2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Review - Original Tesla

[@oldcomputerexpert]

I have over 300,000 miles on my 2008 Hybrid and it's still going strong. I found that you need to keep the Hybrid air filter clean or it will not switch to battery mode as often. There is a lot less to fail on a Hybrid. No starter motor, no alternator, and the brakes last longer because of the regenerative braking. The 12 volt battery is basically there to power the electronics, not crank the engine. I had a dead 12V battery and I was in the middle of nowhere, about 100 miles away from any help. So I used an 18 volt battery pack from my drill jumpered to the 12V battery and it was enough to power the electronics to start the car. I had hoped to find a plug-in battery kit to install so I could extend the EV mode, but so far no luck. Also, an interesting feature, the CD player will play MP3 files on a data CD, so you can burn hundreds of songs or audio files onto one disk.

[@JesusIsLordLasVegas]

What do you mean by the 'hybrid air filter'? Do you mean the intake air filter under the hood?

[@elibaier]

There is a filter for the air going to the batteries. It comes in through the scoop by the driver-side read window. This air goes directly to the batteries.

[@joeshmoe8952]

I got a prius and I know for a fact you need to keep the hybrid battery fan filter clean or it can cause future issues that will cost lots of $$$.

[@elibaier]

@@joeshmoe8952 True that!

[@mr.2cents.846]

Thank you Ford. 😃👍👍

[@paladain55]

Hidden gem. Had a girlfriend and college and she had an escape 4 cylinder. She was like hahaha its been like 12k miles since ive changed me oil. I was like oh shit how many miles are on this thing? she said 260k. I was like oh shit we need to stop the car right now and see if this thing still has oil. Hadn't burned a dropped. These 2.3 2.5 3.0s from Fords are actually crazy reliable. And the aisin trans in this thing as well as we've seen in the toyotas. Diamond in the rough. Should last forever if you keep the fluids changed.

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the confidence and great story haha

[@bas2205]

Escape Hybrids are great, really enjoy mine. You should check that the Hybrid system coolant pump (behind the front bumper) has been replaced, the OEM 08&09 ones were prone to failure and would throw the "stop safely now" warning and put you in limp mode. Bosch makes a replacement pump,

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the info! It was actually replaced just before I bought it!

[@theamazoner4075]

@@elibaier check the hybrid battery filter every so often

[@elibaier]

@@theamazoner4075 Very imprtant!

[@QuickestQuickChop]

All very good info. I bought mine 5 months ago and will know be looking into this. I get the wrench cymbal on the dash, but hasn't entered limp mode yet interestingly.

[@stevenhaffley9852]

Stop spewing buffoonery, if you're going to talk about anything that fails talk first about the HCU, not the mecs pump that is easy to replace. Stop bS'ing people into buying these death traps.

[@kenbowen1060]

I had an issue and watching this video helped solve the problem. Thank you!

[@elibaier]

Great! What was the issue?

[@howdyfellers6389]

Brush guard is the word you're looking for, regarding the front end. And for the stereo, it's modular, meaning that it can be easily replaced with the same or similar components.

[@elibaier]

I actually just replaced the stereo in my latest video! Thanks

[@mr.2cents.846]

This Hybrid can be a life Savior. Because it has a 110 volt outlet it can function as a generator. Once the city goes dark.

[@elibaier]

Exactly!!

[@joeshmoe8952]

I hear some positive things regarding the older hybrid escape’s. When seeing how some people will brag about how their hybrid escape has 200, 300 thousand miles makes me want to purchase a new hybrid maverick.

[@elibaier]

Do it haha I really love those vehicles and I can't wait to see one!

[@tictac9367]

Im in the same situation lol i want the maverick but my credit is bad and the wait is 6 months for 1 so i am looking at these escapes

[@Oracol]

There's some articles you can find online where these were used in cities like NYC and San Francisco to make the taxis greener, and almost all of them cleared 500-600,000mi+ no problem. Some of the taxi drivers said they were the most reliable cars they ever drove. If I'm not mistaken, Ford licensed Toyota hybrid technology, which would explain the reliability. I also have a 2013 Ford Fusion hybrid with 252,000mi and nothing but basic maintenance. The odometer actually stopped counting the EV miles (it just says 99,999.9mi for months now). It's the single most reliable car I've ever owned. I honestly think this car will hit 500,000+mi, maybe a million miles. If I were in the market for a new car I would definitely get a Maverick. You just can't beat a 41MPG truck for $21k

[@elibaier]

