Engine Failure And Cooling Issues
Some Escape Hybrid owners have reported suddenly losing power while driving and getting a warning on their dash to Stop Safely Now.
Pulling over and restarting the vehicle can temporarily solve the issue and will let you drive it in limp mode.
Although the sudden loss of acceleration/power could be traced back to an engine failure, its often solved by replacing a faulty cooling pump and/or the hybrid battery cooling fans that are causing the engines electronics or the battery to overheat.
The blend door actuator in the first gen Escape Hybrids is also a common failure point. Another possible cause of these drive issues is a faulty throttle body.
Just Bought 2010 Escape Hybrid With Battery Issues
PostsRe: Just bought 2010 Escape Hybrid with Battery IssuesRe: Just bought 2010 Escape Hybrid with Battery IssuesS KeithI would not pursue this avenue unless you experience poor function.S KeithI would pursue the Forscan battery balance function.PostsRe: Just bought 2010 Escape Hybrid with Battery IssuesRe: Just bought 2010 Escape Hybrid with Battery IssuesLorne William HengstCan you give more details on this? What is the purpose? Why is it necessary? Why doesn’t the Ford Escape automatically do this every few miles if it is as simple as a button click on forscan?PostsRe: Just bought 2010 Escape Hybrid with Battery IssuesUpdates on my progress:Questions/Observations:Responses to ya’lls advice:PostsRe: Just bought 2010 Escape Hybrid with Battery IssuesWhat is a “lame kill cycle?I’ve never heard anyone else talk about the dastardly “lame kill cycle” on 2010 Hybrids.maintaining optimum performance of your existing A/C system is very important for the long-term health of the battery and normal vehicle operationTCM Connector
Battery Dead Problem Of The 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact state that while driving, an unknown warning tool was display on the instrument panel. The contact powered off the engine and restart the vehicle. The warning light unilluminated. The vehicle was taken to wilson Ford Lincoln dealer, where it was diagnosed but could not find a failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that hybrid battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure, the approximate failure mileage was 113, 533. Aw.
Is The Ford Escape Hybrid Reliable
The Ford Escape Hybrid is no stranger to high mileages and its built up a solid reputation for reliability.
Its been thoroughly tested in taxi fleets where many examples have lasted 10 or more years without needing any major repairs. And there are still quite a few first and second gen Escape Hybrids on the road today
Its also worth noting that none of the past three generations of the Escape Hybrid have had too many major issues that would leave you stranded on the road.
Here is additional proof of the Ford Escape Hybrids reliability:
- RepairPal gave the Ford Escape an average reliability rating of 4/5 which is the same score it gave to the RAV4.
- Owner reviews for newer Escape Hybrids are quite favorable and are often equal to or at least not that far behind its more popular competitors.
Ford Escape Hybrid Battery Or Alternator How To Tell Where The Problem Lies

Almost all of us have experienced the problem where either your 2008 Ford Escape hybrid battery or alternator just conks out, and you can’t make out which one to replace. Its not easy finding out exactly which part of your 2008 Ford Escape hybrid is giving you the trouble, but here are a few tips by which you can find out whether you have 2008 Ford Escape hybrid battery problems or alternator problems.
Check Your Battery First
Check the Alternator
Test the alternator to make sure that it can start up the battery. If the battery is working properly and nothing is wrong with it, then it’s the alternator that will more likely cause a problem. A simple test to check the working of the alternator is by running your 2008 Ford Escape hybrid and then unplugging the positive connection of the battery. If the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid stops, then you most likely have a problem with the alternator. Another simple test is to check your interior lights. An alternator charges your battery when the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid is running. If the interior and dashboard lights come on brightly but slowly start to fade, then it indicates a problem whit the alternator. It demonstrates that the alternator cannot keep a charge when the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid is running. Another sign is that the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid lights run brightly when you race your2008 Ford Escape hybrid but when you slow it down, the lights start to lose power.
Ford Escape Hybrid Vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Tucson Hybrid is a new model for 2022 from South Korean automakers Hyundai.
The company has some experience with building hybrids starting with the Sonata Hybrid in 2010 and so the Tucson Hybrid should be fairly capable of going toe-to-toe with the Escape Hybrid.
The Tucson Hybrid will likely last just as long as the Escape Hybrid at 200,000 300,000 miles or 13- 20 years.
- RepairPal gave the Hyundai Tucson and Escape Hybrid the same rating of 4/5 stars for reliability.
- The Tucson is cheaper to maintain with its average annual repair cost of $426 vs the Escapes $600.
- Kelley Blue Books consumer rating index gave the Tucson Hybrid a reliability rating of 4.6/5 which is just a bit higher than the Escapes 4.5/5.
- Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2022 Tucson an overall rating of 4/5 which is significantly lower than the Escapes current rating of 5/5.
- JD Power gave the 2022 Tucson an impressive 88/100 for Quality & Reliability while the 2020 Escape only got 72/100.
The Tucson has a much longer warranty when bought new. But Hyundai also had a large recall for many of its engines made in the last 10 years due to the possibility of severe engine failure. So theres no telling how well their other engines might hold up a couple of years from now.
Its pretty much a toss-up between these two hybrid SUVs.
The final decision will depend on which one you like the most and which brand you trust.
How Many Miles Can You Expect From A Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid has been around for some time now so theres plenty of industry data about to assess its longevity.
The oldest ones are about 20 years old at this point and many of them have logged hundreds of thousands of miles.
The Escape Hybrid is a popular choice in taxi fleets too and its not unusual for these vehicles to reach 300,000 miles, we even encountered odometer readings close to half a million miles which just goes to show how robust these SUVs really are.
On average, most Escape Hybrids should have no trouble lasting 200,000 300,000 miles before requiring any major repairs. Should a high ticket item, like the engine or transmission, require replacing at such high mileage then the repair costs may well outweigh the value of the vehicle.
All Ford hybrids come with an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid powertrain warranty, in some states, this can go as high as 150,000 miles. In case of any premature failures, the warranty has you covered.
After 150,000 miles or roughly 10 years, the hybrid battery will likely show signs of degradation but this is normal for all hybrid batteries. It might affect your fuel economy a bit, but the vehicle should still be driveable.
If you ever need to replace the high voltage battery outside the warranty period, there are lots of aftermarket replacements available that will cost much less than what a dealership will charge.
Keep in mind the longevity of the Escape Hybrid is ultimately down to the owner.
How Long Do The Tires Last
The Escape Hybrids tires should be able to last around 50,000 to 70,000 miles or roughly 3 to 5 years with normal use.They can wear out much sooner depending on road conditions, driving habits, climate and maintenance.
3 tips to get the most life from your tires:
- Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
- Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure theyre at the correct tire pressure.
- Check your wheel alignment every 6 months.
Related Questions And Answers
How Much is an Alternator for a Car?
If you find yourself wondering, how much is an alternator for a 2008 Ford Escape hybrid , here is a quick rundown of the costs. Replacing an alternator can be fairly expensive. The total cost will depend on the vehicle you are driving, as well as if you choose a brand new, or a rebuilt alternator. If you can do the work yourself, a rebuilt alternator can cost as little as $ 80 for older vehicles. An alternator for a newer vehicle can run $ 150 to $ 200. If you need a professional to install your new alternator, budget between $ 300 and $ 500, depending on your 2008 Ford Escape hybrid. High end sports and luxury cars will cost even more. What are the Main Components of an Alternator?
The alternator helps maintain the voltage of the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid battery. There are four main components of an alternator . The stator and rotor are belt-driven magnets encased in copper wiring. They create a magnetic field. The belt is driven by a pulley that connects to the engine. This spins the rotor and creates a magnetic field. The stator uses this to create voltage and electricity which flows to the diode. The diode assembly than converts the AC electricity to DC, which is used by the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid battery. Finally, the voltage regulator acts as a surge protector for the alternator. Where Can I Find Second Hand Alternators for Sale?
How Much Is A Ford Escape Hybrid Battery Replacement
I have a Ford Escape Hybrid that I love. Unfortunately, my mechanic told me that the battery is about ready to fail. How much should I expect to pay for a Ford Escape Hybrid battery replacement?
eight yearsaround $5,000reduce your bill by roughly $2,000who installs the batteryvoid the warrantysave an average of $887
What Is High Mileage For A Ford Escape Hybrid
Any Ford Escape Hybrid with over 100,000 miles is a high mileage vehicle.
Although the Escape Hybrid is highly capable of covering another 100,000 miles and then some, it will likely have more unexpected maintenance issues once the odometer hits six digits.
The engine and hybrid powertrain should still be very reliable, but lots of other things might start giving you issues after 100,000 miles.
If youre looking at first or second-gen Escape Hybrids, keep in mind that these vehicles are at least 10 years old at this point.
Even if the one youre looking at has less than 100,000 miles, a lot of parts and systems can still start breaking simply due to age and degradation.
Batteries degrade over time, so you might be looking at a new hybrid battery replacement if youre considering a hybrid thats more than 10 years old, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
When buying a used Ford Escape Hybrid, youll want to consider the following:
Battery Dead Problem Of The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
I own 2008 model of Ford Escape Hybrid. On the incident day, the controls and battery failed suddenly without prior indications or warning signs. Signal lights and door locks failed to operate. In that condition I took the vehicle to a nearest Ford dealer on the day. Since two weeks, the problems have not been identified. I’ve been told of compure and control malfunctions, and that parts are being replaced one at a time every 2 or 3 days. I fear even after the vehicle gets fixed that similar failures may occur, and there may be risks to drive on highways in future .
