78 of the 552 complaints filed about the Ford F Super Duty are about the braking system — 14% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1999.
78
Complaints
14%
Share of all complaints
7
Crashes
2
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES
Hood flew up and Brakes locked up when I tried to stop causing me to slide sideways unable to control it and flipped four times and the air bags never came out and truck was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11679658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE PEDAL SINKS AT STOPS. I'VE HAD SERVICE TECHNICIANS CHECK THE SYSTEMS, TWO MASTERCYLINDERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED THAT DID'NT CORRECT THE ISSUE. THEY HAVE DETERMINED THE ABS VALVE IS THE ISSUE AND WILL NOT FAIL ON A HARD BRAKE.. I DON'T THINK THIS IS A SAFE SITUATION AND AM WONDERING WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON IT
NHTSA complaint #11024050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING AT APPROX. 30MPH. APPLIED BRAKES. VERY LITTLE PRESSURE AS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BOTH FRONT BRAKE LINES FROM ABS PUMP TO LF & RF BRAKE HOSES WERE ROTTED, AS WAS 3RD LINE FROM ABS PUMP TO REAR UNION. ALL 3 REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10778611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
MY 2002 F250 SUPERDUTY WITH 7.3L DIESEL WILL NOT TURN AT PARKING SPEEDS AND HIGHER SPEEDS IF APPLYING THE BRAKE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND THEY ALL SAY IT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE 7.3L POWERED SUPERDUTY TRUCKS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND DO NOT WANT TO BE PUT INTO A POSITION WHERE I MAY HURT SOMEBODY DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGNED STEERING SYSTEM. INCREASING RPM DOES NOT HELP. MY TALKING TO EXPERTS HAS FOUND THE GENERAL CONSENSUS TO BE THAT THE HYDRO BOOST PUMP DOES NOT PRODUCE ENOUGH VOLUME AND WAS A POOR DESIGN RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC. MY RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE ALSO FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS COMPLAINED EARLY ON AND BECAUSE THERE WERE NO DEATHS IT WAS DISMISSED AS A NON ISSUE. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS I HAVE ONLY 40,000 MILES AND THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT HAS ONLY FORTUNATELY NOT CAUSED ANY DEATHS THAT I'M AWARE OF.
NHTSA complaint #10731993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
THE REAR BRAKES ON MY PICKUP FAILED. THE REAR CALIPERS WERE STICKING AND THE BRAKES OVERHEATED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKES IS A COMMON AND PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH FORD F350 TRUCKS OF THIS MODEL YEAR. THERE NEEDS TO BE A SAFETY RECALL OF THESE TRUCKS.
NHTSA complaint #10692589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
FRONT BRAKES OVER HEATED SAW, SMOKE ON LEFT FRONT , STOPPED TO FIND BOTH FRONT CALIPERS WERE HANGING UP. REPLACE BOTH CALIPERS AND BRAKE FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #10628002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
MY F-250 FORD DIESEL TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED. ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL ABS MODULE BURNED AND CRUISED CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED AWAY FROM THE ABS MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #10626186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINE FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY DUE TO CORROSION RESULTING IN LOSS OF ALL BRAKES AFTER ONLY 9.5 YEARS AND 67000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10608732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FROM THE TIME WE BOUGHT IT. WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEIR RESPONSE IS "KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS JUST IN CASE." WE HAVE REPLACED THE TURBOS BOTH HIGH AND LOW END TWICE AND THEY ARE STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN. TRAVELING 60 MPH DOWN THE ROAD YOU LOSE ALL TURBO PRESSURE CAUSING YOU TO LOSE POWER. YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND RE-CRANK IT. THE TRUCK SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT THROWING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE BELT TENSIONER HAS SEPARATED COMING DOWN THE HIGHWAY SHUTTING OFF COMPLETE POWER AT 60 MPH. ABOUT EVERY 3RD TIME OF FILLING UP WITH DIESEL FUEL WE HAVE TO DRAIN THE WATER SEPARATOR. WHEN THE REGEN SYSTEM KICKS IN TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF DIESEL FUMES COME IN TO THE TRUCK CAUSING HEADACHES WITH EXTREME LOSE OF POWER. WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. THE STOCK RIM SPLIT ON THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE AND THE DEALERSHIP WANTED $1300.00 FOR ONE RIM WHEN A WHOLE SET OF AFTERMARKET RIMS ARE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS CHEAPER. BOTH FRONT CALIPERS HAVE LOCKED UP AT DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TOWING 1,000 LB TRAILER AND ONE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.ALL SEALS ARE LEAKING. RADIATOR IS LEAKING. ROCKER ARMS ARE TAPPING AND COST $1700 TO REPLACE COMING FROM A CERTIFIED FORD MECHANIC. WE HAVE HAD 3 DEALERSHIPS TELL US THEY DON'T WANT THE TRUCK AND REFUSE TO GO LOOK AT IT BECAUSE OF THE MOTOR. ITS ASHAME THE TRUCK WAS A $55,000 TRUCK BRAND NEW. 2 YEARS OLD IT VALUED AT $40,000 AND 2 YEARS AFTER ITS AT $17,000 RESALE. STEERING IS ALL OVER THE PLACE WHEN HITTING SEEMS OR RUTS IN THE ROAD MAKING THE TRUCK HARD TO CONTROL AND VERY UNSAFE. THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST VEHICLE WE HAVE EVER OWNED. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF PUTTING SUCH A UNSAFE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND NOT DOING ANYTHING TO HELP THE CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE WASTED $55,000. WOULD YOU TRUST YOUR KIDS IN THIS VEHICLE? THERE HAS BEEN 5 FORD DEALERS TELL US THEY DON'T EVEN WANT IT. 6.4L=JUNK.
