ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND DASH SAID REGEN BRAKES DISABLED. THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKES AND CAR HAD A VERY HARD TIME STOPPING AND NARROWLY MISSED HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND IT NEEDS ABS PUMP WHICH COSTS OVER $7000 TO REPLACE.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Escape Hybrid years
Owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Escape Hybrid years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
415 reports with mileage · 28 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes. Review the 129 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 110 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
129 reportsHE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT HAS ARISEN WITH A GREAT DEAL OF OWNERS OF FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. I HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE HCU SYSTEM REPLACED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. AS IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, NOR CONSIDERED BY THE COMPANY TO BE AN …
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HE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT HAS ARISEN WITH A GREAT DEAL OF OWNERS OF FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDS OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. I HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE HCU SYSTEM REPLACED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. AS IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, NOR CONSIDERED BY THE COMPANY TO BE AN ISSUE DESERVING OF A RECALL, I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE ENTIRE THING, WHICH TOTALED $4,863.00 (AND IT TOOK FIVE DAYS TO GET THE WORK COMPLETED). I ALSO HAD TO PAY TO RENT A CAR FOR THE SEVERAL DAYS IT TOOK TO GET THE PART AND PERFORM THE WORK, WHICH WAS ANOTHER $200.00. DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF THIS REPAIR AND THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH IT IS AFFECTING CONSUMERS, I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BECOME A RECALL AND PEOPLE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS THEY HAVE HAD TO MAKE.
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND THIS IS THE THIRD TIME MY ABS BRAKES HAVE FAILED. I DON'T KNOW THE TECHNICAL REASON BUT MY CAR DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY IN NINE YEARS THE BRAKING SYSTEM SHOULD NOT FAIL THREE TIMES.
THIS IS MY DAUGHTERS CAR SHE GOT BOUGHT FOR HER 18 BIRTHDAY. NOT A YEAR LATER AND THE WHOLE ABS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR 5 GRAND AND NOW THE TRADE IN VALUE IS WORTH 2200. THE BRAKES FAIL. 10 YEARS OLD AND 5 GRAND TO FIX. TONS OF SAME STORIES OF THE SAME YEAR ON THE NET. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED BUT I'M …
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THIS IS MY DAUGHTERS CAR SHE GOT BOUGHT FOR HER 18 BIRTHDAY. NOT A YEAR LATER AND THE WHOLE ABS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR 5 GRAND AND NOW THE TRADE IN VALUE IS WORTH 2200. THE BRAKES FAIL. 10 YEARS OLD AND 5 GRAND TO FIX. TONS OF SAME STORIES OF THE SAME YEAR ON THE NET. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED BUT I'M AM SURE SOMEONE WILL CAUSE OF THIS TERRIBLY DESIGNED SYSTEM. NOW MY DAUGHTER WILL BE FORCED TO GO IN DEBT AT 18. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. NOT BECAUSE I'M AN EDUCATED DUMBY, NOT BECAUSE I PAY MY TAXES EVERY YEAR AND WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND. BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. NO WAY YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. I THOUGHT IT WAS A JOKE. SO THIS COMPANY MANUFACTURES VEHICLES THAT WILL HAVE TO BE FIXED BEFORE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR DESTROYS SOMETHING AND I GUESS A QUOTA OF DEAD PEOPLE HAS TO BE MET BY FAILING BRAKES BEFORE TAKING IT SERIOUS OR I HAVE TO OR MY DAUGHTER JUST STARTING OUT IN LIFE HAS TO GO IN DEBT MORE BECAUSE WE ALLOW CORPORATIONS TO PULL A PYRAMID SCHEME WITH VEHICLES. I'M NOT SURE WHY I HAVE TO WONDER WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN CALLED ON THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS HYDRAULIC BREAKING SYSTEM THAT HAS THUS MANY COMPLAINTS. MAYBE WE SHOULD CHECK HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE FORCED THRU FORD OR OTHER DEALERSHIPS TO FIX THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THEN THERE WILL BE THE EVIDENCE OF DECEPTIVE MANUFACTURING AND ADVERTISING TO GENERATE CASH FLOW. WE KNOW THE BRAKES WILL FAIL AND THE ENGINE AND EVERYTHING ELSE WILL STILL BE STRONG AND IT LOOKS NICE BUT THEY WILL BE FORCED TO GO IN DEBT TO FIX IT CAUSE ANYONE THAT OWNS THIS WILL ONLY HAVE ONE CAR TYPICALLY. SCAM USING SAFETY AND LIFE AS LEVERAGE. EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS, BRAKES FAIL, EVERY TIME COMING TO A STOP FROM ANY SPEED. HAVE TO STAND ON THEM TO STOP. MY DAUGHTER IS WORKING AND GOING TO SCHOOL FULL TIME. WHAT AN AMERICAN RIP OFF.
PENDING FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE CONTROL UNIT. ABS, CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF. WHEN LIGHTS ARE ON THE VEHICLE IS MORE DIFFICULT TO STOP. READING OTHER'S POSTS ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT HAPPENS OFTEN. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ONCE FAILURE IS PRESENT. ONLY WAY TO FIX IS WIT…
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PENDING FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE CONTROL UNIT. ABS, CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF. WHEN LIGHTS ARE ON THE VEHICLE IS MORE DIFFICULT TO STOP. READING OTHER'S POSTS ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT HAPPENS OFTEN. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ONCE FAILURE IS PRESENT. ONLY WAY TO FIX IS WITH A $4,500 PART THAT YOU HAVE TO GET NEW FROM FORD....
LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES DURING DRIVING. WARNING MESSAGE "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE "REGEN BRAKING DISABLED" AT TIMES NEED TO PRESS BRAKE VERY HARD JUST TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SLOWLY ROLL TO A STOP. OCCASIONALLY, THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND ALMOST FEELS LIKE…
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LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES DURING DRIVING. WARNING MESSAGE "CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE "REGEN BRAKING DISABLED" AT TIMES NEED TO PRESS BRAKE VERY HARD JUST TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SLOWLY ROLL TO A STOP. OCCASIONALLY, THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT IS PARTIALLY ENGAGED, EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT DEPRESS THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL. I'VE RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM - MANY ON THE 2008 ESCAPE HYBRID ITSELF, BUT MANY ON OTHER ESCAPE YEARS AS WELL. FORD DENIES THIS AS A PROBLEM. I SPOKE TO BOTH MY DEALER AND FORD CORPORATION - THEY SAY THEY HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT ANY BRAKING PROBLEMS ON THE ESCAPE HYBRIDS -THEY LIE THROUGH THEIR TEETH. MAYBE NHTSA CAN MAKE THEM OWN UP TO THEIR PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE REALLY GETS HURT - OR WORSE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SLOWLY TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC A MILE AWAY (ARNOLDS OIL COMPANY, 466 OLD US RTE 52, NEW RICHMOND, OH 45157) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SLOWLY TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC A MILE AWAY (ARNOLDS OIL COMPANY, 466 OLD US RTE 52, NEW RICHMOND, OH 45157) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER (BEECHMONT FORD, 600 OHIO PIKE, CINCINNATI, OH 45245, (513) 752-6611) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-392-3673 AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 10/19/17 *BF UPDATED 10/27/2017*JS
THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE BRAKE REGENERATION DISABLED IS DISPLAYED ON DASH. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IT CALLS FOR THE ECU TO BE REPLACED AND THE REPAIR IS $5,000. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL AND REPLACE THIS PAR…
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THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE BRAKE REGENERATION DISABLED IS DISPLAYED ON DASH. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IT CALLS FOR THE ECU TO BE REPLACED AND THE REPAIR IS $5,000. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL AND REPLACE THIS PART AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE.
WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AT 45MPH WITH A STOP SIGNAL BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH LITTLE TO NO BRAKING EFFECT. GOT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING OR BEING HIT. YELLOW ABS AND RED BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. FORD DEALERSHIP REPORTS THAT VEHICLE NEEDS NEW HBCU @ $5000. MULTIPLE CAR FORU…
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WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AT 45MPH WITH A STOP SIGNAL BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH LITTLE TO NO BRAKING EFFECT. GOT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING OR BEING HIT. YELLOW ABS AND RED BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. FORD DEALERSHIP REPORTS THAT VEHICLE NEEDS NEW HBCU @ $5000. MULTIPLE CAR FORUMS WITH SAME EXACT ISSUE. SO FAR NO ONE KILLED AND FORD WILL NOT ADMIT ANY PROBLEMS OR TRY TO SATISFY CUSTOMERS WITH A FIX. I HAVE NOW REACHED OUT TO YOU FOR HELP AND MAKE THIS ISSUE A MATTER OF DOCUMENTATION WITH THE NHSTB. PLEASE GET INVOLVED BEFORE THIS GETS UGLY.
REGAN BRAKES SYSTEM FAILS WITH NO WARNING MAKING STOPPING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE SHUT VECH OFF AND MAYBE PROBLEM GOES AWAY MAYBE NOT.WHEN STARTING BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT ON DASH STAYS ON WHICH MAKES NO BRAKES OR LIGHT GOES OUT AND MAY COME ON LATER WITH NO WARNING THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS INVOLVING 2008 HYBRIDS LOOKING AT ALL COMPL…
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REGAN BRAKES SYSTEM FAILS WITH NO WARNING MAKING STOPPING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE SHUT VECH OFF AND MAYBE PROBLEM GOES AWAY MAYBE NOT.WHEN STARTING BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT ON DASH STAYS ON WHICH MAKES NO BRAKES OR LIGHT GOES OUT AND MAY COME ON LATER WITH NO WARNING THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS INVOLVING 2008 HYBRIDS LOOKING AT ALL COMPLAINTS IT SEEMS FORD KNOWS ABOUT FAILURE BUT WONT FIX WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WAS MADE THAT WAY AND WILL COST 4000-5000 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR CONSUMER TO FIX
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP15001 · Loss Of Power Steering While Driving
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Jun 14, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On May 27, 2014, amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving in approximately 746,067 model year (MY) 2008 through 2011 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (NHTSA 14V-284, Ford 14S05). Ford's DIR described the defect condition as a poor signal to noise ratio [SNR] in the torque sensor within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system [which] does not allow the PSCM to determine the driver's steering input. When the system detects this fault condition, it transitions the EPAS system to the fail-safe/manual steering mode.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the proper repair procedure. If no DTCs are present, dealers are to update the PSCM and instrument cluster module software. The updated PSCM software changes the torque sensor fault strategy so that the SNR condition does not result in a loss of power steering assist while driving.In addition, audible and visual warnings are provided for torque sensor faults.If DTCs indicating faults in the torque sensor, PSCM or Power Steering Motor (motor) are present in the initial recall inspection, the dealer performs the following repairs: 1) replaces the torque sensor for torque sensor faults (DTC B2278); or 2) replaces the steering column for faults related to the PSCM (DTC B1342) or motor (DTC B2277).Continued in attachment pages
DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
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