Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Ford Escape brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Ford Escape have filed 35 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 20,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Escape | 37 |
| 2014 Escape | 25 |
| 2015 Escape | 16 |
| 2016 Escape | 14 |
| 2017 Escape (this page) | 35 |
| 2018 Escape | 18 |
| 2019 Escape | 6 |
| 2020 Escape | 21 |
| 2021 Escape | 36 |
2crashes
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017 Escape vehicles equipped with 17 inch wheels built on or before 10-October-2016 may exhibit an illuminated electric park brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C1034, C1A43, C2005, C2007, C2008 and/or U2002. Four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles may also exhibit an anti-lock brake system (ABS) lamp illuminated with DTCs C003A or C0037. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOME 2016-2017 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 1.6L/1.5L AWD OR A 2.0L FWD/AWD BUILT ON OR BEFORE 19-NOV-2016 MAY EXHIBIT FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE NOISE MOST COMMONLY OCCURS AFTER THE BRAKES HAVE WARMED UP, HOWEVER THE NOISE MAY OCCUR DURING OTHER DRIVING CONDITIONS. IF THE FRONT BRAKES DISPLAY A CONTINUOUS SQUEAL NOISE, INSTALL FRONT LINING KIT CV6Z-2001-N. REFERENCE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) SECTION 206-03, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. USE CAUSAL PART 2001 AND REFER TO SECTION 2 OF THE SLTS MANUAL FOR APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATIONS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report brake failures across multiple systems on 2017 Escapes, with several reaching critical safety thresholds. The most dangerous failure pattern involves the vacuum pump bolted to the camshaft: when the pump seizes, the mounting bolt shears, simultaneously killing turbo boost and brake power assist. Brakes go rock-hard and become nearly impossible to apply at highway speeds or idle. This single-point failure compounds into engine damage when the disintegrating pump leaves metal shavings that destroy the turbo and cause oil starvation—the engine eventually throws a rod with no dashboard warning. One owner faced an $8,000 engine replacement at 50,571 miles; another had a warranty denial when the in-service date expired 12 days before the repair appointment.
Brake booster failures also appear frequently, making the pedal immovable and the vehicle nearly impossible to stop. Check engine lights activate during these events, but brake warning lights often don't, leaving drivers unaware until braking becomes physically impossible.
Beyond power-assist failures, owners report brake lock-ups generating extreme heat (melting hoses), rear rotors rusting and grooving at 20,000 miles despite warranty coverage for rotors, and intermittent loss of power assist even on nearly-new vehicles. Some failures occur at low mileage (12,000–18,000 miles) with no warning systems activated. A few owners describe cascading timing belt failures following brake work, requiring full engine replacement.
Same Ford Escape brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Master Brake Cylinder Failure
Complete loss of brake function where pedal travels to floor with minimal stopping power. Occurs without warning lights or system alerts.
When: 18,000 miles; after overnight exposure to single-digit temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor on first application; Minimal braking engagement despite pedal input; Problem persists after multiple brake applications and pumping; No warning lights or Ford Pass app indication
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed failed master brake cylinder; failed unit sent to Ford for analysis
Vacuum Pump Failure with Bolt Shear
Vacuum pump bolted to camshaft seizes and the attachment bolt shears, causing simultaneous loss of turbo boost and complete brake power assist. Results in hard, non-assisted brakes and potential catastrophic engine damage from metal shavings damaging turbo.
When: Variable mileage; reported on Escape, F-150, and other Ford EcoBoost models
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of boost power; Total loss of brake power assist; brakes become extremely hard; Vehicle difficult or impossible to stop at highway or idle speeds; Check engine light comes on; Vehicle power loss and downshift issues; Metal shavings from disintegrated pump destroy turbo
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement; if bolt shears, engine damage may result requiring full engine replacement ($8,000 cited)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Apparent recall for F-150 EcoBoost but not systematically applied to Escape; one owner reported extended powertrain warranty program for seven years but had coverage denied when in-service date expired
Brake Booster Failure
Brake booster loses function, making brake pedal extremely hard and nearly impossible to depress. Loss of power steering also occurs. Check engine light illuminates and vehicle struggles to maintain power.