Ford Escape Hybrid Models

A compact SUV, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is available in one four-door body style with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive . Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a four-speaker CD stereo with an MP3 player input jack, cruise control and full power accessories.
On the options list for the Escape Hybrid you’ll find a DVD-based navigation system bundled with an upgraded seven-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD changer. Another popular add-on is the Premium Package, which offers leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 110-volt AC outlet, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, a roof rack and rear parking sensors. Several of these items can also be purchased à la carte. Other options include a moonroof and running boards.
How Long Do Ford Escape Hybrids Last
The Ford Escape Hybrid has the distinction of being the first-ever SUV hybrid when it made its debut in 2005.
The Escape itself has had four generations, but the hybrid option was dropped for the third generation. Its recently made a comeback in 2020 and has received impressive reviews.
In this article well take a closer look at the average lifespan of the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Tips To Prolong The Life Of Your Ford Escape Hybrid
- Practice smooth and safe driving habits.
- Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
- Use quality parts and fluids.
- Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
- Regularly wash your Escape to remove dirt and grime, as well as to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust.
- Keep your Escape Hybrid stored in a garage to help protect it from extreme heat and cold.
- Read the owners manual to learn the location of important components, what your SUV needs and in what quantities, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.
How Does It Work
Like all batteries, hybrid batteries have two electrodes that sit in an ion-rich solution called the electrolyte.
The electrodes are typically very close, so a polymer film, called a separator, prevents them from touching, which would create a short circuit. An on-off switch in whatever device is powered by the batteryyour phone or laptopbridges the cells electrodes to generate power. Thats when the electrochemical reaction begins.
Keep in mind: What we commonly call a battery is actually a battery pack that houses many individual cells. Your mobile phone battery is just one single cell, but anything largereven a laptop batteryuses multiple cells working together.
Ionized elements in one electrode are in a chemical state where they are easily attracted to combine with other molecules, emitting electrons in the process. Those elements are tugged through the electrolyte and the separator toward the opposing electrode. The ions of the negative electrode give up electrons the positive ions coming toward the anode accept them. The electrons released during this process travel through the external circuit , producing a flow of charge in the opposite direction to the flow of ions. During recharge, current is forced into the cell, reversing the process.
As we take a tour of hybrid batteries, remember one thing: Total energy determines the vehicles electric range, whereas available power determines its acceleration.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Battery
The nickel metal hydride battery used in Highlander Hybridand the Lexus RX 400his packaged in a newly developed metal battery casing. The 240 cells can deliver high voltage of 288 voltsbut the motor-generators units can operate on variable voltage anywhere from 280 volts to 650 volts. The battery pack supplies 288 volts, but the boost converter, a part of the inverter above the transaxle, changes this to 500 volts. This battery pack provides 40 percent more power than the Prius battery, despite being 18 percent smaller.
Each of the modules has its own monitoring and cooling control system. The cooling performance reduces efficiency losses due to excessive heat, ensuring that the battery can supply required electric power to the motors at all times. The battery-monitoring unit manages discharge and recharging by the generator and motors to keep the charge level constant while the car is running. The battery pack is stowed under the rear seats.
Ford Escape Hybrid Vs Honda Cr
The wildly popular CR-V only started offering a hybrid variant in North America in 2020.
Honda is known for its excellent build quality so the CR-V Hybrid should be an extremely reliable vehicle overall.
We expect the average CR-V to easily last 250,000 350,000 miles or 17 23 years which is slightly higher than the Escapes lifespan.
- RepairPal gave the Honda CR-V a 4.5/5 for reliability while the Escape is not far behind at 4/5 stars.
- The CR-V is cheaper to maintain with its average annual repair cost of $407 vs the Escapes $600.
- Kelley Blue Books consumer rating index gave the CR-V Hybrid a reliability rating of 4.4/5 which is just slightly lower than the Ford Escapes 4.5/5.
- Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2022 CR-V Hybrid an overall rating of 4.4/5 which is significantly lower than the Escapes current rating of 5/5.
- JD Power gave the 2022 CR-V an 84/100 for Quality & Reliability while the 2020 Escape only got 72/100.
Though the Honda CR-V has a better reputation for overall reliability, the Ford Escape Hybrid is not that far behind.
But the CR-V Hybrid will likely have fewer issues as it gets older compared to the Escape Hybrid.
Their powertrains and hybrid systems should be equally robust though, and its really a matter of preference and budget between these two.
* Ratings for entire model range