NHTSA complaint #10568648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM FAILED, CROSSED THE CENTER LINE IN THE TOWN .STEPPING ON THE BRAKES ONLY MADE MATTERS WORSE; BECAUSE NOW IT PULLED HARDER TO THE LEFT. CRAIN FORD AFTER REPLACE EVERY PART ON THE RIGHT SIDE. SHORTLY AFTER THAT IT AGAIN THE TRUCK PULLED TO LEFT AND THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACE BECAUSE OF A BENT CALIPER. THERE WAS STEERING JOINT REPLACED,U JOINT, AND WHEEL BEARING THEN AFTER BRAKE PADS AND A CALIPER ON THE RIGHT SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10567758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE APPROACHING A LIGHT, THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED ENTIRELY. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE CALIPER. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE HOME TO DETERMINE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AS NOW THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT WAS WITH THE FRONT CALIPER CRACKING WHICH FORD IN MCHENRY ILLINOIS REPLACED. THE CALIPER THAT FAILED THIS TIME WAS PASSENGER RIGHT REAR. THE CALIPER PISTON IS SEVERELY CRACKED. HAVE PICTURES AND THE PART STILL. I AM REQUESTING THIS CASE TO BE ESCALATED BECAUSE THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10546446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THIS APPLIES TO FORD F-250 AND F-350 SERIES PICKUPS WHICH HAVE SINGLE REAR WHEELS AND THE FORD 10.5 INCH REAR-END. THIS ISSUE AFFECTS AT LEAST MODEL YEARS 2003 THROUGH THE CURRENT YEAR. THESE TRUCKS HAVE 4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES AND THE DESIGN OF THESE BRAKE SYSTEMS IS CAUSING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO FAIL. THE REAR DISC BRAKE ROTORS ON THESE TRUCKS ARE DESIGNED WITH THE INSIDE OF THE ROTOR DOUBLING AS A BRAKE DRUM THAT IS USED FOR THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CONSISTS OF A SET OF 2 BRAKE SHOES WHICH ARE HELD TO A BACKING PLATE BY ANCHOR PINS. THE SHOES ARE FORCED AGAINST THE DRUM BY A CAM WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS APPLIED BY THE DRIVER. THE SHOES THEN APPLY PRESSURE TO THE INSIDE OF THE ROTOR AND THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM HAS 2 BACKING PLATES AND THEY ARE BOLTED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES OF THE REAR AXLE TUBE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOES ARE HELD TO THESE BACKING PLATES BY ANCHOR PINS WHICH PASS THROUGH THE BACKING PLATES AND WHICH ARE ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE SHOES WITH CLIPS. THESE BACKING PLATES AND BRAKE SHOE ANCHOR PINS ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE SHOES ARE HELD IN THE PROPER POSITION WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS APPLIED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEMS ON THESE TRUCKS ARE FAILING BECAUSE THE BACKING PLATES ARE RUSTING AWAY IN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE RUST IS SO BAD THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOE ANCHOR PINS PULL THROUGH THE BACKING PLATES AND THE BRAKE SHOES THEN FLOAT FREELY WITHIN THE BRAKE DRUM. THESE BACKING PLATES ARE RUSTING AWAY IN AS LITTLE AS 4 YEARS AND IN LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. IN MARYLAND, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS REQUIRED TO BE FUNCTIONAL OR THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE REPLACED THESE PARTS AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10442033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2009, MY 2002 FORD F-250 SD CREW CAB SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. I WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT, THREE LANES OF ON-COMING CROSS TRAFFIC, AND COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE OR BEEN KILLED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SUBURBAN FORD IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE MAIN BRAKE LINE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD RUSTED THROUGH. HOW COULD SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY SYSTEM BE MADE OUT OF FERROUS METAL, LEAVING IT VULNERABLE TO THE ELEMENTS? I THOUGHT THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REDUNDANCY IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO PREVENT TOTAL FAILURE? OBVIOUSLY, THIS VEHICLE HAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT MUST BE DEALT WITH. I WOULD LIKE FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE ME $409.59 FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM COULD HAVE CAUSED LOSS OF LIFE OR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PROPERTY DAMAGE. TRAGEDY HAS BEEN AVOIDED THIS TIME, BUT WHAT IF THERE WAS A SCHOOL BUS UNLOADING CHILDREN OR A TRAIN CROSSING THE ROAD? SURELY, THERE WOULD BE A PRODUCT LIABILITY LAWSUIT COSTING A LOT MORE THAN $409.59. PLEASE MAIL PAYMENT TO THE ADDRESS ABOVE. I WOULD LIKE TO SETTLE THIS MATTER WITHOUT INVOLVING ANY EXTERNAL AGENCIES. FORD DENIED MY REQUEST. THE FEEL THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND THAT THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THIS IS A PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIM. FORD WOULD BE SUED IF PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY/DEATH OCCURRED. SINCE THIS PRT IS NOT LISTED ON THE "ROUTINE MAINTENANCE" SCHEDULE, HOW IS THE VEHICLE OWNER SUPPOSED TO CHECK THIS PART?
