I purchased a 2008 Ford Escape new in September 2008. After 50,000 miles I noticed a buzzing sound from the engine compartment. After searching the internet for probable causes, I discovered a tsb stating that idler pulley may fail prematurely. I purchased and replaced the pulley and noticed a transmission fluid leak near the radiator. After searching the internet some more, I discovered another tsb stating that the transmission coolers crack due to a flawed design. I contacted Ford through the website and they stated their are no recalls for my vehicle and directed me to the dealership that sold my vehicle. The repair estimates are between 800-1000 dollars. I have exceeded my warranty and multiple persons have stated that Ford does not honor it anyway for this component. I have owned 3 Ford with the similar issues. Ford posts tsbs not recalls even though the defects are caused by poor designs. If the cost benefit analysis doesn't add up in their favor, expect to pay out of pocket. I no longer allow my wife to drive this vehicle and fully expect to trade it in shortly.

- Pikeville, NC, USA

I was in my car and when I stepped on the gas to accelerate and pull out on to the road, my engine raced and I only rolled forward, down the small slope, into traffic. After about 3 seconds my transmission caught and the car jumped forward and I momentarily lost control, barely missing another car in the other lane. Turns out almost all of the transmission fluid had leaked out from the transmission cooler, causing a malfunctioning transmission. After bringing the vehicle in to get inspected, and talking to multiple dealers, they all say that they consistently fix this issue on the 2008 Ford Escape. Some even say they have trouble stocking the part because they do so many. The vehicle has a faulty transmission cooler/ac condenser that consistently breaks and causes the vehicle to lose transmission fluid, resulting in unsafe vehicles.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she was unable to shift from second gear. There was an increase in engine rpms as she attempted to accelerate but the vehicle would not respond. The dealer advised the contact to replace the transmission and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure however did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls for the failure. No repairs were performed. The current and the failure mileages were 76,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Bluffdale, UT, USA

I had purchased this truck new from the dealer in March of 2008, this truck has had many problems in the past starting with the day I bought the truck. Now a few year's later the "a.C. condenser" was leaking transmission fluid and the dealer is now telling me that it is not covered under my "drive train warranty". I am not a mechanic but the several mechanic's that I have spoken to said that, that part is vital to the power train. I am a young struggling nurse trying to pay off school loans, and they are telling me that this is going to cost $700, I cannot afford it and I need my truck. I bought this new with the impression that these things will not be an issue and if they were they would be covered by Ford's warranty. I have done some research on the internet and this is a major problem with this specific year and truck. I am hoping that you guy's will be able to help with this matter. Thank you and god bless.

- Collegeville, PA, USA

www.youtube.com/watch"V=-6xq2zyqmoi - this video depicts exactly what is wrong with the Ford 2008 Escapes. My vehicle started to leak transmission fluid profusely last week; which is not only a problem in major traffic if the Ford Escape 2008 transmission has no fluid, but also is an safety issue to those who walk in parking lots where my car has leaked fluid; it may cause a fall... especially with so many Ford Escapes 2008 having this exact problem. How many Ford Escapes 2008 must abruptly run out of transmission fluid before this does become a dire safety problem? side note: Ford hq states this is an ac problem; however, if my car leaks out all the transmission fluid, isn't it a drive line problem"

- Artesia, NM, USA

Purchased 2008 Ford Escape in June 2007. After around 25K miles the transmission was leaking fluid according to the Ford service center we took it to. They repaired this at no cost since this was under the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. Had a minor issue back in August with the air fan not blowing air properly. The fan had to be placed on high before it would blow out any air. This was fixed and cost approx. 200 dollars since the warranty was out in June 2007. No big deal. Then on October 30, around 73K miles on the car, it started stalling while driving and shaking violently. Put on brakes it would start to stall and when giving gas it would shake and then stall. Took it to the Ford service shop which is also the dealer where we have purchased around 5 or 6 vehicles and who has always serviced our Ford vehicles and were told that it needed a brand new transmission and since it is out of warranty this will cost $4,900. Have checked on numerous websites and this is a common issue with Ford Escapes. I actually know someone who bought her vehicle at the same dealer, the same year vehicle and had the same exact problem with around the same mileage when her transmission went out as well as the fan problem. I do not feel that I should have to pay for this since we had the same issue back when the car only had 25K miles on it. This car is only 3 1/2 years old and we should not have these many issues with this car. I cannot afford to have it fixed so it will sit in my driveway.

- Trenton, OH, USA

While driving to work, a wrench light illuminated. My car then had difficulty shifting and seemed to struggle to shift into gear. I took the car to my mechanic the next day and ended up having to spend $3,400 on a complete transmission overhaul. I do not think this should be since I service my car including transmission service on a regular basis.there was a recall on the condenser a while back. This was corrected.

