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Ford Expedition abs comes on

118 of the 9,411 owner complaints about the Ford Expedition describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
118
worst model year
1997
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
78,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

On August 11, 2026 at approximately 5:17 PM, the vehicle was traveling about 25–30 MPH and approaching a stop sign. The driver began braking normally, but the vehicle did not adequately slow despite repeatedly pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle continued completely through the stop sign and intersection. Fortunately, no cross traffic was present and no collision occurred. After passing through the intersection, the vehicle slowed while traveling uphill. At approximately 5 MPH, the electronic parking brake automatically applied by the vehicle and brought the vehicle to a stop. After being placed in Park, the vehicle would not shift out of Park and displayed multiple fault messages. FordPass recorded simultaneous faults for Antilock Brakes, Electronic Parking Brake, Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power, Pre-Collision Assist, and Blind Spot/Cross Traffic systems. One message specifically stated that the anti-lock brake system had detected a fault and was disabled. After several power cycles, the vehicle could be moved, but an orange wrench remained illuminated and cruise control was unavailable. After being shut down for approximately one hour, the warnings cleared and the vehicle appeared to operate normally. There were no warning lamps, messages, or braking symptoms before the failure occurred. Because the vehicle failed to respond normally to braking and traveled through an intersection, the incident created a serious risk of collision, injury, or death. The vehicle was subsequently towed to an authorized Ford dealership and is currently available for inspection. Dealer diagnosis is pending. The dealer has been asked to preserve the diagnostic trouble code/fault history and investigate the brake, electronic brake booster/ABS, electrical, and related control systems.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL

ABS break lights and Service Advanced Trac lights flashing and beeping. Eventually Break fluid low lights came on and car would not break when driving . Leaked break fluid on driveway. Car was unable to be driven, no breaks .all happened very quickly and without any reason .i had it towed to a break mechanic and he said it was the ABS modular break line that was broken and there was no more break fluid and it had leaked out . He suggested I send it to the dealership. It sounds like the exact same issue as the recall # 25S47 on campaign 25V314 but my vin number does not fall under they but shows it is the same Kentucky plant and year so I do believe it is the same issue

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Brakes · MI

While driving the ABS system failure warning along with 2 other system warnings come on and brakes fall to the floor. My Ford expedition is experiencing the same catastrophic electronic brake booster failure as recall 25S77. The dealer updated the software and the problem continued. Its back at the dealership after happening an additional 4 time and I'm being told it $2500 to replace the electronic brake booster. My VIN is not on the recall but in experiencing the exact life-threatening system failure.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Brakes · AZ

While driving at varying speeds the service brake warning light would come on and the vehicle would shudder while decelerating before coming to a full stop as the brakes were engaged resulting in a longer distance required for breaking. After initial occurrence the vehicle was inspected by the local dealership where they determined that "The brake lines passed inspection and there were no other observable issues." This happened roughly 20 times over a collective 2 hours of drive time throughout a 3 week period. Eventually the vehicle's computer system disabled the ABS and provided an error code regarding a faulty ABS. Upon a second inspection by the local dealership service department accompanied by video footage that I took of the incident the following report was made by the service department "Brake Booster Replacement - C0047:31 - Internal EBB failure"

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Brakes · GA

ABS CPU control system. Error Code B1342-EC. Antilock braking system electronic control unit defect.

Filed Jul 26, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · ND

I took the car for a recall due OBD issues and reprogramming shortly after that 3 days after it was at redrock ford in Williston North Dakota is giving me Emergency brake malfunction in middle of driving car on cruise control this warning came on with a lightning symbol in red and circle around it disengaging cruise control on its own and also no showing speed cruise control is set for this is the 3rd time I take this car due to recalls they also just did seatbelt tensioners on front driver and passenger sides and is listed again for it and status on it is that no remedy is available due to parts not available I called the dealer after the OBD RECALL REPAIR and associate is stating I have to pay a diagnostic because is not related to EMERGENCY BRAKE ISSUES mentioned above I didn’t have this ebrake issue before u til oil took it to them now thanks to this I have a broken front right passenger wheel bearing most likely it engage ABS SYSTEMS AND MY WHEEL LOCKED WHILE DRIVING WITH MY Family and my kids now I have to buy a new driver side wheel bearing most likely have a mechanic installed also with a price of labor cost on top

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · TX

Master cylinder leaked into brake booster. Paid for those repairs which apparently are covered under other 2017 VIN # but not mine? Now the ABS transducer is messed up and the car needs new hydraulic pump & module.

Filed Jun 1, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

This issue has happened multiple times, once on the highway the vehicle felt like it lost gear/ the engine completely cut off. multiple warning lights came on such as airbag, ABS, engine light. was eventually able to get to the shoulder and after multiple attempts it started back up, showed no warning lights. drove the rest of the way fine. another time that could have put other at risk is when driving in the city, the vehicle lost power and also lost the ability to stee. causing me to be standstill in the roadway. the vehicle started back up after two attempts. the vehicle has been to the local deal a total of 4 times with the last time requesting a through inspection of the grounds, as this seems like an electrical or mechanical issue the service manager requesting me "not to bring it back until it's broken" leaves me lost.

Filed May 29, 2024 · Steering, Visibility · 171,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became loosened while making a left turn. The contact stated that the "Check Suspension" and "Check ABS" messages were displayed on the instrument panel along with the oil, brake, and battery warning lights being illuminated. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the part needed to repair the steering wheel was no longer in stock. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as from the dealer. The contact also stated that moisture had begun to leak from the sunroof. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2020 · Brakes · 258,000 miles · AL

The ABS light stays on and the vehicle wobbles when stopping. The brakes look fine and the rotors appear to be good.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control moduleReported December 1, 2025 · 679 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on December 3, 2025.

Recall number 25V823000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: softwareReported July 25, 2025 · 312,120 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.

Recall number 25V488000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported May 9, 2025 · 273,789 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles. The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and reduced brake function.
Risk
A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S47.

Recall number 25V314000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported April 11, 2025 · 123,611 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk
A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑150.

Recall number 25V236000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported March 11, 2022 · 195,864 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.

Recall number 22V150000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported November 17, 1998 · 4,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may have a missing or partially installed retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm.
Risk
Increased brake stopping distance can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles to see if the retainer clip was installed, and repair, if necessary.

Recall number 98V296000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford Expedition abs

Why does the abs come on in the Ford Expedition?

Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, windshield wiper failure and adaptive cruise control problems, and the codes they mention most are C0047 and B1342.

Which Ford Expedition years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (30 complaints), 1998 (13 complaints) and 2000 (12 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Ford Expedition?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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