2013 Ford Escape brakes problems

Related recalls

• Recall 12V319000Jul 6, 20128,266 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · STRUCTURE

  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 driver’s 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.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 1, 2026LABrakes

   The anti-lock brake system is no longer available. When I start the car, a warning comes on that the Uphill assist is unavailable. Other lights come on concerning the brakes. I have contacted my repair shop and they have contacted the FORD dealership and have been told that presently there is no fix available. I understand this failure may be on other Ford Escape 2013 since I was told there are at least 400 vehicles awaiting this replacement part at this time and I would not…

   NHTSA complaint #11741327 · source
2. Filed Jun 30, 2025124,000 miNJBody & StructureBrakes

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his foot was depressing the accelerator pedal, the back of the contact’s foot would strike the brake pedal due to a reduced clearance between the accelerator and brake pedals. The contact stated that failure restricted the ability to properly depress the brake pedal while driving at highway speeds. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V319000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic,…

   NHTSA complaint #11670169 · source
3. Filed Jun 26, 2025WICrashTowedBrakes

   While coming to a stop sign the vehicle was going about 3MPH when the master break cylinder failed causing the breaks to fail and the car to hit another vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11669368 · source
4. Filed Aug 1, 2024TXBody & StructureBrakesEngine

   *car shakes as it brakes *coolant leaks (i see in the ford escape recalls there is one for coolant leaking) *upon opening doors it feel a slight stuck before opening. the doors don’t feel intact properly. *rubbers around windows appear loose. windows may not be secured.

   NHTSA complaint #11605806 · source
5. Filed Oct 31, 2023230,000 miKYBrakes

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had performed a replacement of the inner and outer tie rods, the wheel bearings, and other unknown parts. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS, traction control, Hill Assist, and instrument panel warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she was unable to drive uphill, and the vehicle swayed while coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to…

   NHTSA complaint #11552819 · source
6. Filed Jul 16, 2023GACrash1 injuredTowedBrakesEngineSteering

   December of 2022 - Took car to shop due to engine overheat light and oil smell inside vehicle as well as other "codes coming up. Vehicle was repaired. May 2023 had to take car back to shop due to cranking and it immediately saying engine overheating, low coolant, and various other codes as well as brakes not properly functioning. Repair shop said it was low on coolant and added fluid, stated no leaks and returned vehicle. But repair shop shows it pulled 15 codes, including…

   NHTSA complaint #11532521 · source
7. Filed Jan 4, 2023161,905 miCATowedBrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake pedal however, the brakes failed to engage. No warning lights were illuminated. As a result, the contact’s brother swerved off the road but was able to engage the parking brake. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11500182 · source
8. Filed Dec 8, 202240,000 miFLBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The coolant detector would not accurately detect the coolant level. The coolant reservoir needed to be refilled weekly. The ABS warning system would chime and illuminate whenever the vehicle was started, and the vehicle would fail to move. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle several times, the ABS warning light turned off and the vehicle operated as…

   NHTSA complaint #11496553 · source
9. Filed Nov 25, 2022OHBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

   UNKNOWN, There are not any warning lights on, my cars rpm jumps when I try to accelerate. As I push the gas it acts as if it does not want to drive and won’t. I’ve had to pull over with hazards and wait for someone to come assist.

   NHTSA complaint #11494922 · source
10. Filed Sep 20, 2022113,000 miILTowedBrakes

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was hard while being depressed. The contact placed both feet on the brake pedal and shifted the vehicle into neutral(N) and was able to safely pull to the side of the roadway while the vehicle slowed down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11485543 · source
11. Filed Sep 8, 2022VABrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

    I picked my car up tonight from Haley’s in FarmVille va they fixed my door latches due to recall on latches. I told Them prior to dropping it off that the ABS light and traction control light and engine coolant light keeps coming on. When I pulled out the parking lot I almost got rear ended because the car didn’t want to go it was moving so slow I had to slowly make myself across the road into kfc parking lot without getting hit. Haley refuses to fix these problems bc the…

    NHTSA complaint #11483599 · source
12. Filed Aug 14, 2022OHBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    We have had to replace vacuum pump 4xs ,had multiple engine repairs done, turbo replaced ,jumped time 3xs, replace ABS sensor 2xs, wheel bearings 2xs, CV axels 2xs, since day 1 has been blowing lights in turn signals and brake lights, wiring issue, have replaced control arms,tie rods,tie rod ends, and so much more, have had transmissions since day one, needs evap system repaired again, transmission replaced a second time, having power reductions, and this vechiile has costed…

    NHTSA complaint #11479208 · 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