Exactly

[@beammeupscottsp7952]

@@elibaierhad a 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid with 240000 until it got totaled. :(. But just bought another one lol

[@phildoethedildoe]

Glad to see yet another "08" Escap'ee!! hybrid rolling around. I have one that's the XLT version with the same 2.3L Atkinson i4 engine and hybrid drive, but mine also is a 4x4 or lets just say AWD drive model with the "bun Warmers" sunroof, and a few other add-on's. My next upgrade that i highly recommend all owners do, is replace all interior/exterior lights with LED one's (Prefer the ZEVO ones for markers/indicators) and 6500K crisp white H11-H13 headlights. Ford got these little 08-2012 model Escap'ee right!!! mine has 180,620 Miles and aside from a front drivers wheel hub assembly/knuckle/bearing replacement its been fantastic. *NOTE* front end repairs and rebuilds aren't actually to hard to get done...ALSO...Check your Transmission Fluid if your under the drivers front side for any maintenance especially if you have to replace brake pad's and rotors as the trans fill plug is directly behind the wheel well guard behind the wheel and rotor. *NOTE* these Hybrid drive unit's don't use the conventional starter to fire over the engine once in "GO MODE" they use the EV drive motor to spool up the engine from dead stop, it's extremely quiet and no wasted starter run time. So your not firing the main starter only once to initially get the engine going like a normal car. These little awesome suv's are known to run well over 400,000 miles so ya definitely got a gem of one there that's going to last a long time. These vehicle's are so good that I've got 3!! the 08 hybrid 4x4, the 2009 manual FWD, and the 2011 XLT 4x4 which has every option you could get including the 2.5L i4 non-Atkinson engine with a towing package. *NOTE* the 2011 XLT 4x4 version with the 2.5L engine and tow package, can easily pull a 14 foot tandem axle trailer and will only bring you down about 8-10MPG!!

[@elibaier]

Thanks for all the super great info!! Really appreciate you sharing that all on this video for many people to see

[@paladain55]

Hey Phil, Can you put a rear locker in the 4wd hybrid or are they stuck as being awd only? If you could lock the rear wheels these things would be a serious diamond in the rough.

[@phildoethedildoe]

@@paladain55 Actually yes, yes you can put a locker in the rear end of the 4x4 escap'ee, its a bit tough to get into but i've actually pulled one apart for a buddy and welded up the rear Dif. I actually may weld mine up next time i am under the rear end.

[@paladain55]

@@phildoethedildoe How did it go? Any good? Seems like welded up it would be great.

[@phildoethedildoe]

@@paladain55 It actually wasn't all that hard once i got inside and was able to weld up the differential. I placed a tack weld to test spin the rear and then fully bead welded it up, since then my good friend has loved how his handles in the winter, A side NOTE* I learned there is a much simpler way to lock the rear in "Permanent 4x4" mode. i am actually thinking quite heavily on making an escap'ee into a rally car....would be an excellent platform. Also looking into making a Diesel manual one as well.

[@ErnestBaier-qk6wh]

I have owned two 2005 AWD ford escape hybrids, both so much fun to drive fast on dirt or sand roads. Electric torque is fun to unload the suspension. New drivers to hybrid torque need to be careful. 30 mpg with multiple drivers is achievable. Heavy vehicle so with snow tires makes very good Colorado snow vehicle. Only issue was not enough defrost heat when creeping down Colorado mountains.

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the comment! Really wonderful vehicles!! 30 mpg is impressive with the drivers in your family haha

[@simonfox4778]

Really enjoyed this video, man. Thanks for reviewing this! I am looking at a 2008 model with 175000km on it, so quite similar to yours. Concerned a little with the age and km's but it is $5200 and this gen of Escapes do seem to very reliable. The car market in Van, BC brutally slow for sellers. You can get great deals everywhere. But don't want to finance again for a while and prefer something that is cheaper and will last for a few years... Your review here is really helping me. Cheers again!

[@elibaier]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Good luck with your purchase!!

[@videogamez3238]

I bought my 08 escape hybrid for $6300 with 38k miles. I think I got it for a really good deal

[@elibaier]

@@videogamez3238 Thats awesome!

[@noman1asif]

Did you end up buying it?

[@elibaier]

Did you buy it?

[@caliblaze172]

Great review man! Looking forward to buying one!

[@elibaier]

Great! I think you'll enjoy it!

[@tomsnyder6955]

I have a 2005 Ford Escape Limited V6 engine and I like mine. Best vehicle ever

[@elibaier]

Such a special car!

[@AlexSilva-ir5ct]

I'm thinking about buying an SUV in 2022 worth close to $7,000. Would it be crazy to like a 2009/2010 Ford Escape Hybrid? is it a good buy or is it risky?

[@elibaier]

They are awesome cars and there are many of them that go into the 300k miles

[@mr.2cents.846]

My advice: Get a 2009-20012 Escape Limited Hybrid with navigation package. You'll thank me later. 😎👍👍

[@elibaier]

Great advice 👍

[@Jamaicanpapi]

Nice review. It's also 2008 tech . Hybrids are the light weight carrying assistant to the main combustion system while a fully electric Tesla completely powers car and replace the combustion system. Inherently any type of modification to this older tech will not yield any result unless you are able to add another battery

[@elibaier]

Very true. I was amazed but there are actually people who made a conversion to turn this hybrid into a plug in hybrid! I'm sure it wasn't that great of a ride haha

[@DarrenWigfield]

@@elibaier any info on that plug in conversion? I haven't been able to find any info.

[@elibaier]

I found a wiki page when I was looking into it, but it seemed like a lot of work for almost no gain. This car was not designed for that. If you really wanted to make it a plug in hybrid worth anything then you would need to replace the entire battery bank and reprogram the car so it could go over 30 mph on electric only. You would likely also have to replace the electric drive because I don’t think it’s rated for high speeds either…

[@fredrm6023]

I recently purchased a 2008 Ford Hybrid and found a charging plug in the back of the vehicle. Do you ever have to charge the battery? Do you have a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this?

[@elibaier]

You should never have to charge the battery from an external source. The only battery you would ever have to charge is the 12V one in the engine compartment. There is a button near the driver's left fpoot to charge the high voltage battery pack from the 12V source

[@DaudaJames-kv9iz]

How do I get de front protector and the back one am in jos

[@elibaier]

Is this what you are talking about? amzn.to/3U6nAhs

[@AsianDrag0n]

Mine is a 2006 with 4wd. Its at 204k miles, n no issues. Parents are the second owners(tho im on the title now cause i drive it mainly now), n the only big service I had to do to it was a brake line replacement a week ago.

[@elibaier]

That's awesome man!! I'm glad to hear it! I hope it lasts you another 200k miles!

[@AsianDrag0n]

@@elibaier Ty, I wish the same to yours! I honestly prefer these older escape hybrids than the new ones. Less things to go wrong, I feel it’s bigger n more capable, and I like the more boxy shape anyways. Lol

[@mr.2cents.846]

You're a lucky man. Although I rather hoped it was the 2007 one. Because the last year of the 1st gen Escape got a timing chain instead of a timing belt.

[@mr.2cents.846]

@@AsianDrag0n It was body on frame build. The following models are car based.

[@elibaier]

This body style does look great, but a timing chain would be nice. The car is still running great!

[@thehypercasual385]

I've been looking at these older Ford hybrids. There are a few good deals out there! I'm just concerned, isn't buying a 10+ year battery inherently risky? What should I be looking out for to make sure I get a good healthy battery and how to keep that battery healthy for another 10 yrs?

[@elibaier]

I wouldn't say that they are all risky. Batteries can fail if they either get too hot or too cold. You can do a quick visual inspection on the battery case and check the condition or see if the battery filter has been ever cleaned. Great question

[@Drippppppppp]

@@elibaier were is the batter filter i have an 08 as well

[@stevenhaffley9852]

@@elibaier You don't know anything about ford escape hybrids and shouldn't' be giving anyone advice on them until you know the brake system better.

[@elibaier]

@@Drippppppppp The battery filter is in the panel on the driver side after you open up the rear hatch. There is a small opening for the filter housing.

[@elibaier]

@@stevenhaffley9852 Thanks for the advice, Steven!

[@rozrommelofficial1882]

What kind of bumper is that on the front? I’m looking for bumpers for my escape.

[@elibaier]

Here is one on Amazon that is very similar: amzn.to/3hCMuBK And here is one that matches almost exactly: www.autoanything.com/grille-guards/77A4536A3437703.aspx?kc=GOOGADW&DZID=PLA_g_1776971505_74555080772_10341-4536-2587328_c&gclid=CjwKCAjwy42FBhB2EiwAJY0yQqt6sOgvvLgaxa5am7w0aPpUO1B7I7QVGfAF4ZAvfZwIuZZqdP3PEBoCopMQAvD_BwE

[@TheDevineFempress]

I friggin love mine

[@elibaier]

That’s great! What year?

