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2008 Ford Escape: engine stalls while driving

78 of the 1,974 complaints about the 2008 Ford Escape describe engine stalls while driving.

owner complaints
78
of this car's complaints
4%
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
82,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine stalls while driving by model year

What owners say

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle and driving from a parking lot at 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the transmission skipped second and forth gear, and remained in third gear. The vehicle hesitated and stalled. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed a bolt failure and that the transmission bands needed to be replaced. The transmission band was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V413000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed May 17, 2025 · Fuel system, Steering · WA

I have a constant issue with the power steering. This issue makes it hard for my vehicle to turn properly as well as when you go to turn a corner you have to be a body builder to get the car to even turn. At times I can't even drive my car because it gets so bad. Along with this issue I also have a wheel bearing issue in the front suspension. To me this issue feels like my whole car is going to rattle apart while I am driving it. To add to it, the propulsion system, it has a constant whine, tries to stall, and sometimes it will not get up to speed nor gain speed. There has been times when I am driving my car that I have to pull over to the side of the road very carefully because I feel like my car is going to die and then when I turn it off and then back on it acts like it has absolutely no power. I haven't gone anywhere to get my vehicle checked yet. But I have done extensive research on the issues that I am having with my vehicle and the three main issues are a recall for same year and same year make and model.

Filed Jun 26, 2023 · Fuel system · 219,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel sensor was defective; and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 219,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · VA

ABS light on, vehicle stalling, dragging while driving 40mph or over. Brake petal non functional. *c1313, c1480, c1481 Brake hoses restricted not allowing brake pressure in caliber *HCU damage *Sway bar links damage, excessive noise and play

Filed May 4, 2021 · Engine · 15 miles · CA

The car show a message saying "stop safely now" and starts stalling and then suddenly turn off by itself. It can happen while driving in freeway or the street

Filed Oct 15, 2020 · Engine · 120,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the brake hose was defective. The brake hose and brake pads were replaced. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle however, upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shut-off without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to the used car dealer where she purchased the vehicle, and was informed that the vehicle had a defective torque converter. The mechanic was unable to perform the repair so the vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic. After the vehicle remained in their possession for a few days, the contact called the independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle needed a new engine. The engine was replaced however, the contact stated that the check engine light illuminated upon return of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where the oxygen sensor was replaced. Holman ford turnersville (3641 route 42 south, turnersville, nj 08012) was contacted by phone and the contact was informed that there were no active recalls on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failures to the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 15v606000 (power train) and 15e045000 (suspension). The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2020 · Driver assistance, Engine · 210,850 miles · MI

There have been numerous times where my car would suddenly stall or freeze up when making turns or pressing the gas after coming to a complete stop. By stalling I mean taking a second or two to accelerate then jerking kinda hard once I hit the gas pedal. When the car would freeze up, the traction and check engine indicator flashes and the steering wheel is completely stuck in place and I'd have to restart the car to get it going again. It doesnt freeze or stall on the highway but it always happens on city streets.

Filed Jun 19, 2020 · Engine · 10 miles · VA

I found my ford escape hybrid 2008. Engine stalled while driving. It shot down and I have to pull over and restart the engine. I have research internet and found that same ford escape model from 2003- 2008 issue. However, when I run my VIN does not appear it has recall. Its suppose to have ford recall 14s19.

Filed Apr 17, 2020 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to a friend's home where upon inspection, the contact determined that the failure was linked to a transmission cable failure. The contact then linked the transmission failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v606000 (power train). The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 150,000 miles · VA

Randomly the car will 'stall' to to speak even though it is an automatic and not a 5-speed. When I say stall I am referring to when I am stopped at a stop sign, red light, yielding to turn, etc - when I go to hit the gas the RPM's rev up high and the car speed is very low and at a rolling speed - even though I push down all of the way in order to get the car to speed up to avoid being struck my other vehicles when turning. The car will then regain all speed at once - instead of gradually. This has happened numerous times while I am trying to merge onto an oncoming interstate ramp or am at a red light or stop sign. I have missed being hit thus far but have had a few close calls. I have a check engine light on and have taken it to several dealerships and auto mechanic shops that have been unable to determine an issue with the car. They have read the check engine code and have found nothing wrong with the car.

Filed Jan 27, 2019 · Steering · 100,000 miles · MA

The steeering stops working extreamly hard to turn the wheel. I turn car back on and off and it works! I was in park. Put into drive I couldn't move thought it stalled. Turned car off and back on and it worked happened 2x tonight!!

Filed Aug 23, 2018 · Transmission · 141,000 miles · WA

Vehicle lurches, stalls, jerks, lunges, slips and so on.

Questions about the 2008 Ford Escape stalling

Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 2008 Ford Escape?

78 of 1,974 owner complaints about the 2008 Ford Escape (4%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the 2008 Ford Escape?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 13 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?

There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 Ford Escape

Power steering loss 481Loss of power 152Steering lock-up 111ABS 94Engine failure 85Jerking 71Transmission failure 54Won't start 29Slipping 27Steering noise 25Check engine light 23Hesitation 22Sudden acceleration 21Brake failure 19Grinding brakes 18Harsh shifting 15No deployment 14Won't shift 13Ball joint 8Knocking 7Spongy pedal 7Pulling 7Battery drain 6Fire or smoke 6Power windows 6Adaptive cruise 5Airbag light 5

All model years of the Ford Escape

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