2021 Ford Escape Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 50 brake complaints for the 2021 Ford Escape, 14% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 5,000. Ford recalled the model (campaign 21V922000) for incorrectly manufactured rear brake linings, and owners report 6 crashes and 3 injuries tied to braking problems.
- Brakes complaints
- 50
- 14% of 346
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 5,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle when depressed at low speed, leading to crashes into trees, cars, or fixed objects.
- Owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating in reverse while the brake pedal fails to slow it down.
- Loud grinding, screeching, or humming noises come from the rear brakes when reversing, often persisting after dealers replace pads or rotors.
- Front brake pedal reportedly becomes hard or stiff before a stop, sometimes followed by a rear-end collision.
- Some owners report warped front brake rotors and a flapping noise shortly after purchase.
- Several owners waited for recall parts to become available while continuing to experience brake symptoms.
When 2021 Ford Escape brake complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 6, 2021, latest Jul 9, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2021 Ford Escape
- NHTSA 21V922000Nov 23, 2021Brakes114,666 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can affect braking performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: During certain situations, the driver may have 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 August 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31.
Brakes complaints by Escape model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2021 Ford Escape have a brake recall?
- Yes. Recall campaign 21V922000, reported November 23, 2021, covers 2021-2022 Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles because rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, affecting braking performance. Ford's remedy involves replacing the front brake pads free of charge.
- How common are brake complaints for the 2021 Escape?
- NHTSA lists 50 brake complaints for the 2021 Escape, which is 14% of the 346 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on the 2021 Escape is 5,000 miles.
- Have brake problems caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 6 crashes and 3 injuries associated with brake complaints on the 2021 Ford Escape, with no fires reported.