10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
27 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
12 / 1
Average Mileage:
58,955 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #183

Sep 112018

F-150

  • 125,000 miles
I woke up in early morning to leave for work. I backed out of my drive way and pushed brake pedal to stop truck and put it in drive, but the truck rolled down an hill and into trees. While pushing the brake pedal it went to the floor like I had no brakes at all. The truck did not stop till it was in the tree. My brake fluid is low which is a sign of the proposed recall which Ford is disputing. This is extremely dangerous and Ford says they are not aware of the problem although after looking online, it shows they are being investigated due to the issues with the brake booster box and master cylinder malfunctioning. Please help us make Ford recall these before someone is seriously injured or dies. My truck is also showing brake fluid has been used, its about 1/2 full now. This is a common issue found when the master cylinder problem is in the truck.

- Bean Station, TN, USA

problem #182

Aug 312018

F-150

  • 70,000 miles
Brake fluid in reservoir keeps getting low every few hours and the "low brake fluid" level light becomes illuminated. This started a few days ago and I just saw a notice from gas buddy informing me of a recall #16S24 that may be related to this issue, but when I entered my VIN in the NHTSA website, there is no recall noted for my vehcile.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #181

Sep 042018

F-150

  • 71,081 miles
Brake fluid level sensor came on while driving on interstate at highway speeds. No brakes after that point. Coasted off the highway, checked fluid level, empty. Added 20 oz to max fill level, leaked out inside of 6 minutes. Towed to dealership, replaced brake master cylinder under Ford recall 16S24. Not sure booster was replaced. Issue is I check my fluid level every week before getting on the highway, I knew there was a recall issued March 2017, but with my fluid level standing full, didn't think it was an issue, I had plans to do the recall in Oct. This is not a slow leak, this is a full on seal failure with draining of the reservoir inside 6 minutes with the truck parked. When that light comes on, you are done with brakes. I just wanted you to know this is a sudden and total loss of fluid and not just a "leak". and there are no rear brakes, you don't just loose the front brakes, you have zero brakes. Didn't have to apply the emergency brake, was able to coast to a stop in the parking lot of a gas station.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #180

Aug 272018

F-150

  • 103,000 miles
As I was driving home from work on the highway, I started to stop at a red light. My brake pedal went all the way to the floor with very minor speed reduction. I attempted to pump the brake pedal, but had to use the emergency brake to actually come to a stop. After some investigation, I was told my master cylinder had been leaking into my brake booster and both needed to be changed. This was recalled in 2016, but only for 2013-2014 F150 with a 3.5L engine. Since I have a 2013 F150 with a 5.0L mine was not recalled which almost caused me to have a wreck. Now I am paying out of pocket to fix it.

- Town Creek, AL, USA

problem #179

Aug 092018

F-150

  • 39,000 miles
Brake failure due to master cylinder leakage into brake booster

- Milton, PA, USA

problem #178

May 312018

F-150

  • 71,000 miles
The brakes were scrubbing. Didn't have any brakes. Took it to the dealership they replaced the master cylinder but told us it was not in a recall. The same problem existed with this truck as with the trucks that were recalled. Why wasn't M Y truck included in the recall? this happened while I was driving on the highway.

- Pace, MS, USA

problem #177

Aug 022018

F-150

  • 60,000 miles
While moving at speed below 10 mph, but using the brake at times, my "low brake fluid" warning indicator came on after driving only 200 yards. Even after filling the brake fluid container, it again came on after only about 500 yards. I carefully took the truck to my local Ford dealer who found that the master cylinder was leaking fluid into the brake booster. This is identical to the Ford recall #16S24. However Ford says that my VIN is not among the recall list, but obviously the recall should be extended to include my vehicle that exhibits the identical recall that Ford describes.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #176

Jul 222018

F-150

  • 41,000 miles
~95% brake power loss. Vehicle was stationary, and once started the low brake fluid light came on. Brake function was reduced to about 5% of normal function. Refilled fluid in reservoir and all fluid was lost during first 5 miles of driving. At this time there was only about 5% of brake power remaining and the vehicle had to be stopped using gear downshifts and the emergency brake. I checked over the vehicle and there was no apparent fluid loss in the engine bay or the brake lines. Took to Ford dealership and it was diagnosed as a master cylinder leak into the brake booster. This problem is an active recall with 2013 and 2014 model year F-150's, however my manufacture date did not fall within this recall.

- Arvada, CO, USA

problem #175

Jul 132018

F-150

  • 73,897 miles
While in motion on city street, brake warning illuminated and brake pedal went to the floor when depressed with virtually no braking action. Dealer stated brake fluid went into the brake booster and had to replace the brake booster and brake master. Service document attached.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #174

Jun 262018

F-150

  • 75,000 miles
On 6-26 of this year 2018, we got into my truck to go to Tuesday night church service. And as I was waiting for the garage door to open, I placed my transmission in reverse put my foot on the brake pedal. As I did, the pedal went all the way to the floor. I immediately put my transmission in park. The next day I had it towed to a garage for repair. The master cylinder had failed and all the brake fluid had leaked into the booster. The vehicle was repaired with new Ford parts but I am afraid to drive it even though the brakes are now working fine again for fear they could again fail and someone could get hurt or killed.

- Newton, KS, USA

problem #173

Jul 062018

F-150

  • 56,000 miles
I was driving on a city road going 40mph. I went to hit the brakes at a stoplight and the pedal went to the floor. It ended up being the master brake cylinder was leaking into the brake booster.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #172

Jun 222018

F-150 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
While driving our Ford F 150 we experienced total brake loss where the peddle went to the floor with no stopping. When brake fluid was checked the was none, nor was there a leak or any sign of a leak. The F 150 was taken to a local mechanic and he could not see any sign of a leak. He added brake fluid and it was disappearing about as fast as he was putting it in. The vehicle was taken to a second mechanic which was ultimately the same outcome, added fluid, fluid drained, no leak and still no brakes. The vehicle was then taken to the Ford dealership where he told us that the master brake cylinder was leaking into the brake booster and our truck was not covered under the recall. Our truck is a 2013 vehicle that was manufactured at the dearborn plant in Michigan. I still have the sticker from the truck when we bought it brand new. This vehicle is currently at the dealership genesee valley Ford in avon, NY. No work has been done to the vehicle currently. The mechanic shops that looked and witnessed the vehicle after the brakes went out are beeches automotive in leicester, NY and al's automotive in leicester, NY. The current cost to fix this is North of $400 and the dealership is ordering parts for it now. I should not have to pay for this since it is the same reason that Ford had to recall the others. My name is [xxx] and I am the son of the owner of the vehicle. My mother melody chest is the owner and the driver. I am handling this incident for her. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Leicester, NY, USA

problem #171

May 242018

F-150

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. When the contact depressed the brake pedal, the brakes seized. Also, the "check brakes" warning indicator and the fluid indicator illuminated. The contact called carbone Ford at (802) 442-2888 (897 N bennington rd, bennington, vt 05201) and was informed of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 68,000. The VIN was not available.

- North Bennington, VT, USA

problem #170

May 262018

F-150

  • 53,000 miles
While driving Saturday morning around 7 am on May 26, 2018 my brake fluid light came into the dash. When I pressed on my brakes I noticed there was not much resistance when pressing then the pedal went to the floor. I was first on RT37 in Rhode Island heading towards cranston when I noticed the light and exited immediately when I then found that my brakes were no longer working. Per my mechanic -the master brake cylinder is leaking fluid into the brake booster depleting the break fluid in the primary reservoir minimizing braking capabilities. After learning what the problem with my truck was I researched any recalls. Per the NHTSA the same issue already recalled on May 26 2016 for 271000 of the same truck make model and year. Ford is denying that my personal vehicle is involved in the recall. The truck has all maintenance required and approximately 53000 miles, far under the estimated time a problem like this should arise.

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #169

May 252018

F-150

  • 59,500 miles
Failure of master cylinder with no warning. Only indication was a message indicating low fluid level and brake light on dash illuminating. Some breaking ability was retained but was dimished. Issue occurred while one a lightly trafficed local road. Refilling of fluid only resulted in same loss of fluid and warning lights reoccurring a few moments later. Diagnosed as failed master cylinder and fluid accumulation in brake booster also necessitated its replacement, with both replaced under warranty. This is a MY13 3.5 L ecoboost model with a July 17 2013 build date, and 59500 miles. This is just 2 weeks outside of effected vehicles previously recalled for this exact issue.

- Canton, GA, USA

problem #168

May 252018

F-150

  • 20,051 miles
Brakes do not stop truck, the pedal pushes all the way to the floor, start to get a wheel vibrations as vehicle slows. Will not stop in a panic situation. Vehicle is driven mostly city at speeds of 35 to 40 mile per hour. Seems more pronounced on hills and coming to a light or stop sign. Vehicle just turned 20,000 miles, have already replaced brakes and rotors a two years ago.

- Finleyville, PA, USA

problem #167

May 162018

F-150

  • 50,000 miles
Vehicle brakes failed completely with no warning. Brake pedal went to the floor as I approached a stop light with 2 card in front of me, I was able to engage the E brake to stop the truck. Immediately after the incident the brake warning light illuminated as well as the low brake fluid warning indicator. I refilled the brake fluid reservoir but after driving a few miles the alarm sounded again, once again the brake fluid reservoir was completely empty. Vehicle is unsafe to operate.

- Rockport, TX, USA

problem #166

May 082018

F-150

  • 81,900 miles
Left brake line collapsed resulting in the replacement of brake line, caliper, brake pads and rotor. I was driving, applied brakes and heard squealing. This was on highway driving coming into the city. The next morning took drove the truck to mechanic and was told these items had been affected by the collapse of the brake line.

- Midland City, AL, USA

problem #165

Apr 092018

F-150

  • 89,000 miles
2013 Ford F150 purchase 2 yrs ago with 51K in miles. The dealer had installed new breaks and rotors. The other day I started hearing a bad break noise so I took a look. The outside pads still had enough pad on them to see. I was away from home for the day so the next day I ordered pads and rotors. From the time I left my house taking neighborhood streets to the auto parts store to the time I got back I went from break noise to only an emergency break. I take off the passenger tire to find brake fluid everywhere. I open the hood to see the reservoir empty. I remove the caliper to find there is no inner break pad, not even a steel plate? the caliper piston had hit the rotor and melted a bit. In all my years I have never seen or heard of a break pad coming loose from the holder. I found the steel plate the pad attaches to stuck in the shroud. Got it out and looked at it. It doesn't appear to be that much thinner than a new one. So I get to looking into it and read lots of people talking about excessive wear on the inside front pads. I also find out about a recall for the master cylinder. I put the vehicle back together and park it. Check the mail box to find a recall notice for it. I get the truck into the dealer and am told Ford will only cover the master cylinder. Now there are no noise indicators on the brake pads to tell you of ware anymore. And why did the plate come out of the holder. I am thankful I wasn't on the highway with my grandson. The truck only has 31K more miles on it than when the dealer replaced the brakes before. Most of those are highway and I don't haul things. I think this is a life safety issue and poor engineering.

- Warrenville, Il., 60555, IL, USA

problem #164

Apr 032018

F-150

  • 80,000 miles
At 42K miles, front brakes and rotors were trashed. Now at 80K miles, front brakes and rotors are trash again. Too soon for mean time between failure. All the while, brake fluid would disappear and had to be filled 3-4 times. However, there are not apparent leaks within the system

- Ronan, MT, USA

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