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2014 Ford F-150: ABS light or ABS activating

16 of the 1,541 complaints about the 2014 Ford F-150 describe ABS light or ABS activating.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
42,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below

ABS light or ABS activating by model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Brakes · NC

the federal safety agency / Center for Auto Safety Formal Complaint Vehicle Information: * Year / Make / Model: 2014 Ford F-150 * Component Category: Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) * Affected Part: ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) / Valve Assembly (Part # DL3Z-2C215-A / DL3Z-2C215-C) Incident / Issue Summary: I am reporting a critical safety concern involving a failure of the Anti-Lock Brake System Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2014 Ford F-150, combined with an indefinite manufacturer supply chain failure that renders the vehicle unable to be repaired to safe operating standards. The electronic ABS control module on my vehicle was inspected and rebuilt to functional specification; however, diagnostic testing confirmed that the internal mechanical/solenoid valves within the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) assembly are stuck/failing. This internal valve failure disables key safety features, including Anti-Lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac), and Traction Control. Upon attempting to purchase an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement HCU assembly through Ford Motor Company and authorized dealerships, I was informed that the critical safety part is on an indefinite nationwide backorder with no estimated delivery date (ETA). Safety Risk & Regulatory Impact: 1. Loss of Safety Features: Without a functional HCU assembly, the vehicle operates without active ABS or AdvanceTrac traction/stability control, significantly increasing the risk of wheel lockup, vehicle skidding, and loss of directional control during emergency stopping or adverse weather conditions. 2. Unavailability of Safe Parts: Due to high failure rates across 2009–2014 F-150 models, the replacement supply chain is completely exhausted. Independent repair facilities refuse to install unverified, used, or salvaged junkyard units due to severe liability and safety risks. 3. Indefinite Stranding / Unsafe Driving: Owners are forced to either leave their primary vehicle

Filed Jun 14, 2025 · Brakes · NY

This truck only has 35,000 miles on it , so it's a baby! All of a sudden I get a warning light that says there is a problem with my anti lock breaking system. In the 10 years I have had this truck I have never even had the anti lock breaking system engage! The Ford dealership where I bought the truck said I had a DTC C1288. The DTC C1288 on a Ford F150 indicates a brake pressure transducer circuit failure. Specifically, it means the ABS module has detected a problem with the transducer, possibly due to a short or open circuit, where the pressure reading is too high when other inputs suggest a non-pressurized system. This often results in the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) light remaining illuminated. They said if I didn't pay them $3400 parts and labor, my breaks would stop working. This is crazy. The ABS system has never engaged yet they say it's broken. This is very dangerous. Most people don't have $3400 to flush down the toilet like I did. I should not have to pay for this repair. Ford should. The part was defective from day 1. Please help me.

Filed Jul 10, 2024 · Airbags, Transmission · 150,000 miles · GA · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH on a two-lane highway, the vehicle seized on low gear and the rear of the vehicle seized. The ABS did not engage to bring the vehicle to a stop, the rear remained seized causing the contact to rear-end the vehicle in front. No air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a fractured finger, head, and back injuries that required medical attention via the hospital. Due to cost, the contact could not continue his medical treatment. The other vehicle was able to be driven from the scene and the occupant sustained unknown injuries that required medical attention but no further information was available. The vehicle was driven home after the crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the frame was repaired and replaced the damaged front end parts. The vehicle was repaired. The contact mentioned that the transmission was previously rebuilt approximately 3-4 years ago with AAMCO due to an undetermined failure with an unexpected downshift into first gear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was serviced for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train). The contact was concerned that the failure would recur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2024 · Brakes · IN

We got the truck out of heated storage after 6 months, and lights on dash came up stating a"Service Brakes" and "ABS" plus warning bells. Took to Ford dealer immediately and they test and said we needed a Hydralic Control Unit as our brakes would not work. In looking this up, other F150's have been recalled, but not our VIN. So we had to pay $3,000 for part and it to be programed. Fortunately it is an extra vehicle for us and we were not caught out on the interstate. I find it interesting that 3 recalls were done for this same braking issue on the F150, but for some reason did not include ours?????