- Highland Lks, NJ, USA

Defective transmission cooler fails and leaks transmission fluid. The vehicle lurches while low on transmission fluid.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the transmission cooler fitting fractured, causing transmission fluid to leak. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer replaced the entire transmission condenser. The contact had not driven the vehicle since the repair. The failure mileage was 57,550. Kmj

- Danville, CA, USA

My Ford Escape just started leaking fluid one day. Even thought Ford admits its a huge huge problem that will effect my transmission its not recalled or covered by the warranty. The tranny cooler/ac condenser is leaking.

- Florence, AZ, USA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated the vehicle jerked forward when accelerating from a very low speed or a stop. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told the vehicle needed a new condenser to help cool the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 38,300. The VIN was unavailable.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

Ford Escape limited 4WD 2008 the pto seal on right side is leaking and was replaced at 17333km and a 20800km and is until leaking the pto will block and the wheel will block very dangerous.

- Longueuil, 00, USA

Vehicle is leaking severe amount of transmission fluid just at warranty mark. Dealer will not cover repair. There are a lot of complaints on internet in regard to this, it could cause a potential fire in vehicle or accident due to low levels of fluid, the control panel does not alert driver if transmission fluid level is low.

- Fenton, MI, USA

2008 Ford. Escape transmission cooler. It is leaking fluid and is very dangerous. It causes the transmission to fail. I am surprised Ford has not done anything about this matter. I have read hundreds of complaints and failures.

- Cornelius, NC, USA

My 2008 Ford Escape has 'sprung' a transmission fluid leak causing my accelerator to 'rev' instead of driving properly and changing gears efficiently. If fluid gets too low, the rear end makes a loud thud noise when it kicks into gear. My SUV only has 39,555 miles on it, but since it is over the 36,000 miles, I no longer have any bumper to bumper warranty. This leaking seal is not covered by the 60,000 power train warranty as this is an external transmission part, and not an internal transmission part. As transmission fluid is designed to flow through the air conditioning coolant system, I now have to pay $800 to have this replaced. I have been told this is not a good design. Also, after researching this vehicle, I see there are other Escape owners experiencing the same problem. My transmission first acted up last week. I will be having it fixed at mike reichenbach Ford in florence, SC this Monday, February 8, 2010. This is not good...needless to say, I am a very dissatisfied Ford customer. We have owned several in the past. My husband was planning on purchasing a 2010 F150 truck, but has now said he will not. We feel very let down by Ford. This SUV should not have sprung a leak this soon.

- Freeport, OH, USA

My 2008 Ford Escape, (not hybrid), is leaking transmission fluid at 40K miles. The Ford dealership says they regularly see this problem. I have a lease and my warranty expired at 36K miles. Ford says they will not cover under warranty. Called Ford corporate in dearborn mich. They too agree this is a common occurrence in this year, make and model. They said a tsb, (technical service bulletin), has been issued, but no recall yet. Advised me to "save my receipt". this was my first Ford purchase and definitely my last.

- Irvine, CA, USA

Transmission cooler leaking on 2008 6cyl Ford Escape causing transmission to act erratically vibrates and lurch forward due to loss of transmission fluid. Also a fire hazard as undercarriage and radiator have heavy deposits of transmission fluid. Car has only 41,000 miles and majority of mileage has been on interstate. Currently car is in repair shop awaiting replacement parts. From complaints on internet this is a recurring problem for Ford Escapes and is not being addressed by Ford. Some of the complaints advised of near accidents due to this manufacturing defect. Ford should be forced to recall all 2008 Ford Escapes and reimburse all owners who have had to absorb the repair costs due to the manufacturing defect.

- Springboro, OH, USA

2008 Ford Escape--leaking transmission fluid---brought to dealer--crack in transmission cooler. Not covered under Ford's warranty or extended warranty we bought with the car. Ford will not do anything about it.

- Littleton, CO, USA

We bougt a 2008 Ford Escape limited almost two years ago, it now has 70,000 miles and transmission is starting to go out., and when we took it to the dealership they said the compressor and the gearbox needed to be replaced. The trasmission fluid pours out and it shifts so hard into first and second gear that tires spin.

- Monticello, GA, USA

On leaving the lot a high vibration came thru the gas pedal at 1500 RPM's. I returned back to the dealer and was told to let it break in. After 1 month it did not go away and brought it in to service. 1st attempt they did nothing and was told to give them 2 weeks. 2nd attempt was then done and they re tied the gas cable and the problem didn't go away. The gave up and told me to call Ford. With Ford on the 3rd attempt replaced the shaft and made it worse. Now it vibrate and has a lingering buzzing sensation till 2000 rpms. They acknowledge the issue and are claiming it is normal, which no other vehicle except the Ford Escape has with the V6 engine, the V4 doesn't have this issue. This issue has been document on forums with the 2006 Escape having the same issues. Ford is also refusing to follow the lemon law by refunding my money since they cannot fix the problem and are not even offering an exchange as per law.

- Howell, NJ, USA