This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
While driving on a city road in a 45mph zone, my dash warning light for brake, and warning text saying brake fluid low came on. Then less than a minute later, before reaching my destination, while applying the brakes, the pedal went all the way to the floor, and stopping power was practically nonexistent. I was able to stop, but not until after blowing through a yield sign at a corner. I downshifted my transmission to slow down, and standing on the brake pedal did allow some small amount of braking to help me to a stop. I happened to be in front of an oreilly auto parts store so I went in and bought a bottle of brake fluid, thinking/hoping it was just a low reservoir that hadn't been noticed for 3 years? after observing the brake fluid reservoir was below the "min" level I filled to "max" and proceeded down the road to my destination, keeping a close eye on the dashboard and the brake action. Less than a minute later the lights came on and it started all over again. That's when I parked, and waited for a friend. We bought a couple more bottles of brake fluid and I filled it up and drove it to the dealer as best I could without running into anything, and left it there for them to fix.
I was driving the truck on a street and heard an audible chime, a full screen message center alert appeared, and illumination of the red brake warning indicator. Mechanic identified this as same issue as NHTSA campaign: 16V345000 or Ford recall program code: 16S24 : brake master cylinders failure resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster. Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash. I'm trying to determine why this truck is not considered part of the known recall, the truck meets the recall specs and was manufactured at the plant specified in attached document from Ford. The only difference is this truck indicates a build date of 9/8/2014 and recall date end is 8/31/2014. The truck still experienced recall brake failure, I'd request that the recall date be extended to include trucks built after 8/31/2014.
When you go to stop at stop sign you have your foot on the brake pedal, the brake pedal goes to the floor. If you have to dynamite the brakes, it goes to the floor. If you have to stop in a hurry, such as a deer crossing in front of you, you may not be able to stop, which is a scary situation. Have been to Ford dealer on 4/11/2018, replaced brake pads, rotors, still did not correct the situation, and repair bill for $897. Then on 4/23/18, went back to Ford dealer and had brake booster and master cylinder replaced and still did not correct the situation and this repair bill was $459. This is not a good situation to be in and am wondering if this a Ford defect
I parked the vehicle for the evening, and applied the ebrake. The next day, I entered the vehicle, and pushed the brake pedal to safely disengage the ebrake. The brake pedal went to the floor-no brakes. I opened the hood, and saw an empty master cylinder reservoir. I checked for leaks underneath the vehicle, but was unable to detect a point of fluid loss. As the fluid had to be somewhere, I removed the vacuum line from the vacuum booster, and found the id of the hose was wet. I added a full pint of dot 4 brake fluid, and pumped the brakes multiple times. This resulted in the draining of the master cylinder reservoir. I then had a friend tow my truck via flatbed, to my dealer. Upon inspection, the service tech found that the problem was due to an internal failure of the master cylinder. This matched exactly the problem witnessed during the 2013-2014 F-150 recall for seal failure of the master cylinder. This recall was for certain Ford F-150's with 3.5 liter engines built thru Aug. 31st 2014. My vehicle is of the same configuration, but was built in Nov. 2014. I consider myself lucky that the brake failure (complete, without warning), didn't happen while the vehicle was in motion. I believe that the recall needs to be expanded.
- Lakeville, MN, USA
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The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the brake system failed. When the contact engaged the brake pedal at a low speed attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal stuck to the floorboard. The brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact spoke with an unknown dealer, but the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. The consumer stated the master cylinder failed. The consumer was informed there was a recall pertaining to the failure in 2017. The consumer had to par for the repair.
Advance trac service warning light at 42000 miles on a muddy road. Followed manual for reset. It came back on in 200 miles on dry roads. Vehical has been washed of all mud. Now all the brake light warnings are on on the dash. ABS, advance track service warning light, car with squiggle lines won't go off. Called for service. Reading this is a very common complaint!! recall"??"
Emeerency brake system failure. Emergency brake will not release. Emergency brake light comes on when vehicle shifted from park to drive. Emergency brake light alarms and displays randomly while driving down road. Emergency brake system alarm will not release after multiple pull attempts.
Driving to work, the brake fluid warning message was displayed. When I arrived at work the brake fluid reservoir was completely empty. The dealer stated the master cylinder and the booster were defective and needed to be replaced. The brake fluid had leaked into the booster. I had no braking capability, fortunately I had already arrived at work when I lost all braking capability. There is a recall on master cylinders and brake boosters on 2013-2014 F150's with V6 engines but mine is a V8 so it's not part of the recall. I had to pay my $100 deductible and use my extended warranty to have my vehicle repaired. A truck that's not even 3 years old with 37K should not be experience complete brake failure.
Truck is a 2014 F150 5.0V8 with ~50K miles. While vehicle was in motion at highway speeds ~65mph, brake fluid warning light comes on. I test the brakes by gently depressing the brake pedal, but pedal continues with no resistance nearly to the floor. Brakes are almost completely ineffective and would have zero ability to stop the vehicle in an emergency situation. I throw on the hazard lights and cut to the shoulder and have to manually downshift the transmission to slow the vehicle. Situation could have been much more serious as I was in moderate traffic. I popped the hood and immediately notice the brake master cylinder reservoir is completely empty. After inspecting all brake lines front and rear and checking all bleeder screws are closed, no visual leaks are present. As I was 100 miles from home driving my wife and child home at night, I had someone bring me some brake fluid to top off the reservoir. After filling the reservoir and bleeding the front brakes, brakes seem to stay tight. I drive ~10 miles and the brake fluid warning light flashes again at highway speeds. Pull over again and notice zero fluid again. Visually inspect all lines, master cylinder, booster, etc., no evidence of leaks. Top off the reservoir to limp the vehicle to a safer location. Notice the engine starting to sputter and fluid completely gone in another ~10 miles. Obviously the master cylinder has failed and is leaking into the booster which is affecting the vacuum in the booster. These are the exact same symptons listed in safety recall notice 16S24/ NHTSA recall 16V-345, however this does not cover 5.0 V8 motors only 3.5L ecoboost despite the same brake components being used. So far over a quarter million trucks have been recalled. Apparently newer 2015/16 F150S are experiencing similiar issues as well evidence of a large defect in newer model F150 braking components.
