296 of the
9,504 complaints filed about the Ford F-250 SD
are about the braking system —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1999.
While driving, multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously — ABS, brake, and all driver assist/safety systems — and the drive mode drops to Standard Locked. During these events the anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, and trailer sway control systems appear to go offline. I have photographs of the illuminated warnings. My own OBD-II scan on 7/9/26 recorded U0121 (lost communication with ABS module), U0415 (invalid data from ABS module), U3035 (communication authentication failure), and U1012. The dealer's own scan confirmed multiple stored "lost communication with ABS module" codes in module history. The vehicle has a documented history of water intrusion from the sunroof drains, which the dealer was unable to reproduce or repair; water tracked to the windshield/mirror electronics and into the dash. On 7/13/26 the dealer reprogrammed the ABS module with a software update but performed no physical inspection of the wiring, connectors, or modules for water damage or corrosion. The condition is intermittent and unresolved.
NHTSA complaint #11750179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dealer had attempted to repair the recall 26C10 on my truck that tows daily. The team has attempted to fix this problem with 3 service visits and performed multiple software flashes for Recall 26C10 which have failed to fix the safety defect. The trailer module hardware is bricked. Now I’m being told the module is on national back order and they are unsure what to do next.ñ, if this is even the fix. This is a serious safety issue that makes my truck useless for towing which is a major part of our regular use.
NHTSA complaint #11747504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After the vehicle was jumpstarted the vehicle failed to correctly enter gear- when shifting into reverse it instead rolled forward downhill. The following systems also displayed failure warnings: ABS Traction Control Parking Brake ( Parking brake also showed as activated when it was not active- it would audibly disengage but the parking brake light stayed lit) Stability Control 4wd. The combination of the parking brake showing as active and the shifter showing the vehicle was in reverse while being able to roll forward freely is dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11742732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2k miles on a new 2026 ford transit. While in traffic there was sudden braking I had plenty of space in front of me (also reported by the driver in front of me) I was not able to stop in time which resulted in rear ending another driver. My abs acted extremely loose, as if I was on ice on a clear day 80 degrees. The driver behind me confirmed seeing my brake lights for a minute before impact. I'm a decent driver and leave plenty of room in case of emergency braking but was not able to stop in time due to the way the braking system acted. I also have a 2020 ford transit and the braking is much better than the 2026. I'm concerned someone is going to get hurt. Thank God no one got hurt during this accident.pre collision lights lit up on my dash prior and that's when the braking power went bad. Ford sent a technician to confirm my vehicle was not part of a cotter pin recall but that is not my concern, as I'm concern for when the pre collision came on, I had hardly any braking available. Insurance inspected the incident, but only place a fault not any other type of inspection. I will be calling on the morning to request a forensic inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11742232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I leased a pickup truck from Enterprise truck rental on Dyer Blvd in Riviera Beach. The brakes slipped and I thought it was because I didn’t apply the parking brake. I googled the vin and found it to have an open recall on the right rear axle shaft.
NHTSA complaint #11734810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trailer brake system malfunction causing truck to lose trailer braking abilities. Instrument panel showing trailer disconnected message. Issue happens with all trailers connected to 7 pin connector, including fifth wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11728827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle was delivered yesterday to my son through Autonation Sanford [XXX] . The CARFAX report stated a pre delivery inspection was done prior. On the way home he experienced loud screeching from the front wheels. Turns out $1650 later he needed new brakes and rotors. That is negligence, and fraud, especially with a commercial vehicle intended on towing a fishing boat. This was underhanded and a disgusting pattern of behavior. In addition, the open fixable recall was NOT completed as we just found out from searching the VIN on your website. The managers name is [XXX] , I have reached out to him to rectify this situation, and no call back. Truly grotesque, taking advantage of a [XXX] kid. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have about 6,000 miles on the vehicle which was purchased new. There were 2 incidents prior to 2/15/26 (the 3rd incident), but it was only this 3rd incident whereby I could identify the problem. The 2 early incidents I only experienced the smell of burning rubber when driving and exiting the vehicle. Which, i couldn't fathom where it was coming from. And, there was probably a month between incidents. This latest 2/15/26 incident, I was driving and started smelling rubber again, but now I happened to have my fuel mileage indicator on and saw my fuel indicator drop from it's normal average of 17mpg to about 6 mpg. I immediately suspected the parking brake had independently engaged but there was no light or any indication of that on my dashboard screen. I pulled over, turned the engine off, got out and smelt strong scent of rubber burning. While standing next to the vehicle (the engine is off mind you) and making a note of this event on my phone, I heard hydraulics start and stop underneath the truck . That made me suspect the parking brakes even more. I got in, started up, and drove. All was back to normal, no more burning rubber or bad mileage. There's a software glitch PROBLEM here and I have to believe I'm not the only one! After this, I'll be reaching out to Ford to see what they're going to do.
NHTSA complaint #11718907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have been experiencing a brake problem with the trailer brake system in my 2021 Ford F250 Crew Cab. When my travel trailer is connected to the truck the trailer brakes do not always apply and sometimes the brakes apply, then release and then apply again. On my most recent trip, I traveled half way through an intersection before stopping because the trailer brakes did not apply. The trailer brakes were replaced two years ago and were just inspected on January 27th of this year. They were rated in excellent condition. I took the trip soon after the trailer brakes were inspected and I still am experiencing trailer brake controller issues. I tested the condition at low speed just using the brake controller and the brakes applied then released and then applied again. I spoke with Ford today and they stated that the current recall campaign 25V132000 does not apply to my truck. I requested that they consider expanding the recall as my truck is exhibiting the exact conditions described in the recall. I am attempting to get the truck into the local Ford Dealer, but they are backed up four weeks until they can inspect the truck. This is a very dangerous situation and needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11717074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
driving on two lane road with low visibility - car lost power and stopped in road- ford refused to cover repairs /tow for over one year vehicle sat - they compromised with us paying half for new engine -
NHTSA complaint #11708366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I was pulling out of the gas station parking lot on Dec 15th, 2025, I pressed the gas and heard a noise that sounded like high RPMs. I then approached the intersection and attempted to press the brake and the brake would not press in, it was hard. My truck then continued to move forward. I attempted to turn the steering wheel as a truck was coming at me. The steering wheel would not turn or move at all. I was stuck in the middle of an intersection after it rolled to a stop. I turned on my flashers and looked at the dashboard to make sure my truck was in drive, which it was. A message was also displayed on the dashboard. It said accessory mode. I could hear my truck running. I cleared the message by pressing the ok button on the steering wheel. I put it in park and then into drive and the same message displayed again on the dashboard. I decided to turn off my truck and pressed the push button to turn it off (my foot was off the brake as I don’t need to press the brake to turn my truck off) and the starter engaged and I put the truck in drive and was able to press the brake and turn the steering wheel. I slowly drove the short distance home and called my husband which he instructed me to call Evansville Ford in Evansville, WI and had my truck towed there. Obviously, not having steering or brakes is a HUGE safety issue. Less than 24 hours earlier I had my entire family in that truck driving on the interstate. I can’t image that we would be alive if I had lost brakes and steering on the interstate. As of Dec 19th 2025, Evansville Ford has stated that they cannot find any issues, nor replicate the problem and returned my truck. My truck is currently available for inspection at my residence.
NHTSA complaint #11706147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While pulling a 38ft 5th wheel camper on an incline with the cruise control set at random the vehicle completely dies. It experiences a total shutdown of the engine, which in return causes a complete loss of power steering, brakes etc. The truck will not restart until you push the off button and open the drivers door to shut the entire system down
NHTSA complaint #11694517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Speedometer not working correctly analog and digital do no match. Trailer brake and lighting module failure warnings displayed. Both have been looked at by Ford Dealership, twice. You don’t know what is true, you can’t rely on any warning lights as all have proven wrong. I am in the process of 3rd trip in tomorrow to leave the vehicle a few days since it has to be parked on the Ford lot and stored there in order to try to get another speedometer to install to see if it fixes the one problem.
NHTSA complaint #11694567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ford Diesel 250 flat out stalled while driving on a very congested Highway. Full tank of Diesel. No warning. Complete stall at 65MPH, no brakes, no power steering, no lights. Was almost killed when the truck almost crashed into a bus. Happened (4) more times as we made our way back home. Internet search shows that Ford Motor Company is fully aware of this common failure of their fuel system. Federal regulators need to pressure Ford for a Recall before someone is killed
NHTSA complaint #11688500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On September 16, 2025, while driving my 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty at approximately 65 mph with cruise control engaged, I pressed the brake pedal to disengage cruise. The cruise control did not disengage. I pressed the brake pedal harder, but the truck did not slow down and maintained speed. There was no ABS activation sound or sensation, and no skid marks were left on the roadway. I struck the rear of a tractor trailer because the vehicle failed to slow down or cancel cruise control. In addition, the airbags did not deploy during the collision. This appears to be a failure of the brake pedal input/cruise disengagement system, braking system, and potentially the airbag system. This is a severe safety defect that could result in serious injury or death.
NHTSA complaint #11687682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The truck has 66,500 miles. One of our employees was driving and had the harmonic balancer bolt back out and harmonic balancer fell off. Truck has been sent to Midway Ford in Roseville, MN for repair.
NHTSA complaint #11686331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2015 Ford F250. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle veered into the lane of oncoming traffic. As a result, the contact's vehicle hit an incoming vehicle head-on. As a result, the brakes failed to function, the contact's vehicle jumped over the embankment, and the vehicle came to a stop about 75 ft. down the embankment. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. Unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. EMS was called. However, the contact refused to go to the hospital. The contact suffered injuries to the left arm and below the shoulder blade that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was notified, and the vehicle was towed to the insurance storage yard. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a brand-new 2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty on April 1, 2025. The truck has an intermittent and ongoing issue where the dashboard displays “Park Brake Limited Function” or “Park Brake Service Required.” I took the vehicle to the authorized Ford dealer, but they told me the problem cannot be repaired. However, when I contacted Ford corporate customer service, they claimed the issue is known and can be repaired, and referred me to safety department complain This contradiction between Ford and the dealer is unacceptable. The issue affects the functionality and safety of the vehicle, and it remains unresolved. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue and pressure Ford to provide a consistent, repairable solution
NHTSA complaint #11675035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trailer brake controller was at first intermittently failing with message “trailer disconnected” appearing on dashboard. Now > 2,000 miles trailer brakes are not working. Vehicle was updated with SSM 53889 which did not resolve the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11673057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.