Ford

Escape (2nd)

2008-2012 · Compact SUV ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.0)
14,739 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
45 Fire Reports
400 Crash Reports
Includes data from: ESCAPEESCAPE HEVESCAPE HYBRID
View all 4 generations of the Ford Escape → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Ford

3.0L 6-cyl / 240 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
5,354 complaints 1784.7 per year Gasoline
22 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1454
fuel system
1261
engine
1117
transmission
1026
other
573

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1,454 complaints)
Typical onset: 87,250โ€“150,000 mi Est. repair: $705โ€“$1,862 (121 reports)
Fuel System Issues (1,261 complaints)
Typical onset: 62,450โ€“116,500 mi Est. repair: $309โ€“$589 (134 reports)
Engine Issues (1,117 complaints)
Typical onset: 43,150โ€“85,000 mi Est. repair: $326โ€“$600 (124 reports)

9 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Escape regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (1,458 complaints)
steering serious
Fuel System Issues (1,263 complaints)
fuel_system serious
Engine Issues (1,122 complaints)
engine serious
Transmission Issues (1,030 complaints)
transmission serious
Electrical System Issues (532 complaints)
electrical serious

Recalls (7)

16V777000Oct 25, 2016serious
Fuel System

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured February 26, 2009, to April 29, 2012, and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured February 25, 2009, to December 12, 2010. On vehicles with a 3.0L engine, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) may crack, causing a fuel leak.

15V606000Sep 28, 2015serious
Powertrain

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.

15E045000Mar 5, 2015serious
Suspension

The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.

14V284000May 28, 2014serious
Steering

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.

14V526000Mar 8, 2014serious
Hybrid Propulsion System

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.

10V222000May 23, 2010serious
Powertrain

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, MILAN, AND ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, THROUGH MARCH 26, 2010. THE PARK ROD GUIDE RETENTION PIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION".

10E043000Mar 8, 2010serious
Equipment

MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2012 Ford Escape problems?

The 2008-2012 Ford Escape has accumulated 14,739 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Fuel System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Escape engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2012 Ford Escape was offered with 10 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2012 Ford Escape a good used car?

The 2008-2012 Ford Escape can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 14,739 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2012 Ford Escape have?

The 2008-2012 Ford Escape has 14,739 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2012 Ford Escape?

There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2012 Ford Escape vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Escape?

Before buying a used Ford Escape, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Fuel System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Escape have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2008-2012 Ford Escape. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 14,739 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver