I was driving with family. I applied the brakes and it went totally flat. The ABS and check brakes light illuminated. The brakes are currently totally unoperational. I took car in for repairs, told that a new ABS control module(hybrid ecu & hcu) required - cost $4000.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid brakes complaints
Page 5 of 6: complaints 101 to 130 of 154, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I was driving in a residential neighborhood, approximately 35 MPH, straight road with a slight downhill slope. As I pressed the brakes, the pedal would not move. I released pressure and pressed again. An extreme amount of effort was needed to press the brakes (brakes now in safe/manual mode). I got an ABS light, brake light, and check brake system warning. After I stopped, I pulled over shut down the motor, waited a minute, and restarted. After restart, brakes world normally. This has also happed several times within the past 6 months.
Regen brake disable light estimate for repair is $4700.
Was driving down highway 35 in downtown dallas when coming down hill went to hit brakes and brakes went all the way to the floor an we had no brakes. Information center was showing that brakes had been disabled and I pumped the brakes and was able to slow car down enough to keep from colliding with car in front of us. Limped home in car with no brakes at times pulled over in parking lot turned car off an upon turning it back on car reset itself an we had brakes for a small amount of time because incident occurred again. Took car to dealership an was told the ABS hcu was bad an needed to be replaced which is a 4500 part and we had just bought the car a week before. Ford needs to be forced to recall these vehicles because in other forums other drivers are experiencing same issues with brake lines and master cylinders and this part the ABS hcu
Driving home from work I was pulling up to a stop sign and my foot went to the floor, after driving thru the intersection, luckily no cars were coming, I pulled over and the ABS light and parking brake light was on , I shut the car off waited 10 minutes started it back up and the brakes worked this has happened on and off a half of dozen times now. Dealer quoted me $4659.00 to fix master cylinder, this is a serious problem id be surprised if no one hasn't got hurt because of this.
Went shopping on a saturday, 4/4/15. Came out to my car and started it. Abs light and brake light came on, along with messages stating, "service brakes soon" and "regen brakes disabled". Brakes were sensitive and unpredictable, but car didn't need any extra effort to stop. Hydraulic control unit made noise when applying brakes, like a stripped gear sound. Took car to a reputable mechanic with an updated modis. Checked codes and came up with a dozen codes. ( p1a0d, p1a0e, p1a0f, p1a10, p1a14, u0418, c1321, u2023, c1475, b2172, p0a0a, p1a0a) also, when he tried to get certain tests to work, these errors came up: (an error occurred 34 (0x22) [#155] (manual msg - ford (can) hybrid brake system air bleed check) (test has aborted error 22 - conditions not correct. Cycle key and retry.) after doing these tasks and not being able to complete them, any assistance towards braking was gone. The car reverted to fail safe mode and required much more effort to stop. It took the mechanic much more time and persistence, but he was finally able to go through his tests and cleared the codes and reset the brake system. As of now, everything works as it should. There's only one problem. Nothing was actually a confirmed fix. The is no guarantee the braking system won't give out again. I'm more than certain it will and I don't like taking chances with my vehicle. Judging how other hybrid escape owners have reported on this problem, I guess I feel a little lucky the brakes didn't give out while driving. Yet. Who knows when they will and what will happen when they do. I cannot afford to fix this problem, as I've heard it's over $4000. I also cannot sell it as-is in good conscience. I am at a loss here as I agree with others that this is a major safety concern and something should be done way before something tragic happens.
Often when starting my car, the ABS light and brake light comes on and a message says regen brakes disabled. The brakes are weak when driving in this state. When I turn the car off and back on, the error usually goes away and the brakes work normally. Occasionally, the error occurs while driving and the brakes get weak, and I pull over and turn car off and on to clear the error. It has been happening with increasing frequency. The dealer had never heard of the problem and said the diagnostic codes did not give clear action for fixing it. The dealer replaced the brake pads and rotors for $850 but the error continued. Now they recommend replacing the entire ABS module and hydraulic control unit for $5200. I have seen many other complaints describing this dangerous defect. I think ford should issue a recall or offer some payment for this expensive repair.
The hydraulic control unit failed on my vehicle. This seems to be an issue that has arisen with a great deal of owners of ford escape hybrids over the last several years. I had to have the entire hcu system replaced at a ford dealership service department. As it was not covered by warranty, nor considered by the company to be an issue deserving of a recall, I had to pay out of pocket for the entire thing, which totaled $4,863.00 (and it took five days to get the work completed). I also had to pay to rent a car for the several days it took to get the part and perform the work, which was another $200.00. Due to the high cost of this repair and the frequency with which it is affecting consumers, I believe that this issue should become a recall and people should be reimbursed for the repairs they have had to make.
