My daughter's '03 Escape often feels like the brakes are engaged. When you take your foot off the gas, the car comes to a stop. Yesterday, when I started it, it would barely move, I had to depress the gas more than usual and it felt like something holding it back. I drove it for a 1/2 block or so and tapped the brake pedal quickly and it started moving freely again. Any ideas?

 

Are we sure the brake pedal is returning all the way up?

 

Yes, the brake pedal is up. I just checked the brakes visually, without taking the tires off and the front right rotor is badly worn -- I'm sure it's that brake that's sticking. I just have to figure out why. I jiust ordered new rotors and pads.

 

There could be 2 reasons,
One- the caliper slide pins/bolts are corroded and sticking
Two-The brake hose for that caliper has developed a flap inside and is restricting the return flow of fluid to the master cyl, hose replacement is the fix.
Let us know how you make out with your work.

 

My Mom's 05 Ford Escape did the same thing with the brakes locking up and it turned out to be a collapsed brake hose.

 

One way you might confirm if it is the hose,( IF YOU CAN,, SOMETIMES RUSTED IN PLACE) loosen the bleeder screw, if that relieves the pressure , pretty good chance hose has a problem.