Three problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 2001 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2001 Escape.
While driving the brakes at 38000 miles were completely worn out, so were the rotors. Took the vehicle to dealer to be repaired. The consumer took the vehicle in to find out why so much black an silver dust was on the front wheels. The consumer was told that it was normal wear an tear. The consumer was told that the dust was on the front tires within 200 miles after cleaning. Front brake pads and rotors were replaced at no charge to the consumer.
The rotors on my Escape had to be replaced at 45,000 miles. There was no indication that the brakes had worn down (no squealer warning). Upon inspection it was revealed that the rotors had been worn down and had to be replaced along with new brake pads. The service manager was surprised at the rotors being in such bad shape especially since it was not due to grinding (the brake pads weren't completely worn out). He was shocked at such inferior parts being on the car. I have kept the original rotors that came on the car from Ford should anyone want pictures or want to inspect them.
Brakes wore down past to the rotors. Safety issue:there are no low pad wear (squealer) indicators on the brakes. Rotors had to be replaced. There was no audible sign of pad wear unless inspected visually. If I had driven the car any longer the heat from metal on metal would have blown the front tires.