Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 33% | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% | 5,000 miles |
| 2024 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% | — |
| 2022 | 34 | 14% | 20,000 miles |
| 2021 | 50 | 14% | 5,000 miles |
| 2020 | 45 | 3% | 30,000 miles |
| 2019 | 10 | 2% | 11,000 miles |
| 2018 | 27 | 1% | 32,000 miles |
| 2017 | 50 | 2% | 17,000 miles |
| 2016 | 21 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2015 | 26 | 2% | 53,000 miles |
| 2014 | 38 | 2% | 37,000 miles |
| 2013 | 72 | 3% | 58,000 miles |
| 2012 | 21 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 26 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 50 | 2% | 96,000 miles |
| 2009 | 108 | 6% | 100,000 miles |
| 2008 | 140 | 7% | 103,000 miles |
| 2007 | 48 | 19% | 53,000 miles |
| 2006 | 68 | 15% | 75,000 miles |
| 2005 | 66 | 5% | 96,000 miles |
| 2004 | 32 | 6% | 106,000 miles |
| 2003 | 57 | 10% | 71,000 miles |
| 2002 | 195 | 19% | 102,000 miles |
| 2001 | 163 | 16% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving down the interstate at 60mph, screen displayed two error messages: "parking brake function limited" and "collision assistance unavailable." I completely lost brake function for ~10 seconds. Only didn't crash because no one was stopped ahead of me. Took to dealership who "couldn't replicate" the issue, later told me they had fixed it by reprogramming the software. Two inconsistent answers gave me no sense of trust in the repair. This issue could kill somebody if at the wrong time and they were completely indifferent. I've since traded the car but have no faith Ford has any desire at all to investigate or resolve what could be a fatal error to someone.
When turning off my 2024 Ford Escape ST Line, if I sit in the vehicle for at least 15minutes to 30minutes there's a clicking noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle. Sounds like a ABS issue. I tried turning the vehicle back on, stepping on the brake pedal (push start) the brakes will go down into the floor, I then let off the brake, & proceed to start vehicle again and now the brakes are fine. I'm aware there's an issue, I was told from the dealership I have some sort of ABS problem, however the dealership will NOT repair unless there's a code reading the problem...
i found the brake pedal too high.i was involved in a very low speed crash. i found my right foot caught between the accelerator and break peddle .unable to stop in time. am checking for a video and police report at this time
**On August 19, 2026, while driving my 2023 Ford Escape on Interstate 57 (I-57), with approximately 35,575 miles on the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unexpectedly. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the vehicle did not respond as expected and I could not stop it immediately. I became very frightened and started sounding the horn and turned on the hazard warning lights. I noticed that the lane immediately to my right was relatively clear, so I moved into that lane and applied the brakes again. The vehicle then responded to the brakes, allowing me to slow down and stop. I moved as far to the right as possible and stopped on the side of the road. I was extremely shaken and felt dizzy after the incident. I stopped to catch my breath and contacted my husband to tell him what had happened. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the brake pads and rotors were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the weather was humid or it rained, the sound was louder. The contact related the failure to TSB: 23-2308 (Moaning Noise When in Reverse; in cold weather and/or high humidity); however, the vehicle was not included in the TSB. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 50 MPH, added pressure needed was needed while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she was concerned that the brakes might properly fail to stop the vehicle and cause an accident. Additionally, the contact stated that during inclement weather while shifted into reverse(R), there was a loud screeching sound coming from the brake pedal while the brake pedal was depressed. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while in the reverse(R) position, the vehicle independently increased in speed without warning. The contact made multiple attempts to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The contact crashed into a fire hydrant but the air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact suffered pain in her stomach and neck but did not seek immediate medical attention. The fire hydrant was damaged as a result of the failure. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. Since the repair, the contact stated that the vehicle would shake when driving over 30 MPH without warning. She also mentioned that a loud, squeaking noise would emit from the vehicle while in reverse. …
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 to 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light and the charging system service light were illuminated. The message "Vehicle Turning Off to Save Power" was displayed. In addition, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine while the vehicle was slowing down. The contact stated that the parking brake push button failed to function as intended. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where the battery was checked, and the battery passed the test. The tow truck driver had difficulty attempting to tow the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart, and the auto brake turned on independently. …
Related recalls (5)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Ford is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 escape vehicles manufactured from October 22, 1999, through July 19, 2002, equipped with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that could leak brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and the ABS electrical system will be modified. An interim letter was mailed on January 20, 2012.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), the ABS module connector May have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could allow contamination to enter the module connector, creating a potential for an electrical short.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the ABS module for missing or dislodged wire seals, and repair or replace the harness connector as appropriate.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fire
In letters dated March 30, 2007, Ford motor company (Ford) and Mazda north American operations (Mazda) notified the agency that they will conduct recalls 07v-156 and 07v-157, respectively, to remedy a safety defect that May result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 Ford escape and Mazda tribute vehicles equipped with ABS.the recall campaign prescribes an inspection of the subject…
Engine compartment fire
In letters dated March 30, 2007, Ford and Mazda notified NHTSA that they will conduct safety recalls to remedy a safety defect that May result in fire in a wiring connector used in certain model year (my) 2001-2004 Ford escape and Mazda tribute sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS.recall 07v-156 involves approximately 446,450 my 2001-2004 escape vehicles manufactured from October 22, 1999 through January 23,…
Engine Compartment Fire
Ford and Mazda recalled model year (MY) 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape (07V-156) and Mazda Tribute (07V-157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.Approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial safety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns.
Engine compartment fire
The office of defects investigation (odi) received a defect petition dated March 5, 2009 alleging that the petitioner never received the recall remedy for 07v-156 and that, as a result, the petitioner's my2003 Ford escape caught fire at the ABS control module.in response to odi follow-up, the manufacturer verified that the petitioner's vehicle had in fact received service related to safety recall 07V156 - a fact…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escape years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (195), 2001 (163), 2008 (140), 2009 (108) and 2013 (72) model years. Brake complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Ford Escape brake problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 25V-693 (pads, Oct 10, 2025); 21V-922 (caliper, Nov 23, 2021); 18V-104 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Feb 12, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Escape brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (67 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (64).
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.