Brake Abs Warning Light problems of the 2001 Ford Escape

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. While driving 15 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle pulled to the right. The abs warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with severe rust on the subframe, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14v165000 (structure) in which a cross bar was installed under the subframe. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000.

I own 3 Ford Escapes and all 3 have same safety issue. I learned on google that I am not alone. It is a very common problem. I am talking about abs tone ring which cracks and causes abs to malfunction. It becomes a serious issue when it happens while driving. Initial malfunction causes on-board computer to "be confused" and brakes don't perform as they should, causing extended braking distance. Once on-board computer "recognizes" the problem abs dashboard light will come on and the driver is aware of the issue. Broken abs tone ring will cause abs brakes to engage on dry surface even at the lowest speeds. This failure becomes serious issue at the moment of initial malfunction because the driver is caught by surprise. Please view comments by others at the link below. All comments are screen captures with original url visible at the top of each comment. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. While driving at 55 mph, the abs warning light illuminated and would not shut off. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 09/03/lj.

The abs warning light came on in my 2001 Ford Escape. I took it to the Ford service department. They ran some tests. They said the abs module was probably the cause but they did not have one in stock. They would order it and contact me to schedule installation. They did not indicate the vehicle was unsafe to operate. I drove the car back home and to work the next day. On the way home after work a fire started in the engine compartment left front side which is near the brake system components. I put the fire out and contacted my insurance company. The vehicle was no longer drivable. I had it towed to the Ford dealer the next day. Neither Ford or farmers insurance could pinpoint the origin of the fire but their was damage around the abs and its wiring. Ford has denied responsibility for the damage. I remembered a safety recall was done previously having to do with the abs. I rechecked and discovered that similar fires were the reason for the recall. Ford said they did perform the recall on my vehicle. I checked further on line and saw that a safety investigation was opened because the remedy by Ford has not eliminated vehicle abs wiring fires. I believe my Ford Escape is another case of this safety defect and Ford should take responsibility for the damage and related expenses I have incurred.

Brake problem invoving abs sensor ring on front wheels. This wheel ring literally cracked causing the abs light to come on and the brake pedal had to be pressed to the floor to operate the brakes. The ring was "epoxyed" back together by my mechanic, but now the brakes on occasion make a "clunking" noise and you can feel the vibration in the pedal. Seems like something is not engaging properly.

Ford Escape 2001 master brake cylinder and brakes failed causing accident when I totally lost my brakes. 1 day after Ford dealership replaced master brake cylinder. Ford has faulty master brake parts.

I am the original owner of a 2001 Ford Escape XLT v6, 4 wheel drive. My truck currently has 75000 miles of use. I feel the incident I chose to write about is a significant safety issue as it involves a malfunction of the anit-lock braking system (abs) which significantly reduces braking action (on dry pavement!) when it occurs. I am also aware of at least two other Ford Escape owners that have experienced the same failure. The failure causes the abs to activate on dry pavement, when absolutely no slippage is occurring at any wheel. The activity of the abs system actually significantly reduces braking capacity and causes the brake pedal to go down noticeably further than normal when attempting to stop. Only a quick avoidance maneuver allowed me to avoid rear-ending the car in front of me. Pumping the brakes does not help since the abs hydraulic control module is modulating the brakes at such a rate, pumping the brake does not produce a firmer pedal. I have traced the problem to a faulty abs system rotation transducer design on the front wheels of the Escape. The transducer is basically a splined ring about 8mm wide. The ring is apparently friction fit onto the half-shaft near the front cv joints just inside of the front hub assembly. A sensor apparently picks up the peaks or valleys in the splined ring as it rotates past the sensor to determine wheel rotation speed. It is the splined ring that fails, mine actually split across its width causing it to loosen and move away from the sensor. This apparently causes the abs system to operate erratically and actually cause a significant reduction in braking capacity on dry pavement! this erratic behavior will occur 5-10 times before the abs controller determines there is something wrong and switches off the abs system. This illuminates the abs indicator light on the instrument panel and does restore normal braking performance. This cycle will repeat itself each time the truck is shut off and restarted!!.

Abs light illuminated at all times. Master cylinder replaced twice. Brakes' shoes and master cylinder cap sealed 3 times. Problem has reoccurred the same way. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information.