2008 Ford Escape brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 14, 2026136,000 miMDBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the ABS light was illuminated. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11731174 · source
2. Filed Mar 21, 2025CABrakes

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11649792 · source
3. Filed Apr 11, 2024TXBrakes

   ABS brake light goes on and off and regen system disabled appeared. Brake pedal goes between being spongy and going to floor. I took it to an independent service center and the mechanic almost lost control of the car when test driving. There was no braking except to one wheel, which is why he almost lost control. They thought they fixed the problem by bleeding the brakes, but soon after I got it back on April 8, 2024 the ABS and brake lights came back on April 10, 2024. I am…

   NHTSA complaint #11582368 · source
4. Filed Apr 9, 2024CABrakes

   My escape keeps having the brakes go to the floor. Then they will be fine again for a while and then go to the floor again and have to be pumped to stop. The brake components are good. We replaced the master cylinder, continued to have the problem. Blakes bled by mechanic twice, again the same problem. Mechanic has determined it is a failure with the hydraulic control module. In researching they are back ordered everywhere and there is none available. In further research we…

   NHTSA complaint #11581963 · source
5. Filed Sep 1, 2023TXBrakes

   I was driving home at night with my child, and I stepped on the brake to slow the car down as we were going down a hill, and the brakes did not work. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor after softly stepping on the brake pedal and did not release. I could not stop the SUV, so I coasted as best I could, and THANK GOD WE DID NOT CRASH!

   NHTSA complaint #11542202 · source
6. Filed Jun 26, 2023INBrakesOther / Unknown

   My regen system failure light come on and off. When it does come on I lose my brakes. I have tried effortlessly like others to find out why they are malfunctioning. I am continually having near misses due to the brakes not wanting to work when they choose to. Why has this not been a recall yet. The brakes go all the way to the floor whenever they feel like it. I just purchased the vehicle. I wld have left it at the lot had I know this and no recall seems to be hand. So we…

   NHTSA complaint #11528991 · source
7. Filed Feb 15, 2023MICrashBrakes

   ABS, parking break light and regen breaks disabled. My breaks will go all the way to the floor and have crashed into a vehicle because out of nowhere I was not able to break like normal. Is not safe to drive. Was diagnosed with a bad hydraulic control until like thousands of other people with this car. Ford posted a service bulletin about this issue and recommended replacing the flex hoses before eventually replacing the HCU BUT WONT PAY FOR IT. IT IS FAULTY AND THEY SHOULD…

   NHTSA complaint #11507439 · source
8. Filed Sep 17, 2022TXBrakes

   The brakes stopped working correctly and are very unsafe. The Regenerative brakes get disabled, and the ABS light is on, you lose the power brakes stopping power. I have to step on the brake pedal very hard for the vehicle to stop. It feels like the old school pre-power brakes. I took it to the Ford dealer, and they want to charge 5000 + dollar to fix it, they also say parts are no longer available, they instructed me to call my insurance company and have it totaled. I read…

   NHTSA complaint #11485000 · source
9. Filed Aug 17, 2022VABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   ABS light on, vehicle stalling, dragging while driving 40mph or over. Brake petal non functional. *c1313, c1480, c1481 Brake hoses restricted not allowing brake pressure in caliber damage *Sway bar links damage, excessive noise and play

   NHTSA complaint #11479711 · source
10. Filed Apr 11, 2022WIBrakes

    The HCU fails causing the car to have little to no braking power while driving, at random times. There is a loud grind coming from the front right.. Happens only when it is warm.

    NHTSA complaint #11460451 · source
11. Filed Mar 26, 2022ORBrakes

    When the car was started in a shopping center parking lot, the emergency brake light and the abs warning light were displayed and remained displayed. When driven, the brakes were "spongy" and then "regenerative braking disabled" appeared in the odometer display. I pulled over briefly, turned the car off for a short period and then restarted it. The same messages and odometer display remained, and brakes were still spongy. As I continued to drive (carefully), the situation…

    NHTSA complaint #11458472 · source
12. Filed Jan 26, 2022TXBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Having issue with throttle body and or controller. Break takes time to respond and is stiff. When on an incline road, the car rolls backwards before accelerating forward. The rolled back at stop signs on inclined roads and inclined parking lots. The car shows no warming lights. The car has issues accelerating and decelerating. The car has rolled back while another car was behind it. The car at some instances has come to almost a halt while driving at 70 mph on the highway.…

    NHTSA complaint #11448986 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology