Hey, I wanted to chime in on this one. I have a 2008 Escape also and it's done that exact same thing twice in the last two months. No problems with it to date, this is something new.
My issue sounds the same as what you experienced. Normally when accellerating and turning at the same time, I would get some loud grinding from the front of vehicle and my power would drop, then it would click into gear and all would be fine. The traction control light would flash when this was happening.
I wanted to touch base with someone else in case this turns into an issue we have to confront Ford over. | 