Filed Apr 4, 2024 · Steering · AZ

Steering angle sensors in the electronic steering rack randomly lose signal. This causes an ‘AdvanceTrac’ warning, loss of use of turn signals and ABS faults. Problem randomly clears and then repeats. Some F150s had a steering recall previously, but my specific VIN did not.

Filed Oct 8, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

While any driving conditions or speeds for no reason at all abs, traction, emergency brake system warning lamps come on. My brakes are good. Took truck to a shop and had brakes inspected and nothing is wrong with the brake system. When turn off vehicle and restart warning lamps turn off. Sometimes the check electronic differential warning lamps comes on with the 3 brake warning lamps.

Filed Oct 3, 2023 · Brakes · 37,511 miles · MA

The contact's father-in-law owns a 2014 Ford F-150.The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated with an audible chime sounding three times. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective ABS. The contact was informed that there might be a recall on the vehicle and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 37,511.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Brakes · CA

OBDII code C116A, with ABS dash light on. ABS HCU needs replacing at 53000 miles. Many failures of this unit reported. Part costs $2900. Entire job quoted at $3900.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Brakes · 165,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the check brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he used the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he had experienced the failure approximately 10 times while driving as well as while reversing. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the brake booster pump and brake lines, and ABS speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2022 · Acceleration, Brakes · AZ

I only used my VIN to get this far. The issue that I have concerns a very important safety feature that I have yet to see on any vehicle. With more and more vehicles being produced with automatic braking systems, I am wondering why the automakers don't have a specific light option on the rear of the vehicle that illuminates when the ABS is activated. There are still millions of vehicles on the road that don't have ABS. This feature would inform following drivers the difference between slowing down and quickly stopping. It could be placed in the middle of the rear brake light that is in the upper middle of the rear window. So, you are probably wondering why I am bringing this to your attention. That is because I have wasted 30k of my own money on 2 different marketing firms trying to get my patent noticed, with no luck. The patent number is 9,643,535 B1. Check it out. I dare you.

Filed May 25, 2021 · Brakes · AZ

Brake failure due to broken brake line. The hard metal brake line that runs from the distribution line on the ABS unit to the front drivers side brake came in contact with the steering linkage rubbing a hole in it. I have notified Ford customer care and my local dealer and they do not wish to take care of the issue. This posses a huge safety concern.

Filed May 24, 2021 · Brakes · NC

Hydraulic brake control unit, mileage of truck is 47438 when diagnosed. Possibly brake failure, ABS failure and downhill control fault. Confirmed by dealer, 5/24/2021. Was confirmed by Johnson City TN Ford technician. Yes, service advanced trac warning, hill descent control fault, then brake fault with all brake warning lights lit (ABS, parking and brake) No access to scanner but have paper copy of invoice

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assistReported June 8, 2020 · 292,311 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Risk
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.

Recall number 20V332000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: fluidReported May 24, 2016 · 225,012 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.
Risk
Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.

Recall number 16V345000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2014 Ford F-150 abs

Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2014 Ford F-150?

16 of 1,541 owner complaints about the 2014 Ford F-150 (1%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1995.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Ford F-150?

There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2014 Ford F-150

Brake failure 125Check engine light 97Loss of power 79Power steering loss 67Won't shift 64Stalling 42Jerking 36Overheating 26Backup camera 25Fuel pump 25Engine failure 21Fire or smoke 20Transmission failure 20Airbag light 19Won't start 19Grinding brakes 18Door locks 17Steering lock-up 17Harsh shifting 16Hesitation 16Misfire 13Adaptive cruise 11Shudder 10Spongy pedal 10Wipers 9No deployment 8Slipping 8Knocking 7Whining noise 7Screen failure 5Sudden acceleration 5Tire blowout 5Warning lights 5

All model years of the Ford F-150

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