Service Brakes Problems of Ford F-150 - part 1

There was no incident. Ford announced the recall in may with no remedy until August. I had to rent a truck to pull a trailer to [xxx] from [xxx]. They said there was no compensation as there was no "stop driving" notice on the recall but it stated the the vehicle could abruptly slow down /downshift increasing the risk of a crash. Wanted to go on record that compensation should be covered by Ford as this was a considerable safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2016 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the message "brake fluid level low" was displayed. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work properly. The contact drove to walmart and purchased brake fluid to add to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact added more brake fluid, but the failure recurred, and the engine made a knocking sound with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 22v150000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 114,089.

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The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the brake system malfunction message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle drove onto a hilly grass embankment before coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while loading the vehicle with motorcycles for an event. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,500.

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Brake master cylinder failed at only 98000 miles.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford F-150 🔎.

Right front brake continuously freezes up making impossible to drive safely. Abs does not show any default or warnings. Truck shakes all over. Had rotors, calibers, and brake pads replied, but right side brake continues to freeze up. Brake lines checked and show no signs of collapse.

While driving, brakes pushed to floor, and vehicle alarm beeped showing low brake fluid sensor had tripped. Brakes not working properly, pedal goes to floor, brake fluid added to refill and fluid emptied out of master cylinder reservior two more times, vehicle inoperable to drive with no brake pressure. Open safety recalls for Ford f150 models 2013-2014 #16s24, and for f150 models 2014-2017 #20s31, both specifically for the 3. 5lv6 ecoboost engine, which I have, but Ford is saying that mine is not covered for the same brake master cylinder / brake booster issue.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford F-150 🔎.

I went to start my truck and the brake went all the way to the floor. I had no braking power and it had to be towed back home over an hour away. There is a recall on 2016 Ford f150 with the 3. 5 eco boost engine which I have. This recall involves a seal in the master cylinder failing and losing braking power and affecting the brake booster. Referencing recall 20s31. I went to Ford and they told me the recall did not apply to this specific truck due to a different batch of parts. This truck is now having the exact problem as the specific ones which have already been recalled. I believe the recall should be expanded. This occurred shortly after driving an hour in the rain with my kid in the back. It could have easily killed us on the highway with no brakes. We had no idea this recall was in effect. It’s the last time I’m buying a Ford. I want to feel safe with my kids in the back and Ford does not seem to care.

1. Vehicle sat in a storage unit for 2 weeks. Battery registered adequate voltage when picking up vehicle 2. Started vehicle, engaged 4 auto due to rain 3. Drove 16 miles in light to moderate rain at speeds of 30-60mph 4. Made multiple stops at stoplight in town. When waiting at a red light, my foot was on the brake pedal for about 20 seconds, the pedal then jolted up a small amount. The dash immediately displayed several warning lights and messages: antilock brake fault, antilock brake system fault, powertrain malfunction/reduced power fault, electronic parking brake fault, hill start assist fault, precollision assist fault, service advance trac warning, advanced front lighting features fault. 5. The light turned green and I proceed to the next light to turn off the main road and park in a neighborhood to call a tow truck. 6. In the process of slowing down for the turn, I applied pressure to the brake pedal, and it went to the floor with no resistance. Brakes were 95% gone. 7. Luckily there were no cars or pedestrians in front of me and I was moving under 30 mph. This could have been catastrophic! I was able to use the transmission to downshift to slow the truck down. I was also able to apply extreme pressure to the brake pedal to barely slow the truck. When pressing hard on the brake pedal, I could here one or both of the rear tires sporadically screech, as if they locked up a small amount. 8. Finally was able to pull into a neighborhood and call a tow truck to bring truck to dealership. 9. When turning vehicle on to load onto tow truck. The vehicle started as no normal, with no warning lights and normal brake operation. Awaiting further diagnosis from dealer. 10. I have lost all trust in this vehicle if the brake sporadically give out without warning. Luckily this did not happen while going 80mph on the highway and needing to make an emergency stop. Or while offroading on a shelf road with a 100 foot cliff on the side. Easily could be dead due to this failure.

While engaging my brakes at a traffic light, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Once I was able to safely park the vehicle (because there was no brake function), I inspected around the tires, brake fluid, and brake calipers. I noticed a puddling of brake fluid around the front passenger tire. Upon removing the tire, and inspecting this brake hose, I noticed the brake hose was visibly ruptured. I went to a local Ford dealership to purchase the replacement part, and fix this issue.

On July 24. 2026 I lost all brakes in my 2016 Ford F-150 while towing a fishing boat. I had just decended a steep grade on a busy downtown street when I received an alert that I was low on brake fluid. The next pump of the brake went to the floor. I received an audible alarm. Had this occured on the steep grade, this could have been a very serious accident. I understand the loss of brakes was due to failure of the master cylinder just and as described by the open recall on my vehicle. I added a quart of brake fluid to an empty resevoir, tried to pump the brakes up and the fluid vanished. I could not find any evidence of a leak. Clearly the fluid is in the brake booster, which is also replaced under this recall. I had the vehicle delivered to the closest dealership, pierre Ford of lynnwood on Monday the 27th. The service advisor tod me he would need ot for two days. Four days later, the advisor text me to report that parts are not available, and that he would let me know when they were. I asked him to make sure that a vor report had been submitted so that my repair repair parts could be expidited by Ford corporate. He assured me the vor had been placed. Today, on July 31, I called customer care who verified my recall eligability, and also informed me that no vor had been requested against my VIN. I have found genuine Ford parts for the repair of my vehicle in many Ford facilities in the nation. I dont feel that Ford is working very hard to get my only vehicle back on the road.

Sudden and catastrophic master cylinder failure. Complete loss of brakes at speed.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's tire was flat. The vehicle was driven to a nearby church parking lot. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an abnormal speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while making a right turn. The vehicle was driven to the residence and inspected. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side tire had been rubbing against the brake line bracket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 49,270.

Brakes seem to be staying engaged when driving this has been for about 1 yr. Now all of a sudden, my truck wouldn't stop. Thankfully, I was pulling in to my own driveway, but now I'm not sure what to do about the situation. I jave seen a lot of complaints on 2013 f150 with ecoboost 3. 5l and I don't think it's right that only certain vins are recalled when obviously a lot of others should be included.

Purchased new vehicle may 2024 primarily for towing my recreational vehicle (2024 Ford f150 pickup). June 2024 took vehicle to dealership indicating that I was intermittently getting a "trailer disconnect" warning while driving (loss of trailer brakes, lights etc. ). Dealer indicated no issue found. Subsequently returned to dealership on 6 other occasions over 2 years after continuing to experience the failure. Replaced 7 pin connector on trailer and dealer has replaced the 7 pin on vehicle and trailer control module (tcm) but problem persists. Early 2026 dealership performed a recall on tcm software - did not resolve the issue (vehicle intermittently indicates the trailer is disconnected while driving or manually activating the trailer brakes). Issue seems to occur typical on startup after several hours of driving with a trailer (heat related), and every time activate the trailer brakes manually. I get a "trailer disconnect" warning by activating the manual trailer brake even without a trailer attached. Working with Ford customer service team and the dealership for 7 days, no solution was discovered. The dealership indicated (in writing) that it is normal operation to disconnect the trailer when the tcm is activated manually (while driving or stopped).

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I had two very serious incidents. July 8th: horn just started blaring unprompted. Locking/unlocking doors, turning motor on, disconnecting battery did nothing to stop it. I was trying everything and as I was trying to find the correct fuse to disable (it wasn't labeled), the horn burned out and started smoldering. If the car was not in my driveway and I wasn't home, I believe a fire would have started if I didn't pull the fuse and douse it with water. It was parked next to my garage, so that would have been at risk as well. July 11th: when driving, my brake line burst resulting in a complete failure of my brakes. I narrowly escaped two accidents before I realized something was amiss. But the only warning was abs was inactive, and active cruise control wasn't working. I had no warning that complete brake failure was imminent. I was extremely lucky. Mechanics had never seen a brake failure fail in a relatively new car in very good condition.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford F-150 🔎.

The master cylinder has failed causing the brakes to fail similar to a previous recall 25s37.

Driving approximately 20 miles an hour, gently applying the brake as I was approaching a stoplight when the brake suddenly engaged forcefully causing the car to jerk to a stop unexpectedly. There was a warning across the dash that said " forward collision is not available" and that disappeared. A local dealership said this was an abs issue and reprogrammed it.

What happened: on [early July 2026], while towing a cargo trailer at low speed, the electric parking brake engaged unexpectedly. The brake continued to engage repeatedly throughout the duration of travel. Eventually, the parking brake circuit lost power entirely, which is when the repeated engagement stopped. What component failed? the rear axle wiring harness (part of recall 23s35). The harness had chafed against the rear axle housing, causing an electrical short that resulted in repeated unintended parking brake activation. The short eventually compromised the entire circuit, causing loss of power to the brake. How was safety put at risk? a towing vehicle with an unexpectedly engaged parking brake creates immediate risk of loss of control, especially while actively towing cargo. The repeated activations while operating the vehicle could have caused the trailer to jackknife or the truck to slide. This malfunction occurred despite a prior recall repair performed in quebec under the same recall number (23s35). Confirmation: both north star Ford duluth and benna Ford duluth confirmed the diagnosis. Ford canada opened a claim acknowledging the failed recall repair.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford F-150 🔎.

On July 6th, I was in my 2016 Ford F-150 at a stoplight after driving 200 miles in mountainous roads when my brake pedal got soft and went to the floor. I immediately shifted into neutral and waited for the light to turn so I could ease into a parking lot. Once parked, I noticed fluid on the ground and on the inside of my front passenger tire. I called for a tow and had it sent to a local repair shop. The repair shop told me that the right front brake line failed causing loss of brake fluid. The cost of the repair was $495. 00. When I called the local Ford dealership they told me that they could schedule me for July 31, 2026. I had the local repair shop do the repair. I did not have a brake fluid warning light come on while I was in the truck. My truck has 95,262 miles on it at the time of this incident.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle rolled to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a leaking brake cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake cylinder was leaking onto the brake booster. The contact was informed that the brake cylinder, the brake booster, and the brake fluid reservoir needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Made a complete stop and vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and could not stop.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford F-150 🔎.

Nhtsa / center for auto safety formal complaint vehicle information: * year / make / model: 2014 Ford F-150 * component category: service brakes, hydraulic / anti-lock brake system (abs) * affected part: abs hydraulic control unit (hcu) / valve assembly (part # dl3z-2c215-a / dl3z-2c215-c) incident / issue summary: I am reporting a critical safety concern involving a failure of the anti-lock brake system hydraulic control unit (hcu) on my 2014 Ford F-150, combined with an indefinite manufacturer supply chain failure that renders the vehicle unable to be repaired to safe operating standards. The electronic abs control module on my vehicle was inspected and rebuilt to functional specification; however, diagnostic testing confirmed that the internal mechanical/solenoid valves within the hydraulic control unit (hcu) assembly are stuck/failing. This internal valve failure disables key safety features, including anti-lock braking (abs), electronic stability control (advancetrac), and traction control. Upon attempting to purchase an original equipment manufacturer (oem) replacement hcu assembly through Ford motor company and authorized dealerships, I was informed that the critical safety part is on an indefinite nationwide backorder with no estimated delivery date (eta). Safety risk & regulatory impact: 1. Loss of safety features: without a functional hcu assembly, the vehicle operates without active abs or advancetrac traction/stability control, significantly increasing the risk of wheel lockup, vehicle skidding, and loss of directional control during emergency stopping or adverse weather conditions. 2. Unavailability of safe parts: due to high failure rates across 2009–2014 F-150 models, the replacement supply chain is completely exhausted. Independent repair facilities refuse to install unverified, used, or salvaged junkyard units due to severe liability and safety risks. 3. Indefinite stranding / unsafe driving: owners are forced to either leave their primary vehicle.

