9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$890
Average Mileage:
39,300 miles
Total Complaints:
21 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (10 reports)
  2. replace master cylinder (9 reports)
  3. been repaired (1 reports)
  4. replace master & booster cylinders (master leak to booster) (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.

problem #21

Sep 272020

F-150 XL 3.5L Eco

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Completed 1900 mile trip through Death Valley (cliffs, steep canyons, etc.) and next morning went out to go to store and no brakes. Pedal went to floor. Popped hood and checked fluid - fine. Got back in truck and tried to move 5 feet and no brakes. Pumped brakes and eventually low fluid light went on. Got out of vehicle and pool of brake fluid under RH front wheel. Re-checked fluid reservoir and now the level was down. Towed to dealer. Waiting to hear back. Had this happened 200 miles earlier I and my family would likely have died due to the terrain we were in. Contacted Ford Customer Care - recalls related to breaks do not cover my VIN. Never in 55 years have I had a car have a complete brake failure.

- dinodriver, Danville, US

problem #20

Jan 022020

F-150 XTR 4x4 5.0L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,612 miles

Brake master cylinder and related components failed. A complete brake failure. Pedal goes right to the floor. I'm lucky to be alive.

- Shaun A., Port Alberni, BC, Canada

problem #19

Sep 052020

F-150 Lariat

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

On 9/5/2020 I approached a stop sign in my 2016 Ford F150 Lariat and my brake pedal went to the floor and a message came up on my dash "add brake fluid / brake fluid low." Fortunately I was at the stop sign where a truck stop was; quite naturally I went to the truck stop, purchased some brake fluid and put it in the reservoir. I left the truck stop and headed back to work and the "add brake fluid / brake fluid low" message came on again and the brake pedal went to the floor again; so I turned around and went back to the truck stop and purchased a few large bottles of brake fluid assuming that I had a leak maybe in one of my brake lines. Sure enough the message came up on my dash again on my way back to work.

On Tuesday 9/8/2020 I took my truck to the service dept. of the Carlsbad Ford Dealership and that's when I discovered that there was a recall on that model truck for the Master Cylinder and Booster. Those two parts were replaced, I was called and told my truck was repaired and ready to be picked up. After getting my truck I noticed it was making a loud sound that it was NOT making when I took it to the service dept., I then noticed that the engine light was lit on my dash which again was NOT lit when I took the truck to be repaired. I took the truck back to the Carlsbad Ford Service Dept in Carlsbad, NM, they cleared the codes and test drove the truck. It turned out that the loud sound was a blown turbo where brake fluid bled through the vacuum lines from the booster into the intake through the turbo and the engine.

Now this is where this dealership lost every inkling of my respect. 100% "ALL" the blame was placed squarely on MY shoulders for the brake fluid leaking into the intake because I was told that I, the customer, put too much brake fluid in the reservoir and the blown turbo was MY fault because what I should have done was call a tow truck when I saw the "add brake fluid / brake fluid low" message. So let this be a lesson to anyone who drives a Ford - "Anytime a message comes up on your dash - low tire pressure, low oil, low brake fluid, immediately pull over, call a tow truck and have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership; and as ridiculously absurd as that may sound, that's exactly what I was told I was supposed to do.

The warranty on my truck that I just purchased in June has expired and I'm left with a $6000 repair cost that Ford refuse to provide for THEIR recall / defect! The dealership that I bought the truck from is currently providing me a rental car at the moment, once they stop - I'm supposed to continue to pay just under $700/month for a truck that I just purchased with now over $6000 in repairs. UNBELIEVABLE!

- Napoleon C., Plano, TX, US

problem #18

Aug 232020

F-150 XLT 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,670 miles

click to see larger images

brake failure

Safety Recall 20S31 2014-2017 F150, 3.5L manufactured before Aug 1 2016. My F150 was manufactured Oct 2016 2+ months outside recall. Nonetheless I had that recall problem... Complete Break Failure due to Master Break Cylinder leaking into Booster Cylinder resulting in accident.

