Ford Recalls 115,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs Due To Brake Problems

Ford will recall nearly 115,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs from the 2021 and 2022 model years due to a potential reduction in power brake performance caused by the rear brake lining.

Ford stated that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries as a result of this issue.

The problem, according to the NHTSA, is that the friction coefficient of the rear brake-caliper linings is below specification.

According to the NHTSA chronology, the agency performed a stopping-distance test compliance check on the 2021 Bronco Sport.

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It discovered that when the brake power assist device was not working, it took over 192 meters (630 feet) to stop, compared to the nationally mandated distance of 168 meters (551 feet).

According to Ford, internal certification testing conducted in December 2018 resulted in a stopping distance of little under 150 meters (492 feet). When Ford re-tested a vehicle under the same conditions, it discovered that it took nearly 178 seconds.

“In certain cases, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be increased, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA said to Ford in a letter.

Because the Escape 2021–2022 employs the same brake system as the Bronco Sport, the NHTSA compliance test also applies to that vehicle. Because this problem only affects cars produced without a vacuum sensor in the brake vacuum booster, not all 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sports and Escapes are being recalled.

When a car has a vacuum sensor, the braking system can detect a booster malfunction and the ABS module can compensate for the excessive friction. The NHTSA stated that any Bronco Sport or Escape SUV equipped with an electronic brake booster “is not affected by this concern because they have higher system pressures if the booster malfunctions.”

Between January 27 and November 11, 2021, the potentially problematic brakes were placed on 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sport SUVs, whereas the afflicted Escapes were constructed between December 14, 2020, and October 26, 2021. Ford stated that it is still validating the entire number of affected vehicles, which is now 114,996 in the United States. This figure comprises 65,429 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles and 12 2022 versions, as well as 49,553 2021 Escapes and two 2022 Escapes.

According to Automotive News, the brake linings were supplied by Continental’s Mexican subsidiary, Continental Automotive Mexicana.

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