The vehicle has a documented, active transmission failure code p0720 relating to recall 26s28 (NHTSA campaign 26v237). Per pages 3 and 4 of Ford's official part 573 safety recall report, dealers are explicitly required to bypass the software wait and replace the physical lead frame hardware if a vehicle exhibits this code prior to the software's release. The local franchise dealership (mccombs Ford west in san antonio, TX) and Ford corporate customer relations are both actively refusing to honor this hardware safety remedy directive, forcing the vehicle to be grounded on the dealer lot due to the severe risk of high-speed rear-wheel lockup, while denying mandated alternative transportation support. Furthermore, the dealership has failed to execute the safety remedy for open brake master cylinder recall 20s31 (NHTSA campaign 20v332000), which presents an immediate risk of a sudden loss of braking pressure.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford F-150 🔎.

The brakes on my Ford f150 failed and I took it to a shop and found out that the master cylinder had failed and all the brake fluid was being pumped into the brake booster. I had the master cylinder and the booster replaced for $ 926. 00 dollars. There was a recall for this problem but it ended with trucks that were made thru August 31,2013 my truck was made September 12 ,2013 only 12 days after the recall ended. My truck experienced the same failure as the trucks that were recalled.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v236000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted several times, and the contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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Issues with my 2025 f150 tremor when I applied my brakes firmly, really not that hard ( not hard enough to skid) my truck locked into park and I wasn’t even able to put it back into a gear with a flashing message! couldn’t get it back into gear for about 30 sec to 60 sec until a message stopped flashing. Had this happened in traffic or on a freeway this could have been really bad especially in traffic. Very dangerous!.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford F-150 🔎.

This truck that I have purchased from palm coast Ford has a recall every month that keeps me from utilizing the vehicle. The latest recall that there is not a fix for yet, I was told is a complete risk and I should not even drive the truck. I request that you look into all of the recalls that have been listed on this particular vehicle and know that I am taking this up with Ford, but also wanted to inform your database of the issues as well. I have only had the truck for about a year and it has been recall after recall and this one there is not even a fix for it till next year, and I am not supposed to even drive it cause it is hazardous.

While towing a 6000 pound travel trailer 6/21/26, the brakes on the trailer failed. A trailer wiring fault message came up on the dash each time I braked. It is available for inspection. How was our safety put at risk??? stopping distance was increased substantually. When you need to stop, you need to stop! the truck has been brought to the dealer 4 times prior to this for the same problem. One of those times was for the recall on the trailer brake, may of 2026. The first time the truck was taken to the dealer for the warning message was April of 2025. The trailer was taken to the RV dealer after the incident (on my oct 2025 visit, the dealer told me the problem was with the trailer. I wanted to rule that out). The RV dealer found no problem with the trailer brakes, and determined the problem is with the truck. The truck was then taken to the dealer July 23 with "trailer brake module fault" message every time it is started. It remains at the dealer now. They believe it is the trailer brake control module. The module is on backorder with no estimated time for repair.

The master brake cylinder and components thereof are leaking and failing, leading to decrease braking power. Yes it is available for inspection. But Ford says my truck is not covered under the recall 20s31. Having this problem puts my family in danger every time we drive this vehicle, I have 3 young children 11,8, & 6 years old. There was no warning light or message prior to the failure. When I called Ford they said it was not covered under the recall and basically it was my problem for repair.

The driver's side rear light is full of moisture and some water. It is available for inspection. The Ford dealership in beeville texas coastal bend Ford inspected it already and informed me that it would cost $1,400 to replace and that it was only going to get worse. They also informed me that Ford allows a certain percentage of moisture and water to be in there safely. When you see the pictures this is definitely unacceptable and unsafe. This is causing the reverse lights to flicker intermittent. The moisture accumulation inside the lights can result in inoperative or flickering reverse lamp function. Inoperative reverse lamps may reduce the awareness of other motorists or road users of the driver's intention to operate the vehicle in reverse gear increasing the risk of injury or crash. I bought the vehicle from a Ford dealership in austin texas less than 10 days ago. I reported it to them and they stated it wouldn't be covered under warranty. The best assessment in my opinion of cause is going to be microcracks in the outer lens. Because my truck is a 2023 Ford F-150 king ranch, and there is a known recall for the same issue for 2022-2023 lariat and platinum models, so this can't be a coincidence. Refer NHTSA recall number 23v-418.

Truck suddenly reported abs issue while driving. Traction assist light came on. Parking brake light came on. Steering assist failure message appeared. Now the power steering is not functioning. I know of 2 other people with near exact issues on a Ford and a Lincoln. There is also a pending master cylinder recall that Ford said the didn’t have parts for and still haven’t heard back from them on that. Please investigate this dangerous situation.

My 2014 Ford F-150 previously received Ford's brake master cylinder recall repair under the previous owner in November, 2016. On xxx, at approximately 108,372 miles, we were towing our travel trailer and had just begun a planned vacation. Within approximately five minutes of leaving home, a warning chime sounded and a "brake fluid low" warning appeared on the instrument panel. I immediately exited the roadway and pulled into the nearest gas station to determine the cause. Within moments, the brake pedal traveled completely to the floor, leaving the vehicle with virtually no braking capability and making it unsafe to operate. Because the truck was towing our travel trailer, we had to disconnect the trailer in the gas station parking lot. The truck could not be driven safely and had to be towed to kent parsons Ford in [xxx]. My son had to bring his own truck to tow our travel trailer home because our truck was no longer capable of doing so safely. Kent parsons Ford inspected the vehicle and documented the following diagnosis on the repair order: "verified customer's concern. Found master cylinder seal failed and filled booster with dot fluid. " the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake fluid, and related components. The failed components may no longer be available for inspection because they were replaced during the repair. I paid $1,793. 38 for the repair. The dealership's diagnosis documents the same failure mechanism described in NHTSA recall 20v-332 (Ford safety recall 20s31), involving failure of the master cylinder seal that allows brake fluid to leak into the brake booster, reducing braking performance. Because this vehicle had already received Ford's recall remedy in November 2016, I am submitting this complaint to document that an authorized Ford dealership identified the same failure mechanism after the recall repair had already been completed. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C.

My 2021 Ford F-150 intermittently displays the warning message “reverse brake assist not available – see manual” when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this message appears, the reverse brake assist / parking collision warning feature is not available, which may reduce safety while backing up. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership. The dealership confirmed dtc u3000:49 in the ipma module and identified Ford TSB 23-2040 as applicable to the concern. The dealer stated that the repair requires an ipma software/module update and calibration. The quoted repair cost was approximately $1,100. This appears to be a software/programming-related condition affecting a driver assistance and brake-related safety feature, not normal wear and tear or a failed mechanical component. The warning is intermittent, but it has appeared multiple times. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred. Ford customer support was contacted and case number xxx was opened. Ford advised that no active warranty, recall, or customer satisfaction program currently provides repair cost coverage, and that because this involves reverse brake assist, I may choose to file a safety concern report with NHTSA.

Master cylinder leaked and got a low brake fluid level warning and within one mile lost brakes with pedal depression all the way to the floor. Ford has a current recall for other makes and models which appears to be a manufacturer defect. My truck is currently in the dealership getting repaired.

Apr 11,2025 manufacturer recall number25s37 NHTSA recall number25v236 recall statusrecall incomplete the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner: April 2025: safety recall notice received from Ford, parts not available. September 2025: safety recall notice from Ford that "parts are now available" September 2025: made appointment with Ford shop for recall work. Earliest date was December 2025. Scheduled appointment. November 2025: appointment canceled, parts are not available. January 2026-June 5, 2026: checked with Ford shop and parts not available, it might be 2-3 more months. I want the safety recall work completed.