YearToAvoid

2013 Ford Escape Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 107 brake complaints for the 2013 Ford Escape, 4% of that year's 2,749 total complaints. Owners report sudden brake failure, pedal placement problems causing unintended acceleration, and a fire linked to a brake-area leak. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Brakes complaints
107
4% of 2,749
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
62,460 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe brakes failing suddenly while driving, including one case at 50 mph that ended in a crash into a concrete divider.
  • Several owners report the accelerator and brake pedals sit too close together, causing the foot to touch both pedals at once and the engine to race while braking.
  • Some owners say the brake pedal is too small, causing their foot to slip off and the vehicle to lurch forward.
  • One owner reported the master brake cylinder failed at low speed, about 3 mph, resulting in a collision.
  • One complaint describes a burning smell, illuminated oil warning light, smoke, and oil leaking from under the vehicle while braking at 20 mph, which led to a fire.

When 2013 Ford Escape brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 7, 2012, latest Jun 1, 2026.

2013 Ford Escape brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter82012 Q32014 Q22016 Q22018 Q12019 Q32021 Q22023 Q12026 Q1
107 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2018 Q3 (8).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Ford Escape

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by Escape model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200582 (6%)
  2. 200671 (15%)
  3. 200752 (20%)
  4. 2008171 (9%)
  5. 2009130 (8%)
  6. 201078 (4%)
  7. 201142 (3%)
  8. 201224 (4%)
  9. 2013107 (4%)
  10. 201447 (2%)
  11. 201535 (3%)
  12. 201629 (3%)
  13. 201758 (2%)
  14. 201831 (2%)
  15. 201910 (2%)
  16. 202047 (3%)
  17. 202150 (14%)
  18. 202234 (15%)
  19. 20234 (4%)
  20. 20243 (4%)
  21. 20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Ford Escape?
NHTSA lists 107 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Ford Escape, which is 4% of the 2,749 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Ford Escape?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this brake problem area on the 2013 Ford Escape.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Escape?
The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2013 Ford Escape is 62,460 miles, according to NHTSA data.
Have any crashes or fires been linked to 2013 Ford Escape brake complaints?
NHTSA records 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 3 injuries connected to brake complaints for the 2013 Ford Escape.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.