Ford F-150 spongy pedal problems

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Brakes · WY

Driver side brake hose failure at upper crimp on the hose caused loss of brake fluid and spongy peddle

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Brakes · NV

My 2018 Ford F-150 is experiencing a dangerous loss of braking power, a soft/spongy brake pedal, and brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. These are the exact symptoms and component failures described in Ford Recall Campaign 25S37 (the federal safety agency Campaign 25V236). However, when checking my VIN, I am told my truck is excluded from the recall population. Because my vehicle is exhibiting the identical safety defect, the current recall window is too narrow and needs to be expanded to cover my vehicle before a serious collision occurs.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Brakes · AR

On July 30, 2026, while operating my 2014 F-150 under normal driving conditions, the dash cluster information screen displayed a "Brake Fluid Level Low" warning. Moments later, the brake system experienced a sudden/catastrophic loss of front braking performance. The brake pedal became severely spongy and traveled completely to the floorboard, requiring drastically increased distance to bring the vehicle to a stop. Due to ineffective braking, I missed the driveway of the parking lot I chose to inspect/determine what the issue was and subsequently could not stop the truck within the confines of the parking space. This brake failure put me, my family as well as oncoming traffic and pedestrians in jeopardy of injury or death due to collision. A mechanical inspection of the vehicle revealed the rear cup seal inside the brake master cylinder had failed. This internal seal failure allowed hydraulic brake fluid to bypass the cylinder and leak directly into the vacuum brake booster, completely contaminating the booster assembly. Without effective braking, the truck was deemed too dangerous to drive so it was parked and unused until replacement parts could be installed. This specific component failure, internal seal degradation, and resultant fluid contamination of the booster is identical to the safety defect detailed in the federal safety agency Campaign #16V345000 (Ford Recall #16S24). However, this specific vehicle was excluded from that safety campaign solely because it is equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine, rather than the recalled 3.5L engine, this despite using the identical Hitachi master cylinder. The Ford Corporate Consumer Relations was unwilling to assist with the purchase of replacement of the master cylinder, booster but did offer to record my complaint and issue a case number for engineering review. The defective master cylinder and contaminated booster assembly have been retained for inspection if required or requested.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Brakes · IL

I was driving and my brakes gave out a bit and my brake pedal was hard to press down and when I pressed down there was a grinding sound. Also a red warning message said check braking system. Has been confirmed for 3.5L EcoBoost engines, which is what I have.

Filed Sep 10, 2025 · Brakes, Fuel system · TX

The brake system on my 2018 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost began failing around early 2025 with a brake warning light illuminating and the pedal feeling soft, signaling a problem. The brake fluid reservoir dropped low repeatedly despite topping it off multiple times with DOT 3 fluid, indicating a persistent leak. By 09:52 AM CDT today, September 10, 2025, the brake pedal lost all pressure, making the vehicle completely undrivable and posing a severe safety risk due to significantly increased stopping distances and potential brake failure. At 10:37 AM CDT, thick white smoke started billowing from the exhaust each time the vehicle was started, likely from brake fluid leaking into the engine via the brake booster, a symptom matching Ford recall 25S37 (the federal safety agency 25V236) for a defective brake master cylinder seal. This failure endangers the driver, passengers, and other road users, as the truck is a primary vehicle, with the smoke suggesting a fire hazard and possible engine damage like stalling or misfires. The issue is reproducible, with the warning light, fluid loss, and soft/no pedal persisting since early 2025, worsening today with the smoke appearing consistently on startup. It has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center yet, as the vehicle is undrivable, but I plan to tow it to a Ford dealership for inspection under the recall. No manufacturer, police, insurance, or other inspection has occurred, as the smoke issue escalated this morning; prior rear left electronic parking brake actuator replacements in 2025 due to fluid leaks were done at home. The brake master cylinder and possibly the brake booster are the failed components, with the actuator issue likely related, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request or at a dealership. Symptoms first appeared with the warning light and soft pedal in early 2025, followed by fluid loss, complete pedal failure, and smoke today at 09:52 AM CDT.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Brakes · IA

Vehicle drove fine to work and upon getting in to return home and staring the vehicle, the brake pedal was instantly spongy and low brake fluid alert displayed on dash. There was a difference in 9 hours from when the brakes were fully functional to having brakes were completely out and nonfunctional. Had vehicle towed to local dealership and their diagnosis was "master cylinder is bleeding into the booster" and booster "full of brake fluid." This exact issue has been known and was supposed to be addressed but there have been numerous issues with the new parts installed after the recall leading to subsequent master cylinder/booster failures. Since it has already been "repaired" under the initial recall, the subsequent repair cost $1,300 including diagnostic.

Filed Jul 26, 2025 · Brakes · NC

Leaving my driveway today, the 2010 Ford F-150 suddenly indicated a brake fluid level low message and the brake warning indicator turned on. The brake pedal, which was firm about a minute before, suddenly depressed to floor and the truck was stopped only with great difficulty. The sudden change in braking performance would probably have caused an accident if I had been driving in traffic. I took the truck to a mechanic who refilled the master cylinder and bled the brakes. I left the mechanic and pulled out. The brakes were fine leaving the lot. About 1/4 mile later, the brake warning came on and the brakes became spongy. I immediately returned to the mechanic and was informed that the brake master cylinder was draining into the booster. Apparently this is a recall item on later F-150s but it does not appear to include the 2010.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

Loss on all braking systems. Multiple warning lights including on dash. Brakes will become spongy and not stop or lock up all 4 wheels at slightest touch. Taken to dealer who provided a service memo SSM 53683 which basically says vehicle unable to power down and no fix available. Ford is aware of the problem and has done nothing to fix this despite multiple phone calls and emails. This is a significant safety issue Vehicle is also brand new will less than 1000 miles on it

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Brakes · NY · crash

Failure: Total loss of brakes, hard pedal, no airbags deployed, at estimated speed between 5 and 10 mph. Safety concern: Total loss of ability to slow down, stop or avoid impact. Crashed into a shop wall as a dealership technician with the brake lamps evidently applied before and after the impact. Reproduced: Vehicle in for ABS related faults on dash, which is why it was being pulled into the Ford dealer by a Senior Master Ford technician. Inspection by others: Not yet, vehicle has been left at impact site per management. No, there were no warnings, chimes, messages or any other symptom or sign to indicate a concern was going to happen.

Filed Jul 6, 2023 · Brakes · TX

I came to an intersection and stopped. While my foot was on the brake pedal it became soft after 5 seconds and then was depressed to the floor board. While remaining stopped I pumped the brakes and they continued to be soft and spongy. I then proceeded through the intersection and proceeded to enter Interstate 10 just outside of Luling, TX. While traveling at 70 mph I tried my brakes again and quickly realized I didn’t have the ability to stop. I slowed my speed, found the next exit ramp and pumped my brakes and down shifted to bring my 2016 Ford F-150 to a stop on the shoulder. While stopped I pumped my brakes again and the brake pedal went directly to the floor with no resistance. My truck was not safe to drive so I had it towed to the nearest town of Luling, TX. The mechanic diagnosed the problem where the rubber brake line on the right front wheel had ruptured causing the loss of hydraulic pressure and fluid.