2021 Ford Escape: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 7, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

I’ve visited both Ourisman Ford of Manassas, VA and Ted Britt Ford of Chantilly, VA regarding this issue and asked when a fix is expected. At both dealerships, I was informed that this is not classified as a recall but rather part of Ford’s Customer Satisfaction Program. However, when I provided the service representative with the official letter from Ford, they were unable to locate either the Manufacturer Recall Number 25S76 or the federal safety agency Recall Number 25V467 in their system. I’ve also explained that my vehicle—a 2021 model with fewer than 25,000 miles—is experiencing poor fuel economy, ranging between 23–29 MPG. Additionally, I’ve noticed a troubling performance issue: when accelerating from a complete stop, the car sometimes hesitates, then suddenly lurches forward, occasionally causing the tires to squeal.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Brakes · NY

When going in reverse the breaks squeal. I have reported this in the past but was told "the noise was normal in this car." I have worked on cars for years and i don't by that. The noise is coming from rear wheels. The router on the left rear has not worn normally. there are groves worn in it. The amount of break dust on the left front wheel is not normal. I realize this happens normally, but this is above and beyond what I would call normal. It could indicate a problem with the break distribution valve. Thank you in advance for your help with this problem.

Filed Sep 30, 2024 · Transmission · 90,147 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound while driving at slow speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact there was no coverage for the repair on the VIN and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,147.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Transmission · FL

dragging/grinding/ skipping noise when doing turns at slow speed, took to ford and they say it needs RDU(rear differential) replaced only has 66k miles of course just as soon as it is out of warranty

Filed Nov 24, 2023 · Body · 16,949 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side door weld had fractured. The contact stated that the door sounded like metal grinding each time the door was opened or closed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 16,949.

Filed Nov 3, 2023 · KS

The spot welds on the front drivers door of my 2021 Ford Escape SEL gave way. The internal three welds holding the drivers door check arm failed. The door is now making a creaking and grinding noise when the door is opened and closed. The drivers door check arm is rapidly nearing total failure. Two Ford dealerships have verified the above. Repair cost to replace the entire drivers door is approximately $2,300.

Filed Oct 18, 2023 · Body · 43,200 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while opening the front driver's side door of the vehicle, the door made an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated while opening the door for a second time, the door made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated that the front driver's side door check arm weld had fractured internally, which prevented the window from rolling up and down as needed. Additionally, the door failed to close as intended and made an abnormal clicking sound while opening. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the front driver's side door check arm weld had fractured internally. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number:Â PE23013Â (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 43,200.

Filed Jun 15, 2023 · Brakes, Transmission · 2,965 miles · GA

2021 escape purchased on 10/12/21. By the end of October my vehicle began stalling while driving. The transmission was unable to change gears when the vehicle was accelerating or decelerating. While making a right turn my vehicle almost stalled out in front of the oncoming traffic but at the last minute the car accelerated. Next the vehicle started jerking when placed in reverse. When put in reverse a loud grinding sound and jolting / jumping would occur. The jolt and noise sounded and felt like someone had rear ended the vehicle the moment it was placed in reverse. On 11/6/21 while sitting in traffic I smelled something burning and it seemed to be coming from under my hood. Once I arrived to my destination I opened my hood and looked for any signs of a fire /burning but didn’t notice anything unusual. No warnings were displayed on my vehicle so I brushed it off. Finally on 11/18/21 at 2,965 miles my vehicles powertrain failed. After starting my vehicle and putting it in reverse a loud grinding sound and jump occurred. Once in drive the vehicle began to jerk and had difficulty accelerating. By the time I exited the parking lot a power train failure notice was displayed. Ford replaced the transmission and everything was obviously under warranty. The Ford Pass service record stated the following services were performed: transmission, clutch, axel, other. It is my understanding the entire transmission was replaced. These issues were and still are very concerning given the fact a brand new car experienced power train failure after 2,965 miles. 6/15/23: brakes are ridiculously loud when braking in reverse, brakes make grinding/ scrubbing sound, black break dust on back rims, oh and a new recall for possible fuel injector crack. Rather than addressing the actual fuel injector problem Ford will install a drainage tube to divert fuel away from the engine (*if/ when the fuel injector cracks) and add engenie software to alert drivers when fuel rail pressure has dropped.

Filed Jun 5, 2023 · Brakes · IL

I bought my 2021 Ford Escape in June 2021 new. Shortly after I bought it, I started to hear a really loud screeching sound, very similar to a train coming to a screeching halt, whenever I reversed my car. I brought it into an Illinois ford dealership and they said nothing was wrong with it. Shortly thereafter, I received a notice in the mail about a warranty for the back brakes. Thinking that I solved my issue, I brought my car into a different dealership in Michigan and had them fix the brake pads. To my dismay and frustration, the brakes still made the terrible sound. I asked the folks why it was still making that sound and they said it was normal. A car backing up should never make that sound. Not only is it terrible sounding but it seems like a major safety concern. The Michigan dealership said that the brakes can make a squealing noise anytime their is condensation on the brake pads, mainly due to the fact that the brakes/brake pads have some sort of metal material in them. I decided to move up the food chain and call the corporate ford office but they couldn’t help me either. Which brought me to filing a formal complaint and seeing what you all can do to help me out. There are several folks out their on the internet that are having the same loud squealing noise as me and are being told it is “nothing wrong.” But a normal car SHOULD NOT BE making those sounds. Please let me know if you can assist.

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Brakes, Suspension · MN

Bought my 2021 Ford Escape a year ago, since a month after purchase, grinding noises Only when backing up, rain or shine or cold or hot. Getting worse within this year. Brought in 3-4 times, every time mechanic said nothing was wrong it was normal for this type of vehicle. Brought a few months ago to a different (not dealership) mechanic something Not right and needs fixing asap. Also noted crack and leaking from suspension! Dealership not willing to help, if my kids and I get into an accident because of this and a death or major injury shall occur , this will never be the end.! This has to stop! Treat cars like family please, because mine are in it.

Filed Feb 6, 2023 · Brakes · 18,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking garage and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V922000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. However, the failure reoccurred 3 months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2023 · Brakes · WV

When braking in reverse, especially in the mornings, there's a horrible grinding noise. It acts as if it doesn't want to stop. Have contacted the dealership multiple times and they claim they've addressed the recall issue but it just continues. They've gotten to the point that they won't return my calls to address the issue.