67 complaints reported

2009 Ford Escape Brakes

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
67
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

I have had every part of my brake system replaced multi times and the brake pedal gos to the floor, no one can fix it. When trying to search online, it looks like this is a known issue. Multiple multiple forms with multiple websites people having the same issue. With this Specific vehicle but no one can find a answers.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2025
Sep 2025

Brakes and power steering failed within 1 day. I’ve had brake system checked by 2 mechanics. I still have spongey brakes. Both systems seem to be a problem on these particular vehicles according to the two mechanics. Seems I’m not the only one with this problem. My vehicle came out of the Kansas City Assembly Plant. It’s a 2009 Ford Escape. I understand that some models out of that facility had recalls.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Sep 2024

Brake pedal very light, goes clear to floor then within last inch brakes activate. I replaced master brake cylinder in hopes that would fix, it did not. I scheduled an appointment with dealership to diagnose in which they were not able to and had me return it to the original mechanic after flushing fluid out checking for corrosion, they replaced the master cylinder again. That did not fix the brake issue. I’m returning it to Ford dealership to once more diagnose and potentially replace the ABS module. This model is known for having a test one placed on in which needed replaced. It’s the exact same part number as the ABS module recalled and replaced on a few other models. The recall number for other models is 19V904000, no corrosion in reservoir upon flush and dot 3 was placed back inside. The part number at hand for the multiple vehicles is 12-17242

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2024
Jun 2024

Brakes developed excessive travel and a soft feel which makes driving at high speeds dangerous. Replaced master cylinder and new front disc pads and rotors, two power bleeds performed but brake shop unable to correct or identify the problem. No warning lights came on. Online research indicates many others with the same problem on their Escapes. Problem appears to be same as a recall issued for other Ford models of the same year, but no recall has been issued for the Escape. The recall for other Fords is "Recall 19S54 – ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event," and is related to DOT 3 brake fluid turning into a gel and causing ABS valve(s) to remain open.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2023
May 2024

The ABS module sticks, causing the pedal to sink to the floor and ABS system to suddenly stop working. The defective part and vehicle are available for inspection. Loss of the antilock brake system can cause the vehicle to become uncontrollable in inclement weather or during emergency braking. It is unknown whether the problem has been confirmed by a dealer. It is unknown if the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives have inspected the component. There were no warnings prior to the failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2022
Nov 2023

My Ford Escape's ABS system failed, exhibiting the exact same symptoms as a different Ford recall for another model, Ford Fusion 2006-2010 (NHTSA Recall 19V-904, manufacturer recall 19S54). The symptoms were extended brake pedal travel, increasing the risk of a crash. There were NO warning dash lights or alerts due to the ABS failure. No codes for the failed ABS module were found by my mechanic. Because of this, we replaced the brake booster first, thinking that was the problem, but this made no difference. We contacted multiple Ford Service Depts. as well as a higher manager, seeking a recall or courtesy repair for the ABS module. Everyone contacted admitted that they had heard about multiple complaints on this module in Ford Escaped, but since no specific recall was made for the Ford Escape, they could not cover the ABS module. In total, I spent approximately $589 on the brake booster parts/labor (which turned out not to be the problem), then an addional $1765 parts/labor to repair the ABS module. I was surprised that the recall I found for the Ford Fusion 2006-2010 so exactly matched my vehicle's problem, but Ford has never issued a recall or offered repairs for this important safety component. With no dash warning lights, no problem codes displayed, along with the sheer number for Ford Escapes on the road, I suspect this ABS module is an enormous safety concern.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2023
Nov 2023

Brakes intermittingly do not work. Mechanic can not find a part that is constantly failing but did have the brakes not work at one point while test driving. Does not prompt any warning lights or error codes when it happens. Looking online this is a very common problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2023
Aug 2023

My Traction Control Lamp, ABS Light, and Brake Light, have all illuminated on the dash at one time when I came out to my car after work. When I went into work there was no lights on. On my way to work there were no lights on, and no brake issues. Now there are. My brake fluid level is full. There is no leaking fluids from the rotors, brake lines etc. Now all these lights are on, and my brakes are pulsing slightly. I looked today and see there was a recall on this system. I have had this vehicle for 6 years, and I know I never took it in for any recalls. When was this ABS System brake recall? When was it done on this vehicle, and is it possible that the FMC just did the cheapest repairs it could do? I need to know because I have a 4 yr old son that rides with me in this vehicle. I need to know when it was done, and what was done, PLEASE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2023
Mar 2023

