2020 Ford Escape brakes problems

Related recalls

• Recall 25V693000Oct 10, 202513,451 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

  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.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 25, 2026DEBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   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. They have deemed that PARTS were defective ( calipers and pads) . This situation ended up okay however if I was on open road I could have killed myself or others. The manufacturer of these parts needs to be flagged. We have requested a…

   NHTSA complaint #11759343 · source
2. Filed Jul 29, 2026SCBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   Got recalls notice but the local dealership in st george SC (family ford) told me they wont do the brake or fuel injector recall until i have issues so i guess until my car catches on fire with my kids in it then they will do something

   NHTSA complaint #11753532 · source
3. Filed Jun 23, 202640,000 miOHBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission independently shifted from drive to neutral and then to park. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with gear shifter module failure. The contact was informed that the gear shifter…

   NHTSA complaint #11745877 · source
4. Filed Jun 5, 2026ARBrakesTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

   when I was crossing the road to turn around in a U-turn style, the rear end of the car locked up and I slid across several lanes of traffic. This happened only one time but was terrifying! A few times since then, the emergency brake will apply on its own causing the back end to freeze up. it's VERY random.

   NHTSA complaint #11742324 · source
5. Filed Apr 14, 202653,000 miMITowedBrakes

   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. The failure worsened, and the vehicle was no longer safe to operate. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the electric brake booster needed…

   NHTSA complaint #11731135 · source
6. Filed Mar 1, 2026NEBrakesOther / Unknown

   UNKNOWN When I start my car for the 1st time that day & start to back up with my foot on the break, the back end of my vehicle makes a loud groaning sound.

   NHTSA complaint #11721271 · source
7. Filed Feb 18, 2026VABrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have had 22 recalls to date on this vehicle and received 1 recall notice. Engine light comes on alot, makes noises and then goes away after a couple days. Windshield washer stopped working on front windshield, now back stopped working. Tire pressure monitor & sensor default stays on (previous recall) Window on driver side stopped working, back passenger door on drivers side don't shut correctly like the weld come loose. Back brakes make a crazy noise when backing up. Back…

   NHTSA complaint #11718804 · source
8. Filed Oct 23, 2025MEBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   I went for a diagnostic test for AWD module failures, and when auto zone did the test ABS came back as failed and this was in July of 2025.

   NHTSA complaint #11695164 · source
9. Filed Sep 15, 2025LACrashTowedBrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Purchased certified vehicle from Wray Ford on 2/23/24. Car was previously leased by FMCC and still listed as a Ford Fleet Vehicle in Michigan as of 9/12/25. VIN confirms it falls under Ford safety recall 24S79, which was never performed. Vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and non-responsive braking, behaving autonomously. FordPass Connect, FMCC, and Wray Ford all confirmed it was unsafe to drive based on 38 diagnostic codes from July/August 2025. June 2025 data and…

   NHTSA complaint #11687233 · source
10. Filed Sep 12, 2025PABrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Summary: Failure of AWD/transfer case control module causing loss of multiple safety and driveline functions. Vehicle is currently being repaired at Ford dealership so will have already been corrected. While driving, multiple dash warnings appeared: “Service AdvanceTrac,” “AWD Not Available,” “Hill Start Assist Not Available,” and “Drive Mode Not Available.” The vehicle lost all all-wheel-drive functionality as well as traction/stability features. Dealer diagnosed an…

    NHTSA complaint #11686792 · source
11. Filed Jul 25, 2025CABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

    I have a recall been having this problem for months told them what was going on they said nothing was wrong. Months later recall got called for the fuel injector and replacement of high fuel injectors im a single mother. Check engine came on when I gas it..it won't go or goes slowly then takes off into gear

    NHTSA complaint #11676294 · source
12. Filed Jul 4, 2025MDBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    For 6 months, after a routine visit and safety recall preformed by ford, I have had an issue with the park brake engaging on its own. When pressing the button to disengage it, the car would not disengage and would remain locked. The only way to disengage it would be to throw the car into reverse, press the button to disengage the park brake and step on the gas pedal as fast as you could. After 6 months of trying to diagnose the issue, ford pittsville came up inconclusive,…

    NHTSA complaint #11671249 · 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