Recall 25V693 affects 13,451 2020 Ford Escape vehicles for incorrectly made rear brake pads. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 13,451 2020 Escape vehicles under recall 25V693 because incorrectly manufactured rear brake pads can reduce braking if the brake booster malfunctions. That defect can require more pedal force and a longer stopping distance, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake linings on the 2020 Ford Escape are the friction material in the brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, the pads squeeze the brake rotors, and that friction turns vehicle speed into heat so the SUV slows. The brake booster helps add force to the pedal effort, so the system depends on the pad material meeting Ford's friction specification.
On affected Escapes, the brake lining friction is lower than specified. These vehicles also have a brake vacuum booster without a vacuum sensor, a part that helps the system account for changes in brake assist. If the brake booster is not working, the lower-friction lining can leave the vehicle with less brake function and a longer stopping distance than the federal brake standard allows.
There is no warning sign before failure. Ford says there are no warranty or field reports tied to this concern, so owners should not expect a noise, pedal change, or dashboard light before the issue matters.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Ford Escape | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 13,451 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Ford Escape is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced brake function can make the pedal require more force and lengthen stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat braking changes as a reason to slow down, pull over safely, and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Review Ford's owner letter if you received one, then contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the free brake-pad replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 25V693 and Ford recall 21C31 when you call the dealer or Ford customer service.
- Bring the recall notice to the appointment if Ford mailed one to you.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance because reduced brake function can require more pedal force.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Ford technician will replace the front brake pads covered by this recall. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. Ford uses its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related brake pad repair before the recall notice, keep your repair order and payment records so the service desk or Ford customer service can review documented expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 10, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 13, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| October 13, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 13, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 13, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 5, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V693?
Recall 25V693 covers 13,451 2020 Ford Escape vehicles with rear brake pads that were manufactured incorrectly. If the brake booster malfunctions, reduced brake function can require more pedal force and extend stopping distance, increasing crash risk. Ford dealers will replace the front brake pads for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 25V693. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the brake-pad replacement. Reference Ford recall number 21C31 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform safety recall repairs at no cost. Ford dealers will replace the front brake pads free of charge for affected 2020 Escape vehicles, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
Is it safe to drive my 2020 Ford Escape before the recall repair?
The filing does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety concern is reduced brake function if the brake booster malfunctions, which can require more pedal force and extend stopping distance. Confirm your VIN, schedule the free repair, and call a Ford dealer if braking feels abnormal.
What if I bought my Ford Escape used?
The free recall repair still applies. Safety recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2020 Escape is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 25V693 or Ford recall number 21C31.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V693000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V693 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V693000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →