10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 26 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 12 / 1
- Average Mileage:
- 58,978 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
On January 13, 2015 I was involved in a head collision with a 18 wheeler. The scenario was a two lane highway (hwy 67, lakeside, ca), there is minimal room for error and upon impact. I remember my brakes depressing completely to the floor board, yet as though there was no air lines. It has been a long recovery, which is why certain things are returning slowly. Yet, I remember that my brakes felt off or un-responsive before impact.
- San Diego, CA, USA
Had total brake failure while driving (50mph)on the roadway. Used the emergency brake (left foot on the pedal, left hand on the handle) to manipulate the vehicle brakes to get home (at 25-30mph) without incident.
- Houston, TX, USA
We have taken this vehicle in three times for squeeling brakes and it still makes a high pitched noise when I stop.
- Farwell, TX, USA
The warning light for low brake fluid came on while slowly moving in traffic. Vehicle was immediately parked as there was a safe place to do so. Brake master cylinder reservoir was checked and had very little fluid. Brakes were almost completely gone and pedal went to the floor. I called roadside assistance to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer found the brake fluid had leaked back into the booster and both the master cylinder and booster had to be replaced. I was fortunate no one was hurt or any crash resulted but I truly hope something is done before we hear of someone being hurt.
- Windermere, FL, USA
While driving truck about 1/2 mile away from my house I applied my brakes and the brake pedal went down. To floor after pumping the brake pedal several times the vehicle stop. I got scare and made a U turn to head back home and the low brake fluid low came on I pulled into a auto zone parts store open the hood and saw the brake reservoir was about 1/4 " fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.. I went into the auto zone store and purchase a bottle of dot 3 32oz brake fluid. I pour it in the reservoir and pump the brakes. Then check underneath the vehicle to check for any sign of leaks around the back plate around all the tires the rotors and rims and line there were no signs of any leaks.underneath the vehicle. I checked the reservoir once again was. Low again I pour more brake fluid into it. I pumped the brakes several times it held up so I processed back home. As a got close to my home the low brake fluid level came back on I applied my brakes and almost [xxx] on myself the brakes failed once again about fifty feet from my home I pumped the [xxx] out of the brake pedal until it finally came to a stop.. I checked the reservoir once again it was freaking empty I looked under once again to leaks could be found.. I left the truck there checked the web page to see if any incidents with my type of vehicles had encounter this type of brake failure while driving this Ford F150 type vehicle found this NHTSA preliminary evaluation on this real safety matter: Status: Open dated opened - February 29, 2016 recall : #PE16003 possible recall please take action before some one gets killed> calling dealer up today>>>> information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Clermont, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was applied, it did not respond and was difficult to depress. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than once and they were not able to replicate and diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA action number: PE16003 (service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
- Forrest City, AR, USA
Brake peddle goes almost to the floor when trying to stop. You have to give extra time and pump the brakes to stop. I had the brake pads replaced and the issue got worse and the mechanic stated there was an issue with the master cylinder. This should not be an issue at 48,000 miles.
- Diboll, TX, USA
I lost all pressure in the brake system. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor.. when I checked the brake reservoir, it was empty. I was unable to find any signs of leaking brake fluid. I refilled the reservoir and was able to restore pressure by pumping the brakes. A few minutes before total brake failure, I was in motion in an urban area, towing a boat equipped with surge brakes. I was travelling down a steep hill could feel the brake pedal travelling closer to the floor. I've had no problems since but routinely check the brake reservoir to ensure there is sufficient brake fluid I didn't report it until now, when I heard that other F150 owners had experienced the same problem.
- Keizer, OR, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. While approaching a stop sign at approximately 25 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floor when it was depressed. The failure occurred without warning. The contact pulled over, checked the brake fluid, and noticed it was empty. The contact purchased fluid from an auto parts store and refilled the brake fluid; however, the brake fluid was empty again a mile down the road. Roadside assistance towed the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact notified the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
- Tequesta, FL, USA
Brake rotors warping prior to 18,000 miles; engine cooler fan runs in high speed during summer months, all the time.
- Indian Mound, TN, USA
I purchased my truck on January 6th, 2016. I noticed the soft pedal on my test drive, and the dealer said they would be happy to fix the issue at no charge to me, so I made an appointment to have the brakes serviced. They replaced the front pads, and cut the rotors, replaced the rear pads and rotors. My brakes were worse. I explained that the brake pedal travels to the floor. Even if you "pump" the brakes, the pedal will still continue to go to the floor. Under normal, gradual braking, the is excessive travel before the brakes start to grab. Under a "panic stop", the pedal will go right down with poor response. After 3 more trips, they have replaced the master cylinder, ABS module, all four pads, rear rotors, and bled the system. No improvement has been achieved, and they have since said they cannot do anything more for me.
