2011 Ford Escape: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed May 29, 2025 · Brakes · GA

The contact's husband owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test determined that the wheel sensors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the wheel sensors were replaced by the mechanic; however, the warning lights remained illuminated. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the ABS module for the vehicle was no longer in production. The contact stated that several dealers where contacted; however, it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact suggested using an aftermarket part to replace the module; however, the dealers would not program the aftermarket part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered several recommendations, but none of the recommendations were able to assist the contact with repairing the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 26, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · 170,000 miles · KY · fire

The contact owned a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, as the contact was approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, it failed to stop as intended. The contact moved to the other lane when the vehicle came to a stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone and the contact was informed that three sensors needed to be replaced. Two sensors were replaced; however, the ABS sensor was not replaced due to cost. The contact stated that on the drive home, an abnormal odor was coming from the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was consumed by fire and destroyed. The Fire and Police departments were called. A fire report was filed; the Fire Department stated the cause of the fire was due to faulty wiring. The contact notified her insurance company and the vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2024 · Brakes · ME

The brakes completely failed and I was unable to stop the car except by turning up hill and applying the emergency brake. I had it repaired by Ford in Bangor and it turned out that the ABS module had failed. It seems unreasonable that there was no mechanical backup to a failure of an electronic part.

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · TX

The car started shutting off when putting gas and all the ABS lights started turning on. Then it escalated to the car shutting off when pressing the brakes. Now it shuts off randomly never while driving at higher speeds. I was driving the vehicle on the highway and it just shut off and I almost crashed onto the side of the highway because the steering wheel was not working. Thankfully I was able to meet be it a bit and avoid an accident but it happened a few times. Found that some vehicles like mine have some recalls and an extended warranty thing on file and when speaking with a rep at the Lincoln/Ford, she agreed that that what I was experiencing had to do with those, but the car dealerships in my area are not wanting to take responsibility and repair my vehicle which at this point is a public safety hazard not only for my family and me but anyone on the road around me. I can't work or take the car anywhere because of this issue and the carelessness and complete disregard from Ford reps is appalling.

Filed Apr 27, 2021 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · CA

All brake/ABS warning lights come on and brake pedal goes all the way to the floor on startup brake system failure occurs intermittently, and repeatedly at only 50k miles. Restarting the car results in some brake function with ABS and check brake warnings. Mechanic has read the codes which include every part of the brake system. Every. Single. Part.

Filed Feb 12, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · 60,000 miles · OR

The ABS braking system on the ford escape hybrid failed unexpectedly and without warning at only 60k miles. The vehicle was in motion, and all the lights came on at once and the system read "check brakes." the brakes felt loose, and I took it a mechanic the next day. They thought that pressure was getting sent unevenly to both sides of the vehicle, so they flushed the brakes. However, they discovered total ABS failure, and a $3000 fix associated with it. This is a known issue all over the internet. There are facebook groups advocating for a recall of this vehicle. We were lucky that we didn't crash into someone. The brakes only work if you apply extreme force to them, and even then they get loose and the car starts to roll away. These issues are becoming extremely prevalent now in 2020 that the 2008-2011 era of this hybrid is getting a bit older. That being said, this model only has 60k miles on it and should not have had brake failure. Http://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/escapehybrid/brake-ABS-warning-light-problems.php https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/5850/ford/escape-hybrid/ford-escape-hybrid-brake-problems/p4

Filed Jan 17, 2019 · Driver assistance, Steering · 81,000 miles · CT · 1 injury

While driving, the ABS and traction control error lights appeared on my dash followed by clicking noises. Shortly after my power steering stopped working while my vehicle was in motion. I was making a turn at a moderate speed and the sudden loss of power steering almost causing me to crash. Luckily I was able to control the vehicle but it was extremely difficult and I strained myself and pulled several upper body muscles in the process. I am a small woman and was barely able to manually turn the wheel. I have determined that the torque sensor is defective but my vehicle was not included in the recall for this part. Even though my VIN is not showing its associated with the recall. It is a 2011 escape and I believe there are more vehicles including mine, that should be included in this recall. The defective part almost cause a tragic accident, and although I avoided that, I did injure myself in an effort to steer my vehicle without the assist of the power steering. Subsequently, the power steering randomly engaged twice within a week of it originally going out. Both times it reingaged while I was turning my vehicle and again this sudden change almost caused a crash. I've now had to pay out of pocket to replace this part and I feel this should have been included in the recall and repaired free of charge.

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 41,349 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford escape. While the contact's son was driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the ABS and stability warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was driven home. The following day, the vehicle was taken to andy shaw ford (1231 e main st, sylva, nc 28779, (828) 586-0900) where it was diagnosed that the steering sensor and column needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 41,349. *tt

Filed Jun 7, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 69,600 miles · WA

I was making a left turn when I lost power steering, making it very difficult to make the turn, the ABS light, advancetrac light and the advancetrac off light all started flashing. I arrived at my destination the car was parked for 1 1/2 hours, when I tried to leave the car would not start.

Filed Jun 5, 2014 · Steering · 69,000 miles · WA

The power steering went out 3 times in one day. 1 incident we were making a right turn when it went out, it took a lot of strength to make the turn and not crash, the ABS light flashed a few times and than power steering came back. The other times the power steering has gone out happened in parking lots while pulling out of a parking space. I went to ford website to see if my car was included in the recall on may 29, 2014 (the steering issues impact 915,000 ford escapes and mercury mariners from model years 2008 through 2011) and it says there are no recalls for my vehicle.