When: Variable mileage; highway speeds reported
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extremely hard and cannot be pressed down; Little to no braking function; Check engine light comes on; Engine power loss during highway driving; Forced downshift attempts to regain power; Fuel mileage drops drastically; Brake warning light may not activate despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement; one owner noted clear mechanical defect damage visible on original part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has recalled this part on thousands of other newer models; however, 2017 Escapes are apparently also affected but not subject to recall
Brake Booster/Vacuum Pump Cascading Engine Failure
Vacuum pump failure leads to brake booster loss, check engine light activation, and subsequent engine oil starvation. When pump fails, engine continues supplying oil in cooling attempt, oil exits through exhaust, driver receives no warning, engine eventually throws rod.
When: Variable mileage; one case at 50,571 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake booster failure symptoms followed by check engine light; No dashboard warning of oil starvation; Engine continues running normally until sudden failure; Loud pop followed by engine shutdown; Very little oil remaining in pan after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner quoted $8,000 for engine replacement at Ford dealer plus $210 diagnostic fee; one case at 50,571 miles where Ford denied warranty coverage citing seven-year in-service date expiration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford customer service program extends powertrain warranty to seven years on EcoBoost engines; however, one owner had claim denied when in-service expiration date (10/19/24) passed 12 days before repair appointment (10/31/24)
Timing Belt Failure Cascade
Timing belt snaps following brake booster or vacuum pump failure. Appears to occur during dealer test drive or shortly after brake service. Engine requires replacement.
When: Variable mileage; one case at 126,000 miles, one under 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Timing belt fractures during test drive after brake repair; Check engine light illumination; Engine failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner noted timing belt failure during dealer test drive after brake booster repair; cost prohibitive, vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall timing system addressed but did not resolve underlying issues; one owner stated dealer said no further issues to address after recall work
Brake Lock-Up with Extreme Heat Generation
Brakes lock and generate extreme heat, melting hoses. Multiple complete brake system replacements (pads, rotors, hoses, calipers, master cylinder) fail to resolve issue. Problem recurs within two weeks of repairs.
When: Unknown specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock up unexpectedly; Extreme heat generation turning rotors red hot; Heat melts brake hoses; Problem recurs shortly after complete brake system overhaul
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts: new pads, rotors, hoses, calipers, master cylinder; independent shop suspected ABS system malfunction; vehicle traded in due to owner fear
Intermittent Loss of Brake Power Assist
Sporadic, unpredictable loss of power steering and brake power assist, making brakes extremely hard to apply. Occurs cold or warm, at low speeds (backing) or highway speeds. No warning lights illuminate.
When: Early in ownership; one case at 7,000 miles on 9-month-old vehicle; occurs multiple times on long trips (Chicago to Florida)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power assist for brakes; Brakes become extremely hard to depress; Vehicle nearly impossible to stop at idle or low speeds; Occurs during reverse and forward driving; Cold engine high-idle condition worsens severity; Check engine light does not illuminate; Occurs intermittently, 5-6 times on single long trip
Hard Brake Pedal with Reduced Stopping Power
Brake pedal requires excessive force to depress and provides reduced stopping power or inadequate deceleration. May be intermittent, with periods of normal function interspersed with periods of hard pedal and poor braking.
When: Variable mileage; one case at 36,094 miles, another during highway approach at undisclosed speed
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal very hard to press; Excessive force required on brake pedal to slow or stop vehicle; Intermittent function; works normally for days then fails; May occur after engine shutdown at traffic lights; Pedal travels far to floor before brakes function properly; No warning lights illuminate despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: One case: brakes serviced in May 2022, failure occurred in August 2022; some dealers claim unable to replicate issue despite multiple reports
Brake Booster/Vacuum System Noise
Abnormal squeaking, whistling, or suction sound heard from brakes when pedal is depressed, particularly under hard braking. Sound persists across multiple repair attempts.
