2008 Ford Escape XLS
1FMCU02Z48KA42258
Vehicle history report for the 2008 Ford Escape XLS (VIN 1FMCU02Z48KA42258). Silver, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 2.3L 4-cyl 153 hp, gasoline. 146,862 mi reported. Registered in Tx. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![2008 Ford Escape XLS, Silver, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 1FMCU02Z48KA42258](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/2008_Ford_Escape_Hybrid_Taxi.JPG)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2008 Ford Escape worth?
What comparable 2008 Ford Escape vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1FMCU02Z48KA42258
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2008 Ford Escape.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 2,415 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Escape, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 2415
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2008 Ford Escape.
ENGINE
While driving over 60 MPH the car will begin to say the engine is hot and sometimes without warning going to stop safely now however when you open the hood nothing is hot to touch and there's an extreme amount of coolant gone from the engine coolant tank have replaced coolant tank itself still having issue begin happening in March and is still continuing
NHTSA ODI #11750029POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle and driving from a parking lot at 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission skipped second and forth gear, and remained in third gear. The vehicle hesitated and stalled. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle w…
NHTSA ODI #11745583STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel seized. The failure was intermittent. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while reversing out of the driveway. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
NHTSA ODI #11734808SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the ABS light was illuminated. Whil…
NHTSA ODI #11731174STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and failed to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was towed to a local deal…
NHTSA ODI #11729359STEERING
The power steering torque sensor went out. It was recalled, the repair was made, but the part is failing again. It is creating a safety issue. Ford won't re-repair. The part they put in is failing again. It has been less than 15 years since they put in the recalled part.
NHTSA ODI #11724880ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Check engine light keeps flashing, car vibration, bad head gasket, oil and fluid leak
NHTSA ODI #11721440STEERING
The power steering started going out at low speeds and eventually just stopped working. The car keeps saying power steering assist fault. The power steering no longer works.
NHTSA ODI #11718770+ 2407 more complaints on record.
