Comments on Just One Point Of View [justonepov.com]: My Ford Escape Hybrid Brake Repair Experience - Th...

Howard (02/10/2012) - See our blog post here [http...

2012-02-10T09:51:57.515-05:00

Howard (02/10/2012) - See our blog post here [http://blog.yagelski.com/2011/07/ford-escape-hybrid-tone-ring-repair-yet.html] about how to perform a tone ring repair on the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Howard here, with an update. I found out that my p...

2012-02-10T05:57:45.903-05:00

Howard here, with an update. I found out that my problem wasn't so severe. Turns out there is a ring on the axel just inside the wheel. This ring looks like a gear. The ABS sensor uses this ring to determine whether or not the wheel is turning. On my FEH, this ring had broken loose from the axel and was spinning freely. I cleaned the ring and the axel of rust and debris and expoyed the ring back in place. My problem has virtually disappeared! And I didn't have to spend $5000! Yay! The only time I get an indication of any problem is when I slow down for a stop sign or light. The aforementioned ring is still missing one tooth (where it broke free) and occasionall this causes the sensor to hiccup. But it's infrequent and I'm used to it. If you have this issue, you might have Ford check out the rings to see if they have broken free and are spinning on the axel like mine was! They will probably charge you through the nose to fix it, but I'm sure it won't be as much as a hydrolic accumulator, $5k!

I have a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid and I was having ...

2012-02-09T17:00:59.040-05:00

I have a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid and I was having similar problems. About 2 weeks ago the ABS and brake light illuminated on dash but brakes still worked, just not like they were supposed to in ABS mode. I took it to local ford dealership mechanic yesterday and this morning he called me with the bad news. I knew it was going to be bad news when the first thing he asked me "was I sitting down"? He said the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit module had to be changed out and that part was $3100. There is no way I am spending that much money on a small part when I could almost buy a new engine for that amount. My plans are to sell the vehile ASAP and lick my wounds. What's sad is besides that it has been a trouble-free vehicle. It has almost 100,000 miles on it. This is what feared me the most out of a hybrid, the money you save on gas is spent on hybrid related mechanical problems such as this.

Anonymous - Whenever you unlock or open the door, ...

2011-12-08T23:13:03.728-05:00

Anonymous - Whenever you unlock or open the door, or switch-on the ignition key, the HCU module tests the brakes by pressurizing the hydraulic system. Four minutes after the key is switched off, the HCU discharges the pressurized fluid back into the master cylinder reservoir. Listen for the hum of the hydraulic pump if you have never noticed before.

Apparently, in the case of your Mariner Hybrid, the failing HCU doesn't just hum... it rattles! I have not heard of this before your comment, and have no idea how long the HCU will last before failure.

Sorry for your misfortune.

My wife and I bought a used 2006 MMH last spring. ...

2011-12-08T13:58:55.132-05:00

My wife and I bought a used 2006 MMH last spring. After noticing that there was a loud rattle coming from under the hood every time we opened a door (car parked and off), I took it to the dealership. They said that the HCU was malfunctioning and that it would eventually stop working= loss of regenerative braking and loss of ABS. Loss of regenerative braking would render the hybrid system useless. Quoted $4,600 to repair. Has anyone else experienced this rattling as if the ABS were being activated? Any idea how long we have until brakes (as designed to work) fail?

Owning a car is not as easy as a car salesman woul...

2011-12-08T04:33:51.532-05:00

Owning a car is not as easy as a car salesman would have you think. I hate to be the one that has to tell this fact to many of those that have posted here. I've had 5 or 6 Fords, and don't have much good to say about their "Service writers". Some good Explorers, some good mechanics, a good FEH, but Ford HQ needs to dump their "service" management system completely. Unfortunately, you cannot trust or believe anything that those guys in the "Service" department that aren't the actual mechanics tell you. They are paid to:
#1- generate department income,
#2- talk,
#3- act like they care,
#4- have you think they know what they're talking about.
They work by shifts and have NO specialties, and may not confer with another "writer" and a mechanic or 2 to be sure that they really understand the problem and address it properly. Unfortunately, if you've got an Escape Hybrid( or MMH or Mazda), YOU have to
#1 - immediately document ANY percieved problem very thoroughly; time, date, fuel level, road conditions, weather conditions, traffic conditions, your vehicle movements, any / all instrument readings and indicators
#2 - continue to thoroughly document your vehicle operation after the problem, until you get it to the service facility.
#3 - go online and find groups and blogs like this and find other instances of your SPECIFIC problem, and corrective measures taken that proved to be proper and effective.
#4 - INSIST that the "service writer" note your observations and suggestions (based on your research) and give them to the mechanic that works on the vehicle.
#5 - INSIST to speak to the mechanic that will perform the repairs (install the replacement parts) before the work is done if there is any doubt about what may be the problem.
#6 - get the name of that mechanic and keep it along with the reciepts for that service. If all goes well, use him again next time you have the vehicle serviced.

Please use this blog or EscapeCity, or GreenHybrid to help others by informing them of your experiences.

Just had the drivers side brake line on our 05 cra...

2011-12-08T02:14:03.134-05:00

Just had the drivers side brake line on our 05 crack and spew fluid. Only 55,000 miles on it. I have a 1995 Chrysler with 139,000 miles that has no problems whatsoever with brake lines. and a 1994 Honda with 150,000miles and never had problem one.
Something is really wrong here. Looks like i'm dumping the escape before I have a problem with the HCU.

I was planning to buy a secondhand Ford Escape Hyb...

2011-11-23T20:10:38.963-05:00

I was planning to buy a secondhand Ford Escape Hybrid 2006 model but based on what I read I'll have second thoughts about buying. I'm glad I read your article and researched before buying.

Anonymous - The failed HCU component is specific t...

2011-11-19T19:50:46.537-05:00

Anonymous - The failed HCU component is specific to the regenerative braking system used with the Escape and Mariner hybrid vehicles. It cannot affect a vehicle with a traditional braking system.

IS THIS ONLY HAPPENING WITH THE HYBRIDS? I WAS PLA...

2011-11-19T19:31:56.062-05:00

IS THIS ONLY HAPPENING WITH THE HYBRIDS?
I WAS PLANNING ON PURCHASING A 2012 FORD ESCAPE IN THE SPRING, BUT NOT A HYBRID, JUST A 4 CYLINDER FORD ESCAPE.

I am having the same problem with my 2006 model. I...

2011-09-09T22:19:32.114-04:00

I am having the same problem with my 2006 model. I was driving and the abs light came on and I started skidding over the road. I nearly hit a van! The abs control module cost 3,125.99 There has to be something I and we can do?

Having the same problem on our 2006 FEH with 101k ...

2011-07-29T12:25:54.915-04:00

Having the same problem on our 2006 FEH with 101k miles. It started with a couple of incidents of "Service Brake System", but the brakes still functioned. I could tell they were not quite right, but the car still stopped ok. Took it to the dealer, who of course recommended the master cylinder and HCU for the bargain price of $5000. I am going to replace just the master cyl and see if that solves it. I got the car back from them and have ordered a master cylinder from an online parts dealer.
5M6Z-2140-B was $500 online vs $900 from the dealer. Installation was $700 from this dealer vs $400 from a dealer 1 town over, so I'll take the part and have the other dealer install. Then we'll see what happens.
While I'm waiting for the part, I have continued to drive the car. Despite the lights, the brakes have always functioned...until last night. It had 2 incidents of no-braking-power; fortunately while I was in a mostly empty parking lot. I rebooted the car a couple of times and it was fine on the drive home. Drove in Low with my hand on the e-brake.

I like the car, but I don't think I can keep a vehicle that needs to be rebooted...

I was holding on to the FEH until ford released the plug-in cmax. Now I'm not so sure about that. If only someone besides VW would bring over some nice diesels!

Experienced the same problem on our 05 FEH. Two li...

2011-07-20T13:34:33.677-04:00

Experienced the same problem on our 05 FEH.
Two lights on, severe brake grabbing problem. Dealer estimates $5200 to fix with vehicle down for a week. Module needs replacement. In my opinion a design flaw, only 80,000 km on clock.

My 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is in for repair as I w...

2011-07-18T16:31:47.491-04:00

My 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is in for repair as I write this for this same issue. I had it in several months ago and complained that the brake pedal would intermittently get stiff and be a little grabby, scaring me more than anything. Then one day the ABS light came on, service brake system message appeared and pedal to the floor to stop. Turned it off and on it was fine. Took it to the dealer and all they did was "reprogram" the brakes and clear the code. Drove it from Ohio to Tennessee and back without a problem until I got home and the original issue reappeared. Then just this past weekend ABS light, warning message, pedal to the floor. Took it to another dealer by my home and they are replacing the master cylinder. I sure hope this fixes the problem. They did say if this doesn't fix it then the HCU and possibly the ABS module may need to be replaced. The latter I think has already been replaced (under warranty). My Escape has about 85,000 miles on it. Thankfully I was going about 35/mph and not on the highway both times the brakes failed.

I'm glad I read this blog! I have been shoppi...

2011-07-06T20:05:04.224-04:00

I'm glad I read this blog! I have been shopping around for an eventual replacement of my manual transmission 1997 Honda Civic DX, which has 296K on it and runs very well (that includes the transmission and engine). My friends keep telling me to buy a Ford Escape Hybrid so braincase will ride higher in my car, out of the way of engine blocks of Ford F350s that could smash my skull. After reading this, I'm not so sure the Escape will solve my problems! What if my Escape brakes fail and I plow into a cute lady in a Honda??!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!! I've got 410 miles left on my ...

2011-06-25T00:34:20.522-04:00

I LOVE YOU!!!!! I've got 410 miles left on my warranty and this happened today. I thought to check online if it was a common problem and I found this. I already felt as though my local ford dealer's service was inadequate so now when they tell me there's nothing wrong with the car, I'll be prepared and know what to tell them.
Thanks you so much!!!

First of all I can't believe anyone would crit...

2011-06-12T04:45:36.457-04:00

First of all I can't believe anyone would criticize you for this article even if you were trying to get Ford to help with a 7k repair bill due to a design defect. I would be doing the same thing and may be if your warnings are correct. My 2005 HEV Escape just gave me the ABS light along with brake service msg and 4x4 Service msg. So far though I have noticed no actual breaking problems. I

My vehicle has less than 65k on it. For the last several weeks it has been sitting in my parent's garage undriven because I had borrowed my dad's F150 for some home repair and spring landscaping projects at my home 150 miles away. This weekend I returned the pickup and started up the Ford Escape. I noticed the rear disks were rusted and as I drove down the driveway heard a rubbing sound coming from the rear right wheel. I stopped at the end of the driveway got out and looked at the rear wheel but could find nothing amiss. Drove a little farther and the noise went away, but shortly thereafter the ABS light came on and the brake and 4x4 service messages appeared. As I am staying for the weekend at my parents farm I have only taken short drives of no more than 20 miles or so round trip. Other than the light and messages the car and brakes appear to operate normally. My wife and 10 yr old daughter are with me and tomorrow (Sunday) i must decide whether to trust the vehicle to get us back to out home 150 miles away. Will follow up on what happens next... thanks for the information

THANK YOU,KEN YEGALSKI! my 2005 has done this and ...

2011-04-18T02:06:54.199-04:00

THANK YOU,KEN YEGALSKI! my 2005 has done this and it just started doing abs light on, service brakes and it also is doing things a person said thier escape is doing now if ford tells me my ex war does not cover this this will be the last ford i ever own! thank you again for this post now i know I'm not crazy. and i will see how much my dealer wants to keep me as a ford owner. and how turthful they will be on this problem.

I just bought a 2006. The light and message came ...

2011-03-28T20:43:53.401-04:00

I just bought a 2006. The light and message came on Monday, the 2nd time I drove it, on the way to work. I stopped at a gas station and it turned off. Next morning, same thing so I checked fluids. Off again on way home. Back on again Wednesday and I made it that night to a service station before they closed (very rural area). The indicators were not on and he could not see anything obvious on preliminary inspection but said to bring in in the morning if the warning was back (and that the 3 days of sloppy, wet, rainy, gravel with frost coming out would not have caused it like I thought.)

