The brake hydraulic system on my 2018 Ford F-150 failed. The vehicle rapidly lost brake fluid, the brake pedal began sinking, and there was no obvious external brake-fluid leak. An independent repair facility later replaced both the brake master cylinder and the power brake booster. I have the repair invoice and service records available. I do not know whether the removed components were retained by the repair facility. This failure created a serious safety risk because the vehicle was losing brake fluid and braking ability could have been reduced or lost. I had to repeatedly add brake fluid because the reservoir level would drop again after only a short distance. The sinking brake pedal made the vehicle unsafe to continue driving normally. The problem was confirmed and repaired by an independent service center. The master cylinder and power brake booster were replaced, along with a brake-system flush. The symptoms are similar to those described in Ford Recall 25S37 / the federal safety agency Recall 25V‑236, which involves certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 vehicles where the master-cylinder rear seal can allow brake fluid to leak into the brake booster. My VIN is not currently included in that recall. The vehicle has not, to my knowledge, been inspected by Ford specifically for this failure. The independent repair facility performed the repair. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review whether this vehicle may represent the same or a similar defect occurring outside the current recall population. Before the original brake failure, I did not receive a brake-system warning lamp or message that alerted me to the rapid brake-fluid loss. The main symptoms were the brake-fluid reservoir repeatedly becoming very low and the brake pedal sinking. After the master cylinder and brake booster were replaced, a new warning began appearing stating “Park Brake Limited Function.” This warning was not present before the repair. The vehicle has been returned to the repair facility four times for this warning. T
Ford F-150 brake failure problems
996 of the 38,399 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 describe brake failure, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 996
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical repair cost reported
- $924
- typical mileage
- 48,000
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 77Spongy pedal 21Grinding brakes 14No deployment 14Adaptive cruise 14Sudden acceleration 10Check engine light 9Loss of power 8
Trouble codes mentioned
P0720 1
What owners say
I put my truck in reverse to get out of a driveway and it kept going and accelerating...the brakes did not work. I ended up goign through a fence at the end of the street and into a shed and my truck finally stopped. I have significant damage to my truck as well as to the homeowners property...the Police classified it as equipment failure and I did not receive a ticket.
During a panic stop the brakes failed and the pedal went to the floor resulting in a rear end collision. The vehicle is currently with the mechanic but he believes it a failed brake booster. When I checked for related problems it seems the same brake booster (EL3Z-2140-E) in my 2014 F150 V8 5.0L was used in the same year 3.5L but yet the recalls (16S24 and 20S31) didn't include my vehicle
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after hauling a travel trailer and unhooking the vehicle, the parking brake and other lights started flashing and the instrument panel illuminated. The 911 assist was disabled. A part of the power steering was inoperable. The floorboard was saturated with water, which damaged the wiring harness. The driver was unaware because of the rubber floor mats. A mechanic suggested that the contact disconnect the battery. The parking brake failed to release. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 20-2170. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was 92,004.
Was driving down the road when a series of alerts started popping up on my instrument panel and lost braking ability. The following alerts occurred in the specific order. Parking brake service limited, Brake system failure alert, service advancedtrac. Braking Pedal went to the floor, I continued to stomp on the brake pedal and pump, trying to get a response. The braking system never responded and I eventually came to a rest. My safety as well as any drivers around me was put at risk. The vehicle has not been inspected by dealer as the incident just occured. I inspected the brake fluid level and for any obvious signs of brake failure. The mechanical aspects of the braking system were in working order(fluid level good, pads, rotors all in working order. I turned the truck off and back on and all the alerts subsided and the braking system worked as normal. I drove the truck home 1/2 mile with no issues after the brake failure. I am mechanically inclined, and would have to say this looks to be an electrical or communication failure within the vehicles computer system. There are no alerts or check engine lights on my truck after the incident. In the past my truck stores alerts in the app of anything that comes across the instrument cluster. I find it odd that there is no check engine light or alert to prevent someone from driving the vehicle after such an event, in turn creating another safety risk.
While driving my brakes went from normal, to squishy, to total loss of brakes. Brake indicator light came on while in the squishy phase. After avoid collision by nothing other than sure luck I was able to slow the vehicle and use the emergency brake to stop. Once stopped I popped the hood and found the master cylinder to be all but empty. I obtained brake fluid, filled the cylinder and the brakes appeared to be normal. After a very short drive I lost brake function again and the MC was empty. No leaks could be found from lines or around the wheels Truck was towed to an independent shop where the diagnostic determined the master cylinder seal had failed and leaked brake fluid into the brake booster. I believe the Hitachi master cylinder failure is a known Ford defect. It has been recalled on the 3.5L model F150's but not the 2.7L and 5.0L models. My loss of brakes could have led to serious or fatal traffic incidence. The master cylinder is defective on all models of the years involving the recall of the 3.5L models. The recall should be extended before someone loses their life. Please look to extend the recall to include the other models of F150s.
The brake master cylinder on my 2019 F150 had a seal leak which caused all brake fluid loss while towing with my family. Luckily we were able to stop safely, not only for us but others nearby. I know this is a recall that affects vehicles in other years but mine was not included and I feel like it should be because we had total brake failure. This is already documented by Ford recall number 25S37 (which aligns with the federal safety agency's number 25V‑236). I feel like Ford needs to expand the recall to other years as it seems the defective part is more widespread to the ones they recalled. I had a Ford dealer replace the master cylinder and brake booster which is Ford's recommendation based on the rear seal leak of the master cylinder. A low brake fluid warning was all that appeared and by the time I was going to safely stop to check fluid level, there was no braking pressure.
Driver side brake hose failure at upper crimp on the hose caused loss of brake fluid and spongy peddle
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard but failed to respond as intended. The contact enabled the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle had experienced catastrophic brake failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a leak in the brake master cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder, brake booster, and brake vacuum sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Received vehicle back from dealer saying prior brake problems had been repaired and confirmed with Ford Engineers. Drove approximately 3 miles before brakes failed again and I was not able to stop at the intersection. Avoided an accident, but had vehicle towed again to be repaired. This is the third complete brake failure in less than 300 miles on the vehicle.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module
- 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: software
- 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: master cylinder
- 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
Parking brake: electrical
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.
- Risk
- Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.
Recall number 23V509000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- 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
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance.
- Risk
- Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S33.
Recall number 21V533000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist
- 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: fluid
- 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
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling 605,684 my 2005-2006 f-150 and lincoln mark lt vehicles equipped with 5.4l 3-valve engines. The brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting may swell over time and lose retention force. This condition could allow the hose to become detached from the fitting during an intake manifold backfire. Should the hose detach from the intake manifold, several brake applications with power assist will be available before the vacuum reserve is depleted.
- Risk
- Once the brake booster vacuum reserve is depleted, the driver will have foundation brake function, but with increased brake pedal effort. Reduced vehicle braking could lead to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace a rubber hose on the brake booster vacuum supply tube assembly. The recall began on june 27, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 08V208000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The left front brake hose was damaged during final assembly.
- Risk
- If the hose is damaged, brake fluid could leak and stopping distances may be increased.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new left front brake hose assembly. Owner notification began march 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑248‑0186 or 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V095000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford F-150 brake failure
Which Ford F-150 years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (149 complaints), 2013 (128 complaints) and 2015 (126 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Ford F-150?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $924 (median of 64 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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