Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the rear-end started swaying to the left and the right. The vehicle was bouncing while driving over potholes or imperfections on the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle was also making a rattling sound while driving. The contact stated there was no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove to her destination and after stopping and inspecting the vehicle, she observed that there were large gaps inside the passenger's side wheel well. The contact stated that the passenger's side shock absorber had penetrated the trunk. Additionally, the front driver's and passenger's side control arms and subframe members were severely corroded. The contact observed that the frame was rusted on the driver's and passenger's side rear wheel wells. …
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a tire rotation, and the contact was informed that the subframe was rusted. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection at the same local independent mechanic during another routine tire rotation, it was noticed that the failure had worsened. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that rust was a category that was not inspected or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the front frame detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was unaware the diagnosis however, the frame was replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact noticed the frame was slowly detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that underneath the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
The steering wheel spins very fast if you let go of the wheel. You are not able to control it on the road. This occurs forwards or backwards. If you try to back up, and turn the wheel one way, it will not steer the correct direction and the steering wheel spins on it's own. Very dangerous. The repair shop has replaced the rack and pinion and it did not fix the problem. They are unable to determine what the issue is.
Took vehicle into Ford dealer for service on front wheel, yesterday 1/ 27/ 2021, which is unrelated. Serviceman told me that, due to excessive rust, the underframe has up to six cracks in it and that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. The vehicle is thirteen years old. He stated that there is no repair for this except to replace the whole unibody underframe, which Ford takes no responsibility for. I had to replace the two rear shock tower housings because one popped through the floor on sept., 2020. The outer body has some rust but looks good, normal rust for it's age. On the internet I researched the problem and it shows that the 2001 to 2003 escapes have had a possible recall and shows that one Ford dealer had a 'fix' for the engine cradle, that did not work out well. There are numerous complains online about undercarriage rust and its problems. …
While my vehicle was in motion on a busy street....the back driver-side lift gate hinge cracked in half and my glass window was hanging by a thread. Super dangerous to other vehicles and pedestrians. Luckily it did not fall to the road and shatter, or fly off the vehicle hitting someone, or thing, or car. This is not a matter of normal wear and tear/ corrosion. Other vehicles 'younger' than mine have had the same problem! Ford needs to be made accountable! Shame on them! Does someone need to die before an action is taken? Expensive repair. I should not have had to deal with. And stress and worry while driving with the back window literally flapping in the wind! Wtf? Again. Thank god it didn't cause damage to someone or another vehicle. I really pray this can become a recall item, before someone is seriously injured! Omg! Awaiting reimbursement in ohio!
The rear inner fender rusted out and the rear strut broke through its mounting bracket while I was driving on a state highway and the vehicle is now unstable and dangerous to drive. Thankfully I was able to keep relative control of the vehicle and make it home safely. Upon doing a simple google search, this is a known issue with vehicles sold in the bother united states and Canada as stated on numerous websites and forums. Unfortunately this is my primary mode of transportation and I travel 120-125 miles per day round trip to work. This could have been much worse had I not heard the noise and braces myself prior to the vehicle becoming unstable. My biggest fear is that a family could be riding in a this type of vehicle and not have adequate reaction and become a vehicle casualty statistic.
I was driving when I noticed a loud bumping noise... My back passenger wheel well is completely rusted away, which has affected my shock mounting bracket. Every little bump causes it to shake . The bracket actually went through the plastic and there is a hole inside the back of the vehicle. I see so many identical complaints and its very disappointing that Ford has done nothing to resolve this issue. I know that the Ford Escape 2001- 2004 were recalled for this exact issue and its disconcerting that they are ignoring the same problem for the 2005-2008 Escape. How many more thousands of complaints is it going to take for them to at least investigate this unsafe, reoccurring issue?! Hopefully , something will be done soon before someone gets seriously injured.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. While the vehicle was approaching a stop sign, the front passenger tire detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact reached out to keast auto center (2101 23rd st, harlan, ia 51537 [phone]) and was informed that nothing could be done since the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was also contacted and stated the same information as the dealer. The contact discovered that this particular year, make, and model vehicle was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 14V165000 (structure). The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the shock absorber was rusted and caused the connector to fracture, which created a hole in the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that this could allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle when the engine was running in cold weather. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact called sturman & larkin Ford, inc. At [phone] (located at 900 regis ave, west mifflin, pa 152360), but they could not assist. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Body complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2008 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the body & structure of the 2008 Ford Escape, 2% of the model year's 1,974 complaints. The component named most often is body (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Escape body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2008 Ford Escape, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Escape body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.