- Waukesha, WI, USA
Yesterday when I got into my truck and started it the low brake fluid light came on and the brake pedal instantly went to the floor leaving the truck with no brakes. I got out and checked the brake fluid reservoir level and it was completely empty but, there was no leaks anywhere, the truck had to be towed to get fixed. I discussed it with joe and upon exploring this further joe came across the attached article and it turns out this sudden total loss of breaks has happened to several other F150 truck and are being investigated.
- Houston, TX, USA
Disappearing brake fluid. Refilled 3 times in a matter of 15 miles. Refilled again at home pumped brakes the fluid is draining but is not found on the ground.
- Lexington, SC, USA
I am the owner of a 2013 Ford F150 crew cab. May I say that the brakes on this vehicle are at best sketchy, at worse dangerous. I have experienced rough stops on numerous occasions and had to have them attending to by technicians more than once. The rotors have been turned, but the stuttering stops persist. They tell me that nothing can be done until I change them and that doesn't sit well with me. Why should I have to pay to get what I feel are defective brakes fixed?
- Palmdale, CA, USA
Low brake fluid warning then no brakes when traveling after work. Brake pedal to floor with no brakes. Emergency brake used to get home. Brake fluid reservoir empty and no apparent signs of leakage. From other sites on internet this appears to be a common problem with the master cylinder seal leaking fluid to booster. Fluid level normal when checked 3 days previous prior to leaving for a 1,000 mile trip. Will take to Ford dealer 08mar16
- Amarillo, TX, USA
I was driving my vehicle going towards charlotte's saddlery, which luckily was close to the Ford dealership. I was within a mile or two when this happened. All of a sudden the brake fluid light came on and then I heard a bang and smoke came out of the right side of the front of the car and I lost brakes. I could no longer brake but fortunately was not on a highway so I just drove the mile to the dealership very slowly keeping a big distance from any cars.
- Houston, TX, USA
The 2013 Ford F-150 will intermittently ride with the brakes engaged. When letting off the gas pedal it will quickly come to a stop (both on the highway and urban roads). Brake pads have been replaced twice (@ 55,000 miles) and I have noticed a considerable drop in the calculated miles per gallon since observing the issue. I took it to the dealer and they said that it was working properly. They did not hook it up to electronically to perform an advance diagnosis. They instructed me to bring it back when it acts up again. The problem is that it happens intermittently. The only way I could get the vehicle to "disengage the brakes" while driving is to come to complete stop, engage 4WD, drive a few hundred feet, then place the truck back into 2wd. This would normally reset the braking. Appears to happen in colder temperatures. Additionally, the brake pedal occasionally (every six months) will have a grinding pulsating vibration lasting several minutes. The brakes did not go out but it feels as if metal on metal is grinding which creates an unusual and alarming circumstance.
- Louisville, KY, USA
Total brake system failure as I was driving on residential streets. Without warning, within one block vehicle went from having fully functional brakes to total brake loss. Previous to failure, vehicle exhibited no handling issues, sounds, or symptoms to indicate that there was a problem. The vehicle was traveling approximately 25 mph when I touched the brakes. Without warning a loud, high pitched sound started coming from the front drivers side of the vehicle. The sound lasted about 5 seconds. When the sound ended, the brakes did not function and when I pressed the brake pedal it went straight to the floor without resistance. All regularly scheduled and recommended maintenance had been preformed. As a result of brake failure, vehicle sustained damage to passenger side. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. Avis Ford dealership preformed the repairs. I asked the dealership if they were aware of any similar issues having been reported and they said that they were unaware of such similar reports.
- Farmington Hills, MI, USA
3 weeks ago, the front brakes on my '13 F150 began vibrating for long periods of time at slower speeds and did not feel like they were releasing at all after braking. This occurred when the brakes were still cool and in all conditions, dry, snow and rain. The truck had barely 40K miles so I took it to brakes plus and they said that the brake pads were completely falling apart; disintegrating they said. I had them install new brakes ($275) and the vibration went away for 2 weeks, but started up again. It could be felt in the steering wheel and appeared to be keeping the vehicle from accelerating. I took the truck back to the dealership (larry H miller Ford, lakewood, co) where I had purchased it used about 8 mos prior. I had the coverage of an extended warranty to 48K miles. They said they inspected the brakes and drove it and could find nothing wrong. Interestingly enough, the vibration is completely gone now and it's been about 3 weeks?? I am convinced they did something to repair the problem but did now want to tell me what they found. Especially if in the future the calipers, master cylinder, or something else major on the brakes was going to fail.
- Castle Rock, CO, USA
- Lubbock, TX, USA