The problem
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
The risk
Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 25V-693 (25V693000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 21C31 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads |
| Report date | October 10, 2025 |
| Owners notified | November 5, 2025 |
| Vehicles affected | 13,451 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 25V-693 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 13,451 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.