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moderate Owners of the 2022 Ford Escape have filed 27 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Escape | 18 |
| 2019 Escape | 6 |
| 2020 Escape | 21 |
| 2021 Escape | 36 |
| 2022 Escape (this page) | 27 |
| 2023 Escape | 3 |
Of the 27 brakes complaints filed for the 2022 Ford Escape, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
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.
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 2020-2023 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. This may be due to the suspension sensitivity of the vehicle. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the standard and reinforced rear caliper bushings and apply Kluberpaste to the machined surfaces of the brake caliper and caliper support bracket.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Corsair vehicles may exhibit a condition where the brake service mode is inoperative using the Workshop Manual (WSM) routine and/or Parking Brake Limited Function-Service Required message displayed in the instrumental panel cluster (IPC) after opening the drivers door. This may be due to the software installed in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. To correct this condition, reprogram the ABS module to the latest software available. For claiming, use causal part number 2C219 and the applicable labor operations in Section 02 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2022 Escape vehicles built on 1-Nov-2020 and through 29-Aug-2022 and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles built on or before 23-Sep-2022 may exhibit a moan noise when the vehicle is driven in reverse (R) in cold weather and/or high humidity. This may be due to the suspension sensitivity of the vehicle and interaction of the caliper housing with the pad backplate. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the rear caliper bushings.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2022 Ford Escape brake complaints break into several distinct patterns. Most common is rear brake moaning or grinding specifically in reverse, often within the first few thousand miles. This happens in cold, wet, or humid weather and persists despite multiple dealer visits. Ford issued TSB 23-2308 to address it (replacing caliper springs and pin bushings, sometimes adding brake mufflers), but many vehicles fall outside the TSB scope and get no warranty help.
Excessive black brake dust coating the front wheels shows up as early as 500 miles and doesn't wash off easily. Dealers call it normal and offer no fix. Owners also report loud squealing at low speeds and in reverse—startling enough to raise safety concerns—that returns even after rotor and pad replacement.
Several owners describe needing excessive pedal pressure to stop at highway speeds, with extended stopping distances. One owner reported complete pedal failure (pedal to floor, no braking) that resulted in a crash. These represent real stopping-distance and collision risks.
Multiple dealers have said they can't replicate noise issues or deemed them "normal," despite the problems being documented across many vehicles. No warning lights appear in most cases until critical failures occur.
Same Ford Escape brakes reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021
Abnormal moaning, grinding, or squealing sound from rear brakes specifically when vehicle is in reverse and brake pedal is depressed. Sound intensifies in cold, wet, or humid conditions. Multiple owners report this as a known issue that dealers acknowledge but cannot resolve.
When: In reverse; often occurs early in vehicle ownership (800–27,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud moaning or grinding sound from rear brakes in reverse; Sound worsens in cold, wet, or humid weather; Occurs when brake pedal is depressed while backing up; Sound persists even after dealer service attempts
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 23-2308 addresses this issue (rear caliper spring clips and caliper pin bushing replacement, brake muffler installation), but many vehicles are outside the TSB scope. Repairs attempted include rotor replacement, caliper component replacement, and brake muffler installation, with mixed or no success. Some owners report the 'fix' made brakes worse (pedal engagement issue).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2308 exists for cold-weather moaning in reverse; however, many affected vehicles are not included in the TSB. Ford has indicated this is a known issue on some models but has not expanded recall or warranty coverage to all 2022 Escape units. Manufacturer referred multiple contacts to NHTSA Hotline.
Heavy, persistent black brake dust coating front wheels and rims, sometimes too stubborn to clean with power washing. Occurs very early in vehicle ownership and continues despite brake service.
When: Early ownership; as early as 500–7 miles, continuing through 35,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Black brake dust covering front wheels and rims; Brake dust visible on front driver and passenger sides; Dust persists after power washing; Dust accumulates on rotors and brake pads
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have diagnosed this as normal for the vehicle or claimed no fix is available. No successful repairs documented in narratives. Owners suspect metal content in brake pads as cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated this is 'normal' for this vehicle type with no current fix available. Manufacturer did not provide assistance. One dealer refused to address it as a warranty concern.
Loud, abnormal squealing or squealing sounds from brakes, particularly at low speeds and in reverse. Sound is startling to owners and persists despite multiple dealer visits.
When: Often within first few days of ownership; continues through vehicle use
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, startling squealing sound at low speeds; Squealing when depressing brake pedal; Squealing sounds metal-on-metal in some cases; Noise worsens in wet or humid conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits (up to 3+ times) have not resolved the issue. Repairs attempted include rotor changes and TSB work, but noise persists or worsens. One dealer performed unauthorized oil change during brake service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2308 acknowledged; however, not all vehicles are in-scope. Dealers have stated the issue is a known problem with no remedy available. Manufacturer offered no assistance on out-of-scope vehicles.
Brake pedal requires excessive pressure to stop vehicle, resulting in longer stopping distances. Represents a critical safety concern. Hydraulic system not fully investigated by dealers.
When: At various mileages, including high-speed driving (50 MPH incidents reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires much more force to apply; Extended stopping distance despite applying brake pressure; Pedal needs to be pushed almost to ground in some cases; Brakes feel as if they are wet even when dry; Abrupt, grabby brake engagement followed by loss of braking feel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers inspected brake pads, calipers, and rotors but did not investigate hydraulic braking system or brake lines in one case. No repairs documented as successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in recall on some vehicles. Manufacturer offered no assistance. One contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline.
One reported incident of total brake failure where pedal went to floor, vehicle unable to stop, resulting in crash into house. No warning lights before failure.
When: Unknown mileage; investigation pending at dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal touched the ground with no stopping force; Vehicle unable to stop; No warning lights on dash before or after failure; Resulted in collision with stationary structure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle currently undergoing inspection at Ford dealership; outcome unknown.
Brakes engage abruptly or with a grabbing sensation, often accompanied by loud rubbing or friction-type sounds. Requires owners to pump brakes to achieve full stop.
When: During normal braking and reverse operations
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt, grabby brake engagement; Rough rubbing or friction-type sound during braking; Owner must pump brakes to stop vehicle; Loud moaning sound during grabbing; Occurs when backing up and stopping forward
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented. One owner reports this occurred after dealership attempted TSB repair for moaning noise.
ABS warning light illuminated; dealer diagnosed nondescript failure of entire braking system causing abnormal pad wear.
When: By 800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated on dash; Abnormal sound from rear of vehicle; Brake dust visible on wheels; Abnormal brake pad wear
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired but failure reoccurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case opened. Outcome not documented.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing and depressing the brake pedal, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause for the sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no failure with the rear braking system. The contact was informed that the grinding…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Based on the 27 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 17,429 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.