# Ford Escape brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 59 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (15) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 59 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Ford Escape (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (15). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Ford Escape brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 1135 | 0% | | 2016 | 9 | 1180 | 1% | | 2017 | 15 | 2701 | 1% | | 2018 | 11 | 1823 | 1% | | 2019 | 1 | 599 | 0% | | 2020 | 6 | 1839 | 0% | | 2021 | 4 | 375 | 1% | | 2022 | 8 | 388 | 2% | | 2023 | 1 | 139 | 1% | | 2024 | 1 | 89 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ford Escape recalls related to the brake warning light **[25V693000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V693000)** (2020 models, reported 2025-10-11): 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. **[21V922000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V922000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2021-11-24): 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. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the front brake pads, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2022. **[18V104000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V104000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-02-12): A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Escape owners report - "While driving down the interstate at 60mph, screen displayed two error messages: "parking brake function limited" and "collision assistance unavailable." I completely lost brake function for ~10 seconds. Only didn't crash because no one was stopped ahead of me. Took to dealership who "couldn't replicate" the issue,..." -- owner of a 2024 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2025 - "There are messages for "Service AdvanceTrac" and "Park brake limited function, Service required" in the instrument panel each of the three occurrences." -- owner of a 2023 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2024 - "The only warning I had was the brakes squealed when I backed out of a parking place prior to the event. The vehicle is currently at Moberly Motor Company in Moberly, MO awaiting parts for repair." -- owner of a 2022 Ford Escape, complaint filed 2022 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Escape brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (25V693000, 21V922000, 18V104000) covering 2018-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Escape years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Escape model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 15 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Escape with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Ford Escape has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ford Escape warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-escape): 23 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-escape): 27 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-escape): 27 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-escape): 1520 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-escape): 19 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-escape): 178 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ford-escape): 36 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-escape): 57 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Ford Escape - [Ford Escape specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-escape) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-escape Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.