Ford Escape Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 834 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Ford Escape across 25 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (120). The words owners use most often: “master cylinder” (7% of reports).
- 834service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 80mention a crash
- 29mention an injury
- 7related recalls
- $2,550typical repair cost reported by owners
- 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.
- Master cylinder: mentioned in 62 of 834 complaints (7%)
- ABS module: mentioned in 43 of 834 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical service brakes repair on the Ford Escape at $2,550, and half of them between $1,250 and $5,700.
Based on 39 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2012–2023), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 556 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 834 complaints, 80 mention a crash, 17 a fire, 29 an injury.
Ford Escape service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Escape | 1 | 33% | — |
| 2024 Escape | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2023 Escape | 4 | 4% | — |
| 2022 Escape | 33 | 14% | 15,000 |
| 2021 Escape | 40 | 11% | 2,965 |
| 2020 Escape | 33 | 2% | 12,900 |
| 2019 Escape | 8 | 1% | 11,000 |
| 2018 Escape | 25 | 1% | 25,500 |
| 2017 Escape | 45 | 2% | 16,000 |
| 2016 Escape | 16 | 1% | 42,000 |
| 2015 Escape | 25 | 2% | 47,000 |
| 2014 Escape | 31 | 1% | 22,100 |
| 2013 Escape | 63 | 2% | 58,000 |
| 2012 Escape | 18 | 3% | 76,000 |
| 2011 Escape | 22 | 2% | 60,000 |
| 2010 Escape | 43 | 2% | 98,000 |
| 2009 Escape | 94 | 6% | 100,000 |
| 2008 Escape | 120 | 6% | 114,206 |
| 2007 Escape | 30 | 12% | 74,000 |
| 2006 Escape | 41 | 9% | 101,000 |
| 2005 Escape | 40 | 3% | 107,926 |
| 2004 Escape | 18 | 4% | 125,715 |
| 2003 Escape | 11 | 2% | 127,000 |
| 2002 Escape | 41 | 4% | 132,294 |
| 2001 Escape | 30 | 3% | 147,992 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (7)
Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
Model years: 2025
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and Escape vehicles. The cover for the electric brake booster's ECU may cause the printed circuit board to overheat and result in a loss of vehicle stability control systems (anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control) or a loss of brake power assist.
Risk: Loss of vehicle stability control or brake power assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electric brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC6. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 17, 2025.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads
Model years: 2020
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Model years: 2021, 2022
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2018
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.
Structure; service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2013
Problem: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 escape vehicles manufactured from march 8, 2012 through june 7, 2012. Due to mis-positioned carpet padding the center console trim panel may be pushed outboard of the intended position, reducing clearance relative to the pedal package.
Risk: The reduced clearance may result in the driverâs foot contacting the side of the brake pedal while transferring the foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal, increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the carpet padding and left-side console trim panel replaced with a new panel, free of charge. The recall began on july 20, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Model years: 2001, 2002
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
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
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.
While driving, a message was displayed [Hill Start Assist Not Available] and all mileage figures previously displayed disappered. Additional warning lights were displayed indicating Traction Control, and ABS failures. Electric Power steering assist also stopped. Subsequent testing indicated the…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
As I was driving my 2018 Ford Escape SE 1.5 liter EcoBoost on the interstate at the posted 70 mph limit, my dash warning center display said Cross Traffic Fault, Hill Start Assist Not Available, Front Camera Fault, Collision Warning Not Available, Blindspot Left Sensor Fault, AWD Temporarily…
I had complete brake failure while driving my vehicle yesterday I had new brakes installed on XXX by Mr tire auto service centersStore Number: #XXX ([XXX]) âInvoice Number: XXX âGuest ID: XXX âVehicle details: 2020 Ford Escape Titanium. They have deemed that PARTS were defective ( calipers…
**On August 19, 2026, while driving my 2023 Ford Escape on Interstate 57 (I-57), with approximately 35,575 miles on the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly accelerated unexpectedly. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the vehicle did not respond as expected and I could not stop it…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Escapes have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 834 owner complaints about service brakes for the Ford Escape. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Escape service brakes?
Yes: 7 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix service brakes problems on the Ford Escape?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,550 (half paid between $1,250 and $5,700), from 39 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the Ford Escape?
The most frequent phrase is “master cylinder”, in 62 of 834 complaints, followed by “abs module” (43).
Other Ford Escape problems
- Engine problems (7,208)
- Power Train problems (4,655)
- Steering problems (3,945)
- Electrical System problems (2,525)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (2,331)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (2,298)
- Structure problems (2,296)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,834)
See all Ford Escape problems.