Check brakes sign came on all of a sudden I was going slow so I pulled the car to the side and pressed on the breaks but the car would not stop and the breaks failed. I turned the car off and put it in park it made this loud sound and finally stopped. Turned the car back on and the brakes were fine got home I was terrified thinking what if I was on the highway. First it was steering and now it's the brakes. I don't think I can drive my ford escape anymore thinking I am safe.
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid brakes complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 32 of 32, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Brakes have given out, while coming to a red stop light luck that no one was around when I ran the light sent to dealer they could not duplicate issue but they did a update on steering and know when backing up steering gets stiff, causing turn radius to become extreme,but only does it sometimes.went back to dealer no problem found and could not duplicate problem.hoping someone find problem before a person or persons gets killed!!!
I own a 2009 ford escape hybrid and on june 28, 2014 when I was driving the brakes suddenly failed. The red brake warning lamp lit with an alarm sound and message - 'check brake system'. The brakes did not work and reverted to the fail safe mode where it required pedal to the floor to stop the vehicle. I pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and stopped. On restarting the vehicle the brakes returned to normal operation. This was very concerning as it could have resulted in an accident/injury. It did not occur for 2 weeks then on july15th, 2014 while my wife was driving the vehicle on the highway the brakes failed again with the same message and alarm. She had use the hand break and pull the vehicle to the side. On shutting down and restarting the brakes returned to normal operation. I have taken the vehicle to ford dealership and they have not been able to reproduce the issue and the brake systems checked out as working properly. There were some error codes but they were not able to provide any conclusive evidence as to the cause of this issue. All they said was there was a communication error and they cannot do anything about it. I had the vehicle taken to another repair shop after the second incident and they told me the same. They asked me to bring it back when it happens again but I do not know if they understand the risk of driving a vehicle with brake systems that can fail at any time. I have read in internet and few blogs about this issue with the ford escape hybrid vehicles and it seems to related to a flawed design. Its a shame that ford is not taking any action on it. I do not understand what they are waiting for, anything involving brakes not working should be considered very serious and actions need to be taken quickly.
Backing out of garage at home brakes failed. Was unable to stop almost backed in to a parked car. Since backing out was going very slow and pushed brake as hard as possible to the floor finally getting the car to stop. The ABS light, parking brake light, and check brake system came up. Car was taken to service station in neighborhood and ignition turned off. Started car back up and no lights were on and brake functioning was almost normal.
Sudden brake failure with no warning. Vehicle was initially traveling at 55 MPH when a sudden stop was initiated by driver. Vehicle stopped as expected. Vehicle also stopped as expected 3 more times over next couple miles. However, when brake pedal was depressed prior to next turn (now from 45 MPH), brake pressure was low, pedal travel was long, and vehicle did not slow. At this time 3 dash indicator lights illuminated: ABS, brake pressure/emergency brake, and traction control. No warning chime or driver information message. Vehicle did begin to slow at slow rate once brake pedal was depressed all the way to floor. Issue remained for duration of 1/2 mile drive home. Vehicle was then parked, ignition switched off, then restarted after ~30 seconds. Warning lights went off, and brake pedal pressure was normal after restarting. Brake fluid reservoir level was okay. All systems function normal during 1 mile test drive. Vehicle has no history of brake problems.
A recurring issue with the electrical/brake system of this vehicle was a random-occurring "short" or electrical system glitch that would partially disable the electric power braking system and causing a substantial loss of engine power, which caused the braking capability of the vehicle to be reduced to a barely functioning operational level as well as the loss of power steering. This occurred at least 20-times during our first 22-months of ownership. This sudden and severe lack of braking required the vehicle to have the transmission downshifted to a lower forward gear and a hard mechanical effort applied to the brake pedal and steering wheel to bring the vehicle to a stop. With the vehicle stopped, the ignition could be turned-off and the key removed. When the key was re-inserted and turned to "start", the vehicle would always start as if the entire electrical system had "reset". This required a total of five (5) different multiple-day repairs at the local ford dealer in attention to the normal maintenance intervals service. Each of the 5-"power problem" repairs were found to be from different causes, including but not limited to: faulty starting-battery location and wiring harness damage, faulty wiring assembly (different location), ABS brake sensor module. The ford dealer we purchased the vehicle from, and ford corporate ultimately did not stand behind our purchased "ford premium service plan" or our purchased "ford extended service mileage contract" costing us over $2,000 of out-of-pocket and "non-covered" plan expenses. Because of the random and severely unsafe power and braking conditions of this vehicle, in addition to the excessive repairs and finally the non-resolution attitude and non-performance of the ford motor company, we sold this vehicle as a dealer trade-in for the purchase of a new SUV from a different manufacturer and dealer.
