Braking system defects in Ford Escape hybrid 2006. The brakes fail, multiple trips to the dealership have not resolved the problem. The problem has gotten worse.

- Palouse, WA, USA

Catastrophic brake failure causing property damage and damage to car. We have taken our vehicle to a Ford dealership twice in past year to find out why our brakes "catch" causing a momentary loss of braking. They told us both times that they couldn't find any problem and sent us out without an answer or fix. Then yesterday what we feared finally happened; during braking the brake pedal suddenly went to the floor and the brakes failed causing the vehicle to plow into a garage door. The car is back at the dealership now and even during drop-off they told us that this couldn't happen and that we were mistaken.

- Bellingham, WA, USA

I am the owner of a 2006 Ford Escape hybrid and have had at least four experiences of malfunctioning speed sensors. They have given me concern about the safety of the vehicle and caused me inconvenience and expenses for repair. The typical incident involves a malfunctioning of the ABS and 4X4 systems, with warning lamps lighting up indicating that there is a danger of skidding and loss of vehicle control. In three instances I had the problem diagnosed and repaired by Ford dealers, who reported: "found rear wheel speed sensor to be faulty" (Jan. 08); "replaced the failed right rear wheel speed sensor" (Sept. 08); "inspected the sensor at the right front wheel and found the tone ring on the axle cracked. Needs new axle" (Aug. 09). Two of these were done on warranty; the third cost $344.95. All dealers have given assurances that even with warning lights indicating problems as described it was "safe" to continue driving the car until repairs can be made. On March 7 and 8, 2010, while on a trip away from home, the same symptoms occurred again. Given earlier assurances by dealers, I continued on my trip ignoring as best as possible the warning lights, popping sounds of the 4X4, and occasional shuddering of the ABS system. Surprisingly, after some highway driving (perhaps 50 miles) the warning signals stopped lighting up and the car seemed to handle fairly normally. Now, a few days later, the car continues to operate without signs of malfunction, but it remains unclear whether the problem "fixed itself" or the computer-controlled read-outs have ceased functioning, thereby disguising the possible persistence of the underlying problem. I have not had any accidents as a result of these problems, but it is extremely disconcerting to have to worry about what may be an inherently faulty design that may compromise the safety of this vehicle despite assurances to the contrary given by dealers.

- Nantucket, MA, USA

We own a 2006 Ford Escape hybrid 4WD. It has approx. 56,000 miles on it. The ABS system failed on it in Dec. The Ford dealership in our area came back with an estimate of $6000 for repair secondary to a failure in the hydraulic control unit computer which controls the ABS system. The part itself is $4300. We contacted Ford whose response was that we should have bought the extended warranty. The dealer then contacted Ford directly and Ford agreed to take $1000 off the part cost which brought our repair down to $5000. Our non-Ford mechanic was able to purchase a used part for $350, install it then take it to Ford to reflash the computer components. Ford came back to us after about a week and said they could not reflash the system because those components could only be programmed once on the initial build. We would be forced to purchase a new part from Ford who then are also the only ones who possess the software to get the vehicles working again. I looked online and would be able to purchase the part for $2300 but could only have a Ford dealer do the remainder of the work to get the computer system to work. Not sure if any Ford dealership would allow us to bring in our own part we purchased off the internet if we were to purchase the cheaper part. In addition, it turns out Ford is requiring parts dealers to return the used part to Ford after purchasing the new part. Ford then remanufactures the part (which they got for free from the consumer) and resells it as a new part for $4300 to some other unsuspecting hybrid owner. Since our car is undriveable without the repair, it feels like Ford is grossly taking advantage of the circumstances in situations such as these to unfairly gouge their customers. Part # 7M6Z2C286B.

- Colbert, WA, USA

Brake system on 2006 Ford hybrid escape. Replaced brakes at reputable shop near home 11/17/09 as ABS light was on and 55,000 miles on car. Shop informed me ABS light still on so they put car on computer and found it to be the sensor on the brake axle. They unfortunately could not help me as Ford does not allow access to necessary components to fix system until car is 5 yrs.old and was told they tried to put a new static ring on and it might work. If light comes on again take to dealer. 2 wks later ABS light on as well as red brake light so took car to willowbrook Ford dealer. They informed me the part to replace is $4300 without labor. This seems criminal for a part to cost that much as the car is only a 2006. I haven't even finished paying for the car. They told me I should of gotten the extended warranty and I told them they should make a better product. I expect a new car to last longer than 3 yrs. As it stands today they are trying to disconnect the ABS system but I am not sure of the safety of the car. If they cannot do that I will be forced to pay the price for this outrageous part. Are there any other complaints about the safety of the 2006 Ford Escape hybrid?

- Lemont, IL, USA

Catastropic failure of the brakes.

- Saint Cloud, FL, USA

ABS dash light flashes intermittently when braking, noise and clunking from front of vehicle as well as jerking. ABS tone ring failure after original part failure was corrected (replaced axles) on both front axles. Parts failed again on one axle.

- Saunderstown, RI, USA