181 of the
5,142 complaints filed about the Ford F-350 SD
are about the braking system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
While towing any trailer with electric brakes it appears the integrated trailer brake controller is briefly applying trailer brakes unexpectedly. Very brief but very hard, resulting in an extreme rearward pull on the truck. It happens at exactly 60 minute intervals, at any speed, uphill, downhill and level flat road. I've had the trailer 7 way plug and wire inspected, no problem found. Next step will be to have Ford dealer inspect truck electronics.
NHTSA complaint #11749135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trailer Braking System on Vehicle when hooked to trailer will intermittenly fail to recognize connection and not apply brakes to trailer while stopping. Dealership has acknowledged problem exist and cannot isolate cause nor resolve safety issue and returned vehicle unrepaird. First appeared after purchase of new vehicle, dealership continued to claim it was my new trailer. Problem has been ongoing and there was a recall by Ford Motors acknowleding issues with trailer brake system and still unable to repair and returned unfixed.
NHTSA complaint #11747818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the issues as the recalls for the 2023 f350 The Problem: The Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM/ITM) may lose communication with the vehicle when it starts up, resulting in a loss of trailer brake function, turn signals, and stop lamps.
NHTSA complaint #11742862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is not a failed component, the issue is a design interaction issue. This truck when it gets stuck as it unfortunately very easily does even on wet grass goes into a traction control mode where the throttle is VERY damped but the issue is not only is the opening very dampened the closing is also VERY damped. This is made significantly worse by the fact that traction control cannot actually be disabled. There is a switch and it indicates it is disabled but the functionality remains the same. This combination means whenever you're working to get the truck unstuck, like yesterday when it was on wet grass you have to expect that the vehicle will suddenly accelerate as soon as it finds traction. normally you can counteract this by expecting to apply significant brakes as soon as it finds traction but if the front wheels are still on a slippery surface the ABS system will lose it's mind and essentially disable brakes as the vehicle accelerates violently backwards with the new found traction. This combination of software decisions makes it so you can very easily replicate an unintended acceleration scenario where the vehicle jumps back a solid 20' when this happens, not respecting any brake input given by the driver and certainly not respecting that the throttle was released long ago. The throttle closing should not be damped when traction control is running and the ABS system should not be behaving the way it does. I understand getting the vehicle unstuck from wet grass is not normal operation but that's what the traction control disable button should be for and Ford makes that button useless also. When taken together, all these engineering decisions make for a very unsafe situation that has zero reason to exist. I've attached pictures that show the overview of the situation as well as the characteristic ABS marks showing that it was disabling brakes.
NHTSA complaint #11732180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own the 2024 f350 dually truck and regularly tow heavy trailers for commercial transport under DOT regulations. I have experienced repeated intermittent failures involving the truck’s trailer brake and trailer lighting system. While towing, the truck intermittently displays warning messages on the dashboard such as “Trailer Brake Module Fault” and “Trailer Light Module Fault.” When this occurs, the trailer’s right rear brake light stops functioning, and at times the trailer braking system stops working entirely. This issue occurs sporadically and without warning. The trailer may function normally at the start of a trip and then lose lighting or braking capability during operation. One notable pattern is that when I shut the truck off and restart it, the faults clear and the trailer brakes and lights begin working again. This suggests the issue may be related to the truck’s trailer brake or trailer lighting control module resetting rather than a defect in the trailer itself. Because of the repeated failures, I inspected and repaired my trailer multiple times. I have: Replaced the affected trailer light Inspected and checked all trailer wiring and connectors Verified the trailer braking system and wiring integrity Despite these steps, the problem continues to occur. I have taken the truck to a Ford dealership multiple times, and they have stated the issue is with the trailer. However, the trailer has been inspected and repaired, and the problem still persists. I recently became aware of a recall affecting Ford trucks related to the trailer brake control module and trailer lighting system, which appears to mirror the exact symptoms I am experiencing. This issue presents a serious safety hazard. When the malfunction occurs: Trailer brake lights may not function properly Trailer brakes may stop working Drivers behind me may not be aware the vehicle is slowing or stopping Because I regularly tow heavy trailers, loss of trailer braking and lighting creates a significant
NHTSA complaint #11722697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 40 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle slid and drifted to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the grease pins needed to be greased. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #11691277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that the adaptive cruise control mode was inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH to the dealer, the contact noticed that the vehicle in front of the vehicle had stopped abruptly with no brake lights activated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact attempted to veer to the left to avoid the other vehicle, but the passenger's side front end crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the six air bags of the vehicle deployed, and there was blinding smoke in the vehicle. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance and was hospitalized for 7 days. The contact was then transferred to a rehabilitation facility, where he was currently receiving care. The contact sustained a broken right hand and toe. The contact also sustained breathing complications as the contact's underlying cardiac and pulmonary health issues were triggered. The other driver sustained unknown injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and could not be driven away from the scene. The contact's vehicle sustained front-end fender and hood damage and other unknown damage. The vehicle was towed to the collision repair shop for an estimate of the damage. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the brake failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upon starting the vehicle I get precollision not available warning light and hill decent control fault hill assist warning. Service steering and antilock brake brake fault lights. The dealer has looked at it but they said can not duplicate it. The problem is when I am towing my fifth wheel trailer and this happens it shuts down the brake controller for the fifth wheel and it’s VERY hard to stop the truck and trailer
NHTSA complaint #11684074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this 2024 f350 from Auto Park Ford in Laporte, IN on [XXX] with 94 miles on the truck. It was shipped directly to me and arrived July 21st 2025. Upon taking delivery there were many safety faults present once I drove the vehicle that included loss of power, the vehicle randomly braking by itself, adaptive cruise control faults, cross traffic faults, blind spot warning faults, forward collision faults, rear cross traffic faults, rusty engine components as well as other rusty components on the vehicle. These safety defects in manufacturing materials, workmanship, improper storage by the selling dealer, and selling of a defective vehicle to me has put myself and my family in an unsafe vehicle. The vehicle has been at the local Ford service center since July 22nd 2025 with the service department stating there is no fix for these issues and is a known issue by Ford. My safety and my family's safety has been put at risk by the vehicle's loss of power, random braking applications, and rusty engine components. These issues were confirmed by Pierre Ford of Lynnwood service department. The repair report states "VERIFIED WARNING FAULTS PRESENT. SELF TEST NUMEROUS DTC'S PRESENT IN ABS MOD. C0051 PPT Q Q1 YES, Q2 NO YO23A FOUND SSM 53892 STIIDING THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH NO FIX CURRENTLY. UPDATED ABS MODULE AND AWD MODULE ROAD TESTED DTC'S CAME BACK". the service center informed me that I could come pick up the truck and there may be a fix in the future. I asked them to keep the truck as it's a major safety concern for myself and my family to operate this truck with all the safety faults, loss of power, random braking, etc. The vehicle will have been at the dealer 21 days by Monday 8/11/25. I have contacted Ford about this issue and requested a buyback, vehicle replacement, a fix, and have gotten no where. I have submitted a lemon law buy back claim because of the many safety issues, but they have put my claim on pause for an addition 30 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
NHTSA complaint #11679663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving and approaching a stop, the vehicle lost motive power, the brake pedal depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle rolled into the intersection. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had disintegrated and there was metal in the fuel system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11667772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When you start the vehicle the brake pedal falls to the floor and you can not stop it. Also at a stop the brake pedal slowly falls to the floor. According to the dealer they don’t know what causes this and it still does it. They said no ABS lights came on so this is normal. I don’t think it’s normal if I put it in reverse and can not get it to stop because the pedal recedes out of my reach. The truck kept going in reverse the brakes wouldn’t stop it.
NHTSA complaint #11658774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The secondary break line Ford P/N HC3C 2234 AC ruptured during hard breaking. Lost the ability to break safely. Close examination of the break line reveals that the stainless steel braid had been chaffing on metal structure.
NHTSA complaint #11656815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake lights stay on won’t go off. Replaced brake module, fuse etc. Can put key in and turn to accessories and put gear selector in drive,neutral, reverse WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL… CANNOT FIGURE THIS PROBLEM OUT…
NHTSA complaint #11644202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal after stopping, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that there was several minutes before the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure occurred after coming to a full stop. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while towing a loaded trailer, the vehicle was losing traction, and the rear end was swaying to the right and to the left. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that during the failure there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that 3 months after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced brakes failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that all four brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred while depressing the brake pedal, with an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brakes were independently slowing the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11635852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake rotors are glazing over after replacement, truck is rarely driven as its a weekend vehicle in town. I was told when I took in to dealership that the problem wasnt sticking calipers at the time but dealership didnt confirm checking, they just replaced the rotors and pads then sent me on my way. Now at current servicing the problem is re-occuring. The service tech is now attempting to re-charge me to diagnose and repair. I'm simply asking to verify if there was ever any recall related to this vehicle in the past to support my issue
NHTSA complaint #11612723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When pulling a trailer the breaks are delayed by at least 8 seconds. The hand break normally does it instantly but no longer. This is a safety issue when pulling trailer that it pulling over 20K lbs & not being able to stop immediately when placing you foot on the break. Vehicle was look at by Ford dealership who stated they have had many complaints regarding this issue to contact Ford Motor Company.
NHTSA complaint #11610474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who updated and replaced the Auxiliary Power Interface Module (APIM) several times. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Additionally, the radio turned on without driver interaction. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance system and the mirrors were turning on and off, the crash alert was engaged, and the brake was applied without driver input. The steering wheel was vibrating. The manufacturer was contacted and declined a buyback of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
NHTSA complaint #11604776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On my 21 f350 while towing a 36 foot gooseneck unloaded I noticed a burning wire smell. And I realized I had no more trailer brakes. After diagnosis of the system I found the factory trailer brake controller had melted on the inside. Causing it to loose braking.
NHTSA complaint #11597337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.