Driving down a major blvd. 4 lights turned on simultaneously, brake, ABS, traction control and the "wrench" icon indicating a major failure. Brake pedal went to the floor and I experienced an 80% loss of braking power narrowly avoiding a collision with cars stopped in front of me. Lights remained on and brakes were severely compromised as I limped to the nearest repair shop with very little braking ability. Turned the car off. When I restarted the car all systems were operational and all lights were off. Drove the car to a ford dealer the following day for evaluation. Dealer diagnosed a compromised battery as the source of failure and replaced the battery. Dealer service rep denied this problem had anything to do with hydraulic control unit as other reports mention with the exact same symptoms on your site, as well denied problems with the master cylinder or regenerative braking system. The battery didn't explain the problem to me, why then did the car continue to drive normally for a while following the failure before the battery was replaced? Even if this is the problem, no battery light indicated a problem prior to failure. Am I to expect brake failure to be what announces my battery might be in need of replacement? No fail safe mechanism appears to be in place on this vehicle. Treacherous. I'll likely sell the car as I don't want my less experienced 16 yr old to be confronted with this issue. I was lucky to have left plenty of following distance, without which I most certainly would have become the victim of an accident.
Driving down hill on dry pavement at 35mph. Gentle braking for red traffic light. Everything normal until slowed nearly to a stop. Then a sudden loss of braking effect requiring extreme pressure on brake. Simultaneous with the loss of braking a clunking sound was heard and several warning lights came on including brake, ABS, & traction lights. Drove to a safe location with the warning lights still on and the brakes requiring markedly more force to apply. Engine never stalled. Once parked I turned off the car and removed the key. When I restarted the car all the lights went out and the brakes behaved normally. Drove the car to nearest dealer. They found no codes and could find nothing wrong. Called national service number and was assigned case # [xxx]. Almost hit car ahead of me. Now I am afraid to operate vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 ford escape hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the check brakes, ABS and traction control warning lamps illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 25,000. Updated 11/15/13*cn the consumer stated on three occasions, the brake became very soft and all the warning lights illuminated. Updated 12/3/13 the consumer experienced a fourth brake failure. The dealer stated it would cost $3,600 to replace the hydraulic brake system. Updated 09/17/14 after inspecting the vehicle, the dealer determined the problem was the brake pressure switch. It was replaced at a cost of $670. Updated 10/28/14
I was driving in heavy stop and go traffic on the highway for 10 minutes. All of a sudden the emergency brake light illuminates on the dash board, the electric panel reads "check brake system" and I loose all braking power. I slam on the brakes as hard as possible, but it barely stops. I pull over on the shoulder and turn the car off and back on and the lights go away and the brakes work again. I have the car looked at on three different occasions by two different dealerships and they can't find a problem. Fast forward to september 12, 2013. I am in heavy traffic while driving from massachussetts to michigan and the same problem happens twice in heavy traffic about 4 hours apart. Taking to the dealership on monday, sept 16th.
In 2012 a clunking noise and slight lurch began to be felt occasionally when breaking my 2009 escape hybrid. Over time the clunk and surge increased in intensity but remained intermittent. When I took my vehicle in for its 40,000 mile maintenance, I requested that the dealership check my breaks. They reported the breaks looked in excellent condition. Over the next year the clunk and surge got worse. Suspecting perhaps my transmission or u-joint was the problem, I took the vehicle in to the dealership to diagnose and fix the problem. I was able to leave the car at the dealership for about 1 month. I told them I was not in a hurry, I just wanted it to be fixed properly. Several mechanics drove the car and explored possibilities but reported back to me that it was a normal aspect of the hybrid breaking system although somewhat extreme (more severe than most hybrids). One mechanic explained it to me in this way. There are two types of breaking in the hybrid. In electric mode the car uses "simulated breaking." in normal engine drive mode, the car uses "normal" breaking. When I use the break, the computer decides which type of breaking is required and when to switch between the systems. Under certain circumstances, when in between modes, the clunk and surge occurs. The ABS breaking system complicates the problem. The mechanic suggested I try to drive so that I can break the car more slowly and gently. I believe the degree of clunk and surge is dangerous and may contribute to the hastened deterioration of my car. I am also worried about the breaks actually failing. I am worried that my 2009 escape hybrid is unsafe. The mechanics at the dealership insisted there was nothing they could do to fix the problem.
Upon starting car, check brake system warning came on. Attempted to take it to dealer but, when approaching stop sign, brake pedal went to the floor and could barely stop. I made it back home and also noted that the vehicle could no longer hold itself up even on a small incline. This happened for no apparent reason and brakes had been working as normal with no indication of wear. Had tow truck take it local ford dealer and the driver said he tested the brakes and they were working. Once at the dealer, the service manager said he drove it around parking lot and all seemed fine. I told him how the wrench warning light (power train) had come on approximately 3 times in a month, but never stayed on after vehicle shut off and restart. He said that all these warnings should be stored in the computer but when checked, the system was totally clear of any errors or warnings. The ford dealer is not sure what to do with it now, after having it for over 4 days, and they are concerned because everything to appears to working normally and no issues with the brakes themselves. I feel it is unsafe to have a car where the brakes can spontaneously stop working, for no apparent reason, which seems to lead to a software malfunction.
With absolutely no warning my brakes completely failed!!!!