I reported same to Ford Customer Service and Customer Relations but there is no known follow-up or sharing of info that would let me know the matter is escalated to Ford folks that can take action. Ford Dealer that did repair said they would escalate through the Dealer Channels but my calls to the Dealer go unanswered. My 100,000 extended warranty was 2600 miles beyond being covered by warranty also being escalated by the Dealer.

I have $4,000 damage to my Truck, $1,000 for break recall repair and $2,000 damage to the trailer I was pulling. What alarms me is that no one seems to get it that someone is going to die from one of these failures. I was traveling about 40mph when the breaks completely failed approaching a SS and T-Intersection. Cross traffic was 55mph and filled with heavy family traffic on a nice summer Sunday afternoon. Only by the grace of God no one was killed.

- dougtally, Allen Park, US

problem #17

May 232020

F-150 Limited 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,500 miles

With no prior warning symptoms, I started my truck the morning of May 23, 2020 and saw a BRAKE ALERT message on the dashboard. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I immediately called my local Ford dealer and (carefully and slowly) drove the truck the 2 miles to the dealer. They informed me that the brake master cylinder had failed, leaking brake fluid into other parts of the braking system. They did not have replacement parts in stock, so I am now awaiting parts shipment before they can complete repairs. I feel very fortunate this happened now, as my wife and I are scheduled to leave on vacation in 10 days, pulling our 9000 lb travel trailer on an extended highway trip. Had this sudden brake failure occurred on the road while pulling an RV, we would quite likely not have lived to tell the tale.

- Jim G., Uvalde, TX, US

problem #16

Sep 242019

F-150 Lariat 3.5L Ecoboost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Bought used F-150 with 38,000 miles, drives great. Forward a year and half later at 61,000 miles, I’m driving on the highway with my wife and I get an alert that says brake fluid low. I go to exit the highway and I try to press on the brakes and the pedal goes to the floor I have no brakes. Luckily there’s no cars in front of me so I’m able to coast for a little bit and finally the brakes engage. Very scary moment. Had there been traffic we would of for sure been in an accident.

At this point the brakes are no longer engaging. Opened the hood to check fluid, and it’s indeed very low. I walk to a near by gas station buy some brake fluid hoping it fixes issue. Pour 24 oz of fluid and the break pedal begins to engage. I thought that was it, drive for about hundred feet and I begin to feel the brakes going out again. Pulled over, called a tow truck home.

Next day I take the truck to Ford (another tow) they call me back and say the master cylinder has malfunctioned and the brake booster has been contaminated with all the brake fluid, needs new master cylinder and brake booster pump.. PARTS AND LABOR QUOTE COMES IN AT $2134.00!!! I was prepared to pay around $1000.

I understand mechanical issues happen. He says there’s no recalls at the moment for this year truck. I couldn’t believe it. My father in law and I figure call around and see if i can get quotes at some other reputable shops. Talk to a nice guy at a shop and says this is a $600 job. Called Ford back and told them I’d be picking up my truck and taking it elsewhere (and another tow). Second shop tells me he’s replacing the master cylinder, flushing out the booster, and bleeding the lines parts and labor totals $480 dollars. What a difference!

When I googled this issue I couldn’t believe how many people have had the same issue and can not understand why Ford isn’t recalling these parts. My next truck will probably be a Dodge. Anyway thanks for reading my rant.

- Gabriel P., San Pablo, CA, US

problem #15

Aug 112019

F-150 Lariat V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

Experienced total brake failure while pulling out of a parking lot onto a highway. When I attempted to put on brakes at the stop sign the trucked rolled into the highway. Luckily the approaching truck swerved to keep from hitting me blowing his horn till he was way past me. Truck was out of warranty by 22 days and has 23,000 miles on it. Had it towed to a Ford Dealer which replaced the master cylinder and booster at a cost Towing $120.00 and Repair cost $798.97. Asked the dealer if they would help me out with Ford since the warranty had only been out for 22 days and was a major safety issue. Answer was NO. Contacted Ford explained the situation and their answer was NO. So much for Ford customer service. Contacted NTSB and filed a Safety Complaint with them. They are, after many similar reports investigating this safety issue. Hopefully a total recall coming.

- Bill L., Cochran, US

problem #14

Jul 182019

F-150 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,721 miles

OEM master brake cylinder failure (rear cup seal) on a 2016 F150 with 51,000 miles resulting in complete loss in brakes.

