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 that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to turn. The contact stated that the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
I was dropping my child off at school. I put my vehicle in park and when I pulled out and went to use my brake the pedal went to the floor and the pedal vibrated like ABS was engaged. I was able to stop but it was very slowly. I was going under 10 MPH.when I started to drive again my ABS and traction control lights came on and you could hear the sound of the traction control being engaged. I had to stop two more times on my way home and was able to do so by driving only 5 MPH with my four ways on. The traction control sound was intermittent and the vehicle would not accelerate properly. The brake pedal continued to go to the floor and vibrate. The brakes continued to not work properly and make sounds. I was only 1 mile from home and was able to get home without an accident. This happened in a residential area while I was making a short trip under 3 miles both ways. …
Today is 10/1/2019. I dropped my kids off at school came home and my neighbor son had missed the bus. I was on my way to take him to school when after I started my car my steering wheel wouldn't turn. First I thought I had done something wrong so I parked it and tried to reverse and turn the wheel again same thing happened. My electric steering wheel has gone out or is no longer working there was a recall before I got the vehicle 14s05 but with previous owner. I went to 3 different places saying the same thing how can a recall that claims to be fixed not be fixed thank god my truck was parked already so now they are saying it could cost 800-1800 and I have to take it to a Ford place so disappointed. I purchase the truck in 2017 so approximately 2 years later and this happens.
All these items have been fixed by capitol city Ford indianapolis and mace Ford terre haute, in. I am still having problems with the throttle thrust and electrical problems. Currently my car will not start. Other mechanics said it was the starter, its not the starter its electrical sensors. The vehicle speeds up sometimes when the car is not being excelerated. Suspension, heater speed control stop working when they worked on the electrical and they refuse to fix it. There is more. I don't have my documentation, but I will submit it later. The car is at the shop - being looked and worked on - its still not starting - so we don't have transportation!! I cant afford another hit from Ford when they are not even fixing the problem.
Electric steering assist failure -- sudden and complete failure. On highway...outside temp was 5 f above zero. Two children in car (one year old and 3 year old). Without warning (and during a 45 degree curve) the steering assist went out and at first the steering assist attempted to correct the steering and that made matters worse -- holding the wheel steady and continuing thru the turn was a challenge (and, I am 'stout' guy!). Got off the highway asap. Then an electric burn smell started..steering column (?). Got the grand kids out of the car (into the 5 degree temp) in a hurry! Car now in the shop . $2,000 repair and May not be complete. Will find out final number today.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V284000 (steering). After the vehicle was repaired under the recall, the vehicle experienced several failures. The failures included the loss of anti-lock braking system, stability control, and the brake warning light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,412.
I own a 2008 Ford Escape that has recently been diagnosed with a known recalled issue with the torque sensor. Error code b2278. It has caused the electric power steering assist to turn off. My vehicle currently has no power steering due to this issue that has already been recalled. My vehicle falls under the model and year that Ford recalled the part on, however the Ford motor company is claiming they have no responsibility in the repair or replacement of the part. Luckily I was at a slow speed when the power steering went out and did not cause an accident.
There have been numerous times where my car would suddenly stall or freeze up when making turns or pressing the gas after coming to a complete stop. By stalling I mean taking a second or two to accelerate then jerking kinda hard once I hit the gas pedal. When the car would freeze up, the traction and check engine indicator flashes and the steering wheel is completely stuck in place and I'd have to restart the car to get it going again. It doesnt freeze or stall on the highway but it always happens on city streets.
My complaint is regarding Ford safety recall # 14s05. Loss of power steering due to torque sensor failure. Ford issued recall in July 2014. My vehicle was inspected in August 2014. Software was updated and torque sensor was found to be functioning and was not replaced. The recall pertained to loss of power. The vehicle would default to manual steering. I purchased my 2008 Ford Escape in oct 2014 and was not aware of the recall. Ford says the recall was complete. I disagree and am filing this complaint.
I took my car in for a recall on the power steering. Afterwards when I would idle, the steering wheel became shaky making a loud noise. Now it shakes even when I'm driving and will get jerky or stop working completely. This happens on the highway, when I'm stopped at a stop light or when I'm pulling out of a driveway! From what I have researched this happens to thousands of other Ford owners. The power steering simply gives out and they want you to pay $1,500 to have the whole column replaced!
Traction Control complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2008 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2008 Ford Escape, 2% of the model year's 1,974 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Escape traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
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.