Brakes Failed problems of the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

Hcu malfunctioning causing brake system failure while driving. Deadly flaw in brake system design.

I own a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and on Jun 28, 2014 when I was driving the brakes suddenly failed. The red brake warning lamp lit with an alarm sound and message - 'check brake system'. The brakes did not work and reverted to the fail safe mode where it required pedal to the floor to stop the vehicle. I pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and stopped. On restarting the vehicle the brakes returned to normal operation. This was very concerning as it could have resulted in an accident/injury. It did not occur for 2 weeks then on july15th, 2014 while my wife was driving the vehicle on the highway the brakes failed again with the same message and alarm. She had use the hand break and pull the vehicle to the side. On shutting down and restarting the brakes returned to normal operation. I have taken the vehicle to Ford dealership and they have not been able to reproduce the issue and the brake systems checked out as working properly. There were some error codes but they were not able to provide any conclusive evidence as to the cause of this issue. All they said was there was a communication error and they cannot do anything about it. I had the vehicle taken to another repair shop after the second incident and they told me the same. They asked me to bring it back when it happens again but I do not know if they understand the risk of driving a vehicle with brake systems that can fail at any time. I have read in internet and few blogs about this issue with the Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles and it seems to related to a flawed design. Its a shame that Ford is not taking any action on it. I do not understand what they are waiting for, anything involving brakes not working should be considered very serious and actions need to be taken quickly.

Sudden brake failure with no warning. Vehicle was initially traveling at 55 mph when a sudden stop was initiated by driver. Vehicle stopped as expected. Vehicle also stopped as expected 3 more times over next couple miles. However, when brake pedal was depressed prior to next turn (now from 45 mph), brake pressure was low, pedal travel was long, and vehicle did not slow. At this time 3 dash indicator lights illuminated: abs, brake pressure/emergency brake, and traction control. No warning chime or driver information message. Vehicle did begin to slow at slow rate once brake pedal was depressed all the way to floor. Issue remained for duration of 1/2 mile drive home. Vehicle was then parked, ignition switched off, then restarted after ~30 seconds. Warning lights went off, and brake pedal pressure was normal after restarting. Brake fluid reservoir level was okay. All systems fuction normal during 1 mile test drive. Vehicle has no history of brake problems.

With absolutely no warning my brakes completely failed!!!!.

Two weeks ago, at 50,000 miles and just back from the dealer's service, my brakes failed at start-very little braking action and a warning on the dash. I drove it around the block and went through four stop signs. I had it towed back to the dealer, where it has been ever since. The technician there found a code for "over-extended brake pedal" -- naturally the result when the brakes fail and the pedal goes to the floor. The service manager says they cannot duplicate the failure despite frequent attempts, and that Ford will not authorize repair unless they can see the failure for themselves. The "customer service" manager at Ford headquarters, implies that Ford's engineers are unaware of this kind of problem and have no explanation for it -- a position that is belied by the many posts on Ford Escape Hybrid brake problem forums. The dealer's technician was more honest: he said "we can't replace the system without Ford's approval, and they won't approve that because of the high-dollar parts. " my reading of more than 150 posts on the web shows that 1) this problem has plagued the Escape Hybrid since 2005, 2) the problem often goes away immediately, only to recur unexpectedly later, and 3) Ford usually refuses to fix the problem, even when the car is, like mine, still under warranty.

Brakes failed at low speed with brakes feeling like there was no pressure. The 3 lights for the braking system were on when this event occurred.