This failure is the same to which Ford issued a factory recall on 2014-2015 F150's. Looks like they missed some units!

Nothing like having your vehicle serviced two days before the incident without any signs or issues noted by the Ford service shop only to experience the 'low brake fluid' warning followed by a total loss in brakes!

- thornock, Silver City, US

problem #13

Aug 132019

F-150 Lariat 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,955 miles

Driving down I5, all of a sudden it started making all kinds of noise, the brake warning system was flashing, next thing I know I go to slow down and have no brakes (pedal all the way to the floor) almost causing what could have been a serious accident. I took the next off ramp and was able to get into a parking lot. When I checked the brake fluid, it was low, I was able to get to an auto parts store and bought more. I only made it 3 blocks and the reservoir was empty and the exhaust started stinking and blowing thick white smoke. This could have been a lot worse. Also, this cost me a days work, and a ton of money! Where is the recall before someone dies!?!?

- Larry W., Wilsonville, US

problem #12

Aug 072019

F-150 XLT 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Truck lost braking power while heading to the dentist, brake fluid low message appeared came on. tried to pull over and check and the pedal went to the floor. checked for leaks everywhere and none to be found, limped it to the local parts store and put in 12 oz of fluid, brakes still spongy but was able to make it home. brake fluid was empty within 7 miles of where i just filled it up. put one more bottle in so i could make it to my job in the morning and it was empty again. pull vacuum sensor out the bottom of the brake booster and all 36 oz of fluid starts pouring out of the brake booster. master cylinder failed just like to 13-14's and did the same thing. called ford to order a master and will install myself. cleaned brake booster out the best i could and will roll the dice that it doesn't break down the road. Ford needs to Recall these model years just like the 13-14s. a simple online search shows hundreds if not thousands of f150 owners with the same problem.

- Thomas M., Grayslake, IL, US

problem #11

May 112019

F-150 XL Super Crew V6 3.5L With Ecoboost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,358 miles

Mechanics are trying to find where the brake fluid is going. The well is dry after filling but no outward leaks. Everything points to the master cylinder. Thank goodness I dropped it off at 7 am this morning, there was very little car or pedestrian traffic. It was not safe at all to drive, very scary!

- David B., Kensington, US

problem #10

Apr 032019

F-150 King Ranch

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

Started up the car leaving work, put into drive and pushed brake to turn out of the parking spot. Brake pedal went right to the floor. Had to back up into the spot using emergency brake. Checked the fluid and it was almost gone. Filled up and drove to nearest dealer. Left the car to be repaired going to cost me about $1500 to have booster and master cylinder replaced. Also, have to wait almost a week to get it back. Seems this is a big problem for the F150 and Ford is not doing anything about it.

- Tim D., Havre De Grace, US

problem #9

Aug 252018

F-150 King Ranch 3.5L Eco Boost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,850 miles

Friday I had brakes, Saturday morning started out for Dallas & warning light came on saying brake fluid low & emergency light also was on. I figured dealer had missed the brake on last service & would stop up the road for a can of fluid. 15 miles later I touched the brake pedal & it went to the floor. I got stopped & got a couple cans of fluid as tank was empty & filled it up but still no pedal & fluid was leaking on right side back of right tire. I'm now waiting for Hill Country Ford dealer to open so I can take it in to get fixed. Will update later.

Update from Aug 30, 2018: The master cylinder was covered by Ford extended warranty & I paid the $100 deductible. !st one with this problem at my dealer.

- Jess S., Goldthwaite, US

problem #8

Jan 162017

F-150 XLT 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,243 miles

No problems until today, except rear door improperly aligned. Just spent 6 hrs in hospital. Started truck and brake alarm came on. There was no power brakes,but worked manually (no power assist). This is scary. How can I keep my family safe. So glad it didn't happen on the highway. Had towed to the dealer, but hadn't heard the conclusion yet. Lots of similar problems on line. Ford needs to recognize this ongoing problem. I will report to the MOT when I have Fords input on the repair.

