Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2008 Ford Escape HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2,417 owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. Most complaints involve steering (1,237) and power train (372). The EPA rates it 28–32 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
28–32mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2,417
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2,417 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2007 – Sep 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Escape Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,584 |
| 2006 | 720 |
| 2007 | 393 |
| 2008 | 2,417 |
| 2009 | 153 |
| 2010 | 2,130 |
| 2011 | 1,334 |
| 2012 | 600 |
| 2020 | 290 |
| 2021 | 363 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
- Crashes reported
- 72
- Fires reported
- 7
- Injuries reported
- 45
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
1,237 reports30 crashes
“Was driving on highway at 55 when the wrench warning light came on drove car to residence and turned it off, when car was cranked again it had no power steering. Vin number was not included in recall on same issue. Has not been fixed.”
Power train
372 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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 stalled. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed a bolt failure and that the transmission bands needed to be replaced. The transmission band was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 116,000.”
Service brakes
249 reports15 crashes
“In rainy conditions, executed a hard stop activating the ABS. After successfully activating, the brakes go almost to the floor, and ABS function has stopped. No air in brake system, and master cylinder checks out good. Seems dangerous that the one time you really need ABS, it goes out. No warning lights on dash, mechanic has confirmed issue.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 30 | 32 | $1,950 | 278 |
| Escape Hybrid 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 27 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
- 32mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid as of Nov 7, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2008 Escape Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 2,417 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1,237), power train (372), service brakes (249). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid at 28–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026