52 of the
577 complaints about the 2023 Ford F-150 are about the
braking system — 9% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
11,010 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparks, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
Since shortly after buying my F-150 truck, I have had an ongoing issue with the Brake problem notification light coming on. I have spoken to the local Ford Dealership about this issue several times and had no resolution. They told me they could do an inspection, but it would cost me over $500, and only if they found a warranty issue that they were responsible for would they reimburse me the cost of the inspection. They also said that if the notification light was not on when they did the inspection, they would be unlikely to find an issue even if one existed. The warning light can go days or weeks without appearing and can stay on anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or so. I have tried to get the truck to the dealership several times, but it always goes off before I can get there (the dealership is about 40 minutes drive from my house). I am concerned because the warning light comes on more often these days but I still can not get the truck to the dealership with the light on. As the issue appears to be increasing in frequency, I am getting more concerned. The first time this appeared was approximately August 2024.
NHTSA complaint #11752520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,270 milesNew Freedom, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11751549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Tried to turn on vehicle one morning and it would not start due a parking brake error message & a warning light on the dashboard. The message on the screen behind the steering wheel stated “park brake fault service now” and there was a clicking noise heard coming from underneath the truck. I tried to reset the parking brake by pressing and holding the button as indicated online but it didn’t work. The brake also physically revolted at me pressing down on it and would stutter/thump and not let me press it down fully without heavy resistance. The clicking noise continued randomly even when I was not in the vehicle. Then the door locks stopped working with my car keys, I could only open the drive door manually. I had no means to jumpstart my battery. I called Ford local dealership to come check the issue incase it was a recall issue that had not been reported for my vehicle yet. They are scheduled to come Monday 6/1/26.
NHTSA complaint #11740500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tenino, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
The EPB system has a fault and service now code. This puts a risk on safety of me, passengers and others on the road. this make and model is a single exhaust unit and i believe it has to do with an open recall. July 21, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V509000 Unexpected Activation of Electric Parking Brake Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash. NHTSA ID Number: 23V509000 Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Components PARKING BRAKE Potential Number of Units Affected: 870701 Summary Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.
NHTSA complaint #11738990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greer, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
I was on the highway doing 70mph and went to break and I had no brakes. I was terrified. I kept trying and I got it to break and pressed again and lost them again. Eventually the pressure on the breaks returned. The remaining ride home was just scarey.
NHTSA complaint #11738411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nolensville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving up to 40 mph, the emergency brake will randomly come on causing me to skid and stop suddenly. I manually have to turn back off the emergency brake to drive again. This incident has occurred in traffic multiple times. The truck has been at the dealership service center four times and they cannot replicate, diagnose, or repair the issue. The dealership states they have looked at the electrical components and replaced the battery, which did not solve the issue. There are no warnings prior to the emergency brake coming on. A collision is not about to happen that causes it to come on.
NHTSA complaint #11733375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Orion, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
Electronic parking brake warning was coming on and parking brake was inoperative during this period of time. Vehicle is at the dealership now and diagnosed with corroded and broken wires in the left rear harness for the parking brake. Ford will not assist with this repair even though it is very similar to the problem involving recall 23S35 which inspects and replaces this same harness due shorting out wires which could cause the parking brake to lock up while driving
NHTSA complaint #11726693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weeki Wachee, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The electronic brake booster system failed while driving the vehicle causing the brakes to lock up and almost caused a collision with a tree putting me and my family in danger. Car was towed to the dealer and confirmed electronic brake booster failure. There were no prior warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the failure during the operation of the vehicle. All warning first appeared after the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11725804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynnfield, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
I’ve been advised by McGovern Ford in Massachusetts that I need ABS Module and an Electronic Brake Booster and it isn’t covered by any warranty. Yet it’s a safety hazard and the truck is only 2 1/2 years old. Why would those 2 items need to be replaced on a newer truck.