[@CristianMartinez-gg7ts]

Do you still have this SUV and do you ever had problem with the hybrid

[@elibaier]

I actually sold it to my younger brother and he still drives it around. No issues with the hybrid. What issues are you seeing?

[@lemmingsoutside]

Do the 2008s have electric ACs? Or is the compressor belt driven?

[@elibaier]

Belt driven

[@mcselasie]

What aftermarket unit do you intend to get for it?

[@elibaier]

This is the dashboard kit: amzn.to/3q2lc8K This is the radio: amzn.to/3sBWopK I still haven't installed them yet, but I have read great things about these

[@richardszilay7575]

Did you make the radio swap? I might be buying a 2008 Escape Hybrid and would like to know how your enthusiasm is 8 months later.

[@elibaier]

The radio swap was great! It’s on another video on my channel. Works like a charm!!

[@urntwrthyZ]

Nice review, but you have some serious editing to do. Your vehicle will NOT go 30 miles in EV mode, you'll be lucky to go 2. The second coolant reservoir is NOT for the high voltage battery (HVTB.) It's part of the system that cools the motor electronics up in the engine compartment. A MECS pump circulates that coolant. The "ECON" button does exactly the opposite of what you said it does. When activated it allows the gasoline engine to shut off for better fuel economy. Contrary to what you stated, the 05-07 models did have a setting for the HVAC system to keep either the heater or AC running continuously, but that seriously impacted fuel mileage.

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@mothnaalzouabi7121]

Hello. Where does the hybrid battery charge percentage appear. How can I know if it is full, half or a quarter?

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, there isn't really a gauge that shows what the battery level is at. The motor will run to charge this battery, but you won't get very far on just the battery alone. I'll have to look and see how you could get that level detected...

[@HarryMonkz]

@@elibaier I was told 1 km thats in my 09 same vehicle 1km on electric with the stop message on

[@phildoethedildoe]

I have been able to get right at 2.5 Miles coasting and at speeds no greater than 29 MPH, if you exceed that speed the engine automatically kicks on to charge and assist the EV motor. Here in Ann Arbor, Michigan i can really test and use the EV system as intended because we have a lot of steep hills near the downtown area so it makes for a great testing platform for maximum drive-ability in EV mode.

[@super9films]

I just got an 08 Escape hybrid and the rocker panels are completely rusted out. I'm not sure if it's worth fixing or if it's safe to drive like that.

[@elibaier]

Yeah thats a pretty integral part of the ca. I would be very hesitant about not having it.

[@glendakleiner957]

Where are the back deat headrests?

[@elibaier]

Nice catch, @Glenda! I took them off because I normally ride with the seats all folded down

[@DB-cd1yc]

Be careful of the HCH unit I can mess up the brake system and it’s a 5k part to replace

[@kenkuchnicki9012]

HCH?

[@DB-cd1yc]

@@kenkuchnicki9012 sorry abs/hcu module

[@bas2205]

@@DB-cd1yc thought this was mainly Fusion/Mondeo platform?

[@DB-cd1yc]

@@bas2205 not sure but the 2005-2008 use a vacuum pump for the abs system and it can fail causing braking issues and the fix is astronomical, 2009 and up fixed that issue

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the heads up

[@GRINGOf10]

hey man. thank for the vid.. hope you see this, bu years later you till enjoying it? no problem?

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the comment! The car still runs great! I actually sold it to my brother, but it’s now his daily driver. No issues! Do you have one?

[@GRINGOf10]

@@elibaier im thinking about buying one lol..thanks for. the reply.. .so no issues at all? you enjoyed it? as a daily its good in the city mpg wise? did you manage to get good. mpg? above EPA? cheers

[@elibaier]

Yeah it’s a great car! I think I was averaging around 28 mpg, so very decent! The only thing to watch out for is the life of the hybrid battery. If these cars experienced severe heat or cold it can diminish the life of the hybrid battery.

[@GRINGOf10]

@@elibaierI’ll be buying soon for my son 👍 the mpg and the fact you get all that space is nearly “too good to be true” so happy to hear no issues for you

[@elibaier]

Great, hope you enjoy!

[@JD-ml7cg]

How is the car treating you so far?

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the comment! I actually sold the car to my brother. I still get to drive it every now and then, but the ca is still running great! Are you thinking of buying one?

