Two problems related to brakes failed have been reported for the 2011 Ford Escape. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Ford Escape based on all problems reported for the 2011 Escape.
The problem is brake loss in reverse. It happens intermittently sometimes once a month or maybe 6 months with no problem but scary when backing out and cannot stop immediately. The pedal will be rock hard when this happens and after a couple of seconds will depress and brakes back to normal. If in a tight spot or pedestrian walks behind there could be bad consequences and good luck proving it in court that the brakes failed. Summer or winter doesnt matter. I have brought it to dealership and complained on another forum but dealer cannot find problem as it is so intermittent. It seems like a valve in the system sticks. I had it happen to me several times but my wife didnt believe me. Well it happened to her last week and she was scared. This has been going on for years without resolution and if nothing else will put this concern on the record or hopefully Ford takes this more seriously. I will be contacting dealer again as this must be fixed once and for all. Any ideas welcome.
Brakes fail when car is in reverse. Pedal becomes very hard, does not depress, and car does not stop. Has never happened when driving forward. Consistently happens, daily, on the first application of brakes in reverse.