Just thinking outside the box here... are you sure the message isn't warning you about the front pads that have just reached the wear point ? It's a big coincidence but worth checking just in case.

 

My first thought exactly, so I pulled the front, and even though those pads were <1000 miles and I had done them, which led me to my prior mistake on the rear

 

I have 2020 Ford Transit 250 cargo that I've converted to a Camper Van. When traveling the Dempster HWY, I severed the driver rear sensor cable and got the "Brake Pad Wear Service Now" message on van start-up. I eventually replaced the Rear Left Sensor (I think there are two the other is the right front), and the message went away. However I didn't route the cable through the air bleeder cover, and thus the rotating wheel eventually wore through the new cable to the sensor, and the message came on again after about 1000 mile while driving (no braking, yes I'm a dumbass ). Yet, when I replaced it again, the message stays on, and the pads are fine. I'm at a loss as the prior time simply replacing the sensor cable worked fine. I will say that I had to manhandle the plastic connector, to disconnect the rear sensor cable, but it seems connected and is taped with electrical tape to ensure that it stays connected. However, I've bought a new connector to replace if need.

I would guess you didn't install the second replacement properly.

The wiring diagram appears to show both front and rear sensors are connected in series so any brake (nyuk nyuk nyuk) in the circuit could be a cause.

Here's a thread that I remember taking a picture of the front wire. Dunno if there is anything helpful there. I just think you need to reinstall the sensor/connector/not depend on electrical tape to ensure that it stays connected.

https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/service-brake-pad-warning.88037/

 

So much more convenient having sensors, wires, computers, and displays to tell us our pads are low than the old school "squealer". (Sarcasm)

 

The squealers on the rear brakes of our 2016 Honda Odyssey were not obvious ... I knew the pads were getting close to end of life but figured I would wait until they started making noise. And I was listening for it.

They finally did start making noise, but it was the backing plate on rotor kind of noise (and with the grinding feel through the pedal, there was no mistake about the source).

I'll take the simple implementation that Ford appears to use (circuit opened/closed). If it causes a false positive because it wasn't properly installed I would understand. I wouldn't expect a fuel injector or coil pack to work either if they weren't properly connected.

 

WOW! Didn't know this was a thing. I guess my 2018 did not have this notification as at 95,000 km I had to have a complete rear brake job. $1500

 

Don't think it was until 2020 did my rear brakes on my 19 at 21k.

 

Are you driving down hill all the time? I have 56k or so on my 8500 lb van and still have lots of pad left. Wait, i don't have no stinkin' turbo so im not going very fast when i need to slow down. Carry on.

 

My main route although considered a highway it has plenty of stop lights. I'm rarely on a highway. At 21k I had one rear pad down to metal replaced the front at the same time but didn't do the rotors. At 35k I replaced the rears again. At 42k I replaced the fronts had one pad down to metal. I have a 19 350 MR Ecoboost so I don't have any wear sensors other than "Hey what's that grinding noise"?

I just did my fronts in November and I'm getting a slight grinding noise when coming to the end of a stop. Who knows, they're working fine and right now I'm not even going to bother inspecting the weather sucks.

 

Most of my driving is on the highway and i drive pretty gentle.

Fords decision to elim the squealers on the front pads sux. I get that they want the electronic sensors so they can try and sell u service when ur pads are low (sending that data along w/ everything else about you to the mothership). Im hoping aftermarkets pads will b avail w/ squealers when i eventually need pads.