2008 Ford Escape Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 136about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,974 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,906miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 136 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Ford Escape, 7% of the 1,974 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,906 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Recalled other models identical to mine for the exact issue I am having with the airbag clock spring; however, did not recall mine for some reason. Car has 99.7k miles I am absolutely furious nothing has been done about this issue for select cars while others have been corrected. The dealership my car was taken to was too incompetent to repair the issue.(cactus jacks)”
NHTSA complaint #11302814, filed 2020-01, 99,700 miles“My electric power steering assist has been out for some time now and been using without power steering. My vehicle fits the exact description as the recall for this issur deacribes and was manufactured at the kc plant as well and is a 2008 Escape xlt but yet I'm left responsible and would rather blow the thing up than fix and never druve another Ford again for them not claiming responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #11310221, filed 2020-02, 80,000 miles“Key ignition switch is difficult to work. Ford told me to punch the key in hard then turn, which works most of the time. I've read where is a common problem with lots of owners. To fix the problem, Ford says it will cost between $800.00 - $1000.00, but that it may happen again. No guarantee. Since this problem is so prevalent, why no recall to fix this common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11051031, filed 2017-11, 100,000 miles“I started my vehicle and I got a warning beep saw the display saying power steering assist fault. My steering wheel was vibrating and a loud motor type noise was sounding. I would drive and I could feel the steering wheel shimmy while driving. The next day I started my car and display showed right away the power steering assist default. And I had no power steering from then on. Other 2008s had recalls for power steering but my VIN was not on the list for recalls”
NHTSA complaint #11407433, filed 2021-04, 132,500 miles“I am having trouble with my 2008 Ford Escape the ignition switch won't start my car. Since about 6 months ago I have to keep pushing my key in further and further to try to get my car to start. Sometimes it take 10-15 min before I can actually get it started. Reading comments about the car this is a major issue and there should be a recall done.”
NHTSA complaint #10616621, filed 2014-07, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing…
- 10055355Mar 1, 2014Ford: the wrench light will illuminate when 4x4 function is inoperative due to active torque coupling solenoid coil wiring being broke, but a kit is available to service rear…
- 10039053Mar 1, 2011Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10022240Apr 1, 2007Instrument panel lights dim - spdjb must learn resistance values of dimmer.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 27% |
| 2024 | 27 | 36% |
| 2023 | 41 | 41% |
| 2022 | 19 | 8% |
| 2021 | 34 | 10% |
| 2020 | 160 | 10% |
| 2019 | 37 | 6% |
| 2018 | 57 | 3% |
| 2017 | 156 | 6% |
| 2016 | 95 | 8% |
| 2015 | 135 | 12% |
| 2014 | 216 | 10% |
| 2013 | 339 | 12% |
| 2012 | 42 | 7% |
| 2011 | 117 | 9% |
| 2010 | 216 | 10% |
| 2009 | 143 | 8% |
| 2008 | 136 | 7% |
| 2007 | 30 | 12% |
| 2006 | 34 | 7% |
| 2005 | 153 | 11% |
| 2004 | 31 | 6% |
| 2003 | 39 | 7% |
| 2002 | 123 | 12% |
| 2001 | 136 | 14% |
| 2000 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford Escape
1,127 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
329 complaintsVehicle speed control
175 complaintsBrakes
140 complaintsEngine
83 complaintsFuel system
60 complaintsOther or unknown
60 complaintsBody and structure
41 complaintsEngine cooling
38 complaintsElectronic stability control
36 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsSuspension
31 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology