The 2008 Escape only lasts around 150,000 miles with many transmission and engine failures. At $4,916 – 5,092, it’s not worth buying since you’ll spend twice as much on repairs.
Is the 2008 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2008 is a bad year. Owner reviews complain about suspension problems, broken transmissions, and excessive rust.
- Reliability ratings are terrible. Avoid models from 2008-2013 which all have a lot of problems, and go with a 2014 or newer if you want an Escape.
- Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 is a bit more powerful.
- The Escape is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good, at up to 24 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Escape?
- Consumer Reports says the updated Escape adds new problems and has very low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Escape a 4.2/5, liking the comfortable interior, but disliking the poor performance.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Escape 4.4/5, enjoying the high ground clearance, but disliking the bad handling.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Ford Escape Have?
Problems with the 2008 Escape are extremely serious and include transmission failures, worn out power steering systems, and dead engines.
Transmission failures are the most common complaint showing up at around 90,000 miles. If the transmission fails the only solution is replacing the entire assembly for around $3,500.
Worn-out power steering systems are another frequent problem at around 110,000 miles. Replacing the steering column and torque sensor fixes the problem, but prices are high at around $1,300.
Engine failures show up on a lot of Escape models at around 65,000 miles. Frequent misfires cause a lot of damage, and replacing the engine costs about $4,000.
There are 6 recalls, with the most serious ones being for a coolant pump failure which leads to overheating, and the computer for the electronic power steering system.
How Long Will the 2008 Ford Escape Last?
A properly maintained 2008 Escape will last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too costly to repair, which is 100,000 miles less than a Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, at $515 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most Escapes will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the water pump for $500, exhaust manifold costing $900, and airbag control module which is $525.
Yes. I have not personally had any issues. I did have to replace the wipers but that is reasonable considering the age of it. Same thing with the oil, which even after getting an oil change it took a little bit for the oil gauge to reset so the light wasn't randomly going on. Also had trouble a couple of times where the car was slow to start up.
This vehicle does have problems and we will need to replace the key ignition for a second time soon. We have put in over 5k in repairs.
Yes, it has been with me for a long time and through many long road trips without any issues. When it has had problems it is relatively inexpensive to fix.
It seems to rust faster than other vehicles but the way it functions is impeccable. The axle broke at 70k but other than that nothing but tired and wiper changes (besides the rust).
I think the escape is very reliable. I always feel in control of my car. It always starts, even in very cold weather, and stops easily. The steering is great, not too sensitive but not any play in the wheel either. I have not had any problems with my car, as I keep up with maintenance.
The problem I have is that it is not comfortable. It is more truck like. I find on long trips my back becomes sore and sometimes there is not enough leg room I'd you have back seat passengers.
I have never had a problem with mine. I have left sunroof open before and got water stains on my seat.
Yes it is. It gets me where I needs to be and it is decent on gas it creates a comfortable ride for everyone.
How Much Is the 2008 Ford Escape Worth?
Blue book values on the 2008 Escape range from $4,916 – 5,092, making the Escape about $500 cheaper than a Nissan Rogue or Jeep Liberty. When new, the price range was $19,140 to $21,685. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Escape?
There are three models of the Escape available. Technology is good since it was last redesigned for 2008, with some new safety features added for 2010.
XLS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Power Windows & Locks
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Input
XLT is a step up adding features such as:
- 16-inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Automatic Headlights
- Cruise Control
Limited is the flagship model and comes with:
- 16-Inch Bright Machined Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Premium 320-Watt Stereo System
- Optional DVD-Base Navigation
What Engines Come In the Escape?
- The base engine is the fairly weak 2.3L 4-cylinder with 153 horsepower, which gets up to 24 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the slightly more powerful 3.0L V6, which makes 200 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is poor, taking 8.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Escape Come In?
How Big Is the Escape?
The 2008 Ford Escape is an average compact SUV similar in size to the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. Passenger space is good and adults fit in both rows, but the backseats are not very supportive.
Cargo space is a bit lower than some rivals offering 29 cubic feet of room behind the seats and up to 66 when folded flat.
How Does the Escape Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Edge is another rival from Ford, costing about $1,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Edge, but the Escape handles trail driving better with its higher suspension. We recommend neither for the 2008 model year, since they have similar mechanical problems.
The Honda CR-V is a popular competitor which costs about $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are much better on the CR-V, but the Escape is more powerful. We recommend the CR-V since they last much longer and are more affordable to own.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Escape?
Yes. Serves my needs and I have not had any problems with the car and I appreciate the size. I would prefer better mileage.
Yes. I have enjoyed driving it. My two car seats fit well and enough trunk space to fit my stroller, even a double stroller.
Yes, it is reliable and has lasted for a very long time - I have had it for 130k miles and have had limited issues.
Yes, it has held up with very little problems 12 years in, with 90k miles. It is the best vehicle I have ever driven in the snow; it beats Chevrolet and Mercedes for sure.
Yes my 2008 ford escape is a good vehicle. The ride is comfortable, and the size is large enough to haul large boxes with seats down (larger than a car trunk). It has excellent power and good steering control. I feel safe in my escape.
Yes it is. I have driven it a lot and have not had that many repairs. My dog fits in the back nicely. I have 4 wheel drive which helps in the snow.
Yes it is because it has great stereo and bass ac and heat works quickly, drives easy and good on gas and safe.
Yes I have found it to be reliable it runs good and is good for long uses I would recommend it to others.