The incident took place on 12/12/22 while driving at about 40-45 mph a truck pulled out Infront of me causing me to unexpectedly break. There were no indicator warning lights on the dash prior to or after the failure. The break went all the way to the floor, luckily we were able to avoid an accident, and myself and my son were just jerked around and held back by the seat belt. The independent garage we use was right around the corner. The vehicle was diagnosed and needed a new master cylinder and abs hydraulic control unit. The part was out of stock and took three months to come in. The vehicle was repaired and received on 3/23/23.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2022
Nov 2022

We are having the same problems with this vehicle as others are having under Ford recall 19S54 NHTSA identifier 19V904. Three times after applying the brakes hard the brake system required servicing because the pedal would slowly go to the floor while sitting at a traffic light. Other symptoms would be sluggish or spongy braking. The last service was at a Goodyear where the service tech commented - left front inlet abs valve sticking, activated it three times with scanner before it started to work. He informed us that there was a recall for this problem that may be applicable to out Escape. I called Ford to report it, Case number [XXX]. Will use this Goodyear appt date to answer following questions. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2022
Sep 2022

ABS Module failure. This is a major issue with these cars and it is extremely dangerous and should be recalled. It causes brake pedal to go to the floor. There’s thousands of cases and parts are unobtainable from manufacturing because they used a one year only part because they were testing it out. There’s been recalls on other models using similar Modules but not on this model.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2022
Jun 2022

Put car in park. Park can be moved roll away while in park

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2022
Jun 2022

Vehicle was driving on I 75 North bound upon passing Micanopy Rd, and prior to Williston road exit. Driving between 73 to 75 MPH the ABS light came on. ahead of me a semi truck and in my left a car was passing, I tap the brake and the brake system fail to respond. I let the car role and veer to move move to the right, hunk tat the truck, shoot the emergency brakes and the SUV stop, I called Ford Public relation with no resolution although I was not looking for any compensation or repair cost. The claimed that the warranty of the vehicle was expired. I responded that I was not looking for any compensation, rather I was looking to report a problem that might has cost human lost..... I took the car to the ford dealership in Gainesville Florida to get an authentic report, in order to submit a safety concern to The Ford Motor Safety Department. Dealer and public relations office claimed that Ford Motor Company does not have a safety Department. I am an Industrial Hygienist who Work for OSHA as a COSHO and although I explained no action action seem to indicate that they know,,,,,,,, I question if they understood the issue. This failure may has cost loses, my vehicle is parked at my house This is a 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid VIN [XXX]. PLEASE NOTIFY ME OF ACTION TAKEN. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2022
Jun 2022

Ford 2009 Ford Escape VIN #[XXX] We took our 2009 Ford Escape to Jimmy's Automotive located at 4524 Pacific Ave Lacey Wa We have taken our Ford Escape here for years for service Jimmy's notified us that our ABS brakes were defective (a defect from installation in China) The cost would be over $2000 to repair I called our local Ford Dealership in Olympia and they stated that our VIN # did not qualify for the ABS brake problem I then called the Ford Company in Detroit MI they stated the same that our VIN # did not qualify for the ABS brake defect I contacted an attorney at Legal Zoom and he recommended contacting you My question how can we not qualify for the defective ABS problem when our vehicle has the defective ABS brake SEE INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2021
May 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who initially replaced the brake master cylinder; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective ABS module. The manufacturer was also notified and informed him that there were no recalls on his vehicle; he was then transferred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2022
Jan 2022 Crash