When: Variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Air sound or squeaking noise when pressing brake pedal; Loud suction or squeaking sound under hard braking; Sound particularly noticeable during emergency braking
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair shop visits (three cited); fittings and joints checked but issue unresolved; one owner suspects recall-level issue
Front End Clunking Noise During Braking
Clunking or grinding noise from front of vehicle, particularly when releasing parking brake and beginning to drive or when braking. Vehicle front shakes and brake grips intermittently before holding.
When: Variable mileage; one dealer mechanic reported same issue on 2016 Escape
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise in front of vehicle when parking brake released; Front end shakes when braking; Brake grips intermittently, then releases, then holds; Clunking sound during backing or pulling out; Reported three times to dealer; dealer unable to replicate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose or repair despite multiple visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer mechanic aware of issue on 2016 model but Ford has not addressed
Brake Fluid Leaks and Low Levels
Brake fluid reservoir loses fasteners or fluid levels drop unexpectedly. One case involved missing or loose mounting screws; another involved vehicle delivered with no brake fluid.
When: 25,523 miles; one case reported on used vehicle delivery
Symptoms owners cite: Missing brake fluid reservoir mounting screw; Second screw about to fall out; Brake fluid leaking from cap due to reservoir angle; Vehicle delivered with no brake fluid at all
Repairs/costs cited: One case: mounted screw replaced; one case: owner obtained brake fluid from O'Reilly Auto Parts
Rear Brake Rotor Rust and Wear
Rear brake rotors rust and develop deep grooves prematurely. Brake pad wear accelerates due to rough rotor surface. Ford acknowledges this as known issue dating back to 2013 but refuses warranty coverage.
When: 20,000 to 25,000 miles; known to occur since 2013 model year
Symptoms owners cite: Severe rear rotor rust; Deep grooves in rotor surface; Excessive brake pad wear caused by rough rotor surface; Unsafe braking condition
Repairs/costs cited: Ford replaces rotors under warranty but refuses to replace worn pads despite premature wear caused by defective rotors
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledges this is known problem dating back to 2013 model year but manufacturer refuses to address defect or provide full warranty coverage
Unintended Brake Engagement
Brakes engage on their own without driver input, causing vehicle to come to abrupt stop while driving at moderate speed.
When: 123,601 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes engage unintentionally; Vehicle comes to immediate stop without driver action; Engine does not turn off
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; vehicle not reported to manufacturer
Brake Failure Resulting in Collision
Vehicle fails to stop when brake pedal is applied, resulting in collision with parked vehicles.
When: 12,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal pressed but vehicle does not stop; Vehicle crashes into two parked vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to Willis Ford dealer
Electric Parking Brake Safety Limitation
Electric parking brake cannot be manually engaged while vehicle is in motion, eliminating it as emergency brake backup in case of main brake failure. Unlike manual parking brakes, electric system requires vehicle to be stopped before engagement.
When: Design/operational issue affecting all 2017 Escape models
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot engage electric parking brake while moving; No emergency braking alternative if main brake fails
Emergency Brake Self-Engagement
Emergency parking brake engages on its own without driver input, preventing engine start.
When: Variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake sets itself; Car will not start; Multiple attempts required to release brake and drive
ABS Sensor/System Malfunction
ABS sensor light illuminates. May be associated with undercarriage flooding and corrosion.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS sensor light illuminated; Undercarriage rusted from flood exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed; vehicle not repaired
Brake Failure with Oil System Damage
Brake failure occurs simultaneously with catastrophic oil leak from vacuum pump failure or disintegration. Vacuum pump deterioration allows oil to escape, leaving no visual warning to driver.
When: Variable mileage; one case at interstate speed (70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure with zero assist; All oil leaking out of vehicle; Vacuum pump disintegration; No warning lights for oil loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump failure; one case: brakes not improved after front pad installation; warranty expired May 16, 2022
Vehicle Rollaway During Parking
Vehicle moves on its own while parked with brake engaged, resulting in injury to owner.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Car starts moving while parked; Brake was engaged at time of rollaway; Vehicle door knocked owner down and ran over foot and leg
Repairs/costs cited: Owner transported to hospital by EMS
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2017 Ford Escape?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2017 Ford Escape?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 8,900 and 47,475 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,900; a quarter make it past 47,475. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Ford/Escape.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.