YearToAvoid

2022 Ford Escape Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 34 brake complaints for the 2022 Ford Escape, 15% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 15,000. A related recall (21V922000) covers incorrectly manufactured rear brake linings that can affect braking performance.

Brakes complaints
34
15% of 231
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
15,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report excessive brake dust building up on the front wheels shortly after taking delivery, sometimes within a few thousand miles.
  • Rear brakes reportedly squeal, moan, or grind when backing out of a driveway or reversing, with dealers sometimes unable to replicate the noise.
  • Some drivers describe needing to apply added pressure to the brake pedal at speed before the vehicle would stop, raising concern about reduced stopping power.
  • One owner reported a sudden and complete brake failure with the pedal reaching the floor, resulting in a crash into a house.
  • Several complaints mention loud, grabby, or inconsistent brake feel, with pedal response described as unpredictable even when the brakes are dry.

When 2022 Ford Escape brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 27, 2022, latest Aug 15, 2026.

2022 Ford Escape brakes complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2022Nov 2022Jun 2023Jan 2024Aug 2024Nov 2024Jul 2025
34 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2022 to Aug 2026; peak Aug 2024 (3).

Brakes recalls for the 2022 Ford Escape

  1. 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.

  1. 201078 (4%)
  2. 201142 (3%)
  3. 201224 (4%)
  4. 2013107 (4%)
  5. 201447 (2%)
  6. 201535 (3%)
  7. 201629 (3%)
  8. 201758 (2%)
  9. 201831 (2%)
  10. 201910 (2%)
  11. 202047 (3%)
  12. 202150 (14%)
  13. 202234 (15%)
  14. 20234 (4%)
  15. 20243 (4%)
  16. 20251 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2022 Ford Escape?
NHTSA lists 34 brake-related complaints for the 2022 Ford Escape, which is 15% of the 231 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall on the 2022 Ford Escape?
Yes. Recall 21V922000 covers 2021-2022 Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles where rear brake linings may have been manufactured incorrectly, affecting braking performance. The remedy is a free front brake pad replacement.
At what mileage do 2022 Ford Escape brake problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 15,000 miles for reported brake issues on this model year.
Did the 2022 Ford Escape brake issues cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records 2 crashes and 2 injuries tied to brake complaints for the 2022 Ford Escape, with no reported fires.

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.