VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford Escape brakes problems

The 2020 Ford Escape has 43 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 2% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

43

Brakes complaints

2%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Related recalls

25V693000BrakesOctober 10, 2025 · 13,451 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Escape vehicles. The rear brake pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function in the event of a brake booster malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Reduced brake function can require the driver 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 on November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C31. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 13, 2025. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2020 Ford Escape have?

NHTSA has 43 complaints about the 2020 Ford Escape brakes — 2% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Ford Escape brakes?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 25V693000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.