Makes›Ford›Escape›2008

2008 Ford Escape

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Ford Escape
Pictured: 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid SEL AWD in Oxford White, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Xls, 4dr SUV FWD Xlt, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
Length
174.8 in
Curb weight
3,272–3,638 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 69% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,317 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 87 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Ford Escape is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,547 lb (4dr SUV AWD Limited).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 69% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1317 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2008

  • Best combined MPG up from 30 to 32

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Escape →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Limited174.8 in71.3 in68.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,547 lb59/41
4dr SUV FWD Xls174.8 in71.3 in68.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,272 lb59/41
4dr SUV FWD Xlt174.8 in71.3 in68.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,395 lb59/41
Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD174.8 in71.3 in68.1 in103.1 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,638 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Escape Hybrid FWD Hybrid2.3L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive34 / 30 / 32+69%$2,100278
Escape Hybrid 4WD Hybrid2.3L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive29 / 27 / 28+61%$2,400317
Escape FWD2.3L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24+27%$2,800370
Escape FWD2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+16%$3,050404
Escape 4WD2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+21%$3,200423
Escape FWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+6%$3,350444
Escape 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+9%$3,550468
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Ford Escape under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Ford Escape (this car)32 MPGNot rated3
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2008 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated13
2008 Honda CR-V23 MPGNot rated11
2008 Hyundai Tucson22 MPGNot rated1
2008 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated1
2008 Kia Sportage22 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (3)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Sep 29, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · 57 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Risk
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Sep 3, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V526000 · 70,209 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Risk
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 740,878 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
Risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Ford Escape is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,317Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
35Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
24Injuries reported
115,724 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering789
Service Brakes208
Power Train118
Electrical System94
Engine66
Unknown Or Other58
Vehicle Speed Control53
Fuel/Propulsion System33
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 224/08: 224/09: 124/10: 224/12: 225/01: 225/02: 525/03: 425/04: 225/05: 225/06: 225/07: 325/08: 325/09: 225/11: 125/12: 426/01: 326/02: 226/03: 226/04: 326/06: 126/07: 126/08: 126/09: 124/0724/1025/0225/0525/0825/1226/0326/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Ford Escape buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 789 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Service Brakes — 208 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Power Train — 118 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,724 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Escape. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Escape years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Escape40180.7 inNot rated34
2025 Escape40180.7 inNot rated1031
2024 Escape39180.7 in★★★★★1088
2023 Escape40180.7 in★★★★★13138
2022 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★21386
2021 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★21498
2020 Escape41180.7 in★★★★★251,908
2019 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★3597
2018 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★41,822
2017 Escape26178.7 in★★★★★42,702
2016 Escape26178.7 inNot rated41,170
2015 Escape26178.7 inNot rated91,131

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →