Ford Recalls 2020 Escape Vehicles for Rear Brake Pad Defect
Ford is recalling 2020 Escape vehicles because incorrectly manufactured rear brake pads may reduce braking performance during a booster malfunction, increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the braking system that increases the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ford Escape vehicles due to a defect in the rear brake pads. The pads may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can reduce brake function if the brake booster malfunctions. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Reduced brake function may require the driver to apply more brake pedal force and extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V922.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD ESCAPE
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Braking System
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 13,451
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- ESCAPE
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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