Service Brakes Problems of Ford Escape - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Escape 🔎.

Engine burns alot of coolant. Break time is not where it should be for a car with only 38k miles. The engine intake valves in affected vehicles may crack and break, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. Prior to losing motive power, an engine malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate in the cluster and the driver may notice that the vehicle is running rough. A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.

See all problems of the 2018 Ford Escape 🔎.

Rear brakes squeak every time I back up in the cold weather, they have attempted to fix them, still not fixed. Then when driving about 10 mph and coming to a stop, brakes will all the sudden grip and about throw you through the dash.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the abs and the traction control warning lights illuminated. The messages "4-wheel drive temporarily disabled" and "hill start assist not available" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving after starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while responding, and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to westlake auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the abs module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the abs sensor lights was illuminated. Additionally, the engine block was previously replaced and there were unknown failures with the windshield wipers and windows operating previously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the undercarriage of the vehicle was in a flood and was rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

This began may of 2023. I had a 2017 Ford Escape and at 50,000 it had to get a whole new transmission. I have also purchased a new engine for this Escape that has the same issues.

Vehicle has an issue with braking system. When attempting to stop, the brake pedal required much more force to be applied that subsequently increased stopping distance. Safety to operator and/or others is at great risk due to extended stopping distances. The condition has not been confirmed by the dealer service department or independent service center. However, this condition occurred to the owner of the vehicle as well as the vehicle owner's son (that is in the auto industry as an insurance adjuster). The dealer only looked at the condition of the brake pads, calipers, and rotors. The dealer did not look into the hydraulic braking system or brake lines. (note: there is an open recall on many Ford Escapes, however, this particular vehicle identification number is outside the current recall notice. I believe they should investigate and/or expand the recall to add more vehicles due to our discovery) the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. No odb codes or warning lights appeared on the dash information screen.

While going on the highway it braked hard and displayed service stabilitrak light with traction control light flashing went away after 10 seconds. Then I pulled into my driveway and it snapped the wheel out of my hand forcefully almost breaking my wrist and wouldn't let me turn right. Towed it to Ford where they claim a loose battery terminal was present. No warning at all before this. Upper engine noise too (possibly pulley) 28k miles and trans is shifting hard as well. The trust for the vehicle is gone. I have a video as well of the steering wheel snapping.

The brakes locked up and was red hot had to poor water on them, had our shop put new brake pads ,rotors ,new hoses on rotors and brake calibers on it. It got so hot it melted the hose . Not even 2 weeks later it has done it again. So shop started all over with new pads ,rotors,hoses ,calibers ,and master cylindeda. Still didnt fix the issues. They said something is got to be wrong with the ibs . I have had it towed to the dealership in panama city FL. Were we can trade it in cause we are scared of it now but there should be a recall on this before someone gets hurt this is very dangerous and could make you lose control of the vehicle when it does this white driving.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his foot was depressing the accelerator pedal, the back of the contact’s foot would strike the brake pedal due to a reduced clearance between the accelerator and brake pedals. The contact stated that failure restricted the ability to properly depress the brake pedal while driving at highway speeds. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 12v319000 (service brakes, hydraulic, structure); and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Escape 🔎.

Coolant issues, calipers needing replaced/seized but maintenance has always been up-kept and done at dealer, odor from turbo.

While driving down the interstate at 60mph, screen displayed two error messages: “parking brake function limited” and “collision assistance unavailable. ” I completely lost brake function for ~10 seconds. Only didn’t crash because no one was stopped ahead of me. Took to dealership who “couldn’t replicate” the issue, later told me they had fixed it by reprogramming the software. Two inconsistent answers gave me no sense of trust in the repair. This issue could kill somebody if at the wrong time and they were completely indifferent. I’ve since traded the car but have no faith Ford has any desire at all to investigate or resolve what could be a fatal error to someone.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Escape 🔎.

Brakes and power steering failed within 1 day. I’ve had brake system checked by 2 mechanics. I still have spongey brakes. Both systems seem to be a problem on these particular vehicles according to the two mechanics. Seems I’m not the only one with this problem. My vehicle came out of the kansas city assembly plant. It’s a 2009 Ford Escape. I understand that some models out of that facility had recalls.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Escape 🔎.

The abs, anti-lock braking sytem symbol came on about 3 or 4 months ago. Other symbols that came on were the brake system (circle with exclamation point in it), the red word "brake", the stability control light, and the speedometer stopped working/ the information display stopped working. We have taken the car to three local Ford service departments to have it checked only to be told the abs part is on back order. Furthermore, I've read that the brakes could be compromised. No speedometer or display functions is dangerous. The only receipt I have tells me it is the abs module that is on back order.

Abs light and traction light is on then hill assist information comes on then the 4 wheel drive disabled comes on then for minutes later comes back on and says abled. It’s been going on for sometime now but now when I am driving it seems like it just shuts off and then starts again and at times it goes very quick. It is very dangerous. I only have 45000 miles on it.

The front camera/ adaptive cruise control, pre collision assist, seems to have spontanteoulsy cut out while driving- a large bump in the road seems to have shook less the coaxial cable connections for the front camera in this car. This caused a fast and immediate deceleration that almost got me rear ended by the truck that was behind me. The car is at the dealership for a faulty cable/ ipma module. This seems to be a very common issue for these cars. There were no messages prior to the failure but the messages I am getting now are the front camera fault, and pre collision assist is no longer working. Adaptive cruise and even regular cruise control are no longer working either. Additionally, I am getting a system off to save battery message, even though I just installed a new battery. This faulty camera/ connection to the camera seems to be creating a parasitic draw. This car is not even 5 years old and only has 40,000 miles. Cruise control and pre collsion are massive safety features that are no longer functioning.

My husband were driving and per him and per my son brake failed to work he stepped the break multiple times wouldn't work that resulted to a car crash. I have a dashcam I reviewed the video the car had a weird noise then accelerated from 64-78 then that's it it crashed,, break didn't engaged the car is currently in marion IL, I spoke with state farm they said they are in the process today in transferring the car to the closet state farm storage. I am ok for NHTSA to do forensics in the car. So let me know ASAP I can turn over the car to NHTSA for further investigation. Having the vehicle brand new for 6 years a 2018 Ford Escape titanium with no problem and been maintained brought to golf mill Ford in niles IL every 6 months and I was not told there is any problem in my car, the last time it was checked was January 2025 and all were fine I was told. The vehicle placed 5 lives was put at risk of death because of this break failure that shouldn't happen, this is something that needed checked ( and escalated) and take seriously before multiple lives can possibly affected or taken. I hope Ford reach out to me of this matter I almost lost my husband and son with this defect. No warning lights or anything for this brake failure and this 2018 Ford Escape vehicle should be updated with the technology but it's just a failure now I am left with no car, and per state farm liable to the other party or defected car hit and we should me responsible Ford should take that responsibility. Now I dont know if I should get another Ford the trust has been tarnished not until maybe from Ford reach out to me directly. And I have statefarm , I didn't feel that I was heard. . This is not our fault it's a defect. Hopefully NHTSA can help us investigate this matter.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that there was a delay prior to the vehicle stopping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rear braking system failure. The contact was informed that the rear braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

While coming to a stop sign the vehicle was going about 3mph when the master break cylinder failed causing the breaks to fail and the car to hit another vehicle.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the brakes engaged unintendedly, and the vehicle came to an immediate stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The engine did not turn off, and the contact stated that there was no traffic nearby during the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,601.

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the safety of my 2022 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (phev), which I believe may have been rushed to market without sufficient development or reliability testing. As Ford’s first iteration of the Escape phev, it appears to suffer from multiple critical defects that suggest the technology was not fully ready for consumers. In less than 2. 5 years of ownership, I have experienced the following serious safety-related issues: the vehicle is currently under recall for a defective high-voltage battery, and there have been multiple other recalls related to the phev technology, raising serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the overall hybrid system. Nhtsa recall number 24v954. I experienced brake issues within the first 18 months of which have not been fixed and still making odd noises most alarmingly, the engine failed while I was driving on the highway with under 32,000 miles on the vehicle, causing a sudden and dangerous loss of power. This incident placed me and others at serious risk of harm. While the dealership did repair the engine under warranty, Ford has not offered any meaningful assistance beyond that, nor have they provided alternative transportation or a solution that addresses my ongoing safety concerns. Ford corporate has refused to communicate with me in writing and will only speak by phone, making it extremely difficult to document discussions, obtain clear answers, or hold them accountable for their responses. Due to a lack of support from Ford, I was forced to borrow my mother’s vehicle for two weeks while mine was being serviced, as there were 17 other customers on a waitlist for a loaner vehicle at the dealership. Despite these serious problems, I still don't have a vehicle and I no longer feel safe driving the car, and a financial burden, as I now owe more on the car than it is worth on trade-in. I have not picked up the car due to safety concerns. I believe these issues.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal there was an excessive amount of brake dust coming from the front brake pads. Additionally, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Brakes go all the way to the floor, barely could stop. No accident happened. It's very scary to even drive it anymore. I have taken it to 3 shops, 2 of the 3 say it's the abs module. I have read a lot of reviews on this car having this issue. Probably nothing to be done since it's not even made anymore. Parts are getting obsolete.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact's daughter stated that while driving 40 mph around a bend, the brakes failed to function as intended. The contact's daughter depressed the brake pedal, but the brake pedal seized. The contact's daughter had to depress the brake pedal with force. The vehicle came to a stop when the contact's daughter shifted the vehicle into park(p). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with vacuum brake booster pump failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact's daughter stated that when the mechanic took the vehicle for a test drive, the timing belt fractured. The vehicle was then diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Older man pulled out in front of me, I t-boned his truck going 47 mph. His insurance totaled it. The airbags never deployed.

I have a recall been having this problem for months told them what was going on they said nothing was wrong. Months later recall got called for the fuel injector and replacement of high fuel injectors im a single mother. Check engine came on when I gas it. . It won't go or goes slowly then takes off into gear.

In rainy conditions, executed a hard stop activating the abs. After successfully activating, the brakes go almost to the floor, and abs function has stopped. No air in brake system, and master cylinder checks out good. Seems dangerous that the one time you really need abs, it goes out. No warning lights on dash, mechanic has confirmed issue.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Escape 🔎.

I have had every part of my brake system replaced multi times and the brake pedal gos to the floor, no one can fix it. When trying to search online, it looks like this is a known issue. Multiple multiple forms with multiple websites people having the same issue. With this specific vehicle but no one can find a answers.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to steer in the intended direction, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with metal debris on the rear brake magnet on the rear brakes. The contact was informed that the debris needed to be removed from the magnet of the rear brakes. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 19,185.

When turning off my 2024 Ford Escape st line, if I sit in the vehicle for at least 15minutes to 30minutes there's a clicking noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle. Sounds like a abs issue. I tried turning the vehicle back on, stepping on the brake pedal (push start) the brakes will go down into the floor, I then let off the brake, & proceed to start vehicle again and now the brakes are fine. I'm aware there's an issue, I was told from the dealership I have some sort of abs problem, however the dealership will not repair unless there's a code reading the problem. . .