Brake Hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings problems of the 2003 Ford Escape

Loss of use of brakes while coming to a stop at a busy intersection. Jamming the brakes all the way to the floor brought the car to a stop, but was very slow to respond. Mechanic inspected hoses and lines and found the passenger front brake hose to be split and leaking. This was a horrifying experience as I had my young kids in the vehicle. Fortunately, I was not stopping from a faster velocity when this issue occurred. I have learned that the tight bends in the brake hose(s) on this make/model of vehicle may be a factor for his happening to various consumers, so this is worth investigating.

The front brake line hoses blew out (r & l) while driving in the city. The parking brake was ineffective in slowing the vehicle as it was traveling down hill. With no means of slowing, the vehicle was turned into a parking lot in an attempt to get on level ground where it was more controllable and could be stopped more easily. The parking lot was not large enough to slow the vehicle and a choice had to be made to crash into a building or drive off the edge of the parking lot to another lot that was approximately 4 feet lower. The 2nd option was chosen. Once the vehicle had landed with great force, it was directed uphill where it eventually came to a stop and put into park. Unfortunately, extensive damage was done to the frame and underside of the vehicle including oil pan, exhaust system, engine mounts, radiator support frame and under body engine and transmission mounting points. I was told by the tow truck driver, the firestone auto center and found in other research that Ford Escapes are known for rubber brake line failures. I have had vehicles much older than this and have never had a rubber brake line dry rot and rupture like these. This seems to be a known issue and should be addressed before more damage is done and more people injured or worse. We were lucky. This could have been much worse. Safety issues like this need to be addressed with an immediate recall.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving 5 mph the brakes failed. The brake pedal extended to the floor without stopping the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a snow bank. There was no damaged to the contact or the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who repaired the brake hoses at the contacts expense. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 114,120.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she noticed a leakage on her driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they informed her that the brake hose fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. In addition, the contact mentioned that the lift gate would not open. The vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Vehicle was stopped with engine running transmission in d with foot on brake. Brake pedal unexpectedly pushed to floor and vehicle moved forward. The problem was the right rear rubber brake hose burst. Not yet repaired.