1999 Ford Expedition: brake failure

Filed Dec 20, 2013 · Brakes · 18,900 miles · HI

The vehicle was being driven in normal operation when the brake pedal went to the floor and the brake system became ineffective. Vehicle was towed to a brake shop where the brake line on the frame on the driver's side near the door was found to be corroded through and leaking. The brake shop found all metal brake lines corroded and recommended replacement.

Filed Feb 9, 2007 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · OH

I have a 1999 expedition with 90,000 miles. In early december of 2006, in heavy evening traffic, a car suddenly pulled in front of me and came to a quick stop. I applied the brakes very hard and the pedal went to the floor. I managed to avoid hitting the car that stopped in front of me, but my brakes were gone and I had to limp to the side of the road. Upon inspection, I found that my brake line to the left rear brake had corroded and failed. I got the vehicle home and on a neighbors lift and found that all my brake lines had corroded and needed to be replaced. I had a similar problem with the brake lines on my 1993 econoline that also corroded at about 90000 miles. It appears to me that the brake lines in these vehicles were made from cheap metal and that the manufacturer should look into this problem as it appears to be quite a common occurrence. I replaced all brake lines, including the lines from the master cylinder and to the power assist unit. The old parts were thrown away.

Filed Dec 8, 2006 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at 25 MPH on a city street, there was a loss of braking power, and an increased stopping distance. Although no crash occurred, the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, who determined the steel pipe fittings,hoses, and connections of the brakes were corrosive, and needed to be replaced. Additionally, it was determined the corrosion was due to use of inferior metals. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Jun 2, 2006 · Brakes · 709,500 miles · RI

Last thursday my brakes failed due to a rupture in the hydraulic fluid steel tubing. The vehicle is a heavy SUV, and being an active sailor, I use the vehicle to tow boat trailers. We had just hooked up a loaded boat trailer, and as I got back into the car, I noted that the brake pedal went to the floor. We proceeded about 300 yards on a level side road and tested the brakes with the same result. We noted a lot of brake fluid under the car. We had the vehicle towed to newport ford in middletown, rhode island. They showed me the rupture site, and the rust over the entire system of steel tubing. They indicated that they would have to replace the entire tubing to all four (4)wheels, for a cost of over $700. They also indicated to me that this type of failure is quite common. The dealership handles about 2-3 incidents per month. I asked why the tubing was not copper, and they indicated that many american car manufacturers have switched from copper to steel. We were very fortunate that the failure occurred at the beginning of the trip, for if it had happen going down a major hill in the center of newport, there could have been grave consequences. I have two comments. One is that if this failure is as common as I was told, I would hope there would be a major policy change and a recall. Cars often recalled, for rather minor issues, and I think this is much more serious.

Filed Aug 23, 2005 · Brakes · 61,150 miles · NJ

Dt: the consumer stated that the brakes failed and the vehicle lost all braking power and the pedal went to the floor. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, and he stated that brake lines corroded. They corroded in the box frame under the driver's door and the brakline broke allowing all of the braking fluid run out. This happened on june 19, 2005. There were no injuries and no crash. This was due to the fact that the vehicle was on a level road and only going 25 MPH. *ak