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 2011 Ford Escape owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, as the contact was approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, it failed to stop as intended. The contact moved to the other lane when the vehicle came to a stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone and the contact was informed that three sensors needed to be replaced. Two sensors were replaced; however, the ABS sensor was not replaced due to cost. The contact stated that on the drive home, an abnormal odor was coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was consumed by fire and destroyed. The Fire and Police departments were called. A fire report was filed; the Fire Department stated the cause of the fire was due to faulty wiring. …
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The brake pads were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The brake rotors and calipers were replaced but the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the flex brake line needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The flex brake lines were replaced by the contact's husband. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
My 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid lost all braking when the brake peddle went to the floor while in the electronic mode on the battery not with the motor running. The internet has hundreds of ford escape with the same problem. My Ford dealer is not sure what is wrong. Can you please start an investigation to figure out how to fix this problem. I hit my own fence on the driveway after starting the car. Thank You [redacted] VIN: [redacted] 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid 4 door
The contact's husband owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test determined that the wheel sensors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the wheel sensors were replaced by the mechanic; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the ABS module for the vehicle was no longer in production. The contact stated that several dealers where contacted; however, it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact suggested using an aftermarket part to replace the module; however, the dealers would not program the aftermarket part. The vehicle was not repaired. …
2011 Ford Escape AWD- passenger side brake issue- after driving and brake/rotor getting hot making the rim even feel hot. My car vibrates when driving down the street because of this problem. It also has very poor stopping and after stop vehicle doesn't like to move until I hit the gas pedal. I have very poor gas mileage because something is hanging up ( passenger side only ) THIS IS DANGEROUS and no one wants to do a recall- I've been having problems since 2020 we have replaced caliper/rotor/brake pads and the rubber brake hose fixes the problem for about 3-4 months then comes back ( I called a FORD DEALER and they no about the issues I'm getting where I don't feel safe in my own vehicle and FORD doesn't want to do NOTHING about it. Guess when someone gets hurt/death they will have a law suit on their hands because they know about the problem with the brakes
2011 Ford Escape AWD- passenger side brake issue- after driving and brake/rotor getting hot making the rim even feel hot. My car vibrates when driving down the street because of this problem. It also has very poor stopping and after stop vehicle doesn't like to move until I hit the gas pedal. I have very poor gas mileage because something is hanging up ( passenger side only ) THIS IS DANGEROUS and no one wants to do a recall- I've been having problems since 2020 we have replaced caliper/rotor/brake pads and the rubber brake hose fixes the problem for about 3-4 months then comes back getting where I don't feel safe in my own vehicle and FORD doesn't want to do NOTHING about it. Guess when someone gets hurt/death they will have a law suit on their hands because they know about the problem with the brakes
The brakes completely failed and I was unable to stop the car except by turning up hill and applying the emergency brake. I had it repaired by Ford in Bangor and it turned out that the ABS module had failed. It seems unreasonable that there was no mechanical backup to a failure of an electronic part.
We have experienced simultaneous depression of the vehicle brakes and accelerator pedals resulting in the car lurching forward or backwards uncontrollably depending on whether traveling from stationary in reverse or going forward. Most recently, this defect has resulted in a total right -off of our vehicle when the car reversed into a brick wall as we were backing up slowly from a complete standstill. Luckily, no injury was sustained to passengers or other by standers but it most certainly could have resulted in the death of a passer by.
The ABS braking system on the Ford Escape hybrid failed unexpectedly and without warning at only 60K miles. The vehicle was in motion, and all the lights came on at once and the system read "check brakes." the brakes felt loose, and I took it a mechanic the next day. They thought that pressure was getting sent unevenly to both sides of the vehicle, so they flushed the brakes. However, they discovered total ABS failure, and a $3000 fix associated with it. This is a known issue all over the internet. There are facebook groups advocating for a recall of this vehicle. We were lucky that we didn't crash into someone. The brakes only work if you apply extreme force to them, and even then they get loose and the car starts to roll away. These issues are becoming extremely prevalent now in 2020 that the 2008-2011 era of this hybrid is getting a bit older. …
The problem is brake loss in reverse. It happens intermittently sometimes once a month or maybe 6 months with no problem but scary when backing out and cannot stop immediately. The pedal will be rock hard when this happens and after a couple of seconds will depress and brakes back to normal. If in a tight spot or pedestrian walks behind there could be bad consequences and good luck proving it in court that the brakes failed. Summer or winter doesnt matter. I have brought it to dealership and complained on another forum but dealer cannot find problem as it is so intermittent. It seems like a valve in the system sticks. I had it happen to me several times but my wife didnt believe me. Well it happened to her last week and she was scared. This has been going on for years without resolution and if nothing else will put this concern on the record or hopefully Ford takes this more seriously. …
Brake complaints in other Escape years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2011 Ford Escape?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Ford Escape, 2% of the model year's 1,318 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Escape brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2011 Ford Escape, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 2011 Ford Escape brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.