The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCUs) in the 2009 Ford Escape malfunctioned resulting in the brake pedal losing resistance. The brake pedal needed to be pushed all the way to the floorboard with aggressive force to stop the vehicle. This issue may have resulted in an interstate accident that put the driver at extreme risk. The vehicle crashed into the vehicle in front of the driver due to a delay in stopping from the malfunctioning of the HCU. There were no warning lights that were triggered to alert an issue with the unit. The repair shop that repaired the vehicle warned the driver that the brakes were not working properly and may have caused to the accident. Due to Ford backlogs on parts from COVID-19 delays, I discovered that 180 HCUs are currently on back order in the United States. Additionally, four Ford vehicles in the Greater New Orleans area are waiting for ACUs due to the same issue of the brakes not gripping until the pedal reaches the floor. Multiple sources online are warning of a similar issue from malfunctioning HCUs and ACUs. After learning this information, I filed a complaint with the Ford Corporate office but have not heard anything regarding the integrity of the part. However, when I dropped off the vehicle at the Lamarque Ford Dealership in Kenner Louisiana, I was told the vehicle was undrivable due to the malfunctioning of the HCU. The vehicle is available for inspection at the Lamarque Ford Dealership located at 3101 Williams Blvd Suite F, Kenner, LA 70065. Additionally, other vehicles are waiting for repairs at Supreme Ford of Slidell located at 400 E Howze Beach Rd, Slidell, LA 70461. Due to the extensive backlog of Ford parts, these vehicles have been waiting months to be repaired and potentially have months to continue to wait before being repaired.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2021
Dec 2021

ABS, PARKING BRAKE, AND ANTI-SKID LIGHTS ALL ON. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THE ABS MODUL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2020
Nov 2021

Was driving my ford escape and went to stop and total loss of brake pedal it went to the floor almost causing me to hit another vehicle. All brakes are new no brake fluid leaking no where and master cyclinder tested good. I've done research online to thousands of complaints regarding the abs unit causing loss of brakes to many of people to where vehicle is unsafe to drive due to it happening again. So I got in and started the escape today to now having full brakes again. Ford should have to recall or buy back the escapes cause it's a safety hazard to people's lives that's driving theses escapes! NEVER KNOWING WHEN TOTAL BREAK LOSS IS GONNA HAPPEN AGAIN!!! Ford's should have to pay when someone gets in a accident due to total loss of break system due to abs unit/hcu..

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2021
Nov 2021

Purchased car in Dec 20. Brakes were 'mushy'. Previous owner had over $1000 in brake work done (new pads-front, shoes - rear, new master cylinder, new rotors, etc.) I am a GM and John Deere-trained mechanic. I determined the defect was in the ABS valve assembly. There is at least 1 of 4 ABS side solenoid valves not seating/sealing properly. Replaced the defective ABS unit with a low mileage used valve assembly, keeping the original ECU since it is keyed to the VIN. 9 months later, the ECU has failed (Code B1342 ABS ECU inoperative). Service brakes are still tight and function. Tried cleaning / reseating main wiring connector with no luck. Problem was sporadic over past 60 days (ABS light / ASC / Parking brake lights illuminated) and then would disappear. ECU finally failed completely with warning lights on continuously. Vehicle has 142,000 miles and is over 12 yrs old. Ford says they have never heard ofan ABS issue but confirmed the defect. The local dealer will gladly replace the ABS module for approx $1000. Ford has a responsibility to address this issue not only in Escapes of all years but throughout their model lineup. This is a safety issue that needs to be fixed. Not looking for a freebie but would rather not be the victim of an avoidable car accident and be cleaned off the pavement with a stick and a spoon. Needless to say, Ford reputation has suffered a loss of credibility.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2021
Sep 2021

I WAS JUST STARTING OFF AFTER GETTING A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A POLICE CAR (THAT WAS TO THE RIGHT OF ME, WAS COMING QUICKLY OUT OF A STORE PARKING LOT) SUDDENLY POPPED ON THE SIREN WHICH STARTLED ME BUT CAUSED ME TO STOP SUDDENLY! WHICH MEANS MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR IMMEDIATELY! AND MY CAR JUST KEPT GOING WHEN IT SHOULD'VE STOPPED! THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND ME. AFTER THE POLICE CAR PASSED I PROCEEDED BUT REALIZED THAT THE BRAKES WERE LOOSE AND BRAKING WAS LOW AND NOT HIGH AS BEFORE...I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO TEST THEM AND BEGAN TO PUMP TO SEE IF THEY'D COME BACK UP...TO NO AVAIL. AND THEY WERE MAKING AN AIR SOUND WHEN I PUMPED THEM. THEN, TO TOP IT OFF THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. NEVER HAD ANY WARNING LAMPS COME ON BUT DID HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED ON 10/22/2020. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER OF 2019.( YES, IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST) I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A REPAIR SHOP TOMORROW MORNING, BUT AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS HERE I AM MYSTIFIED! AT LEAST I KNOW NOT TO WASTE MONEY I DON'T HAVE ON ANY REPAIRS...AND STILL HAVE TO MAKE THE CAR PAYMENTS, BUMMER! );

