Brake failure. In one short distance, both front flexible hoses carrying brake fluid ruptured totally losing brake response. Car was brought under control by other means. We could have been killed in a varied circumstance. It was necessary to have the car towed for repairs.

- Jackson, MI, USA

My vehicle's emergency brake has never prevented my vehicle from moving forward under power. It doesn't hold on a hill. If you take your foot off the brake pedal after applying the emergency brake, the vehicle will lurch forward making a grating sound. Having the vehicle in park position on the gear shift is what holds the vehicle on a hill. I have had brakes checked at the dealer a number of times and they tell me that this the nature of the beast. I recently had my differential replaced to remove a howling sound in the rear of my vehicle after having the parking brake adjusted.(cost 3000 dollars) sound has diminished but not disappeared altogether. Now I wonder if the differential needed replacement. Also when the dealer did this repair, they told me that I had my right rear emergency brake pad missing and that they could replace it for an additional $300. I have not replaced it yet.

- Cama, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the rear windshield detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and the contact noticed that the hinges for the windshield were broken. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. The contact repaired the vehicle himself. The contact also stated that while driving 40 mph in snowy conditions, he applied to brakes and the anti lock brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

- Chesterfield, NJ, USA

The ABS ring (tone ring according to Ford) on the front right axle fractured during driving. This sent a false signal to the processor and applied the ABS while the vehicle was travelling at highway speeds. This extended the braking distance to an unsafe and unpredictable length on dry pavement. Two months after the first incident and replacement of the front right ring the front left ring broke again setting off the ABS at an unpredictable time.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While the contact was driving approximately 5 mph, the brake pedal began to pulsate excessively when pressure was applied. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The ABS sending unit was replaced; however the failure continued to occur after the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 46,200. Updated 07/08/11 updated 3/16/12

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

2006 Ford Escape XLT, C/O left front ABS (anti lock braking system) tone ring failure... at 94,782 miles on my odo my left front ABS tone ring broke completely in-half causing a ABS sensor failure and the brakes became temporarily semi-unresponsive for a few seconds ( 3-5 seconds ) when I pressed on the brakes to stop the car. Braking was greatly reduced as if the car thought I was sliding on ice or snow. After the system detected failure ( 3-5 seconds) the ABS light came on in my dashboard and the ABS system seemed to be deactivated by the car. When I got home and took the left front wheel off and inspected my brakes and ABS sensor, I noticed the left front ABS tone ring was completely rusted, free spinning loosely around the axle and was broken completely on one end. I went onto google and researched this problem and found that many other people have encountered the same problems on their Ford Escapes. I would like this to be investigated as I think that perhaps the ABS tone rings Ford used are faulty and could pose a danger to motorist by causing significant loss of braking ability over a few seconds as direct result of the ABS tone ring failure. The ABS tone ring is replaceable by Ford or you can buy the part at a parts store. Repair does involve removing part of the axle, so it is best done by a mechanic or trained professional.

- Lawrenceburg, KY, USA

I was driving home from work, going about 35 mph when I felt my car start to slid like it was on ice even though the pavement was dry. My ABS light and my service 4WD light came on. I had a very hard time getting home because the brakes were failing. I came home googled it and realized that it was my tone ring and that it was a common problem. Sure enough next day took it to a Ford dealership and that's what it was. The problem dates back to 2000 Ford Escapes and as recent as 2010 Ford Escapes. The mechanic at the dealership advised me that the ring could snap just from turning a corner. I don't know why Ford isn't being required to fix this issue. Why are the being allowed to put this same product in the vehicle year after year knowing its inferior. When the ring breaks it makes it very hard to stop the car which is a huge safety hazard.

- Danville, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 50 mph, the ABS light and four wheel drive light suddenly illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and parked. Upon restarting the vehicle, the contact noticed that none of the lights were illuminated; however, after driving approximately 4 miles, the lights illuminated again. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was 70,683 and the current mileage was 70,890.

- New Boston, NH, USA

I own a 2006 Ford Escape. It has 70,683 miles on it. I was driving on the highway (50 mph) and noticed the ABS light on and the 4WD light was flashing. This has occurred twice in the last two days. The first occurrence, I added brake fluid and the lights went out. This happened again two days later on the highway and around the same rate of speed..

- New Boston, NH, USA

The 05-06 Ford Escapes have a major failure in their braking and axle system. I bought a new Escape in 2006 in less then two years the ABS light came after replacing the front brake pads. I took the car to a mechanic and he stated that the front axle has "teeth" on it that easily break off and therefore disengaging the ABS system. On a daily basis the breaks "thump" like they are not able to stop the vehicle, this happens at any speed, even while trying to pull into a parking spot. This has not caused any accidents but we never know if the brakes are going to work they are suppose to. My vehicle was past its warranty when this problem first occurred, and now I have to pay for the replacement of the entire front axle because a engineering malfunction. The mechanic stated that Ford is aware of the problem but they refuse to place a recall on the parts. I inquired about fixing the problem, he stated that the parts, which again is the entire front axle, is on back order for around 5 months and the cost is around $1500.I have also talked to several people who own Ford Escapes and they have the same issue. If Ford is aware of the problem and they know there is a problem because of the lack of front axles why hasn't this constituted a recall or at least a safety investigation.

- Brunswick, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving approximately between 25-35 mph on normal conditions; the brake warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. In an attempt to apply pressure to the brake pedal there was a grinding noise followed by a low power response. The warning indicator light remained illuminated until the engine was turned off and the four wheel drive light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to drive with caution. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 104,000. The VIN number was unavailable.

- Jamestown, NY, USA

Upon purchase rumbling was felt while braking. The fuccillo car dealer mechanic said that it was the 4WD kicking in. This problem continued and once the 90 day warranty was up their story changed. The ABS light came on and the tone ring needed to be replaced. He said they have had many of these and be looking for a recall. This is definitely a safety issue as the brakes begin to clang and bang without warning.

- Auburn, NY, USA

- the contact owns a 2006 Ford Escape. While driving at 15 mph the contact heard a popping noise when she depressed the brakes and noticed that the brake light illuminated. She had to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated that the wiring harness should be replaced. The dealer changed the wiring harness. However, six months later the contact experienced the same problem. The dealer was inspecting the vehicle to determine the reason for the most recent failure. The current mileage was 16,900 miles. Consumer has included multiple invoices stating brake system went out. The dealer performed multi point inspection and performed the various tasks: Reinstalled side front panel, replaced harness, alignment of front end and rear, replace upper strut bearing and bushing, bled brake system. Update/16tr the ABS light and brake light illuminated.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

I purchased a 2006 Escape hybrid on April 9th & immediately it had brake failure problems - essentially no brakes. It has been at dealership since April 10th. They claimed it was fixed on April 22 & when I went to get it, same problem happened in test drive. They have no idea what else is wrong. They replaced the brake sensor, but obviously that didn't resolve the problem. This is a major safety issue especially in South Florida, where the ability to properly brake is highly essential.

- Miami, FL, USA