2 Star Reviews for 2008 Ford Escape

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.15/5 Average
214 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2008 Ford Escape gets a makeover inside and out. This means new sheet metal that mimics the look of newer and recently redesigned Ford models (such as the Edge and Expedition) and a more attractive and functional cabin. Under the skin, however, the chassis and powertrain are virtually unchanged, meaning this "redesigned" Escape has the same running gear as before.

Pros:
  • Comfortable interior, impressive list of standard safety features.
Cons:
  • Lackluster performance, braking and fuel efficiency compared to rivals, folding down second seat a multistep process.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 214.00
  • Transmission issues - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Back in 2011 my 2008 Ford Escape was found to have a cracked transmission, leaking fluid, etc. This fix was covered under the extended warranty I bought when I purchased the car. Yesterday I took the car to the dealership for transmission issues and was told my transmission was shot and its a $4000 fix. Shame on Ford for doing such a subpar fix job in 2011. I did try contacting Customer Service for some financial help...what a joke...in 5 minutes they decided they could not help me unless there was a recall. BTW if you call and get a Dylan, just hang up, he is no help.

  • Beware of Ford Escape, Beware! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I purchased a 2008 Ford Escape in August 2007, and about 8 days after purchase the accelerator cable line broke. The dealer chose to repair the care, even though I expressed concern and worry about keeping the car. I immediately notified National Highway Safety. The dealer could not explain the malfunction. Cable line broke again at about 15,000 miles. This car has multiple problems. Windows freeze, and wont roll up..even in summer. The fabric seats stains very quickly and car offered cleaning of seats and carpet for additional. Every time I presented it for cleaning, the dealer never had appropriate staff. This add-on cost is a rip off. The keys to car wear down. I hate it!

  • 56k miles on Escape XLT and blown head gasket!! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Between last oil change/inspection @dealership (everything looked good), and the one this week, car developed an oil leak. No oil on driveway to tip me off. Leakage seen when car on lift-oil was being sprayed on underside. Since source of leak not readily obvious, had dye test done. When car seen yesterday, quite a bit of oil had leaked out. Test points to blown head gasket. Aside from leak, had absolutely no indication there was a problem: no heavy exhaust, no idiot lights on. The bright side is that it was caught before I broke down, killed the engine, etc. Im posting this mainly to vent. One thing is for absolute sure: I will never, ever buy another Ford.

  • Accelerator cable broke while driving! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I had a very disturbing incident happen with my 2008 Escape today that still has me shaken up! My accelerator completely broke while merging into traffic on the highway! The gas pedal fell to the floor and the car wouldnt accelerate. I had 10 seconds to figure out what was going on, quickly applied my brakes and landed in the median, with 2 lanes of hwy traffic going 70 MPH next to me. When my car was towed to the dealership, they informed me that the accelerator cable broke and I would owe $240. I was so upset and called the Cust. Serv. Dept and they did nothing! I could have been hit by a tractor trailer with my kids in the car and FORD DID NOTHING! Im so furious and scared to drive it!

  • waste of $$$$ - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    We bought this 08 Escape Limited a year ago. Big mistake! Car had really bad ride & was terrible on gas (V6). Tranny shifted hard especially going up/down hills. There must have been a crickets nest in the dash because all it did was chirp constantly, especially when cold outside. One side of dash vents blow hot/the other side cold. Ford dealer doesnt care. Basically tell you that how it is & how they are built. Unbelieveable! Traded for a CRV & was the best move we ever made!

  • Dangerous & Defective Transmission! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    This is my first and LAST FORD. Ever. I was so in love with my new spunky Ford Escape, I got all the bells and whistles, paid 24 grand for this model.. I noticed that my car was rusting prematurely...not on on the outside, but the inside as well underneath my seats. In fact the bars that hold my seats to the car are rusting. At 107k miles, my transmission malfunctioned causing my car to shake violently, and accelerate on its own, now I have to buy a new trans at 3 grand. On top of it I could of been seriously hurt, since my car seat is rusting away from the base of the care. FORD DID NOTHING. SO I launched a complaint against them. LAST FORD I EVER BUY. EVER>

  • Transmission Cooler - Again! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I purchased my 2008 Ford Escape in Jan 2009 used. I never had a problem with it until Nov 2011 when I had to pay $900 for a new transmission cooler. Come to find out Ford had a recall on this until Aug 2010 and I was never notified! After calling Ford repeatedly they were no help at all! Today is Jan 17, 2012 - my car is back in the shop for the same problem! Way to go Ford for backing up their customers! Last Ford I will own. Getting it fixed and selling it for a different brand!

  • 2008 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION LEAK - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Ford has changed and the corporation is focused on $$$$$ and NOT the consumer. Read reviews on the internet- they are EVERYWHERE. I just got screwed by Ford on a recall that they will no longer honor. Called Customer Service and they said to will cost $800.00! READ before you buy. I never would have said this before today, but Im now looking at a Toyota or Nissan. Its too bad Ford has gone the way and we are forced to buy non-American products. FORD you should be ashamed of what you have turned into.

  • Failed Transmission - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I used to love my Ford Escape. It was a great value and the perfect size for my family of 3 1/2. BUT after my transmission failed at 62,000 miles (just 2,000 miles out of warranty) I will never again purchase another Ford. I was originally looking at Honda and Toyota and wish I had spent the extra money on one of those brands. Not happy with my experience.

  • It Stinks! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    We are new customers to ford vehicles and will never again purchase another! Ever!!! Every time we get this vehicle on the road we have to wear masks over our faces. The catalytic converter (we are told by the dealership) has a problem that we/they are unable to alter. Everytime this vehicle accelerates the smell insde the vehicle almost makes you dizzy. It smells like cooked S_it! The season does not diminish the degree of smell except that winter seems to augment it when we are driving on snow covered roads. Apparently no one lese has this trouble!If you have encountered this problem, please drop us a line and let us know how it was rectified if it was even rectified. Sad and Sorry Owners

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