Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My ABS brakes on my 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid engine light came on and the RPM ramped while I was going 65 MPH down a highway and the front passenger brakes started smoking. I took it in to have it fixed and it was going to cost $5700 to fix because of some hcu unit that failed while I was driving at pretty good rate of speed. I am glad it didn't throw me off into a ditch or catch on fire with me in it. What a crappy design this is. Wow!!! Scary stuff.
I was driving in my work parking garage when I got a, "check brake system" warning on my dash, and a couple of dashboard lights lit up, including the emergency brake light. I suddenly realized that I had no brakes, and I was pressing my brake pedal to the floor in an attempt to stop the car. Luckily I was going about 5-10 MPH and there were no cars or people in front of me. I was able to continue around the parking garage until the car slowed, then used my emergency brake to stop the car. I started reading the manual trying to figure out what went wrong, and that didn't help. I turned the car back on and there were no warnings or lights on my dash, so I tentatively moved the car. The brakes worked perfectly. I drove it to a nearby mechanic shop to have it looked at before it acted up again. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check braking system, traction control and emergency brake warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to his destination. The contact stated while restarting the vehicle, the contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floor and use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was referred to local dealer. The vehicle was taken to local dealer nick mayer Lincoln westlake located at 24400 center ridge rd, westlake, oh 44145, [phone], where it was diagnosed with needing the brake master cylinder, brake booster, electronic control unit and module and ABS hydraulic unit to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
The initial incident in which the hydraulic brakes failed in my 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid was in early June 2015. The vehicle was serviced at the dealership on June 17, 2015 at 57,164 miles. The service department was unable to duplicate the brake failure: where hydraulic brakes go soft, making it very difficult to stop, and then the check brake system light and the ABS light turn on. The vehicle must be turned off and restarted for the system to reset itself. The hydraulic brakes failed again on July 25, followed by two more failures on July 26, 2015. The only common factors that May be linked to my brake failure incidents are use of power window and turning airconditioning on/off multiple times. The vehicle spent a full day at the dealership (July 27), and baffled service personnel are waiting for Ford hotline to provide direction.
Car passed safety inspection in May 2018. Brake pads were replaced in May 2017. On the highway when my brakes failed in June 2018. Was going about 55 MPH. Had car towed. Problem was diagnosed as a master cylinder failure. Told since the brake fluid resevoir was full and no obvious signs of leakage, this couldn't be predicted or prevented. Repair made. Brakes failed again. I was on a city street and was going about 25 MPH. Problem diagnosed as a de-linking of the computer systems. Brakes failed again (third time in a month). Unable to replicate. There is no warning. The warning comes on at the same time as the failure. Brakes fail unexpectedly in a parking lot. Going about 2 MPH.. Third time car was in a parking lot. I feel fortunate not to have crashed. I no longer feel safe in my Ford Escape.
Check brake system and red emergency light came on. Pressed brakes and car did not stop. Hit concrete wall. 1st time at dealership, bad sensor. Ordered new sensor, and got car back. Same day same lights came on. 2nd time at dealership, changed ABS module. Got car back on 23rd and on the 24th lights came back on and car continued to roll even though I was pressing brakes. Car is back at dealership since the 24th.
Brakes weak on manual mode almost no stopping power, codes c1320., hydraulic travel sensor circuit, hcu, ABS light on, service brakes lights on, no hcu compressor coming on at pre start any more. Suggested need new hcu, at a part cost of $3889.00 plus 10 hours of labor to bleed system putting repair cost over $5K, car blue books at $3.5K, how can this be feasible, thanks for the disposable car Ford.!!!
Sudden and immediate loss of braking system without any warning lights etc. I had started car, backed down my driveway and entered roadway when ABS and brake warning lights appeared and I had no braking system operating. I had to be towed to a service station.
Two weeks ago, at 50,000 miles and just back from the dealer's service, my brakes failed at start-up: very little braking action and a warning on the dash. I drove it around the block and went through four stop signs. I had it towed back to the dealer, where it has been ever since. The technician there found a code for "over-extended brake pedal" -- naturally the result when the brakes fail and the pedal goes to the floor. The service manager says they cannot duplicate the failure despite frequent attempts, and that Ford will not authorize repair unless they can see the failure for themselves. The "customer service" manager at Ford headquarters, implies that Ford's engineers are unaware of this kind of problem and have no explanation for it -- a position that is belied by the many posts on Ford Escape Hybrid brake problem forums. …
Upon starting car, check brake system warning came on. Attempted to take it to dealer but, when approaching stop sign, brake pedal went to the floor and could barely stop. I made it back home and also noted that the vehicle could no longer hold itself up even on a small incline. This happened for no apparent reason and brakes had been working as normal with no indication of wear. Had tow truck take it local Ford dealer and the driver said he tested the brakes and they were working. Once at the dealer, the service manager said he drove it around parking lot and all seemed fine. I told him how the wrench warning light (power train) had come on approximately 3 times in a month, but never stayed on after vehicle shut off and restart. He said that all these warnings should be stored in the computer but when checked, the system was totally clear of any errors or warnings. …
Brake complaints in other Escape Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, 21% of the model year's 153 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.