Ford Escape Quiz
Brakes

Brakes - Troubleshooting

In this manual: Brakes
Introduction — 1Symbol Glossary — 1Data Privacy — 7At a Glance — 1Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 9Personal Safety System™ — 1Airbags — 8Pedestrian Warning System. 911 Assist — 1Keys and Remote Controls — 8MyKey™ — 5Doors & Locks — 5Keyless Entry — 6Easy Entry and Exit — 1Liftgate - Vehicles With: Manual Liftgate — 3Liftgate - Vehicles With: Power Liftgate — 6Safety — 4Steering Wheel — 1Wipers and Washers — 7Exterior Lighting — 8Interior Lighting — 4Windows — 3Interior Mirror — 1Exterior Mirrors — 1Sunroof (if equipped) — 4Instrument Cluster — 16Instrument Cluster Display — 14Trip Computer — 3Head-Up Display (If Equipped) — 1Remote Start — 5Climate Control — 7Cabin Air Quality — 1Front Seats — 5Rear Seats — 1Rear Seat Reminder — 1Memory Function — 1Garage Door Opener — 7USB Ports — 3Power Point - Vehicles With: 12V Outlet — 1Wireless Accessory Charger — 1Storage — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 9Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information — 6Auto Start-Stop — 1Fuel and Refueling — 10Catalytic Converter — 1High-Voltage Battery — 1Charging Your Vehicle – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) — 7Automatic Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive — 1Brakes — 4Electric parking brake — 1Hill Start Assist — 1Auto Hold — 1Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Steering — 1Park Aid — 7Rearview Camera — 1Active Park Assist — 5Cruise Control — 1Adaptive Cruise Control — 10Drive Mode Control — 5Lane Keeping System — 6Blind Spot Information System — 5Cross-Traffic Alert — 5Pre-Collision Assist — 9Driver Alert — 4Traffic Sign Recognition — 4Loading — 6Cargo Area — 1Trailer Hitch Connection — 3Towing a Trailer — 4Trailer Sway Control — 1Driving Tips — 4Breakdown and Emergency Information — 7Towing Your Vehicle — 4Fuses — 4Maintenance — 14Vehicle Care — 5Body Styling Kits — 1Storing Your Vehicle — 1Wheels and Tires Information — 6Tire Care — 4Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit — 8Tire Pressure Monitoring System — 4Road Wheel Replacement — 1Capacities and Specifications — 16Vehicle Identification — 1Connected Vehicle — 4Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 8SYNC™ (if equipped) — 9SYNC™ 3 (if equipped) — 41Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 4Customer Information — 23Appendices — 3
~1min read

Brakes - Warning Lamps

Ford Escape. Brakes – TroubleshootingIf the ABS indicator illuminates while you are driving, this indicates a malfunction. Your vehicle continues to brake normally without the anti-lock brake function. Contact an authorized dealer.

It also illuminates briefly when you turn the ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate when you turn the ignition on, or flashes at any time, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

Ford Escape. Brakes – TroubleshootingThe brake indicator illuminates briefly when you turn the ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional. It may also illuminate when you apply the parking brake and the ignition is on. If it illuminates while your vehicle is moving, make sure the parking brake is released. If the parking brake is released, this indicates a low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction. See an authorized dealer.

Brakes - Frequently Asked Questions

Is brake dust on the wheels normal?

Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels even under normal driving conditions. Some dust is unavoidable because the brakes wear and it does not affect brake noise.

Will wet driving conditions affect my braking performance?

Wet brakes reduce braking effectiveness. Lightly press the brake pedal several times when driving through a car wash or standing water to dry the brakes.

Is brake noise considered normal?

Occasional brake noise is normal. If metal-to-metal grinding or continuous squealing is present, the brake pads may be worn and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle constantly vibrates or the steering wheel shudders when braking, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer.

When should the brake fluid be replaced?

Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which reduces brake fluid effectiveness. Replace the brake fluid at specified intervals to prevent degradation of braking performance.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.