Thursday it acted funny on my lane / driveway.
The next curve I found out why, no breaking power even with the pedal to the floor which was extremely stiff and difficult. I finally got it to a stop way past the crazy ride around the curve. I stopped to calm myself and decide if it was possible to get to town. I decided the E-brake seemed to work and proceeded -not to the closest Ford dealer because of some very scary big hills, but instead to the service station who I trust. He was booked a week and a half and he didn't know if his computer had the Hybrid programming to check it. So I had to tow it 63m to my dealer I got it from, thinking at this point they would stand by it or it would be covered by the "drivetrain plus" service agreement I purchased to cover any scary priced repairs that crop up on older cars (it is over 100k mi).

Because it was sold as-is, and Iowa has no lemon law apparently, the plan I purchased sounds like it won't cover it and they offered me a measly 10% off the bill that is about half again what I paid for the car.

What do you do? Cry, through-up, scream...

I got to drive it 4 times. All I can do is thank my lucky stars my kids weren't in the car, there wasn't a car, I wasn't coming down one of the steep and curvy river bluffs on my way to work, or any number of scary scenarios that could have been. The idea break failure has to end in bodily injury and death to deserve a recall is horribly negligent on Ford's part.

I found out this is a serial defect for these because I had repair sticker shock and wanted to do a little research to see if I was being taken, now I find I'm one of many victems of this horrific defect.

I too have a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid. The vehicle...

2011-03-11T14:57:51.743-05:00

I too have a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid. The vehicle had a similiar problem, but I had some extended coverage and most of the cost was covered. However, Ford has diappointed me on a number of issues when it comes to customer service and I informed Ford that I will not be buying Ford products in the future. Right now I have a Chrysler and I am planning to purchase a Toyota Tacoma (I used to have a Ford Ranger XLT). Ford donesn't seem to understand the value of customer relations. I don't expect them to cover costs of all vehicle issues, but mistakes in manufacturing and poor design (later discovered) should be a no brainer. One of my Ford's had a improperly installed transmission. The warranty was over and I aksed the dealer, shouldn't Ford be responsible since it is a clear example of improper installation at manufacturing? The answer was no since it was out of warranty. That still blows my mind. Chris Kelley, Pittsford, NY

Anonymous: We passionately encourage anyone having...

2011-02-21T23:46:04.887-05:00

Anonymous: We passionately encourage anyone having this problem to please file a complaint with the Office of Defects Investigation ("ODI") at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA"). If you have not already done so, you can file a safety complaint at this web site... http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ or by calling the NHTSA Safety Hotline, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153.

Am going through this right now. The ford 'cus...

2011-02-21T22:50:06.431-05:00

Am going through this right now. The ford 'customer relations' people are no help. I have the 100k warranty, as well. It is an absolute scam.

Anonymous: Ford representatives told me no... that...

2011-02-10T18:07:04.499-05:00

Anonymous: Ford representatives told me no... that the HCU is not covered by the warranty. Certainly worth a try on your part. Good luck!

Since Ford has a 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty on ...

2011-02-10T17:26:05.265-05:00

Since Ford has a 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty on Hybrid specific parts, shouldn't it be covered?? I would assume the HCU is hybrid specific??? I am showing symptoms that you have experienced with your escape.

I have had similar problems with Ford's servic...

2010-11-02T23:17:04.072-04:00

I have had similar problems with Ford's service, though in Canada.
My 2005 Escape hybrid has required the following repairs, post-warranty: steering column computer replacement (TSB, but no recall=my cost of over $1000---I was one thousand kms over warranty coverage), coolant pump malfunction, a/c malfunction (necessary fix as the hybrid system requires a/c system), wheel bearings, control arm and ball joint, annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd an ENGINE.
Not only have I had to pay for all of these fully out-of-pocket, I have also discovered that Ford seems to issue recalls that it then forgets. They have no record on their system of recall notices I have received in the past. I have had to read them their recall notices, and they cannot find them.
Never a Ford again. Never.