150 of the 5,254 complaints about the Ford Escape (2.9%) concern Brakes, making it the model's #7 problem area. That share is 0.5× the Brakes share across all tracked vehicles.
150Complaints · Brakes
2.9%Share of complaints
0.47×vs. all vehicles
15Last 12 months
9.3%Share involving a crash or fire
3Related recalls
Analysis
15 Brakes complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 25 in the 12 months before — down 40%.
14 of these reports (9.3%) describe a crash or fire, with 7 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
3 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 25V693000 (2025-10-10, model year 2020).
While traveling on the interstate, the driver of the Ford Escape moved into the left lane from behind an 18-wheeler that had stopped while attempting to enter a turning lane. After moving into the left lane, the driver observed traffic ahead stopping.
Brakes · 2026-08-15 · ODI 11757137 · Crash
On Sept.17, 2021 my 2018 Ford Escape rolled away. When I was leaving a driveway, I got in car, buckled my seatbelt, started the engine and put the vehicle in Reverse. I immediately realized I had not paid for the item and shifted into Park.
Brakes · 2026-04-17 · ODI 11731964
The ABS system fails to engage If the vehicle is coming to a stop and there is even the slightest bump on the road. ABS disengages the brakes which follows with a rapid acceleration of the vehicle instead of slowing down.
Brakes · 2026-10-06 · ODI 11769375
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]) Invoice Number: XXX Guest ID: XXX Vehicle details: 2020 Ford Escape Titanium.
Brakes · 2026-08-25 · ODI 11759343
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.
Brakes · 2026-06-25 · ODI 11746394
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.
Brakes · 2026-04-14 · ODI 11731135
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Campaign 25V693000 · 2025-10-10 · Model years: 2020
Summary: 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."
Remedy: 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 Campaign 21V922000 · 2021-11-23 · Model years: 2021, 2022
Summary: 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."
Remedy: 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 Campaign 18V104000 · 2018-02-12 · Model years: 2018
Summary: 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.
Remedy: 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.
