2001 Ford Escape Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 2001 Ford Escape, 12% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 93,153 miles. The words owners use most often: “control unit module” (18% of reports).
- 122service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- 93,153median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 21%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Control unit module: mentioned in 22 of 122 complaints (18%)
- Master cylinder: mentioned in 18 of 122 complaints (15%)
- Hydraulic antilock: mentioned in 16 of 122 complaints (13%)
- Anti lock: mentioned in 9 of 122 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 62 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 122 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 20 a fire, 4 an injury.
Ford Escape service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Escape | 1 | 4% | 5,000 |
| 2024 Escape | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2022 Escape | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2021 Escape | 9 | 3% | 17,000 |
| 2020 Escape | 6 | 0% | 37,500 |
| 2019 Escape | 2 | 0% | 15,832 |
| 2018 Escape | 2 | 0% | 61,500 |
| 2017 Escape | 4 | 0% | 94,301 |
| 2016 Escape | 4 | 0% | 91,511 |
| 2015 Escape | 1 | 0% | 70,000 |
| 2014 Escape | 7 | 0% | 45,000 |
| 2013 Escape | 9 | 0% | 48,250 |
| 2012 Escape | 4 | 1% | 14,848 |
| 2011 Escape | 4 | 0% | 77,000 |
| 2010 Escape | 7 | 0% | 33,000 |
| 2009 Escape | 12 | 1% | 112,000 |
| 2008 Escape | 19 | 1% | 50,500 |
| 2007 Escape | 13 | 5% | 45,217 |
| 2006 Escape | 20 | 4% | 45,600 |
| 2005 Escape | 24 | 2% | 51,000 |
| 2004 Escape | 11 | 2% | 45,459 |
| 2003 Escape | 41 | 7% | 60,000 |
| 2002 Escape | 149 | 15% | 96,000 |
| 2001 Escape | 122 | 12% | 93,153 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 escape vehicles manufactured from october 22, 1999, through july 19, 2002, equipped with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that could leak brake fluid. If brake fluid leaks from the cap, it could come in contact with the antilock brake system (abs) module wiring harness connector.
Risk: Corrosion can develop in the electrical connector leading to melting, smoke or a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and the abs electrical system will be modified. An interim letter was mailed on january 20, 2012. Due to a parts delay, however, the remedy may not be available currently. If parts are not available, ford will instruct owners to park their vehicles outside until such time as parts become available. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. This recall campaign is related to 07v-156.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (abs), the abs module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could allow contamination to enter the module connector, creating a potential for an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short might cause an abs malfunction that would illuminate the abs warning light, and in some cases, the module may overheat resulting in burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition could occur either when the vehicle ignition switch is in the off position or while the vehicle is being operated.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the abs module for missing or dislodged wire seals, and repair or replace the harness connector as appropriate. The dealer will also inspect the connector on the abs module and replace it if it is found to be corroded or damaged. The recall began on april 23, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. While driving 15 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle pulled to the right. The abs warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with severe rust on the subframe, making the vehicle…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escape. While driving at 55 mph, the abs warning light illuminated and would not shut off. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 07v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The…
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 ford escape. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and failed to slow down, even though the brake pedal was depressed numerous times. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and its rear end crashed into a tree. A four year…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2001 Ford Escapes have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 122 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the 2001 Ford Escape (12% of the 996 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Ford Escape service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems start?
The median reported mileage is 93,153 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 2001 Ford Escape?
The most frequent phrase is “control unit module”, in 22 of 122 complaints, followed by “master cylinder” (18).
Other 2001 Ford Escape problems
See all 2001 Ford Escape problems or service brakes, hydraulic problems across all Escape years.