What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2008–2012) Escape?

Escape owners have made 1,648 complaints about the 2008–2012 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 92nd out of 94 Ford generations in overall reliability, with real transmission and steering concerns.

Compare With Other Escape Generations

Common 2008-2012 Ford Escape Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Escape owners have to deal with.

  1. Swollen and Stuck Lug Nuts

    Most lug nuts are one piece of hardened steel, but Ford chose a design that puts an aluminum cap over a steel core. The cap is notorious for swelling and delaminating when it gets hot, and it’s also a great place to trap moisture and promot…

    Continue reading article "Swollen and Stuck Lug Nuts"

  2. ETB Puts Escape in Limp Home Mode

    It's been a long road for electronic throttle body (ETB) complaints in Ford and Mercury vehicles. It's been an even longer road for owners with ETBs that are prone to sudden surges, dangerous stalls, and being sent into 'limp home mode' whi…

    Continue reading article "ETB Puts Escape in Limp Home Mode"

  3. Power Steering (EPAS) Failure

    Power steering is one of those things you don't think about until it's gone. And owners of Ford cars with electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) are thinking about it all the damn time, if you catch my drift.

    Continue reading article "Power Steering (EPAS) Failure"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2008–2012) Escape Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1,648 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 92nd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 94 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (2008–2012) Escape News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed their investigation into electronic throttle body (ETB) problems in Ford vehicles after Ford agreed to fix 1.6 million of their cars and SUVs.

    Just don't call it a recall. Oh no, Ford has spun this one into a "customer satisfaction program." The program extends the warranty on the ETB for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle and encourages owners to visit a Ford dealer to have their vehicle's software updated.…

    keep reading article "Ford Agrees to Fix 1.6 Million Vehicles That 'Limp Home'"