Service Brakes Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

The car started and when I went to put it in gear, turns off. Park brake limited function appeared on the dash . The car would not let me put it in gear without turning off. A month prior my dash with the speedometer was blank while driving not allowing me to see my speed . I turned the car off and on three different times. Only after sitting for several hours would the dash info reappear.

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My daughter was driving down the highway and the brakes all of sudden wouldn’t work. She narrowly avoided a collision and got the vehicle to a stop. We had it towed to my shop for inspection and turns out the vacuum pump went out without warning and causes power brakes to fail. I have fixed it and only 5 days later the the head gasket blew. I have received quotes from multiple dealerships. All say they that due to the year and the problems with the 1. 5 liter block they have to replace the engine.

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Breaks suddenly failed with no warning.

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Description on your vehicle, the integrated park module ipm may not properly engage the park pawl, preventing the vehicle from locking into park when park p is selected. If this condition occurs, a wrench light and shift system fault message will be displayed in the instrument panel cluster. Additionally, the vehicles electronic parking brake epb will automatically apply. Safety risk if the park pawl is not properly engaged and the electronic parking brake - epb - is not applied, your vehicle may experience a roll-in-park, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy a remedy is not yet available. Ford motor company is working to provide software for this repair. When the remedy becomes available, Ford motor company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge. The remedy is anticipated to be available July 10, 2026. Next steps contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.

I am filing this safety complaint on behalf of myself and my wife, [xxx] , the primary driver of our 2021 Ford Escape phev, with active under recall 25sc4 (no remedy available). The vehicle has experienced 8+ sudden complete shutdowns during normal driving since February 2026, always during ev-to-hybrid mode transition, always without prior warning. The only warning is a brief sound like air escaping immediately before shutdown. At shutdown: engine cuts completely, steering wheel locks rigid and cannot be turned, brake pedal locks hard and cannot be depressed, gear selector locks in drive and cannot be changed. The driver has zero ability to steer, brake, or move the vehicle. Must activate hazards and wait 1-5 minutes for restart while immobilized in an active traffic lane. Incidents occurred: (1) February 2026: multiple times, dealer retained vehicle 5 days, found nothing. (2) early April 2026: multiple times, including one witnessed by a police officer who directed traffic around immobilized vehicle. Dealer kept 3 days, blamed the original Ford-supplied charger. Replacement did not fix defect. (3) may 1, 2026: 4 times in one day with my wife only in the car, including on the dolphin [xxx] near miami int [xxx] 3:30pm Friday rush hour, with our [xxx] child in the vehicle on thr [xxx] r occasions. Ford's own recall documentation states steering and braking remain functional during shutdown. This is directly contradicted by our firsthand experience. Both are completely inoperable. Dealer on second attempt blamed original Ford-supplied charger — replacement did not resolve defect. This vehicle is subject to active class action [xxx] et al. V. Ford motor company (case xxx). Formal warranty demand letter sent to Ford motor company via certified mail under magnuson-moss warranty act simultaneously with this complaint. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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When I was crossing the road to turn around in a u-turn style, the rear end of the car locked up and I slid across several lanes of traffic. This happened only one time but was terrifying! a few times since then, the emergency brake will apply on its own causing the back end to freeze up. It's very random.

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The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the abs warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the abs light was illuminated. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the repairs would be at the owner's expense. Another local dealer, bob davidson Ford Lincoln, located at 1845 e joppa rd, baltimore, MD 21234, was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

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Warning message appeared on dash as I was braking. Reduced braking power. I had pushed on brake pedal almost to the floor & missed turning at a corner. My car also makes noise upon backing up each day.

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The anti-lock brake system is no longer available. When I start the car, a warning comes on that the uphill assist is unavailable. Other lights come on concerning the brakes. I have contacted my repair shop and they have contacted the Ford dealership and have been told that presently there is no fix available. I understand this failure may be on other Ford Escape 2013 since I was told there are at least 400 vehicles awaiting this replacement part at this time and I would not know how many failures there were in the past.

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The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle lost brake assist functionality. The contact stated that there was an unknown brake warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The failure worsened, and the vehicle was no longer safe to operate. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the electric brake booster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Test.

Vdp test.

I bought a vehicle that has recalls on it. I contacted a dealer. Im told the car is to old to fix the recalled abs relay. Now I have a vehicle thats on the road a fire hazard. The Ford dealership have left me my with and kids and grand kids in danger.

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Engine coolant intrusion- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to engine problems known to Ford even at/before time of sale. Possible fire hazard. Transmission- I don't feel safe driving this vehicle due to transmission problems known to Ford even at/before time of sale. Vehicle lurched around while backing from my garage. Electronic emergency brake- occasionally sticks in lock on position not allowing me to operate. Report date is today 02/08/2026 for issues as of manufacture date 12/17/17 I request Ford buy back this vehicle at full purchase price. I'm a single widow and don't feel safe driving this vehicle alone. Ford selling vehicles with long known problems to unsuspecting customers is shameful.

Transmission failure at 79211 miles. Vehicle has been serviced and maintained regularly. Transmission shop stated this is a "very common issue" with this specific transmission, that they see failures frequently. This occurred just a month or two after the recall repair for the shifter cable bushing. Front left wheel speed sensor also went bad around the same time, causing traction control to engage specifically when turning left even on dry roads and at lower speeds. Also occurred when vehicle was in reverse, at low speeds. This also caused the "intelligent 4wd" (hill assist and acceleration assist) to fail/shut down and all indicators on the dashboard went to blank/dashes. This occurred the first time while stopped at a stop sign facing uphill. It occurred as second time days later while driving 35mph.

I bought a 2016 Ford Escape se 2 days ago and just found out it had no back brake pads of any measurable thickness, and the front brake pads were nearly as thin. Does not meet oregon used car sales laws. Can you help me ? call the dealer so they fix them ? thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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I found the brake pedal too high. I was involved in a very low speed crash. I found my right foot caught between the accelerator and break peddle . Unable to stop in time. Am checking for a video and police report at this time.

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up unexpectedly. Additionally, more effort was needed to depress the brake pedal, causing the braking distance to become extended. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 26v122000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

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Multiple failures occurred while driving with my kids in the car from what we can tell an electrical system failure of the parking brake motor as well as a transmission failure it is unknown at this time whether the parking brake motor failed causing stress on the transmission or the transmission fault led to the end electric motor failure of the parking brake.

Unknown when I start my car for the 1st time that day & start to back up with my foot on the break, the back end of my vehicle makes a loud groaning sound.

There is no low fuel light on the dash. I just found this out because it is the first time I ran the gas that low. Brakes- when braking the transmission jumps. It makes the car hop. These are both safety concerns because you won’t know you have low fuel unless you shut the car off and turn it back on. With the brakes, no component should be making a car jump when you hit the brakes.

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My vehicle had no warning lamps, messages or any other symptoms before driving that day. Vehicle was well maintained. Driving on a rural straight paved road that is in excellent condition, at approximately 55 miles per hour, smoke suddenly came through the dash top (defroster along windshield) and bottom (underneath the dash - heavier volume of smoke); almost immediately, the horn started sounding independently, a message appeared that read engine failure, brakes failed simultaneously and could not stop the vehicle. Only possible way to get the vehicle to stop was to remove the ignition key, put lever in park, pulled park break up. Flames now under the dash & smoke was pouring out from under the hood. My safety was at risk and had to exit the vehicle as fast as possible from drivers side with cars approaching. After exit, saw flames in the tire well also; witness saw flames under the car therefore he was yelling "get away from the car, it's on fire". Got away as fast as possible. The witness called the fire department who arrived extremely timely (and police even sooner). Fd attempted to put out fire with water first, then needed foam as it ultimately turned into a gas tank fuel fire. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer since there was nothing to speak of left. The police, fire department, tow company, and also the insurance claim inspector did view and/or inspect the remnants of the vehicle. The insurance inspector took possession of the remnants of the vehicle from the tow company. My safety was extremely put at risk as I could have died from many factors including brake failure, smoke inhalation, burns from the fire, getting hit from another vehicle upon exit from the burning vehicle, or heart attack.