NHTSA complaint #10264824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE END CAME OFF OF THE CABLE FROM WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10168169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DRIVING 1999 F250 SUPERDUTY SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION. LATER FOUND RUPTURED CORRODED REAR BRAKE LINE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE, DUAL CIRCUIT MASTER CYLINDER WAS NOT EFFECTIVE IN ALLOWING ALTERNATE BRAKE CIRCUIT TO SLOW TRUCK CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10128538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER FOUND THE BRAKES RESERVOIR EMPTY, THEN INSPECTED THE BRAKE LINES AND SAW A HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE. *NM CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHEN BRAKES WENT OUT AND WENT OVER A CURB, OVER PARKING LOTS, INTO A PARKING LOT, AND CAUSED FUEL TANK AND STRAP DAMAGE, FRONT END AND REAR TAD AXLE OUT OF THE ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER FOUND WEAR HOLE IN REAR BRAKE LINE, EGR TUBE CORRODED, BURNT ENGINE COVER, AND CARPET. *SB
NHTSA complaint #10127908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
F-250 SUPERDUTY 7.3 L DIESEL. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, LEFT WHEEL WOBBLES AND SHAKES SEVERLY. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER AND FRONT END REPAIR SHOP, THEY SAY ROTORS ARE WARPED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED ($700.00). WHY AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS HASN'T SOMEONE DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I HAD A 1988 FORD 350 DIESEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP SAFELY IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. I DON'T SEE A SAFETY INVESTIGATION ON FILE FOR THIS PROBLEM. IS ANYONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10098875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
F-250 SUPERDUTY 7.3 L DIESEL. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, LEFT WHEEL WOBBLES AND SHAKES SEVERLY. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER AND FRONT END REPAIR SHOP, THEY SAY ROTORS ARE WARPED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED ($700.00). WHY AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS HASN'T SOMEONE DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I HAD A 1988 FORD 350 DIESEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP SAFELY IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. I DON'T SEE A SAFETY INVESTIGATION ON FILE FOR THIS PROBLEM. IS ANYONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10098875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WITH A LIGHT TAP AND RELEASE ON THE BRAKES, THE ENTIRE FRONT END STARTS VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO VIOLENTLY STEER IN LEFT AND RIGHT VIOLENT MOTIONS. REFUSES TO STOP SHAKING UNTIL THE TRUCK COMES TO A COMPLETE REST. DURING THIS TIME I HAVE NO STEERING, OR BRAKING. THIS MOST NOTABLY HAPPENS WHILE HAULING A TRAILER (5TH WHEEL OR BUMPER TOW), BUT HAS BEEN DUPLICATED BY DEALER WITHOUT A TRAILER. WHILE NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP, HAD TO USE THE TRAILER BRAKES (ELECTRONIC), AND DOWNSHIFTING, AND SOME VERY TRICKY DRIVING TECHNIQUES TO COME TO A SAFE STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, VEHICLE WAS IN FOR SERVICE TO THE FRONT END EARLIER ON DO TO EXCESSIVE FRONT TIRE WEAR WHICH I BELIEVE WAS THE ONSET OF THIS HIDDEN PROBLEM. A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON SEVERAL MOUNTAIN DOWNGRADES. EACH TIME AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED DO TO MY SUPERIOR DRIVING SKILLS. DEALERSHIP, FORD, AND EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSE TO REPLACE PART THAT THEY ADJUSTED AND COVER UNDER WARRANTY.(STEERING BOX, AND LINKAGE), THAT MOST DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE SEEN SOME EXCESSIVE WEAR DURING THE TIMES THAT IT WAS DOING THIS. VERY DEADLY SITUATION, THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. SEVERAL WITNESSES TO THIS ARE AVAILABLE AT REQUEST. HAPPENED ON FEB 29, FEB 27, MARCH 14, MARCH 12, MARCH 15, AND SO ON... TOOK THE DEALER NEARLY 3 DAYS WITH THE VEHICLE TO FIND THIS PROBLEM!
NHTSA complaint #10062433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A RECALL OF MY TRUCK (1999 FORD F-250) THAT IS LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE. THE RECALL IS FOR A FAULTY PARKING BRAKE, AND MINE HAS BROKEN AS NOTED IN THE RECALL. WHAT IF ANY RECORURSE DO I HAVE THROUGH YOUR AGENCY TO FORCE FORD TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE? THE INFORMATION I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET INDICATES THAT THE RECALL NUMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: NHTSA 02V068 FORD RECALL NUMBER 02S34
NHTSA complaint #10047103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.