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2021
Sep 2021

I bought my Ford Escape Limited, 4 wheel-drive SUV in August, 2009 from a dealer in Baltimore County, Maryland. Later I retired from the Maryland Highway Administration and moved to Augusta, GA in February, 2015. In mid 2020 I saw the ABS light showing the my vehicle needed a repair to the ABS system. When I took the vehicle to my friendly mechanic shop, he told me that the ABS Module was defective and that he could not fix it. Since then I have been having a serious safety problem with the ABS Module which makes driving my vehicle very risky, especially when it is raining. The risk is felt whenever I am driving and need to stop at the red light or when another vehicle suddenly comes close to my vehicle which requires a quick decision to avoid accident using the ABS system that was designed for that purpose. In that case, I had difficulties stop and my vehicle will often pull to the left even with new brake pads on. That poses a serious safety threat. But as auto makers, the Ford Company know or should know that nearly all Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles are assumed to have ABS Module and other defects. Sadly, the Ford Company neglected to notify me of the recall. The defects in the ABS Module of my SUV pose a serious safety risk to me; so, that is very concerning to me. Thanks for your help with this complaint. Note: I coincidentally found the recall information last night on Google Search on 9/20/2021. Date of this complaint: 9/21/2021 Ford’s False Claim Number for this recall: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”*JB

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2020
Jul 2021

BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES FOR BRAKE ISSUES, FOUND ABS UNIT HAD FAILED. FORD REPLACEMENT UNITS ON BACKORDER. HAD TO SOURCE USED ABS UNIT. THERE ARE KNOWN RECALLS FOR OTHER MODEL FORDS USING SIMILAR ABS UNITS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2021
Jun 2021

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2009 FORD ESCAPE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDDLE WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP. MY MECHANIC PUT A NEW BREAK MASTER CYLINDER SYSTEM ON AND THE BRAKES WORKED NORMALLY FOR A WEEK. THEN WITHOUT NOTICE THE SAME FRIGHTENING EVENT OCCURRED. SHE IS TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON HER CAR WHICH IS SITTING IN THE GARAGE NOW. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND HE SAID THEY WERE EXPERIENCING NATION WIDE PROBLEM WITH THE ABS MODULE AND THE ITEM WAS ON BACK ORDER WITH NO HOPE OF A DELIVERY DATE FOR A NEW ONE. I'VE NOTICED A BIG NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS EXACT ISSUE. HOW MANY LIVES WILL IT COST BEFORE FORD ISSUES A RECALL AND FIXES THIS ISSUE. MY DAUGHTER CAN'T AFFORD THE MORE THAN $1000.00 COST OF A REPAIR...EVEN IF THE PART WAS AVAILABLE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2019
May 2021 Crash

I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 FORD ESCAPE AND THE ABS BRAKES ACTIVATED DUE TO A SLIPPERY SPOT ON THE ROAD. THEN A CAR STOPPED QUICK IN FRONT OF ME AND MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN NO BRAKES, I WENT OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID A COLLISION. I HAD THE CAR TOWED. WENT TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS BAD ABS MODULA. CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD IT COULD BE $2,000 TO REPAIR. I SEE RECALLS ON FORDS 2006-2010. BUT NOT MY FORD ESCAPE. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED IN A RECALL. MY 2009 FORD WAS PURCHASED NEW AND IN MY FAMILY EVER SINCE. NOW I HAVE THE CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VERY THANKFUL NO ONE WAS INJURED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME AND OTHERS. THANK YOU

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2021
Apr 2021

I WAS DRIVING AND MY BRAKES FELT SOFT, ALMOST HAVING TO GO ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. I TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY, UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING MY VEHICLE. AFTER DOING MULTIPLE THINGS, DEALERSHIP SAID WAS MY MASTER CYLINDER. SO HAD MY MASTER CYLINDER. THEY CALL TO SAY, THEY TEST DRIVE MY CAR AND MY CAR WAS STOPPING FINE. I PICKED UP MY CAR, DRIVING HOME, IT FELT EXACTLY AS WHEN I DROPPED OFF MY CAR. I CALLED THEM BACK NEXT DAY TO ADVISE OF SAME AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT MAY BE ABS MODULE

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2009 FORD ESCAPE, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2021

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2009 Ford Escape has 67 Brakes complaints on file. 4 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.