2018 Ford Expedition brakes problems

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · SC

MacPherson Strut assemblies leaking large amounts of hydraulic fluid which spills into/on the brakes. Decreased fluid in the MacPherson Strut results in excessive rebound, decreased braking, at times no braking when fluid has spewed onto brakes, followed by a sudden grab of the brakes that feels as though the anti-lock system might engage. This defect poses a serious risk of accident, injury, or even fatality of loss of control occurs at the wrong time. Ford has been made aware of the problem, and is side-stepping the repair under the guise of calling the component a "shock absorber" (it's quite clearly mounted inside a spring with a STRUT MOUNT at the top). Their parts catalog calls it a STRUT ASSEMBLY section, but they skirt around claim denial on the grounds that it's a "shock absorber" (simply because they don't offer the complete STRUT assembly). Ford needs to pull these defective and unsafe components (note that ALL FOUR have breached seals on my vehicle) and address the serious potential for unsafe handling or accident when fluid is suddenly dumped into/on brakes. I'm now faced with a vehicle I cannot operate because it is unsafe, and even though it's covered by an extended Premium Protection Plan, will not be repaired by Ford.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Brakes · NV

Subject: Safety Complaint – 2018 Ford Expedition Brake Master Cylinder Recall 25S37 / the federal safety agency 25V236 I am filing this complaint regarding my 2018 Ford Expedition, which is subject to an open Ford brake master-cylinder recall, Recall 25S37 / the federal safety agency Recall 25V236. I am currently experiencing brake fluid loss around the brake master cylinder/brake booster area. Because this is directly related to the braking system and the vehicle is subject to an open brake master-cylinder recall, I believe this vehicle presents a potential safety concern and needs to be properly inspected. I contacted Ford regarding the recall and explained that I am losing brake fluid in the area of the master cylinder and brake booster. I requested that the vehicle be inspected to determine whether the recall condition is present and that the brake booster be checked for brake-fluid contamination or leakage. I was told that my vehicle is approximately six months too late to receive the recall repair/replacement and that they would not allow me to bring the vehicle in for inspection under the recall. I have not yet confirmed the part number of the master cylinder currently installed on my vehicle, and I intend to do so to determine whether it is the same component addressed by the recall. My concern is that I am experiencing a symptom that appears directly related to the component identified in the recall, yet I am being denied an inspection simply because of the timing/eligibility issue. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this matter and determine: 1. Whether my vehicle should be inspected for the condition identified in Recall 25S37 / the federal safety agency 25V236 despite the expiration or timing issue stated by Ford. 2. Whether brake-fluid leakage around the master cylinder/brake booster area is a known symptom or consequence of the recalled component. 3. Whether Ford should inspect the vehicle and determine whether the installed master cylinder is the recalled part.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · FL

I am submitting this complaint regarding potential safety issues with my 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I purchased the vehicle from Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola, Florida, and discovered several problems shortly after purchase that I believe may affect the vehicle's safe operation. Within days of purchasing the vehicle, it began displaying an intermittent **low oil pressure warning** while driving. Because a low oil pressure condition can lead to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure, I believe this presents a potential safety concern. The dealership's inspection report completed before the sale states: **"Has multiple minor oil leaks, wet but not dripping yet."** I had the vehicle independently inspected by Firestone, which determined the oil leak was coming from the timing cover/timing case area and estimated approximately $3,000 in repairs. I am concerned that the documented oil leak and intermittent low oil pressure warning could increase the risk of engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. I have also experienced what I believe is a brake safety concern. Although the dealership's inspection report indicates the brakes and rotors had been serviced, the brake pedal feels unusually soft or spongy and requires more pedal travel and pressure than expected before the brakes engage. While the vehicle currently stops, I am concerned this condition could reduce braking performance or increase stopping distance. Additional issues include intermittent operation of the power running boards, a non-functioning rear window washer, and a detached rear window defroster electrical connection. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can determine whether these issues are isolated to my vehicle or may indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting other 2018 Ford Expedition vehicles. I can provide the dealership inspection report, Firestone inspection and repair estimate, photographs, and other supporting documentation upon request.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Brakes, Wheels · PA

While parked on an incline, the truck's wheels disengaged and it rolled down backwards. The emergency brake was set. The vehicle has a known defect but the dealership will not expedite the repair.

Filed May 15, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · OK · crash

No Brakes, Engine Racing, & ignition would not turn off, yes available for inspection at Seth Whatley Ford. Car crashed which was the only way it came to a stop, wheels were still turning when I got out of the car, if anyone one had been around they would have been hurt or killed. Towed to dealer, dealer was unable to find any evidence on their side. Insurance adjuster came out and assess the damage from crash. There was no warning lights or sensors that were working during this episode. Monday, March 27, 2023 at approximately 10am, I got into my Expedition to start my vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed as I pushed the button to start the car, and the engine was running smoothly. Foot was on the brake pedal when I put the car into reverse, the car shot out from the carport and engine was racing. I tried to pump the breaks and push the engine button, while guiding the car as it kept going faster and faster, until I hit a trailer that was attached to a truck. There was two witness that saw everything, that went on. I feel this car is DANGEROUS. If this had occurred when my family was around serious injuries could have occurred, or if I had been in a parking lot, there was no way to stop and I was not in control. Safety is the first issue. Special Note - I took my car in February 2022 for the recall.

Filed Feb 6, 2023 · Brakes, Transmission · 99,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while in park and releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle rolled forward three to four feet and then stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Middleton Ford (7520 Century Ave, Middleton, WI 53562; 608‑831‑7725) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

Filed May 4, 2022 · Brakes · SC

During a recent oil change at 14299 miles (04/28/2022), I was told that the rear brake pads were dangerously low and had to be replaced immediately. I previously had an oil change and inspection by the same dealership on 11/17/2021 (10986 miles) and 6/22/2021 at 8685 miles and the brakes were checked ok with no mention of any wear whatsoever. When I asked the service manager what could have caused such a rapid deterioration of the brake pads, I was given a shoulder shake and was told that they didn’t find a problem like calipers sticking and things just happen. This car new with only a couple hundred miles on it when we bought it from the same dealer. My concern is that, at this low mileage, I could have gone longer before I brought it in for an oil change and inspection and, if the pads were that bad, we could have been in a very serious accident. The dealership non-concern about the seriousness of the defect/problem is very concerning. The service facility was QuickLane at Jones Ford, 5757 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE USE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE PADS' RAPID DETERIORATION.

Filed Mar 5, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

Under warranty, moisture was present in all the rear brake lights. The upper (third) brake light had the most condensation. An authorized ford dealer reviewed the issue and advised ford does not cover moisture within a light as the moisture will dissipate over time. I advised the upper brake light was never dry, they insisted warranty would not cover the issue. I could replace the light, I received a quote at that time. Now the upper brake light has less than 2 LED's working and the visibility is next to nothing. Reviewing forums, this is an issue that has been present in the ford expeditions since the new vehicle design change. My concern is very simple, that brake light is important in the safety of our passengers, those around the vehicle and the vehicle itself. We have not been in a rear end collision with this vehicle, but it is difficult to see braking of this vehicle ahead when the vehicle is one car ahead of you based on what I have seen when driving behind this vehicle myself. I consider this brake light a significant component of the safety features in our vehicle. Timing of the issue was over a period of time. First phase was moisture not dissipating, second phase has been the LED lighting continues to stop working, a few LED's at first, now only a few are operational, and dim at best due to the continued moisture in the upper rear brake light assembly.

Filed Jul 18, 2020 · Airbags, Brakes · 53,957 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Was hit by a vehicle while making a left hand turn on a city street. Tried to stop the car. Breaks would not work and just went to the floor board. Vehicle sped up. Jumped 2 curbs and had to throw the car in park in order to stop. Air bags did not deploy.

Filed Sep 13, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 15,000 miles · VA · 6 injuries

Even though I have put the car in park, it still moves and has hit me and some of the passengers getting out the car with the doors and other parts of the vehicle almost running us over. The vehicle was put in park according to dial. However, it still moved.