The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake was applied however, was spongy and slow to respond. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The Regan brakes disable failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to a local dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 165,931.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid: ABS light or ABS activating
113 of the 443 complaints about the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 113
- of this car's complaints
- 26%
- typical repair cost reported
- $5,000
- typical mileage
- 110,000
- recalls
- 0
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes would not engage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact called jordan ford (609 e jefferson blvd, mishawaka, in 46545) where it was diagnosed with the hybrid brake system needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,540.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased a month ago and the ABS and brake warning indicators illuminated. The contact noticed that the brakes were not functioning and only operated at 40% capacity. The contact stated that the brake lights would turn on and off and the brake failure occurred intermittently. The manufacturer provided a case number and advised the contact to call the federal safety agency. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Driving at 35mph ABS light came on then check brakes followed by brake regen disengaged. This created no stopping of vehicle and running through stop light. Fortunately, there were no vehicles coming from other directions. Still no brakes and appears to be a known issue by public and ford.
-vehicle ABS (anti-lock brake system) light came on and dash said 'check brake system' and 'regen brakes disabled'. Thank goodness I was parked when the issue occurred and when I tried to drive away, I was able to test the braking ability and quickly turned the car back off. -grinding noise when depressing the brake pedal. Sound came from front of car after car was turned off -was able to start car properly after 4+ attempts and waiting 15-20 minutes -this was an intermittent problem that could have reoccurred at any time (extremely dangerous) -contacted the manufacturer (ford) to explain the issue and how (at the time) there were 80+ similar issues reported to the federal safety agency. -cost quotes ranged from $4,800-$7,000 to replace hcu (hydraulic control unit), master cylinder, ABS module replacement -this is a manufacturer's defect in the braking system (dtc c1478) and extremely dangerous. Vehicle should be recalled -when contacted, ford did not offer any assistance and seemed to not care about the issue -- I will never buy another ford again -ford was aware of issue (ssm 45870) and chose to do nothing ("some 2005-2008 escape/mariner hybrid vehicles may experience the ABS warning indicator illuminated with the following diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) c1478, c1479, c1480 or c1481. Refer to workshop manual (wsm), section 206-09 inspection and verification procedure under diagnosis and testing. If no faults are identified while performing the inspection and verification procedure and before replacing the ABS hydraulic control unit (hcu) verify the caliper flex hoses are thoroughly inspected for damage, internal restrictions or swelling. Damaged caliper flex hoses can generate these pressure control plausibility dtcs.")
Driving my car and the ABS and brake warning light came on and brakes failed to work properly. Paul miller ford of lexington ky.said I needed to replace ncu and master cylinder at a cost of $9000. There has been numerous complaints I've discovered after researching this problem. The car is still at the dealer so I don't have paper work yet.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While the contact's son was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also heard an abnormal noise. The contact was able to stop the vehicle after depressing the brake pedal multiple times. The contact stated that the emergency brake, check brake system, and ABS warning indicators were illuminated. The contact stated that the regenerative brakes disabled warning message was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The contact called newins bay shore ford (219 w main st, bay shore, ny 11706, (631) 665-1300) and informed them of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 90,500. *as consumer no longer owns the vehicle.
112,000 miles while driving, vibration from right front of vehicle. Able to stop. Check engine and brake warning lights. Regenerative brake disabled. Vehicle to dealership with dtc - c1480. Internal failure of the hydraulic control unit for the ABS. Cost of repair over $5000 for hybrid specific replacement part number 2c286. Numerous reports of the part failing on internet and this site. With the price the hcu quoted to be $4700, I just the rest of the parts in this vehicle must be really inexpensive (cheap) given the original $28,000 price tag.
I had all the brakes stuck while driving. Abs and brake warning lamp went off along with regen brakes disabled. Mechanic`s diagnosis was ABS pump and control module need to be replaced. Cost about 4500$ total.
Abs light on - brakes work most of the time, but not reliable. Regen light also on. The problem occurs intermittently, almost always shortly after starting the vehicle. On 2 occasions it occurred while driving on the interstate and forced the vehicle to slow to 20mph.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. While driving 35 MPH with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. The brake and ABS warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the check brake system and system regen brake disable warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted, but the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The failure mileage was 211,000.
Check brakes light comes on when reaching 40 MPH, and stays on. Abs light comes on after that. Ford dealer indicates entire front left axle shaft needs replacing due to broken tone rings. Very expensive. Other repair professionals suggest that tone rings can be replaced separately; much less expense. Ford dealer won't do without entire axle being replaced. Hundreds of complaints on internet. Brake pedal pulsates and is difficult to apply brakes.
Service bulletins that may apply
- 2005-2008 escape/mariner hybrid - anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator illuminated with dtc(s)...
- Ford/mercury: some hybrid vehicles may require a unique bleed procedure after a replacement for one or...
- Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid?
113 of 443 owner complaints about the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (26%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2008.
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,000 (median of 48 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
Loss of power 47Power steering loss 45Brake failure 43Stalling 38Engine failure 19Steering lock-up 18Check engine light 13Jerking 7Overheating 7Won't start 7Spongy pedal 5
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