My dashboard displayed an ABS symbol in march 2014. The brakes became erratic and I had the car diagnosed for a problem. The mechanic found a broken and loose ABS tone ring on the driver side front wheel axle. The tone ring and wheel axle were replaced at my expense. Then, in february 2015, my dashboard displayed another ABS symbol. Again, I had the car diagnosed and the mechanic found another broken and loose tone ring. This time it was on the passenger side front wheel axle. Again, repair was done at my expense. These problems are a safety issue for the braking system and I contacted ford motor company to request assistance and compensation from them. They would not provide any assistance for these problems since they are not covered by any recall or warranty program. My car problems should be covered by a recall or safety program from the federal safety agency.
When braking the vehicle loses regenerative braking and reverts to fail safe mode. Most notably this occurs when coming to a stop at a stop sign/light. Brakes appear to function normally, however at the end of a braking cycle the vehicle loses power to the brakes and the vehicle surges forward. When this happens the stability control dash light quickly flashes on and then off. Also, the gauge that shows power being transferred to the battery stops charging the battery and returns to the normal position pointing straight up. The vehicle is drivable after this occurrence and no warning lights or after effects are known. It may happen at one stop light and not the next. It is an intermittent issue. Sometimes it may do this 2 or 3 times when driving in traffic for 30 minutes or it may not happen at all. My understanding is that this issue is due to a faulty hydraulic control unit. This is a component failure due to faulty design, not due to driver-induced damage or wear.
After being parked for several hours and upon returning to and starting the vehicle, I found several lights on the dash illuminated, including the ABS light, traction control light, the service wrench & check brakes. I was also receiving a message advising the regen brakes were inactive & to check brake system. I had the vehicle towed to our local mechanic and following his check he advised the he could not find anything wrong with them & due to the hybrid nature of the vehicle, he was unable to diagnose the problem. I then carefully drove the vehicle home and took it to a local ford dealership yesterday. I was just informed by the dealer that the hcu on the vehicle had gone bad and repairs were going to be $5,000. As you might imagine, this is an extravagant amount of money to have to put into a seven year old vehicle that only cost $34,000 brand new. The part alone is $4,000 according to the dealer. I am now forced to either have this repair done or trade the vehicle in on another ford. Based on my experience with this current vehicle, I am not overjoyed at the prospect of owning another ford product. I researched the internet and found hundreds of cases where this part has gone bad and I feel it is time these vehicles get recalled before somebody gets severely injured or killed. This is obviously a safety issue and while we were lucky enough to have it happen while the vehicle was parked, this defective part has or will likely cause someone serious injury or loss of life. The federal safety agency needs to address this and ford needs to admit their error and defect.
While driving, both the "ABS" and "parking brake" lights came on. As I came to a stop, I noticed the braking became more difficult and I had to push harder to stop completely. At the same time these lights came on, a message came on saying "check brake system", followed by "regen brakes disabled". I bought the vehicle used on may 25, 2014. Since then this has happened numerous times. Also, my brakes, seem to lock up sometimes while driving, making it more difficult to drive. They don't fully lock up, because I am still allowed to speed up. It last for maybe 20 seconds or so and then releases. I am sure all of this is related somehow. I have looked online at many forums and it seems as though this has been a problem on many of the same vehicles with the regen braking system. I am surprised there hasn't been more complaints or any investigations. Since I have had the vehicle for only a few months now, I am not sure if this problem occurred with the previous owner or not. Some of the forums I read, people were saying that trained technicians couldn't even figure out what the problem is. I love my hybrid and I can't afford to get rid of it already and get another vehicle. I can't even really afford to have it sent in to a ford dealership to have it looked at and worked on. What are my options? Can someone please look into this? Can ford pay for this? I don't know what to do. I am afraid that someday the brakes will fail and I could be injured, as well as my family. Please help!!!!
A warning came on letting us know the brake system failed. The car was difficult to control as the pedal went to the floor and had to be pulled up and depressed again to fully stop vehicle. We were fortunately only a few blocks from the dealer and were able to drive the car in. We are waiting for the full diagnosis. The initial report was that the hcu failed and the dealer is trying to determine if another part is contributing to the issue. They want to be sure that the hcu is in fact the issue before they replace a $5,000 part under warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check brake system and the ABS warning lights illuminated. When the brake pedal was engaged, it became stuck to the floorboard. The contact was able to coast out of traffic but ran a red light while trying to stop the vehicle. The contact had to steer the vehicle into a curb in order to stop. The vehicle was taken a local mechanic for further inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 70,000.
When coming to a stop the car jerked/pulsates and ABS indicator blinked. The problem is continuous. This seems to be a common problem with ford based on internet research.
I have a 2008 ford escape hybrid in excellent condition with approximately 34,000 miles on it with a history of no accidents and well kept maintenance. However, this morning with no notice the brake ABS indicator lite up with a warning "regen braked disable" and "check brake system message center" for which I drove it directly to the ford dealership. One hour later and two codes I have never heard of c-1475 and c-1312 and an estimate of $5400 for the repair left me in shock. Not under warranty. I don't understand a car barely used in 5 and a half years could have such a major catastrophic problem if it could not be linked to a problem with the manufacturer? I am lucky I was not on the freeway, as the breaks became difficult to use on the way to the dealership. Ford needs to own up to this problem, as there have been many complaints beginning as early as 2005 models. I understand wear and tear on a car is the responsibility of the owner, however, if it is maintained well and even the mechanic has never seen the hcu and ecu go out at the same time, ford needs to own up to their mistake.
Abs light and brake light went on heard a beep and had no brakes what so ever . I eventually stopped by entering the car in to neutral and hitting the emergency brake. Turned the car off and when I turned on again it went away, my mechanic says its going to cost $1200 master cylinder needs to be replaced. I think ford needs to recall the parts related with this issue since it's safety related.
While exiting a state route on a off ramp I was applying brakes on a turn. The brake light, ABS light, check brakes warning came on and I lost all of my brakes. Fault codes that are setting are u2023,c1526,c1477. Ford is aware of this problem and to repair it you must replace the master cylinder $850 and ABS pump assembly $3500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the ABS, brake and regenerative lights all illuminated as the brake pedal became stiff and spongy. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the hydraulic control unit would need to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the master cylinder would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 40,000.
The tone ring on the front passenger side split creating a pulsating sensation similar to the ABS pulsating-however the ABS warning light doesn't engage the stability sensor flashes for as long as the pulsating occurs. This only occurs while decelerating no matter what speed. I had the issue fixed. Then the issue appeared again in march 2013. I again took it to be fixed and after the mechanic replaced the cv axle and ring the issue still wasn't corrected and currently being investigated further. This issue is an annoyance and uncomfortable for any passengers riding in the vehicle that experiences this issue. The out of pocket costs associated with this problem are not 'cheap.' ford should address and provide a remedy to this problem that doesn't cause undue financial hardship to the owner.
Same thing that has been happening. I have photos for each incident. Abs lights, check brakes light. And e-brake lights light up. Regen brakes disengaged. I have spoken with [xxx] at future ford he asked me to bring it in the next time it does it, during business hours since there are no options for after hours. I get off work at 5pm and pick up my kids and by the time that is done there is not time to make it back to dealer. I am making arrangements to have someone else pick up kids so when it happens again tomorrow I can go straight to dealership after work or on my lunch. I also plan on having them check the tone rings. Ford motor company says they are unable to help, but have still not addressed my concerns about the number of complaints others have had regarding similar issues. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I left work. Picked up daughter. Check brake system, ABS, and emergency brake lights came on @ 530pm. Drove to pick up boys from summer program. Get in car. Lights off. 553pm. Put car in reverse. Same lights reappear. 555pm. Regen brakes disabled. Takes pedal to floor to stop and feel pressure of brakes. Car feels like it is in neutral and rolling back on incline unless brakes are all the way applied. Talked to [xxx] at dealership earlier. Said to bring in when lights were on, during business hours. Said that ford was unable to help due to no warranty. Said it sounded like hcu unit. I asked why this wasn't mentioned at my inspection a week ago. He said it appears to be working fine when they look at it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Brake warning lights came on again. They have not come on for 2 days, and they are back on. Had car serviced a week earlier. Ford said they can't find anything wrong with brakes, but they "suspect" master cylinder possibly. Internet search yields disturbing information about other ford escape hybrid owners having similar issues. Lights seem to occur more on days where temperature is higher.
