Ford Escape dashboard indicates 4WD off, hill start assist unavailable, ABS and traction issues, causing skidding when brakes are applied on Ford Escape

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Ford Escape owners report experiencing issues when the dashboard indicates "4WD Off," "Hill Start Assist Unavailable," along with ABS and traction control warnings, which can lead to skidding when brakes are applied. These dashboard warning lights serve as crucial indicators of malfunctioning systems and potential safety threats, and ignoring them may compromise vehicle operation. The persistent illumination of the ABS and traction control lights, combined with messages like "Hill Start Assist Unavailable," often signals underlying problems that require attention. Additionally, some owners may encounter messages such as "4WD Temporarily Unavailable," particularly during tight turns, indicating temporary system unavailability. It is essential for owners to address these warning lights promptly by seeking professional assistance to ensure the vehicle's safety and proper functioning.

1 person reported this problem
0 comments
Schedule Repair

Ford Escape vehicles with this problem

0 model year affected

Search for another problem

RepairPal Car Genius

Ask our experts about your Ford.

RepairPal Car Genius™ is a free resource for vehicle owners seeking advice on maintenance, auto repair, shop inquiries, estimates, and finding a trustworthy repair shop in your area.

 Auto Repair Expert Auto Repair Expert

Call us at 877-913-1554

Available 9am – 6pm ET Monday through Friday

Call Our Experts