NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
16 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 26, 2026
Service Brakes
I bought a 2016 Ford Escape SE 2 Days ago and just found out it had no back Brake Pads of any measurable thickness, and the Front Brake Pads were nearly as thin. Does not meet Oregon Used Car Sales Laws. Can you help me ? Call the Dealer so they fix them ? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR…
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I bought a 2016 Ford Escape SE 2 Days ago and just found out it had no back Brake Pads of any measurable thickness, and the Front Brake Pads were nearly as thin. Does not meet Oregon Used Car Sales Laws. Can you help me ? Call the Dealer so they fix them ? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11713503
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
EngineService BrakesWheels
On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the Stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January …
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On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the Stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January 8, 2023, I had to take my vehicle back to Stowasser shop because it was again running poorly. This time, they had to install a new motor. At that time, my mileage was 49,000, but when the vehicle was returned to me, it had 75,000 miles on it. I asked why the mileage had increased so significantly, but they kept changing the subject and never provided an answer. When I went to pick up my vehicle, the salesperson who sold me the vehicle whispered to me that my vehicle needed new tires badly. I feel this was something the dealer should have addressed. I had not put many miles on my vehicle for the tires to be so worn. On January 18, 2023, I had to put new tires on this vehicle, which cost me $756.00. It was difficult for me to come up with this money, but I had no choice if I needed reliable transportation. I had traded in my older vehicle because I needed transportation, I could count on in my retirement years. On October 2, 2024, I needed new brakes, which were badly worn down. This expense cost me $900.00. The mechanic told me the oil level was very low and asked if a red light had come on to warn me. I said, "No, there was no sensor light." If it had not been for the thoroughness of my mechanic, I would have driven off with no oil in the engine. Right now, my car is parked because another senor light came on and I was told that it is the catalytic converter. I am distraught because I trusted Stowasser that they would take care of me because they knew I was retired and needed a reliable vehicle. I have lost my job, exhausted my unemployment benefits, and now live on Social Security. I cannot afford to fix this lemon of a car I was sold.
NHTSA ODI #11650477
148,611 miles · Mar 25, 2025
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The oil warning light was illuminated with an abnormally loud whirring sound. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started working properly. On another o…
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The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The oil warning light was illuminated with an abnormally loud whirring sound. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle started working properly. On another occasion while driving into school parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact struck the curve and the vehicle drove onto the grass and came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal gear failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 148,611.
NHTSA ODI #11650465
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2024
Service BrakesSteeringUnknown Or Other
The component that malfunctioned was my transmission according to the mechanic. I was driving and all the sudden my car stopped and wouldn't go, then the accelerator started going to the max but nothing happened. My first thought was a flat tire and after I checked my tires it wasn't flat. I started my car back up and it did the…
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The component that malfunctioned was my transmission according to the mechanic. I was driving and all the sudden my car stopped and wouldn't go, then the accelerator started going to the max but nothing happened. My first thought was a flat tire and after I checked my tires it wasn't flat. I started my car back up and it did the same thing eventually stalling and not moving at all. The wheel locked and would not move to steer or release. I had to get it towed. This is a huge safety issue concern because it stopped in the middle of the road while I was driving putting my life and others at risk. It's available for inspection upon request.The problem was confirmed by a mechanic in which he said there was a recall at some point on the transmission for my vehicle but he was unsure if it was still active. There were no warning lamps or signs and there still isn't present on my dash. Thus making there being no warning signs at all a safety issues for myself and others.
NHTSA ODI #11617919
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2023
Service Brakes
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY A VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF ME STEPPED ON BRAKES AND PEDDLE WAS HARD, HAD NO BRAKES, GOT IT TOWED HOME AND FOUND THE PUMP DRIVE COUPLING PART # BB5Z-6K269-A, THE BOLT HEAD SHEARED OFF INSIDE THE cAM SHAFT HOUSING CAUSING THE VACUUM PUMP NOT TO WORK CAUSING NO BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI #11531850
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2022
Service Brakes
This has been an intermittent problem that Ford dealership cannot rectify unless it happens to them. Because I can't make it happen, and it has not happened close to a dealership, they cannot see it. The brakes seize up and won't stop the vehicle. I have no idea when it will happen - it happens with no warning. It has happen…
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This has been an intermittent problem that Ford dealership cannot rectify unless it happens to them. Because I can't make it happen, and it has not happened close to a dealership, they cannot see it. The brakes seize up and won't stop the vehicle. I have no idea when it will happen - it happens with no warning. It has happened in the mountains in NC and on the highway, in a gas station, in parking lots and in my garage among other places. It is very frightening. Last night when it happened it lasted for about 45 minutes - the longest ever, and the brakes made a terrible blaring noise. When the brakes seize up, I have to drive very slowly and practically stand up on the brakes to bring the car to a halt. Thankfully it has not happened at high speed. This puts me, any passengers and other vehicles and their passengers and drivers at risk. The problem has occurred several times, but has not been confirmed by a dealer. By the way, the brakes have been squeaky since the first few months of ownership. At one point the dealership resurfaced the brake pads and rotors. It seems like the same issue the 2016 Expedition was recalled for. I am scared that this will result in a terrible wreck. The first occurrence was on April 1, 2019. The most recent was last night, 10/18/2022. Today, Ford Customer Service gave me a case number of CAS39180084
NHTSA ODI #11490058
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2022
Service Brakes
abs, hill assist, in and out of smart 4WD, does not brake correctly
NHTSA ODI #11464821
109,916 miles · Apr 9, 2021
Service Brakes
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL FIX ON 4-8-2021 AT KELLER MOTORS HANFORD CA DROVE THE FOLLOWING DAY TO A GAS STATION WENT TO ENTER A GAS PUMP AND LOSS OF BREAKS AT A LOW SPEED ALMOST BUMPING INTO A CAR HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP MY TRUCK.
NHTSA ODI #11407288
71,000 miles · Jul 7, 2020
Service Brakes
BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY AND BREAKS WENT OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS ANY NOISE OF PUMP FAILER, HAD TO DRIVE IN THE MEDIAN GRASS TO AVOID A COLLISION THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY. THE PART THAT FAILED IS THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP PART # BB5Z-2A451-C IT LOOKS AS IF AN INTERNAL PART I…
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BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY AND BREAKS WENT OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS ANY NOISE OF PUMP FAILER, HAD TO DRIVE IN THE MEDIAN GRASS TO AVOID A COLLISION THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY. THE PART THAT FAILED IS THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP PART # BB5Z-2A451-C IT LOOKS AS IF AN INTERNAL PART INSIDE THIS PUMP FAILED CAUSING METAL SHAVINGS AND FAILING THE PUMP. A SIMILAR ISSUE REGARDING THE SAME PUMP IN THE F-150 WAS RECALLED IN CANADA.
NHTSA ODI #11338009
50,284 miles · Jun 3, 2019
Service Brakes
PURCHASED THIS CAR ON MAY 22, 2018..USED CAR WITH MILEAGE OF 48784 AND WE ARE SENIORS AND DO NOT TRAVEL FAR EACH YEAR. WE WENT TO GET A MAINE STICKER ON OUR VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD NEW BACK BRAKES AND ROTORS ARE NEEDED ASAP. NOW HAS A MILEAGE OF 50284. WE THINK IT IS TOO SOON FOR REAR BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI #11217453
Official recalls
4Jan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Oct 13, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Jun 26, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Ford Escape vehicles. The driver's knee airbag modules installed in these vehicles were produced without the inflator gas generant material, and, as a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the driver's knee air bag does not inflate as intended, the driver has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace driver's knee air bag, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C11.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