I was just about to get onto the freeway on-ramp, when I noticed that the car felt funny. I looked at the dashboard and saw that the ABS light and the brake system warning lights. The display read, "check brakes soon" I called a friend for assistance. He added some brake fluid and suggested I bring it to be serviced. I drove home. I called the dealership in the morning and made an appointment to drop the car off as soon as possible. When I started the car in the morning, the lights were off, but I dropped it off at the dealership anyway. The service provider,[xxx], said they couldn't find anything wrong, but they "thought" that it was the master cylinder. They said the brakes looked fine, and if I had any more problems to call back. I left the dealership. Drove around the corner to get onto the freeway and the lights came on again. (5:35pm). I stopped as soon as I could get off the freeway and called [xxx] back. He said to bring the car back in the morning and he would look at it again. I brought the car back in the morning 7:15am. The lights were off again. I picked the car up at 5:15 pm and [xxx] re-iterated his previous suggestions. I drove the car home, and the lights came back on as I was exiting the free-way. Again, the brakes took more pressure to stop. I called don and asked if there was a payment plan available. He said no. I asked if I replace the master cylinder and the problems persists, what would our next step be? He said essentially that we would address that if that should happen, but that typically one problem may co-exist with another problem, so until they address the first problem, they may not be aware of the 2nd problem. I also sent an e-mail to the ford company this afternoon. I asked if ford has taken any action against the numerous amount of complaints with similar situations as are posted on the internet regarding this issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Driving along, my wife suddenly noticed that braking was extremely difficult. Dashboard states ABS system failure, and regen system failure. She pulled over and turned car off. Restarting, failure lights still come up, braking still extremely difficult. A look under the hood, and the brake fluid is almost completely gone! It'd been filled at last oil change (less than 1500 miles ago) took car to ford dealership. After 2 days, they determined that the master cylinder and hcu needed to be replaced, that they would be special order parts and that it'd cost extra $ for repairs due to the complexity of the repair. (I'd told the dealership that I'd researched and this is a very common issue, ford has many tsbs out for this, calls into question the training or the ability of this dealership to properly do the repair) ford is the only supplier for parts for this particular repair, and they charge a premium price for them! $7000 for parts and labor to repair a safety related problem that ford should be voluntarily recalling. If they're not going to issue a safety recall, they should at least make the parts available for a lot less money! *tr consumer traded the vehicle in july 2014 to mark miller toyota in salt lake city, ut. Updated 6/8/18
2008 ford escape hybrid. Consumer writes in regards to ABS module failure and seeks reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated she experienced brake failure on two occasions, before it was determined what the problem was.
Approximately one week ago when driving I applied the brakes and had very little effectiveness during a stop in slow speed traffic. Instinctively I kept pressing the pedal down harder with no improvement. Did not hit anything but was shaken up. I blew it off thinking I braked too late. On 1/26/2013 while driving on the highway during low speed traffic again same incident occurred. Traffic was heavy and we were rolling about 15 MPH. Brakes did not respond effectively, caught my attention and pushed very hard. Plenty of room in front though to somewhat coast-brake to a stop. Less then 30 seconds later, traffic still stop and go, with plenty of room to brake I pushed on brake pedal with no braking. Pushed the pedal as hard as possible- nothing- and coasted into the rear end of car in front of me. Low speed impact with minor damage to car in front. Front bumper, grill and radiator damage to my car. Thankful it was not during high speed driving. Did some research on internet to find it has been happening in the hybrid vehicles with the "hydraulic control unit" sometimes not functioning. Taking car to dealers to drop it off for collision estimate and have them look into braking system. Approximate cost repair according to other reports about this problem is $4,000.I feel very unsure about driving this vehicle again once it is fixed and if problem can be identified. And if ford can not find the problem where do I go with it? Numerous complaints from owners in reports I read last night where ford could not find problem only to have it happen to owner again. I am now in that same boat.
The hcu unit which is specific to hybrid escapes went out on me causing ABS to not function properly (brakes turned to sponge). I was inside of warranty 8years/ 100000 miles unique hybrid component. I had less than 48,000 and was inside of four years of having bought the hybrid SUV brand new. Contacted ford dealership which then directed me to ford corporate office. They said the warranty did not cover the unique hybrid component!! I had room to stop so I was lucky that no one was hurt when the hcu unit went out. *tr consumer sold the truck in 2012. Consumer took ford to small claims court in alexandria, va and won 4k. Updated 6/8/18
My wife left work yesterday and when she started our 2008 ford escape hybrid fwd the ABS light and check brake lights were on. During her short drive home the regenerative braking system disabled warning came across the info display. Braking felt funny so we took it to be serviced and were slapped with an estimate of $4700 to replace they hydraulic control unit. The vehicle only has 69,000 miles on it and we find it absurd that we should be making a $4700 repair in that time frame with that many miles. After doing a quick google search it seems that this has occurred in multiple ford escape hybrids since 2005 and in most 2008 models with the same amount of miles. We are going to make the repair, but we will never buy another ford in our lives. This seems like a problem that is apparent for 2005 and newer ford escape hybrids. Do something ford. And if you're thinking about buying this vehicle, don't.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford escape hybrid. The contact was driving 35 MPH and attempted to brake when vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to dealer however the exact failure was unknown. There were several repairs made to vehicle but the specific details were unavailable. The repairs did not remedy the failure permanently. The dealer advised the contact to declare the vehicle as a lemon the fifth time that the failure recurred. The failure ceased for two years before recurring. The manufacturer was made aware of the recurring failure however no further assistance was provided. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was 64,000. The failure mileage was unknown.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history