My truck experienced complete brake failure while towing an enclosed auto trailer on the highway -- low brake fluid warning light illuminated on the dash. I was able to bring the vehicle and trailer to an emergency stop at a service station and refill the brake master cylinder reservoir (it was almost empty). It then happened again once back on the highway. I made it to a Ford dealership, only being able to slow and stop the vehicle using the brakes on the trailer. The dealer found that all the brake fluid had leaked into the brake booster -- the exact same problem for which Ford issued a recall on similar makes/models (manf. Recall number: 16S24). They were able to source a new brake master cylinder and replace it under warranty. Note that my vehicle was not included in the original Ford brake recall, but I strongly believe it should have been. My wife and I were exposed to a potentially life-threatening situation that would have been avoided if Ford had widened the recall to other models.
Started vehicle in my parking spot at work, only to see the brake fluid low indicated on the display screen. Selected ok, depressed the brake pedal which travelled all the way to the floor. Opened hood and checked master cylinder fluid reservoir and found it almost empty. Contacted joe cooper Ford, Yukon and talked with service manager. He indicated there is a known problem with the master cylinder leaking fluid past the seal. He suggested the vehicle be towed to dealership for analysis as Ford has a recall on this very issue. Tech pulled master cylinder and found brake booster filled with brake fluid. Service advisor suggested master cylinder replacement at a cost of approx. $750. When questioned about warranty, I was advised my model does not meet the criteria as currently posted by Ford as my vehicle is a 5.0L not a 3.8L V-6. when asked about the condition of the brake booster due to chemical contamination, the advisor was unsure what to do. He suggested I communicate with the service manager about both the repair method and costs. After reviewing the recall I found Ford recommends; if the brake booster had any fluid both the master cylinder and booster should be replaced. I contacted the dealership to discuss the options and complete the repair. I am requesting the parts be returned to Ford for warranty evaluation/consideration. I cannot logically understand why the engine type makes a difference on the braking system. I am awaiting a report from Ford on this matter.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. While driving 55 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The brake warning indicator illuminated. The occupant engaged the emergency brake and drove off the road. The occupant sustained back injuries, which did not require medical attention. Neither a police nor a fire report were filed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (crossroads Ford located at 1010 old us highway southern pines, nc 28387) where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened case number: 12964409. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.
Driving on the road and my truck said it was low in fluid. Thought that I could get to my destination so that I can buy more brake fluid so that my truck would be ok. During getting to my destination my brakes stopped working I had no option but to use the emergency brakes. Towed it to the dealer and they are charging me 850 in parts and labor. I bought this truck brand new and only has 36000 miles. What would happened if I was on a highway going faster. I've could caused a major accident for something that I didn't do. Many others have had the same issue. They told me it was the eco boost and brake master cylinder that went bad. I've revered owned a vehicle that's ever had this problem.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 70 mph, the low brake fluid sensor suddenly illuminated. Moments later, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard and the vehicle would not immediately stop. The driver used the emergency brake to reduce the speed and stop the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake fluid reservoir was empty; however, there was no evidence of brake fluid leaking. After refilling the reservoir with fluid, the brakes appeared to work momentarily before the failure recurred. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V345000 (service brakes). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. While driving 10 mph approaching a stop sign with the brake pedal depressed, the brakes failed and the low brake fluid sensor illuminated. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and coasted through the stop sign. The contact drove the vehicle around in a circle back to a parking spot to slow the vehicle down. The brake pedal traveled to the floor board. The contact had to apply the emergency brake and place the vehicle into park in order to stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and the dealer were not contacted or made aware of the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V345000 (service brakes). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Over the course of two days the brake pedal started getting spongy and rapidly progressed to "going to the floor". at this point no repairs have been done, there are no visible signs of leakage and the reservoir level looks ok.
There was a sudden loose of braking ie the pedal suddenly went to the floor and a check of the master cylinder showed all fluid was gone, this happen after I parked the truck... added a pint and continued to my appointment (2 miles) after parking... I had no brakes again... called tow truck and had truck taken to a Ford dealer for repair, under warrenty... only 11,771 miles on the truck... luckly this did not happen on the highway or might have had an accident
Vehicle is a 2014 Ford F-150 supercrew 4X4, equipped with the 3.5L ecoboost V6, and 6 speed automatic transmission. Vehicle suffered a complete failure of braking system. Parked at a store, when we went to leave, the brakes felt soft, tried to stop in the parking lot and had no brakes at all. Shut of and inspected vehicle and found the brake master cylinder to be empty, checked all around and under vehicle. There were no visible leaks, then pulled the vacuum line from the brake booster and it was full of brake fluid. Restarted vehicle, held brake pedal to floor and shifted into drive, it was able to move with absolutely no resistance, I had to use the parking brake to stop the movement. Vehicle was towed two miles to local Ford dealer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Millbrook, AL, USA