Ford Escape 2nd Gen 2008 to 2012 Common problems, issues, defects, recalls and complaints 

I can't believe he didn't mention the top of the rear fenders rusting. Next time you see a 2008-2012 Escape, look at the rear fenders. EVERY single one of them has rust.

Honorable Mention: Rusted Read Fenders (almost every Escape in the parking lot).

My 2009 Escape 2.5 Limited has had many of these issues but one I did not expect was a rear main seal bolt coming out and destroying the motor( due to it being compression fit) and trans (bolt punched a hole in the trans). After $2500 and many hours of work I got it back on the road with a used motor and Trans. All in all its pretty reliable and good on gas.

I love my 2012 Escape. Handles like a champ on rural roads and no mechanical issues EXCEPT; The AC quit, (had to put it on 4 to get it to blow, then it wouldn't blow cold, the compressor burned up on the interstate) I have spent $1500 with three mechanics who got it blowing cold for about an hour before it steams up and fills with heat. And let me tell you, the heater could roast a chicken. I live in Florida, so this is a major issue for a vehicle, enough to force me to get something else. I've noticed in CarFax reports that both older Escapes and Edges frequently have way too many "AC Service" visits mentioned. I've also heard about an opposite problem with the heater, mostly with northern Escapes. They can't get the heater to come on but the AC is freezing them. I believe its something to do with the door actuator or possibly the blower motor mentioned here. Breaks my heart, love this vehicle, but I guess I need to take it to Alaska or Canada and sell it :-) I can guarantee it will keep you warm in a blizzard. :-)

I’ve had like 8 of the 10 lol but I still love these years of the escape. Word of advice to anyone though, get an 09-12 model since they’re much better than the 2008

You are Spot On with the issues.. I got my Wife a beautiful super low miles 2009 "Non Hybrid" XLT 2.3ltr Escape for $2k from a Grandma/Grandpa Owner. 64k miles & looks show room condition. They only towed it behind their motorhome & seldom drove it but the 'Only' problem it had was the damn Steering Column! The dealership wanted almost $3k to repair! I just ordered a whole new OEM Steering Column off eBay for a $1000 and installed it myself in 2hrs.. No need for calibration, etc.. Like brand-new now. I got Carshield because of the known Bad Transmissions in the 2nd Gen & the Key Module. That key module is starting to act up now but it's still ok for the moment. The Dealership Maintenance Manager did tell me to stay away from the Hybrid Models because the batteries are out of warranty & only good for 6yrs & when that battery goes out? The Car becomes completely inoperable! Just junk. So stay away from those.. 🤟

I drive 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited, 2.5L 4 cylinder, probably the most reliable Ford vehicle built. I did not have any of the described common issues. I have 107K mileage on odometer and needed to replace the following parts some known as really a typical for the 2009-2012 last generation of this model Escape - ignition coils, tire pressure sensor, A/C compressor, and HVAC driver-side mode door actuator (not blow motor resistor which is a common culprit for this model Escape).

11 TransferCase (PTU) destroys due to proximity of exhaust manifold & lack of fluid change. 12 Condenser cracks and leaks transmission fluid. 13. Transmission leak @ LF Axle Shaft Seal due to support bushing wear/poor finish on axle shaft.

Thank for the content.

2011 running today in Texas, just changing the water pump at 67000 miles. NO other issues.

Forgot to mention the button for the rear hatch stops working or the many issues with the sync system for the radio

The suspension needs a beefier build . The next time my front end starts with that aforementioned clanking due to excessive and premature sway bar link wear. I will do my research and seek for that solution.

This was very helpful

My only issue is some of the lights on the radio flicker. 2011Ford Escape XLT 2.5L

Thank you

They can also vibrate like crazy at stop light apparently not from engine mounts because I replaced them and it made no difference. The 2.3 L engines last a long time but are underpowered for an SUV frame.

I own a 2008 Ford Escape 2.3L and the following problems have arises at over 165,000 miles and here are how I fixed them; PROBLEM #2: I would loose power steering on and off at random times until one day while doing a sharp turn I lost power steering and almost hit the car next to me. #2 SOLUTION: The power steering on my escape is electrical and not hydraulic, there is a connection under the left side of the steering column that would loose contact since the wires were vent so hard the it was creating resistance to stay connected and with some random movements of the car the cables would loose contact. PROBLEM #5: The paint on my escape did come off in certain areas and would get rusty within one year as I live in Northern USA. Those vehicles tend to rust horribly bad if salt is used to melt ice in roads. Problem #7: Transmission was replace by previous owner at about 150,000 miles. I am currently at almost 200,000 with used replacement and no issues. PROBLEM #8: Turning key would sometimes start car and sometime it would not. Gave me a false idea that it was the starter but it wasn't it after replacing it and still having the same problem. Replace the ignition module as show in the video and it fixed it. Problem #10: Sway bar links would make clunking noise when going over bumps but it seems like they were the originals. Replaced at 190,000 miles but suspension are normal for every car depending on how bad are the roads(pot holes, etc.) Other problems I've had are; rusted hole in gas tank(looked man made), thermostat(car would not reach normal operating temperature) and most recently car shakes at park and drive so most likely its my motor mounts. Hope that helps!

My 2008 hybrid escape wont go into reverse or drive, but before that it wouldn’t go into park

Thanks for letting me a know.

Had to replace the blower motor resistor in my 2012 escape at 118,000 miles

Just had to scrap my 2009 Ford Escape XLT v6 220,000 kms due to badly rusted and unsafe right front subframe which is a very common problem in area where salt is used on winter roads. Just replaced blower resistor for 3rd time. Rear windshield wiper motor replaced due to parasitic draw. AC too expensive to repair. Of course rear wheel well arches badly rusted like 90% of other Escapes.

So, do you recommend these vehicles??

The Ford Escape Gen 1 engines and transmissions continues into the 2008 Gen 2 body. The complete Gen 2 package starts with the 2009 model years. Only Ford knows why they dd this. I have the 2008 model and I prefer the simpler engine and transmission for reliability.

What about the Bluetooth connection issues? Apparently that's in all models lol

2011 3.0 L V6 XLT rear wiper motor fail---- if you hear faint clicks even when key is off after driving, disconnect power to the rear wiper as it will drain your battery overnight to nothing. If wiper is not parked, it will cycle on & off all night long.

Electronic throttle body is only issue I had on my 2010 escape

ok! Safe! lol 2012 and I only have blower motor issues!

2009 FordEscape @1:26 electronic throttle body unit malfunction.

i have a problem with power steering i want to sell this crappy car made in US of A & buy a toyota made in Japan

I got a 2008 it’s low key trash

Every vehicle is trash

My 2008 is a piece of shit deathtrap

2011 is such a dog shit year for this car