2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Service Brakes (29.1% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Service Brakes complaints here are 4.5× the median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 129 · 29.1% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 107 · 24.2% | Investigation closed | DP15001 |
| Engine | 74 · 16.7% | Investigation closed | DP12006 |
| Electrical System | 63 · 14.2% | Investigation closed | DP22005 → recall 22V063000 |
| Power Train | 42 · 9.5% | No official action | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 29 · 6.5% | Investigation closed | DP12006 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 443 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AGO WHEN DRIVING I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HAD VERY LITTLE EFFECTIVENESS DURING A STOP IN SLOW SPEED TRAFFIC. INSTINCTIVELY I KEPT…”NHTSA complaint 10494849 — filed 01/27/2013 · SERVICE BRAKES
“MY WIFE LEFT WORK YESTERDAY AND WHEN SHE STARTED OUR 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID FWD THE ABS LIGHT AND CHECK BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON. DURING…”NHTSA complaint 10475694 — filed 09/17/2012 · SERVICE BRAKES
“I WAS ON A ROAD TRIP WITH A PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE. WE STOPPED IN BARSTOW, CA FOR LUNCH. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE…”NHTSA complaint 10467068 — filed 07/23/2012 · SERVICE BRAKES
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid?
Service brakes issues are the most-reported category, cited in 129 of 443 NHTSA complaints (29.1%), followed by steering (107), engine (74), electrical system (63). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid have?
443 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 1 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
