2020 Ford Escape Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 47 brake complaints for the 2020 Ford Escape, 3% of all complaints for that year, with a median failure mileage of 23,000. Three crashes and no fires or injuries are recorded, and a related recall (25V693000) covers incorrectly manufactured rear brake pads.
- Brakes complaints
- 47
- 3% of 1,599
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 23,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly fails to stop the vehicle, sometimes going to the floor or requiring the parking brake to bring the car to a stop.
- Owners describe a grinding noise from the brakes when the pedal is depressed, sometimes paired with hesitation on acceleration.
- Some report an abnormal sound from the rear brakes while reversing at low speed that dealers could not diagnose.
- Auto stop/start and automatic braking features reportedly fault intermittently, disengaging at stoplights.
- One owner reported a low-speed parking-lot incident where the brakes did not engage before striking a pole and another vehicle.
- A recall notice for incorrectly manufactured rear brake pads (campaign 20E03/25V693000) was mentioned by an owner who had already sold the vehicle.
When 2020 Ford Escape brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 24, 2020, latest Aug 25, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2020 Ford Escape
- NHTSA 25V693000Oct 10, 2025Brakes13,451 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
Brakes complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Ford Escape?
- NHTSA lists 47 brake complaints for the 2020 Ford Escape, which is 3% of the 1,599 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2020 Ford Escape?
- Yes. Recall campaign 25V693000, reported October 10, 2025, covers rear brake pads that may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function if the brake booster malfunctions. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- At what mileage do 2020 Escape brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 23,000 miles.
- Have the 2020 Escape's brake problems caused crashes?
- NHTSA records 3 crashes tied to brake complaints for the 2020 Escape, with no fires or injuries reported.