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I had just started up my 05 Ford hybrid Escape reversed out of a parking space, applied my brakes and a loud warning noise went off, the abs light & the brake light went on, then I tried to brake while backing out of the parking stall. I had no brakes, petal went all the way to the floor. I shifted into drive to pull forward. The car wouldn’t stop petal just went right to the floor, had very little resistance. I almost drove through the front glass doors of the p/t office across from the pharmacy in cool, CA. The roads are mountainous windy and steep. I was definitely scared for my safety. I had to coast very slowly on the way home. I was on my way to work but instead I dropped it off at home and called ride share to take me to work! I had to use my emergency brake to make the turn up my dirt road. I still had little to no brakes to stop the car. I parked it and haven’t driven it since. Much to dangerous to drive this car. I could have easily been killed not having brakes. It showed no codes, had no warning at all. I just bought the car about 6 months prior. The next day it was as if it never happened.

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During braking the car experienced what seemed to be a glitch and lost all breaking power. Foot went to the floor and had to press and release multiple times for break power assist to come back. This happened three times within 100 mile drive.

Abs braking not functioning, power steering failure , speedometer and odometer failure, air bag indication of non function. Warning indications on dash illuminated at once when failures occured the loss of functioning air bags, power steering, abs braking are all possible safety risks, most especially when combined at once. Vehicle has been diagnosed by a registered Ford dealership. Problems diagnosed as a failure of the electrical abs system module by the Ford dealership. Dealership expressed that this was a known issue and all repair parts are currently out of stock and on national back order with no eta for availability. This leaves the vehicle in a condition that makes it a safety hazard to be driven , for myself and others. Documentation unavailable at this time from dealership, verbal conversation, still awaiting repair options. Vehicle has been in dealership since 11/03/2025.

When putting the car in reverse the brakes make an awful screaming noise. It sounds like they are not releasing. Then when you go in drive and want to stop it doesn't want to. It is not all the time but more so then not.

My battery light has been on for about a week it will come off and on thos morning as I was pulling into work I notice the power steering wasn't working right!.

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When I change gears to p or r the car shut down , also it shakes when I break.

Concerns regarding my 2010 Ford Escape. Within thirty (30) days of purchase, the transmission completely failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Additionally, upon further inspection, it was discovered that the entire underbody of the vehicle is severely rusted and corroded. This corrosion appears extensive enough to compromise the structural integrity of the frame and essential safety components. While operating the vehicle prior to transmission failure, I also experienced significant shaking and vibration during both driving and braking. These issues raise major safety concerns, as they could indicate underlying brake, suspension, or frame instability. Given the combination of a failed transmission, extensive underbody rust, and unsafe driving behavior, I believe this vehicle may present a serious risk to myself and others on the road. These types of defects and corrosion levels are unusual for a vehicle of this make and model and could point to a broader safety or manufacturing issue. I am requesting that Ford review this matter urgently and provide direction on possible inspection, repair, or compensation options. I am more than willing to provide documentation, photos, or mechanic reports to assist in your evaluation. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response regarding next steps.

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Bout the vehicle from a used car dealership in victorville and in 22 days the truck valve body gave out in the middle of me driving almost causing a car accident on freeway. The solenoid d is stuck in off and the transmission on this model is known to do this I need help or some answers.

Summary: failure of awd/transfer case control module causing loss of multiple safety and driveline functions. Vehicle is currently being repaired at Ford dealership so will have already been corrected. While driving, multiple dash warnings appeared: “service advancetrac,” “awd not available,” “hill start assist not available,” and “drive mode not available. ” the vehicle lost all all-wheel-drive functionality as well as traction/stability features. Dealer diagnosed an internal failure of the awd/transfer case control module. Safety impact: this failure disables critical safety systems (advancetrac stability control, hill start assist, awd traction). In poor weather or emergency maneuvers, loss of these systems could increase the risk of crash. Repair estimate: dealer quoted ~$1,070 for replacement of awd control module (parts, labor, and programming). Concern: this is a major driveline and safety system failure at only 40,000 miles. Ford previously acknowledged awd module defects in 2020 Escapes under customer satisfaction program 21b19, which suggests this may be a broader issue that warrants investigation or recall.

