Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 19% | 55,000 miles |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% | — |
| 2020 | 7 | 2% | 30,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 20% | 93,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 13% | 120,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 14% | 99,000 miles |
| 2010 | 13 | 22% | 58,000 miles |
| 2009 | 32 | 21% | 59,000 miles |
| 2008 | 154 | 35% | 110,000 miles |
| 2007 | 55 | 40% | 87,000 miles |
| 2006 | 105 | 41% | 79,000 miles |
| 2005 | 71 | 37% | 98,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On November 12, 2022 at approximately 1:00 p.m. an incident occurred with my 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid in Columbia, MO. As I was parking in the Forum Theater parking lot, the engine surged and I had no brakes. I was at a dead stop and when I released the brake to move into a parking slot, the engine surged abruptly. When I applied the brakes, the pedal went clear to the floor with no braking occurring. I absolutely did not hit the wrong peddle causing this surging of power. As a result, the Escape jumped a curb and ran into a tree doing $14,000 damage. The airbags did not deploy nor did the seatbelts lock with the result of my granddaughters and I being thrust sharply forward. Currently the dealer, Moberly Motor Company has no plans to notify Ford of this incident. The $14,000 repair bill is being borne by my insurance, Shelter Insurance. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while approaching a stop light at approximately 35 MPH with another vehicle ahead approximately five to six car lengths away, the pre collision warning system illuminated. The contact's foot was hovering over the brake pedal; however, after placing a foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle abruptly stopped. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that no fault codes were retrieved from a diagnostic test. The dealer reset the automatic braking system to the "LOW" setting from the previous "NORMAL" setting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,898.
The brakes seem to fail randomly, which requires me to pump the brakes and have more distance in order to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I first noticed this when going down a hill leading into a red light near my house, as it would happen every few weeks, where I would press down on the breaks, and it would make a clicking sound, and the pedal would go all the way down without engaging the brakes. I adapted to this problem by starting to brake earlier on this hill for the once every 20 times that it happened. Recently, it's started happening in other locations, and one time, I just barely avoided hitting the car in front of me by swerving to the side. It's a big safety issue, and I'm planning to bring it into the dealership to see if they notice something is wrong. …
My 21 Escape Hybrid started making sounds like rear brakes hanging up when put in reverse. I initially thought it just might be moisture but the noise is consistent. I took it to a Ford dealer and the service manager said that they have had a similar problem with another escape hybrid. Today i had to replace a rear tire due to picking up a nail near the outer edge. The vehicle has about 3,500 miles on it. My mechanic remarked at how scored the rear brake drums were. The fronts were both shiney and smooth. Both rears were pitted and did look like they should after so few miles.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The All-Wheel Drive, cruise control, collision control, and hill assist were all turned off. The contact stated that while the ABS warning light was illuminated the power steering seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted a case was opened. The failure mileage was 29,859.
On quite a few occasions, while braking down hill, it felt like I lost all brakes, despite pedal feel remaining steady. It literally felt like sliding on ice. Most recently, I recently experienced it on a hill where regenerative brakes would normally decelerate vehicle. It felt like the brakes gave out in the middle of the hill. Thankfully had no one in front of me so I was able to pump brakes and barely got vehicle to stop safely. Then waited a few minutes - the brakes resumed normal operation. Spoke with the dealer and they advised no knowledge of any such issue, and suggested I drop the car off so they could try to replicate the issue. Not eager to have my wife drive the car, as this could lead to a serious accident. Can clearly see from blogs and FB page on this vehicle that others have experienced the same - really thought I was alone on this.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while attempting to stop the vehicle the brake pedal extended to the floorboard, causing the stopping distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.
While turning left, foot on brake pedal, in a small strip mall parking lot, car suddenly accelerated and kept accelerating. Although I tried to steer, car crashed into several hedges, over high curbs, tire blew out, finally stopped by crashing into tree 8 parallel feet from gas pump. Brakes did not slow car down. No idea why.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escape Hybrid years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (154), 2006 (105), 2005 (71), 2007 (55) and 2009 (32) model years. Brake complaints make up 35% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Ford Escape Hybrid brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Ford Escape Hybrid model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Escape Hybrid brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 19% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (6 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (4).
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.