Two weeks ago, at 50,000 miles and just back from the dealer's service, my brakes failed at start-up: very little braking action and a warning on the dash. I drove it around the block and went through four stop signs. I had it towed back to the dealer, where it has been ever since. The technician there found a code for "over-extended brake pedal" -- naturally the result when the brakes fail and the pedal goes to the floor. The service manager says they cannot duplicate the failure despite frequent attempts, and that ford will not authorize repair unless they can see the failure for themselves. The "customer service" manager at ford headquarters, implies that ford's engineers are unaware of this kind of problem and have no explanation for it -- a position that is belied by the many posts on ford escape hybrid brake problem forums. The dealer's technician was more honest: he said "we can't replace the system without ford's approval, and they won't approve that because of the high-dollar parts." my reading of more than 150 posts on the web shows that 1) this problem has plagued the escape hybrid since 2005, 2) the problem often goes away immediately, only to recur unexpectedly later, and 3) ford usually refuses to fix the problem, even when the car is, like mine, still under warranty.
When I started the vehicle this morning there was a complete failure of the braking system. A ford dealership reported that a wire had broken and this resulted in a electrical failure in the braking system that caused the entire braking system to fail. Had this wire broke while I was on the highway it would have likely caused a major accident.
Brake systems light goes on when starting the car and we lose 90% of the brakes . This has happened 6 times. Ford has not been able to diagnose problem. There was one attempt to fix by tightening low fluid switch on brake master cylinder. A week later, we got the same brake system light warning as well as an anti-skid warning and a power train warning. We drive this vehicle on mountain roads .this problem has occurred over the last 6 months.
About 2 weeks ago the check brake warning light and a red brake warning light came on but the brakes were not affected, and the lights did not reappear after the car was stopped and restarted. I still took it to the dealer but nothing wrong was found. Yesterday while driving home the check brake warning light and red brake warning lights came on again, a chime or alarm-type sound went off, and when I pressed the brake pedal all the way down the brakes didn't respond. To get home I had to use the emergency brake every time I needed to stop. The car was towed to the dealer last night and I was told the brakes were working fine when they started the car this morning. I haven't heard anything further.
The vehicle has approximately 7780 miles on it. While driving the vehicle a complete failure of the brakes occurred. When the brake pedal was deployed it did not create braking power even being pressed to the floor. To stop the vehicle it was down shifted and then placed in park after it coasted to a stop. After turning the vehicle off and restarting it the breaks seem to work again. This is the first occurrence. The dealer is being notified today. *tr consumer stated complaint was submitted years ago, vehicle was sold updated 6/8/18
Organization owns two 2009 ford escape hybrids. First vehicle has had numerous problems including AC/heating system was repaired under warranty, steering wheel cover disintegrated and was replaced under warranty, check engine light has repeatedly come on dating back to when vehicle was under warranty, but dealership could not replicate the problem or find any codes, ABS module went out at 52,000 miles, when module was replaced, code for hydraulics showed another module needed replaced, car is still in shop, and dealer says there are still additional codes that have not been addressed. This vehicle has not been in an accident or any other type of situation that would cause this kind of mechanical and/or electrical problems. When ford customer relations was contacted, they said there was nothing they could do since the car was no longer under warranty at 52,000 miles.
Check brake system and red emergency light came on. Pressed brakes and car did not stop. Hit concrete wall. 1st time at dealership, bad sensor. Ordered new sensor, and got car back. Same day same lights came on. 2nd time at dealership, changed ABS module. Got car back on 23rd and on the 24th lights came back on and car continued to roll even though I was pressing brakes. Car is back at dealership since the 24th.
We purchased the car new on august 11, 2009. On or about september 18, 2009 while traveling down a steep hill at approximately 25 to 30 MPH we lost brake power. Specifically, there was no response as brake foot moved 2/3 of the way to the floor. In last 1/3 of the way as braking foot moved to and made contact with the floor, there was only a weak response. It took several seconds to stop the vehicle. Brake light was on. We were terrified. We took the car to the nearest dealer. They had the car for 5 days, after which time they informed us that they had replaced a faulty booster travel switch. They assured us that the problem would not reoccur. However, on or about october 15, 2009, the problem did reoccur. This time my spouse was driving and had leveled out after rising a steep hill. He attempted to apply the brakes. Again, no response for the first 2/3 of the way as braking foot moved to floor. Only a weak response in last 1/3 as braking foot hit the floor. Brake light was on. Again, my spouse was unable to timely stop the vehicle. My spouse was terrified. Both times, when we shut the car off and turned it back on, normal braking function resumed. We took the car to the nearest dealer again. They kept the car for 18 days. Ford corporate sent their engineer to oversee the repairs. They were apparently able to duplicate the error in their testing of the vehicle. They replaced the wiring harness and have stated that the vehicle is safe to drive. However, we are afraid to drive the vehicle based on our two scary experiences with this new car with less than 1400 miles on it, as well as what we have read about other recurring problems with fev filed with the federal safety agency and other sources such as the "ford hybrid escape brake problem" forum at edmunds.com. *tr
Brakes failed at low speed with brakes feeling like there was no pressure. The 3 lights for the braking system were on when this event occurred.
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