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2008 Ford Escape brakes problems

140 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 102,820. 11 crashes reported.

owner complaints
140
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
102,820
crashes
11
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    1
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring
    1
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escape brakes problems in other years

200120052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Ford Escape brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 94Brake failure 19Grinding brakes 18Spongy pedal 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2008 Ford Escape owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · 136,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the powertrain malfunction warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over, the battery was disconnected and reconnected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard when the ABS light was illuminated. While reversing, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the repairs would be at the owner's expense. Another local dealer, Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln, located at 1845 E Joppa Rd, Baltimore, MD 21234, was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Brakes · CA

In rainy conditions, executed a hard stop activating the ABS. After successfully activating, the brakes go almost to the floor, and ABS function has stopped. No air in brake system, and master cylinder checks out good. Seems dangerous that the one time you really need ABS, it goes out. No warning lights on dash, mechanic has confirmed issue.

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · Brakes · TX

ABS brake light goes on and off and regen system disabled appeared. Brake pedal goes between being spongy and going to floor. I took it to an independent service center and the mechanic almost lost control of the car when test driving. There was no braking except to one wheel, which is why he almost lost control. They thought they fixed the problem by bleeding the brakes, but soon after I got it back on April 8, 2024 the ABS and brake lights came back on April 10, 2024. I am afraid that it will cause an accident if the brakes go out. The car is back at the mechanics and they are going to inspect the brake system. Not sure when the car will be fixed and returned back to me.

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Brakes · CA

My escape keeps having the brakes go to the floor. Then they will be fine again for a while and then go to the floor again and have to be pumped to stop. The brake components are good. We replaced the master cylinder, continued to have the problem. Blakes bled by mechanic twice, again the same problem. Mechanic has determined it is a failure with the hydraulic control module. In researching they are back ordered everywhere and there is none available. In further research we have found that there have been over 200000 complaints. Ford wants us to pay 1000.00 to buy a new module and mechanic wants 500.00 to replace it. But again there are not any units available even from the Ford Dealer. Ford needs to recall this part and make them available to be replaced. This is a serious safety issue. Ours have never completely failed but there are many people who say theirs have. Ours is very dangerous if you should have to hit your brakes suddenly and they do not stop or they skid.

Filed Sep 1, 2023 · Brakes · TX

I was driving home at night with my child, and I stepped on the brake to slow the car down as we were going down a hill, and the brakes did not work. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor after softly stepping on the brake pedal and did not release. I could not stop the SUV, so I coasted as best I could, and THANK GOD WE DID NOT CRASH!

Filed Jun 26, 2023 · Brakes · IN

My regen system failure light come on and off. When it does come on I lose my brakes. I have tried effortlessly like others to find out why they are malfunctioning. I am continually having near misses due to the brakes not wanting to work when they choose to. Why has this not been a recall yet. The brakes go all the way to the floor whenever they feel like it. I just purchased the vehicle. I wld have left it at the lot had I know this and no recall seems to be hand. So we get to have accidents or spend endless money while the Ford company doesn’t have to deal with any of it.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Brakes · MI · crash

ABS, parking break light and regen breaks disabled. My breaks will go all the way to the floor and have crashed into a vehicle because out of nowhere I was not able to break like normal. Is not safe to drive. Was diagnosed with a bad hydraulic control until like thousands of other people with this car. Ford posted a service bulletin about this issue and recommended replacing the flex hoses before eventually replacing the HCU BUT WONT PAY FOR IT. IT IS FAULTY AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND RECALL THIS HCU ISSUE INSTEAD OF JUST ACKNOWLEDGING THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THOUSDANDS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Filed Sep 17, 2022 · Brakes · TX

The brakes stopped working correctly and are very unsafe. The Regenerative brakes get disabled, and the ABS light is on, you lose the power brakes stopping power. I have to step on the brake pedal very hard for the vehicle to stop. It feels like the old school pre-power brakes. I took it to the Ford dealer, and they want to charge 5000 + dollar to fix it, they also say parts are no longer available, they instructed me to call my insurance company and have it totaled. I read the escape hybrid forums and I see many people having this same problem

Filed Aug 17, 2022 · Brakes, Driver assistance · VA

ABS light on, vehicle stalling, dragging while driving 40mph or over. Brake petal non functional. *c1313, c1480, c1481 Brake hoses restricted not allowing brake pressure in caliber *HCU damage *Sway bar links damage, excessive noise and play

Filed Apr 11, 2022 · Brakes · WI

The HCU fails causing the car to have little to no braking power while driving, at random times. There is a loud grind coming from the front right.. Happens only when it is warm.

Questions about the 2008 Ford Escape brakes

Does the 2008 Ford Escape have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 140 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Ford Escape, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Ford Escape brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 102,820 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Ford Escape brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Escape have bad brakes?

The Ford Escape model years with the most brakes complaints are 2002 (195 complaints), 2001 (163 complaints) and 2008 (140 complaints).

Other 2008 Ford Escape problems

Steering 1,127Transmission 329Acceleration 175Electrical 136Engine 120Fuel system 62Driver assistance 43Body 41Airbags 31Suspension 31Visibility 29Tires 25Wheels 14Lights 6Seat belts 5Seats 4Locks 2

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