[@JD-ml7cg]

@@elibaier yes I'm thinking to buy one. Thanks for the review

[@elibaier]

You betcha! @@JD-ml7cg

[@drifternumberfive4126]

Hi. I'm considering buying the same very model and I was wondering, if you do use them, what OBD2 car reader model you would recommend for me so that I can do a successful checkup. I've learnt unpleasantly that not all OBD2 car readers are compatible with hybrids.

[@elibaier]

Interesting... This one should work just fine! amzn.to/3YaMScR

[@drifternumberfive4126]

@@elibaier Thanks for that.

[@elibaier]

Very welcome!

[@04dram04]

Id take off the big aftermarket bumper. That is definitely hurting your mpg allot. Extra weight and decreased aerodynamics. Both big parts of fuel economy.

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the tips!

[@dianetobysadventures1174]

How many miles can you get out of the hybrid battery??? How much does it cost to replace that big ol battery???

[@elibaier]

Great question... I have seen these Hybrids with over 300,000 miles on them! I think it has lots to do with how you take care of your vehicles

[@mr.2cents.846]

@@elibaier Exactly. That's it.

[@elibaier]

Exactly.

[@mr.2cents.846]

30 miles on just battery in a Hybrid is pretty good I would say.

[@elibaier]

Yeah not too shabby

[@EmKruzmusic]

Cmax energy does that

[@elibaier]

good!

[@edpowell5754]

If this vehicle is AWD then change the fluid on the PTU and the rear Pumpkin.

[@elibaier]

Thanks! Why?

[@edpowell5754]

@@elibaier the fluid turns to sludge in the PTU from the heat of the cat converter. The rear pumpkin fluid turns bad too. If you change the transmission fluid do (NOT) flush it. Just drain and add.

[@edpowell5754]

If the vehicle is only front wheel drive then there's NO (PTU) and NO (Pumpkin) fluid to change. But changing the fluids in the PTU and rear Pumpkin do break down over time. Also check for the cabin air filter. Ford had a bad idea of NOT putting one in this vehicle which means it's (Aftermatket) It's located under the hood on the passenger side under the cover of the firewall. Ford only just put a screen around it.

[@elibaier]

Thanks for these bits of info!!@@edpowell5754

[@brucemasotti1714]

Shut the blinker off

[@brucemasotti1714]

Just got an 2008 with 180,000 miles for my daughter.

[@elibaier]

@@brucemasotti1714 Hope she loves it!!

[@wario0618]

Hello friends I would like to make a question, I have a ford Escape Hybrid 2012 but my problem is that does not entry ev mode. has anyone had the same problem and how they solved it? Thanks

[@elibaier]

Hmm... if your car doesn't go into EV mode it would be an electrical issue. Are your batteries working? If so, I would be checking your connections. Hope that helps!

[@Sphinx6x8]

AC has problem. AC must be working to get the battery work.

[@elibaier]

Interesting… good place to check!

[@SonicAndPokemon15275]

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid So Many Times Faster And Better Than New 2020 And 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

[@elibaier]

Exactly!!!

[@JesusIsLordLasVegas]

It's called a grille guard dude.

[@elibaier]

Haha thanks. You can tell I was struggling for the words

[@TheCleanTech]

Proper terminology. “deer smasher”.

[@elibaier]

🦌💥

[@stevenhaffley9852]

The 2008 ford escape hybrid is the most notorious for HCU failures. Sell that junk pile while you're still alive, because when it breaks, you won't find a single ford dealership that can fix the HCU and bleed the brakes properly. Ford escape hybrid braking systems on the 07's and 08's are a danger to your life. Remember my words when you're driving down the road, press your foot to the floor, ahve the abs light come on and have no brakes. Google search Ford escape hybrids expensive brake problem and sell that ford junk before it's too late. Original tesla too? YOu need to research cars more, the Insight was the first hybrid sold in the USA, and the 1998 RAV 4 had an EV version, but you obviously don't know much about cars, because you bought a ford escape hybrid lol. Good luck.

[@elibaier]

Thanks for the tips, Steve!

[@jeffschmidt5593]

Steven your are right about the brake dumbest ever made. I have two 2008 Escape Hybrid both have had brake failures. I was told needed to replace brake system by two shops at a cost of $5000 plus. Turns out the problem (bad front rubber brake lines that go to the front caliper were bad), $50 and a hour of work. After 70,000 miles combined brakes still working Great on both cars. May not fix all cars worked on both of mine. One car has 210,000 the other has 180,000. Also no need for fancy bleeder tool bleed thbrakes the old fan

[@elibaier]

That’s an awesome story! Thanks for sharing. Do you so have them both?