Model year guide

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 42 on record.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints2,417
Combined28–32 mpg
Typical price$6,712

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 2,417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
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.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Rollover risk: 20.4% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4-DR. w/SAB (Later release). Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid MPG & running costs

Combined28–32 mpg
City32 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,250
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$750 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid worth?

Low
$3,900
Typical price
$6,712
High
$9,700

From 39 comparable 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,250
Fuel only$11,250
Per mile$0.15

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
174.8 in
Width
71.3 in
Height
68.1 in
Wheelbase
103.1 in
Curb weight
3,638 lb
Front track
61.4 in
Rear track
60.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

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…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

Loss of power steering while driving Closed

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…

NHTSA #DP15001 · Steering · opened Apr 2015 · closed Jun 2018

Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction Closed

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 Petiti…

NHTSA #DP12006 · Engine · opened Oct 2012 · closed Feb 2013

TIRE VALVE CRACKING Closed

ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA. VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (0…

NHTSA #PE08060 · Tires · opened Oct 2008 · closed Apr 2009

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 46

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 46.

Ford 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 the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad…

Bulletin SSM 54601 · Electrical System, Structure · Feb 2026

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlik…

Bulletin SSM 52476 · Equipment · Apr 2024

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a diffe…

Bulletin SSM 51536 · Structure · Apr 2023

Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only app…

Bulletin SSM 47201 · Equipment · Mar 2018

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts P…

Bulletin SSM 47009 · Equipment · Jan 2018

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts P…

Bulletin SSM 47009 · Equipment · Jan 2018

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these P…

Bulletin SSM 46085 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine · Sep 2016

Some 2005-2012 Escape Hybrid and 2006-2011 Mariner Hybrid vehicles may set DTCs P0A81 (battery pack cooling fan 1 control circuit) and/or P0A96 (battery pack cooling fan 2 control circuit) in the traction battery control module (TBCM). These codes by themselve…

Bulletin TSB 16-0118 · Electrical System · Sep 2016

2005-2008 ESCAPE/MARINER HYBRID - ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH DTC(S) C1478, C1479, C1480 AND/OR C1481

Bulletin SSM-45870 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2016

FORD 2008-2012 ESCAPE/MARINER: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING STEERING CONTROL MODULE WITH DTC B2278, NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. *LJ

Bulletin 45006 · Steering · Mar 2015

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ESCAPE HYBRID FWD/AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company from the 2001 to the 2026 model years across four generations, as Ford's first SUV derived from a car platform.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · HEV
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl 133 hp

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles on record

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H58KD65089 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H48KB89863 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H98KA46560 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H08KB92670 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H18KA16582 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H58KA99265 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H58KB49999 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H48KE09850 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H58KA30043 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H28KD05190 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H28KC22603 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H28KB98173 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H68KA60779 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49HX8KD41449 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H68KC31553 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H68KE47466 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H98KC97658 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H38KC63192 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H98KA11999 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H08KC91344 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H78KA62735 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU59H28KD40897 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H58KC68037 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base1FMCU49H48KE76393

Other Ford Escape Hybrid model years

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2017 2012 2011 2010 2009 2007 2006 2005

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid?

Across all 2,417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, power train, service brakes.

What is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid get?

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid has U.S. EPA estimates of 28–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid worth?

Comparable 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid listings run roughly $3,900–$9,700, typically around $6,712 (from 39 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.