Is the 2008 Ford Escape a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B-6.5/10
Consider alternatives if you can stretch your budget, but not a dealbreaker if price is very competitive.
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Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Ample cargo space
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Transmission problems
- Mediocre fuel economy for its class
- Outdated interior design
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
20 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
150,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Transmission failures
- ABS sensor issues
- Engine stalling
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (5)
The 2008 Ford Escape has 5 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Equipment (campaign 10E043000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Hybrid Propulsion System — Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufacture…
- Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Lever And Linkage — Floor Shift — Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.…
- Steering — Electric Power Assist System — Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor …
- Equipment — MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT …
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.