a recall for these complaints in older vehicles and there are multiple complaints online in the 2008 model. This is a hazard for people, as it happens suddenly and without warning. I don't feel safe having my children in the car.

- Fenton, MI, USA

problem #92

Feb 142014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 100,250 miles
The gas peddle sticks and raves up and other times the vehicle dies when starting from a stop position. The incident has happen multiple times and seems to be more when the vehicle is cold. So far there has not been a accident and mechanics are giving me multiple answers but cannot fix the issue. There is not a recall on the VIN number for my car but the issue is going to cause an accident for my car and me.

- Pauline, SC, USA

problem #91

Oct 162013

Escape 4-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
When the temperature outside gets cold, the gas pedal on my '08 Escape will stick in place and will not press down. If I jiggle it or jam it down hard I am able to make the vehicle accelerate. The issue is very prominent when it's cold out and the car hasn't been ran for a while. The gas pedal will jam both when stopped and when attempting to accelerate at higher speeds. It can be dangerous in parking lot situations when trying to slowly maneuver out of a space or around blind corners, and the gas pedal sticks, causing the car to lurch forward without much control. It's also dangerous when driving since you may be trying to accelerate from a stop but are unable to due to the gas pedal sticking. This can cause unsuspecting drivers to slam on their brakes, as they were assuming that you were going to move forward in traffic but the car is unable to advance. It has proven to be very dangerous in snowy situations and unplowed roads and driveways. When attempting to accelerate, the pedal will stick and then suddenly lurch forward, causing the car to slide around. Trying to drive up a snowy slope from a stop is nearly impossible, since the sudden acceleration causes you to spin out in the snow rather than allowing you to advance slowly. I have read that cleaning the throttle body is an effective fix for this issue but haven't yet tried it.

- Lorain, OH, USA

problem #90

Jan 282014

Escape

  • 82,000 miles
I was at a stop sign, at a complete stop. When I accelerated, the car felt and sounded like it was going to stall and the gas pedal did not work--then the car surged forward. The ABS light and traction control lights then came on and would not go off. This is the 2nd time I have had an issue with the throttle body--I had it replaced at a Ford dealer 3 years ago, and now it is being replaced again. I have had the car since 2008, and I'm on my 3rd throttle body--the original one, the one replaced at the Ford dealer, and now this one. The financial burden is stressful enough, but then add on the fact that, at any time, the throttle can freeze up and stop working which can cause a serious accident.

- Woodland Park, NJ, USA

problem #89

Jan 292014

Escape 4-cyl

  • 67,410 miles
On 1 -28- 2014 I tried to mash gas pedal down it wouldn't do anything I kept pressing on it I went down and accelerated almost hit fence got end lane tried give it gas it was really sluggish almost get hit bytruck then it started working sluggish. On 1-29 14 it did it again but this time I couldn't get it to press down without pressing really hard on pedal when I stopped at stop light it would not press down. Had sit for about five minutes almost got hit in back end after pressing hard on pedal it finally went down but I had press hard on pedal. This is a serious situation. U have no warning. Please make Ford recall this. Im terrified. Its dangerous for me my son and other drivers.

- Monticello, KY, USA

problem #88

Feb 192010

Escape

  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond to acceleration attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

- Oceanside, NY, USA

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