NHTSA complaint #11720837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
Complete electrical shut down driving on the highway on two separate occasions. While driving engine shuts off, dash board goes black, infotainment center goes black. Required to shift vehicle into park to restart after occurrence. Huge safety risk! When taken to Ford service; unable to find any issues and was told “vehicle is safe to drive”
NHTSA complaint #11714037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
After the vehicle sat parked for 12 days, upon initial startup, the vehicle experienced a total failure of the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB). The dashboard displayed multiple critical fault codes including "Brake System Failure," "Service AdvanceTrac," and "Check Brake System." The vehicle software triggered a safety interlock, refusing to shift out of Park, rendering the vehicle completely disabled. This failure is a direct match to the defect described in NHTSA Campaign 25V488 (Ford Recall 25S77). Ford’s official filing for that recall admits the EBB module is "susceptible to normal but infrequent voltage disturbances" which causes the EBB motor to enter a "faulted state" or shut down. My 2023 Lightning is currently excluded from this recall despite experiencing the exact same "voltage disturbance" failure mode upon waking from a sleep cycle. This is a critical safety defect that resulted in a total loss of power braking assist and vehicle immobilization. Ford is currently refusing to cover the $2,800 repair cost under the recall, despite the identical nature of the failure
NHTSA complaint #11708834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,614 milesFlint, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact's mother owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from underneath the vehicle, near the brakes upon depression of the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised the contact to not be concerned about the squealing sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 18,614.
NHTSA complaint #11701847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waverly, OHCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
When pressing on the break to come to a stop pulling in parking space, my F150 quickly accelerated cause a crash into a building my 2 year old truck has been declared a total loss from insurance.
NHTSA complaint #11680994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hackensack, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
While slowing down the vehicle on a downward slop, vehicle applied Parking Break by itself and stopped the vehicle suddenly with Parking Break sign on the odometer. There was no object or anything in the front of the vehicle and it was being driven on forward direction. So, this abruptly applying of Parking Break by itself created a confusion and unsafe situation.
NHTSA complaint #11674184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
I was parking my car and pressed down on the brake. The car continued to roll forward so I pressed down farther. The car kept rolling forward. I took my foot off the brake and then pressed down hard and came to a stop. The brake fluid is clean and at max levels. The brake pads are relatively new. No visible signs of damage or leaking.
NHTSA complaint #11672524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upperco, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On [XXX] at [XXX] I dropped my wife and 2 children off at the Funland Arcade in Deep Creek, Maryland. The parking lot was full from the holiday weekend and I was planning on taking the Lightning to a nearby charger while the family gamed so I double parked perpendicular to the arcade entrance, put the hazards on, and let them out. After the 3 of them got out, I placed the Lightning in reverse to back up 5-10 feet so that I could exit the parking lot through the same way I came in. Once I had enough space from reversing so I could make the turn to exit I placed the Lighting in drive. The moment the Lightning switched to drive it accelerated at a very high speed as if I was flooring the gas pedal, which I was not. The lightning was in one-petal mode which I always use unless I’m on a highway. I immediately began pumping the brakes but the truck would not stop, I probably slammed on the brake petal 4-5 times to no avail. I even tried shifting the truck back into park but it would not shift out of drive. I was able to luckily steer the truck into a hillside approximately 150 feet away. The truck ran over numerous small trees and shrubs before crashing to a stop approximately 16 feet up the hill. Shortly after the shock wore off, I slowly reversed the truck down the hill, exited the truck, and informed dozens of onlookers who came out of the arcade to see what the noise in the parking lot was from, that the truck just took off on its own but that I was fine. I called 911 and the police came. Luckily no people or vehicles were between the arcade entrance and the hillside or the outcome would have been significantly worse. This crash was witnessed first hand by wife and 2 children. I have grave safety concerns about this truck now and will not put my family or self back in it until Ford fixes this problem. I am making this complaint in case this information can help prevent future crashes of this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11671486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesClearwater Beach, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while in stop-and-go traffic, while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormally loud plastic-on-plastic sound. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a brake booster failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred two months later. The contact stated that there was popping and clicking sound in the brake pedal. The contact stated that it felt as if the brake pedal was cracking. The failure was more prevalent after being parked or while driving for long distances. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11670862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesClearwater Beach, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while in stop-and-go traffic, while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormally loud plastic-on-plastic sound. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a brake booster failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred two months later. The contact stated that there was popping and clicking sound in the brake pedal. The contact stated that it felt as if the brake pedal was cracking. The failure was more prevalent after being parked or while driving for long distances. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11670862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsboro, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my 2023 Ford F-150 XLT through a parking lot at low speed, I attempted to stop and shift into reverse to avoid a tight turn between parked vehicles. With my foot firmly on the brake, I shifted into reverse—though the gear shift was abnormally resistant. The system indicated the vehicle was in reverse. Despite keeping my foot on the brake, the truck suddenly and forcefully accelerated on its own, overriding my braking input. It collided with two parked vehicles before I was able to bring it to a stop by turning off the engine. The vehicle continued to accelerate even while I applied firm pressure to the brake pedal, which depressed all the way to the floor and failed to stop the truck. At no point did I press the gas pedal. After impact, the gear shift remained in reverse with a blinking red light. No airbags deployed. This was an extremely dangerous situation that could have seriously injured someone had they been standing nearby. Additionally, for some time leading up to the incident, I noticed increasing difficulty shifting gears even with the brake fully depressed. At times when in park the light for other gear modes would turn on. Indicating the vehicle may be in another mode other than park. The brake pedal has also felt inconsistent, often requiring unusually deep and forceful pressure to stop, whether on highways, city streets, or in parking lots. This appears to be a critical failure of both the braking and transmission systems. I am extremely concerned for my safety and that of other Ford drivers. I am requesting a formal investigation into this matter
NHTSA complaint #11669609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesDelbarton, WV
PARKING BRAKE
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle would immediately brake independently without depressing the brake pedal. The Brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed at the owner’s expense; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V509000 (Parking Brake); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11666130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
PARKING BRAKE
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V509000 (Parking Brake); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11665320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coeur D'alene, ID
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2023 F150 has been having issues with the key fob connecting to the vehicle and responding to commands (unlock/lock, remote start etc). On the date of this incident the truck was not responding to the remote start key fob function. While standing outside the vehicle from a distance of about 10 feet I attempted the remote start function with no success approximately five times. On the last attempt I heard the audible sound of the parking brake releasing (moving from the “brake on” mode to the “brake off” mode). Once inside the vehicle I confirmed that the parking brake had been released. I was ultimately able to get the truck started and driving in a normal condition. The parking brake has not malfunctioned since. The key fob / truck connection continues to malfunction to various degrees. Sometimes no response, sometimes no remote start, sometimes the truck will be running and display a dashboard message indicating the key fob is not present leaving the truck running but “locked” in park. During this parking brake incident the vehicle was parked and locked with the parking brake set as normal (on or about May 10 , 2025). It was on level ground in a parking lot. No other vehicles were parked near mine. It was morning time, the truck was “cold” after being parked all night. No other unusual condition were noted. Weather conditions were dry and mild (50 degree temperatures). The remote connection issues have been going on about 6-8 months. I have replaced the battery in the remote 2x with no improvement. The vehicle has been inspected by the selling dealer once for the fob with no results (April 17, 2025). I have an appointment for the latest issues on June 2 2025. It is my belief that the random release of the parking brake system poses a risk for myself and other members of the public that may be injured by a sudden “roll away” of this vehicle by parking brake failure. I am in possession of the vehicle and it’s available for inspection. .
NHTSA complaint #11662884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesNeenah, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, was warning message was displayed reading "Brake fault detected. Service now.", prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who had not yet provided a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #11658977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Halls, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
On three separate occasions when I open my door, I get a “brake fault service soon” notification. I’ve done research and forums say this was a recall in the past. I’m aware my truck doesn’t have any current recalls but it has me wondering if it was ever fixed or if the repair was not good enough. I never owned the vehicle when the original recall came out so I’m not too sure what happened.
NHTSA complaint #11655214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Socorro, NM
SERVICE BRAKES
Emergency brakes automatically deployed. Vehicle not letting me retrieve key from ignition. Vehicle does not indicate it is in park.
NHTSA complaint #11649858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesMontpelier, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned, and a blank screen was displayed, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the "Brake Fault" message was displayed while at a stop light. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesBastrop, LACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, as he depressed the brake pedal to slow down for a traffic sign the vehicle was not slowing. The contact stated that he had depressed the brake pedal to the floorboards and the vehicle was not stopping. The contact stated that his vehicle ran the traffic sign and he crashed into a vehicle that was in the intersection on the driver's side rear wheel well. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the road surface was wet due to rain. The contact stated that his air bags were deployed. The contact stated that his front bumper was crushed and the hood was crumpled back. The contact stated that the state police were on the scene and issued a report. The contact stated that a neighbor drove him to a local emergency room. The contact stated that he had pain in his right knee, pain in his left wrist and minor cuts on his left wrist. The contact's vehicle was towed away from the scene. The contact was not sure what happened to the other vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V533000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11615644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.