Purchased certified vehicle from wray Ford on 2/23/24. Car was previously leased by fmcc and still listed as a Ford fleet vehicle in michigan as of 9/12/25. VIN confirms it falls under Ford safety recall 24s79, which was never performed. Vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and non-responsive braking, behaving autonomously. Fordpass connect, fmcc, and wray Ford all confirmed it was unsafe to drive based on 38 diagnostic codes from July/August 2025. June 2025 data and other dates were blacked out. No warning lights or alerts appeared in the Fordpass app prior to the crash on 8/25/25. Allstate insurance removed the vehicle from wray Ford without authorization, falsely claimed a $10,000 salvage offer, and altered the accident date in the online portal. Damage estimates were manipulated: initial $4,500 based on five photos, later inflated to $13,195 using the same photos. Shreve collision’s manager confirmed no estimate was performed, contradicting allstate’s claims. Allstate appears to be shielding Ford from liability. The vehicle is no longer in my possession, but documentation and diagnostic records are preserved. I believe Ford concealed a critical defect and suppressed diagnostic data, putting my safety and others at serious risk. I have contacted Ford and they are stalling and have misrepresented to me many things. They admitted that they can access Fordpass connect data remotely and their agent stated driving this vehicle is not an option. I have almost been involved in prior accidents because of hidden defect in my car. My son has audio recordings, transcripts, Ford pass connect data. We believe allstate changed the date of the accident to throw off a forensic examinator. I have proof of allstate changing the accident date and removing documents. This is really a serious breach by allstate and Ford. I am 80 years old, and if it was not for my son I would have never known this and my son is half owner of the car and is very concerned for my safety.

1 brakes are making noise all times when in slow motion the brake paddle depressed ether is moving forward or reversing the repairs did not fix the problem. 1. Left taillight show the when the vehicle is expose to water from rain or washed, evaporation and condensation will occur creating a film of running down inside of the assembled taillight and will last for days sometimes. That also cause the dimming of the light from the brakes and from turning light. As driver I am concerned that the dimming of the light can become a safety issue when in transit for diminishing of visibility for other drivers behind of this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the local dealer sent a mobile mechanic to the residence to repair a bushing on the vehicle. The contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired, but the mechanic had forgotten to replace a tubing on the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start, and the contact's husband noticed that the tubing was disconnected. The contact's husband was able to attach the tubing, and the vehicle restarted. While her husband was driving the vehicle and making a turn, the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. Roadside assistance was contacted and left the parking brake activated during towing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and several dtc were retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the customer service at the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered an failure with the muffler. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Component: brake booster while driving on the interstate (at 80mph), check engine light came on and vehicle struggled to maintain power to stay at speed, would downshift for power to get back but as soon as it up shifted speed would drop again. My fuel mileage also dropped drastically as well as forced me to exit interstate on order to get gas. In attempt to stop at the stop sign, I discovered I had little to no brakes. Brake pedal was extreme hard and could not be pushed down. Luckily no cars where in front of me or coming when I reached the stop sign, had to be put into n to stop/stay stopped at the sign until it was safe to completely exit the off ramp and get to the nearby gas station to safely park the car. Safety: highly compromised for myself as well as others as it was impossible to stop/slow quickly nearly at all. Independent garage: all issued (including engine power) were direct result of brake booster failure. Component has been replaced and remedied with a new replacement brake booster. I obtained pictures as well as kept the original part as it has clear damage to one side due to manufacturer/mechanical defect. - Ford has recalled this exact part, cause & reason for thousands of other newer models. However clearly 2017 Escapes are also effected. At first glimpse, it disnt appear that the brakes were the entire cause of rhe issues, especially since the brake light failed to come on.

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