4,074 of the
47,801 complaints filed about the Ford F-150
are about the braking system —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
I was in my driveway getting ready to service the truck. After depressing the break pedal about half way, I lost break pressure. Upon inspection, the front passenger side breaks had a major leak/failure. The entire inside of the front passenger wheel as sprayed with break fluid. This indicates that the line failed under pressure and had and explosive release of fluid. Upon further inspection the line failed at the hard metal fitting leading to the hard metal break lines. In one of the pictures provided I am pointing at the exact point of failure. This is similar to other reported failures: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have been trying to get this recall resolved. This truck was at the Metro Ford dealership in Tupelo, Mississippi for over one week in July 2026. Replacement parts sent to dealership were also recalled. Dealership ended up placing original part back on the truck. How can this issue be resolved?
NHTSA complaint #11758747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On July 30, 2026, while operating my 2014 F-150 under normal driving conditions, the dash cluster information screen displayed a "Brake Fluid Level Low" warning. Moments later, the brake system experienced a sudden/catastrophic loss of front braking performance. The brake pedal became severely spongy and traveled completely to the floorboard, requiring drastically increased distance to bring the vehicle to a stop. Due to ineffective braking, I missed the driveway of the parking lot I chose to inspect/determine what the issue was and subsequently could not stop the truck within the confines of the parking space. This brake failure put me, my family as well as oncoming traffic and pedestrians in jeopardy of injury or death due to collision. A mechanical inspection of the vehicle revealed the rear cup seal inside the brake master cylinder had failed. This internal seal failure allowed hydraulic brake fluid to bypass the cylinder and leak directly into the vacuum brake booster, completely contaminating the booster assembly. Without effective braking, the truck was deemed too dangerous to drive so it was parked and unused until replacement parts could be installed. This specific component failure, internal seal degradation, and resultant fluid contamination of the booster is identical to the safety defect detailed in NHTSA Campaign #16V345000 (Ford Recall #16S24). However, this specific vehicle was excluded from that safety campaign solely because it is equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, rather than the recalled 3.5L engine, this despite using the identical Hitachi master cylinder. The Ford Corporate Consumer Relations was unwilling to assist with the purchase of replacement of the master cylinder, booster but did offer to record my complaint and issue a case number for engineering review. The defective master cylinder and contaminated booster assembly have been retained for inspection if required or requested.
NHTSA complaint #11758242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power, and the brakes became inoperable. The drivetrain and wrench symbol were displayed. The ABS warning light was illuminated and DTC: U100 (Failure of Communication for Engine and Transmission) was displayed. The codes were cleared after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a communication error with the engine and transmission computer. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The transmission upshifted from first gear to seventh. After a while, the vehicle resumed normal operations, but then the vehicle drove abnormally. The RPM increased to high, and the temperature gauge was at HOT. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with complete transmission failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,513.
NHTSA complaint #11758290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake light warning light illuminated, and while depressing brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The transmission was shifted to a lower gear, and the hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was slowly driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake booster was contaminated with brake fluid, and that the brake master cylinder piston had a tear in the piston seal, and the brake master cylinder and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with Manufacturer Recall Number: 16F24. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 32,145.
NHTSA complaint #11757696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11756317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11755993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I purchased my 2015 Ford F150 January 2020. I’ve had several issues with the brakes, calipers & rotors. From Sept 2022 my truck has been in the shop for these issues 6 times & it’s now doing the same thing. I’m [XXX] & have never had so many of the same issues with one vehicle. There has to be something causing this. Please tell me what I can do to keep from spending so much time & money on this. I greatly appreciate it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11754600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11754442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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).
NHTSA complaint #11754300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11754135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX 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 [XXX] on Monday the XXX. 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 XXX, 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 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11754047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.