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 1995 Ford Escort owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Since we bought this used program vehicle, we have had to replace the tires at least 4-5 times, the back top brake light numerous times (fuse) the brakes at least twice and when my son was hit during the winter the airbags did not deploy and he had back injuries his passenger had chest pains from the seat belts, we did replace the timing belt this year and than in July the engine stopped working and the mechanic (pride auto) stated that the engine was damaged this occured while driving appx. 25 hrs per mile. The dealership refused to help us stating that we got 99,000 miles out of it. We are voluntarily returning the vehicle, they are giving us a hard time about it.
Brakes failed as I was getting on freeway. Cars had stopped ahead, I was pressing brake pedal, car slowed a little but would not stop. I tried getting onto shoulder but cars were going around me onto the shoulder because of rush hour morning traffic. Continued pressing brake pedal with no results. Brakes finally engaged but locked and car slid into 1999 Lincoln, resulting in front-end damage. Brakes worked after crash. I cannot understand why the brakes would have sudden failure and then continue to work.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH he depressed the brake pedal but the brakes would not respond. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the brake line was leaking brake fluid. The contact replaced the front brakes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Consumer was involved in a 25-30 MPH rear end collision in which the ABS brakes locked up, causing extended stopping distance, which resulted in an accident. Also, the driver's seat belt did not retract and the driver's/ passenger's air bags did not deploy.
While driving about 40 MPH steering wheel got stuck. At times stepped on the brakes, and lost control. Vehicle crashed into another vehicle that was parked. Consumer's vehicle was totaled. Also, upon impact, neither of the air bags deployed.
Despite repairs to the brakes, their is no resolution to the continued problems with the loud noise coming from the front brakes. According to the service bulliten 980318985a19 this has occurred before. I don't know how to resolve this issue. I have already paid to have the brakes fixed and the problem persists. This seems to make this car unsafe.
I am a female and the auto place treats me like I know nothing but, I had received alot of injuries and I want to know the reason behind this and to get some help to find out why it did.
Brakes locked up and car slid off a ditch on ndriver's side and hit a concrete culvert upon impact. Tt
Brakes failed when cruise control was activated, brakes worked after accident without cruise control on.
While approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal went to the floor, dealer replaced the master cylinder and brake booster but the problem persisted, this was TSB number 98-5a-15. Nlm
Brake complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Ford Escort, 5% of the model year's 576 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Escort brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Ford Escort, though it has 4 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 1995 Ford Escort brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 6 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.