Lincoln MKZ spongy pedal problems

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the tool to perform the recall remedy was unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal felt spongy and required excessive force to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where diagnosis confirmed a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) failure; however, repairs were denied due to a Valve Actuation Service test requirement. The contact stated that the failure posed potential safety issues during winter driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2023 · Brakes · TX

Recently I have experienced a "soft brake pedal" on my 2011 Lincoln MKZ. I investigated online and here's what I found. So far there is no recall on this vehicle but SHOULD BE. the federal safety agency believes the hydraulic control valves can become corroded and stuck, causing soft brake pedals and longer stopping distances. In some cases, braking returns to normal when the valves subsequently become unstuck, causing an intermittent condition that makes a correct diagnosis difficult. On Ford's side, engineers discovered a gelatinous material that prevented control valves from properly returning to the closed positions after actuation. The automaker also found the gelatinous material likely occurred when brake fluid hit the valve coating. Federal investigators were able to recover affected brake components in some of the vehicles that were involved in crashes, and engineers confirmed stuck valves and corrosion of the zinc control valves. This problem has just recently evolved and it is very scary when applying the brakes and they go down to the floor. The car stops if you pump the brake pedal. My mileage is 150000 on my Lincoln MKZ but the car looks like new and is excellent shape.

Filed Apr 28, 2023 · Brakes · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal became stiff. The contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed an excessive amount of fluid underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Brakes · 121,000 miles · WA

Upon braking my brake pedal goes to the floor and I hear the ABS .the vehicle slightly slows. The pedal remains spongy. Ford does think it could be the "hcu". According to department of transport problem that hcu may be sticking open. This happens every time a heavy application is made when road surface is wet.

Filed Aug 11, 2020 · Brakes · FL

Very soft brake pedal

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Brakes · 88,096 miles · NC · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 ford mkz. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the braking system failed when pressing the brake pedal causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a commercial truck. During the crash no injuries were reported. A police report( [xxx]) was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The vehicle damage was repaired but brake failures continued. After retrieving the vehicle the brake failure continue and the brake was spongy causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer colminger ford(5011 jake alexander blvd s. Salsbury nc) on several occasions for the brake failure. The ABS module and braking assembly and control (y) were all replaced but the failures continued to occur. The contact recently received a recall notice for the federal safety agency recall campaign number 19v904000(braking system). The manufacturer([xxx]) was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,096. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 21, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 145,000 miles · CA · crash

My car has had the brake pedal go all the way to the floor on multiple occasions, while the vehicle was in motion, over the past couple of years. It would suddenly go soft/spongy and braking distance would increase dramatically. The problem would occur whenever the vehicle was in motion, quite randomly, every couple of months. I have brought it to several ford dealers, and none of them ever had a legitimate fix, only saying that the spongy brake pedal resolves itself after awhile, and it would eventually, but the issue would always return again. The ford/lincoln dealers said the issue of the unusually soft brake pedal was related to the ABS system. Recently, I was involved in an accident because while the vehicle was in motion, the brake pedal issue returned, and I was not able to brake in time, as the pedal went all the way to the floor, and the car did not stop as it normally would have. This is a critical safety issue that needs to be addressed.

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · OH

Abs engaged on snowy road. Now, brake pedal is extremely soft/spongy...does not engage until pedal is fully depressed. County road. Straight-line stop. Replaced brake master cylinder and performed factory pressure/service bleed. Cause is certain to be the historically faulty ABS hcu/control module.

Filed Oct 3, 2018 · Brakes · 175,764 miles · VA

Brakes spontaneously went soft, during travel (30 MPH?). Changed master cylinder which seemed to resolve issue. Couple of weeks later, happened again uwhile in motion. Master cylinder changed 2nd time under warranty. Happened third time within weeks traveling about 50 MPH. The third time, it happened upon application of brakes (not aggressive) which caused ABS activation. Pulse was felt in brake pedal and immediately brakes pedal went soft (almost to floor). Pumping brake pedal firmed the brakes. Couple of days later, tested ABS on gravel road by aggressive braking, ABS activation and brakes went soft immediately during the action. Pumping up brakes resulted in firming, at top of brake pedal travel without slowing vehicle then into soft travel through 3/4 travel until firmed again at bottom of travel. Concern is that in the event of emergency braking which activates ABS, typical braking changes to 'soft pedal' (belief of failed brakes) and potential for panic and resulting collision. Dealer tested system today (10/03/2018) and could not diagnose any problem. No dash light was ever activated in any of the events described. No brake fluid leak detected, no loss of brake fluid.

Filed Apr 26, 2018 · Brakes · 115,000 miles · NE

After an ABS braking event the brake pedal is now soft and spongy and exhibits excessive travel. Brakes still function effectively. Brakes will "pump up" harder with an additional pedal stroke.