Update from Jan 22, 2017: Well, can't blame Ford on this one. A mouse or squirrel chewed through the vacuum line to the brake booster. $400 I was home. I have set some traps outside and ,for now, have a trouble light on under the hood.

- David B., Oshawa, ON, Canada

problem #7

Jan 122017

F-150 XL V6 Eco Boost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,500 miles

Brake pedal goes to the floor. What more do I need to say? If you push down and hold pressure the pedal in 5 seconds it is on the floor. Ford says they are good.

- kengapeq, Long Beack, CA, US

problem #6

Nov 182016

F-150 XLT 5.0L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

In my 33 years of driving, mostly professionally, I have never had a vehicle where the brakes failed. Never. I’ve driven cars & trucks that I've bought for between $150 to $50,000. None of them ever had brake failure. That is until Friday, November 18, 2016.

My three-month-old 2016 Ford F150, has 10,000 miles on it. I bought it brand new, with 9 miles on the odometer. Up until Friday, it had been a pretty good vehicle. It got me where I needed to go, & back. Its towing capability was so-so, but OK. My 2007 Nissan Titan handles our 30-ft. camper much better. But I digress. On the aforementioned date, when approaching a stoplight, I applied the brakes. Much to my dismay, the pedal went to the floor & the truck did not slow down. Good times. I took the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis & repair. They still have it & I’m in a loaner car. This is completely unacceptable.

- Robert D., Chesterfield, VA, US

problem #5

Oct 042016

F-150 XTR 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,806 miles

I am new owner of a 2016 Ford F-150 2.7 ecoboost I was going down QEW in hamilton ON on my way to work in Toronto ON I am a medical first responder I was going 40 km hr and I seen traffic slowing down. I then applied my brakes and they went to the floor. I then rear ended another motorist in there vehicle and it was deemed a right off on the spot, I had no where to go. I had 2 transport on both sides of me I then called for and they told me to brake sooner I was not expect my brakes to let me down Ford is telling me no recalls in Canada they only then step up once something tramatic happen I need help any other Ford owner having this issue I a ready to draw lemons all over my truck

- Brandii D., New Liskeard, ON, Canada

problem #4

Oct 272016

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,500 miles

I bought a new 2016 F150 so my kids and I would be in a bigger safer vehicle, and I would be able to haul my horse trailer.... well its looking like I should of stayed with my Audi because on October 27th my kids and I were heading home with a very full truck, front to back. We were doing about 45mph. I could see the light ahead was red at the busy intersection so I went to apply the brakes to start slowing down and there was NO BRAKES. The pedal went all the way to the floor....we had no warning! The brakes had been working just fine all day and then no brakes...luckily I was able to turn into a big parking lot and coast to a stop. If that parking lot had not been there I would of hit the person in front of me trying to stop.

The 2015 F150s have been recalled but WHY IN THE HELL have the 2016 not been recalled. In doing research I realized that Ford has been having problems with their F150 master brake cylinders since 2013.....this is not safe! Not for my family or anyone else on the road but in till the recall is issued then guess Ford only has to replace the defective part with the same but new part!....ISSUE THE RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.... I will say my Portland dealership has been awesome with getting me a loaner car and trying to help me get this figured out.......this is completely unacceptable an I am scared to drive my new 50K+ truck and that is complete crap the recall needs to be issued and the trucks need to be safe!!

- Heather M., Vancouver, WA, US

problem #3

Oct 302016

F-150 XLT 2.7L Ecoboost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55 miles

Picked up my new 2016 F-150 from dealer and while driving back to my home, 2 hours away, the brakes would not hold the truck at a stop and the brake pedal would keep falling toward the floor. Took it to my home Ford dealer for service. The problem was diagnosed as brake master cylinder failure. It took 4 days to get the part from Ford and installed. My truck had less than 100 miles on it and it's obvious that the truck was shipped from the factory with a defective brake master cylinder.

- joe1247, Fort Meade, FL, US

problem #2

Sep 262016

F-150 Sport 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

Just purchased a brand new F-150 only to bring it home to find out it has some pretty bad brake issues. Brakes fail when I first start the vehicle up and try to drive it. The pedal does all sorts of weird things, and the vehicle barely wants to stop.

- Joseph M., Fort Irwin, CA, US

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