2008 Ford Escape Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 583 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.2 times the median Escape Hybrid year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 14 Escape Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 155 reports (27% of the total).
583
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
18
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other Escape Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 155 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 113 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 111 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 73 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 43 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 31 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 25 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 16 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 0% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 0% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 0% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING AT 50+ MPH ON AN POPULATED ROAD. HAD TO STOP USING EMERGENCY BRAKE AND DRIVING ON THE DIVIDER. BRAKE LOSS WAS DUE TO A FAILED MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER AND HYDOLIC CONTROL UNIT. SIMILAR IF NOT IDENTICAL TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, TSB 05-8-5 (AUGUST 5, 2005)…”
“I WAS STOPPED AT A SIGNAL. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED, I PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE AS NORMAL. JUST PAST THE INTERSECTION, THE GAS ENGINE SHUT DOWN, A RED LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. THE CAR BEHIND ME STRUCK US. UPON GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY KNEW THAT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, A BEEPING NOISE WAS HEARD PRIOR TO THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZING AND THE VEHICLE HIT A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V284000 (STEERING)…”
“WHEN TURNING THE KEY TO START THE CAR, IT WILL NOT ENGAGE. HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING THE KEY IN HARDER AND HARDER TO GET THE KEY TO START. TAKES 20-30 TRIES TO GET THE CAR TO START. NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE BATTERY AND IT APPEARS TO BE AN IGNITION PROBLEM. HAVE READ THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME…”
“INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON 12/02/2011. AFTER WORK I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON THE 405 FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I WAS IN LEFT LANE GOING APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. SMOKE STARTED TO COME UP FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY…”
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 583 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 14 Escape Hybrid years. It is one of the Escape Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2008 Escape Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (155 complaints), engine (113 complaints), steering (111 complaints).
Does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.
Is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Escape Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escape Hybrid years to avoid are 2008, 2020, 2006, 2005, 2009. The cleanest record among Escape Hybrid years belongs to 2024.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.