Went in to a Ford dealership in garden grove, ca. I was getting a routine oil change and tire rotation. I was told I needed a complete brake overhall. I balked at the suggestion of the Ford associate. I stated "my Escape only has 23,000 miles on it and your telling me it needs new rotors, pads on the front, and shoes and drums in the rear". he looked straight at me and said yes you do. I went home took off the tire and discovered it to be true.. the brakes on my 2002 Escape are worn out after 23,000 miles. What kind of garbage is that. I'm not hard on my brakes either. If I have to replace them again at 43,000 miles I am going to be very pissed off. If it does happen. I will be trading it in, and it won't be for another Ford.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

I purchased a 2002 Ford Escape in June of 2003. I noticed, driving home from the dealership, excessive noise coming from the rear brakes. My initial request for the dealer to look into this noise was met with a reply that the brakes were inspected before the vehicle was put on the lot and checked out fine. The purchase, however, was a couple months after they had done their inspection. The noise continued and gradually grew worse and a couple weeks later they agreed the brakes should be inspected again. Outside of excessive brake dust build up, they indicated the brakes were fine. The noise continued and I again brought the vehicle back in. At this point, the dealership indicated there appeared to be several areas of rough edges and they indicated all brake surfaces had been sanded to remove these imperfections. This process worked for no more than 48 hours before the noice returned, but even louder. I have been dealing with this ever since and it has grown increasingly frustrating, as teh dealership subsequently advised me of the bulletin posted regarding excessive brake dust. I was told by the dealership that a solution was to be in place by Q4 2003 or Q1 2004. I continue to be told there is no remedy yet and I am concerned that this loud annoyance could become a problem with brake function. I drive quite a bit for my work and plan to pull a pop-up camper for a 2-week vacation this summer and I have no interest in putting myself, my family or any one else in jeopardy should there be a more significant undelying problem.

- Woodbury, MN, USA