2020 Ford Escape Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,619 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 Ford Escape, 3% of the 1,619 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car camera goes black with squiggly lines when putting car in reverse. The car has less than 2000 miles. The dealership states Ford is aware of the issue and there is a huge back order on getting a replacement. Now I have a whirling sound when speed is between 25 MPH - 39 MPH. Once you let up on acceleration it stops or once the speed has gone beyond 39 MPH. While driving on groves highways you can feel backend of the car moving around. I had this issue with a fusion and had to replace the tires with a different brand due to no control of the vehicle in the winter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11344126, filed 2020-08, 1,200 miles“Most states require trailers of 3,000lb gvwr, and some states only 1,500lb, to have an independent braking system on at least one axle of the trailer. Ford sells vehicles with factory tow packages rated at 3,500lb, but does not supply even an optional electric brake controller. Further, they don't supply a plug 'n' play harness for an aftermarket controller as do many manufacturers. This situation has prevailed from at least 2013 onward. When we purchased our 2020 Escape sel with factory towing, we fully expected that this shortcoming would have been resolved. It has not. …”
NHTSA complaint #11301659, filed 2020-01, 40 miles“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, filed 2026-06“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, filed 2025-07“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, filed 2026-07Related recalls
- 25V693000Oct 10, 2025Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake…Covers: Ford Escape 2020
Related service bulletins
- 10244711Oct 10, 2023Some 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. This may be due…
- 10243535Sep 14, 2023Some 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Corsair vehicles may exhibit a condition where the brake service mode is inoperative using the Workshop Manual (WSM) routine and/or Parking…
- 10232477Feb 21, 2023Some 2020-2021 Escape/Bronco Sport/Explorer and 2020-2021 Corsair/Aviator vehicles equipped with electric brake booster (EBB) built on or before 1-Aug-2022 may exhibit an…
- 10232491Feb 8, 2023Some 2020-2022 Escape vehicles built on 1-Nov-2020 and through 29-Aug-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 23-Sep-2022 may exhibit a moan noise when the…
- 10228876Dec 16, 2022Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the…
- 10226753Nov 7, 2022Some 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair vehicles built on or before 17-May-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 25-Feb-2022 may exhibit a hiss or rattle noise while…
- 10222788Oct 6, 2022Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the…
- 10201034Aug 25, 2021Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 4% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 34 | 14% |
| 2021 | 50 | 14% |
| 2020 | 45 | 3% |
| 2019 | 10 | 2% |
| 2018 | 27 | 1% |
| 2017 | 50 | 2% |
| 2016 | 21 | 2% |
| 2015 | 26 | 2% |
| 2014 | 38 | 2% |
| 2013 | 72 | 3% |
| 2012 | 21 | 3% |
| 2011 | 26 | 2% |
| 2010 | 50 | 2% |
| 2009 | 108 | 6% |
| 2008 | 140 | 7% |
| 2007 | 48 | 19% |
| 2006 | 68 | 15% |
| 2005 | 66 | 5% |
| 2004 | 32 | 6% |
| 2003 | 57 | 10% |
| 2002 | 195 | 19% |
| 2001 | 163 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2020 Ford Escape
671 complaintsOther or unknown
313 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
243 complaintsFuel system
199 complaintsElectrical system
160 complaintsEngine
122 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
71 complaintsForward collision avoidance
69 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
54 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsWheels
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Ford Escape
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology