10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 29 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 14 / 4
- Average Mileage:
- 58,033 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.
The contact owned a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the son was driving approximately 93 MPH, and while approaching a stop light, the vehicle continued to drive into an intersection and crashed into a commercial Semi truck. During the crash, the three front-seat occupants sustained fatal injuries. The rear driver-side passenger sustained head trauma and was rushed to the hospital. A police report was filed and indicated a possible brake malfunction had occurred before the crash. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The exact cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was later informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V345000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. Also, the vehicle was inspected and determined that the brake booster was corroded. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Mevada, MO, USA
Complete, instant brake failure at only 105871 miles. My wife was backing out of the drive @5 mph, brake pedal pushed clear to floor with no warning. 3-4 minutes later, the brake warning light came on. No warning light ahead of time. Reservoir was very low, I added 12 oz. DOT3 fluid-??..brakes seemed ok. Got up the next morning, brake low fluid light is on and all 12 oz of brake fluid are gone, not a drip anywhere to be seen. Called the dealer-??.basically because our VIN has not been listed in any recall, we are out of luck on any help with repairs. Incident occurred in our drive, my wife was very lucky. Ford has a serious problem. We are the original owner, 2013 with 105871 miles. Vehicle is very excellent condition. If this would have happened on the highway, serious injury or death to us or others would have been very likely. Taking to the dealer on Monday June 9 for a diagnosis and a serious talk. Hopefully after a confirmation of master cylinder failure and leakage into the brake booster (which Ford knows is an issue), they will be able to repair under an expired recall that should have included our 2013 with the 3.5 eco boost engine. Dealer-??s service dept. agreed with me over the phone but added not to get my hopes up because Ford did not list every VIN in the recall that they should have included. Interestingly, back in May, Ford notified us by mail, that as still the original owner there had been issues with the master cylinder and booster. If we had a repair done, they would reimburse up to $700 if we could provide proof. We have had no issues, nor any repairs, so we threw the notice away. So, a month after the notification from Ford, here we are. I would think the lawsuits are out there somewhere, I would rather not be a part of any of that-??.this should get Fords prompt attention from a safety standpoint. So we-??ll see what happens.
- Churubusco , IN, USA
My Vehicle has 116,000 miles and the CPU/ ABS Unit is not working. I took it to a Ford Dealership and they said the part alone is $3,000. I feel although the vehicle is 12 years old it has low mileage and I feel that a part of this type should not malfunction. I would like Ford to pay for this repair and how many other F-150-??s are out there experiencing this same problem? Could you please investigate this problem. I still have bakes but the ABS and Down hill slope assist is not working. All the brake lights come on ABS, Down Hill Slope Assist, and the brake line. The warning light and bells come on within a few hundred feet when moving. I had the vehicle inspected by a local Ford Dealership and they informed me the ABS unit needs replaced. This has been happening since April of this year 2025.
- Perryopolis, PA, USA
Traction Control Module failed -- (as diagnosed and confirmed by the dealer) I did a quick stop (someone cut in front of me), and felt the anti-locks 'kick in'. Later that day, the dashboard lit up with three warning lights and two messages stating that the anti-lock and brake systems needed to be serviced. I am not sure what risks are associated with this --- but... its the braking system. The repair cost estimate: Nearly $6,000
- Sykesville, MD, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was running rough and there was a strong burning smell. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ABS fuse was overheating, was damaging the brake pads and rotors, and was causing the vehicle to overheat. The mechanic advised the contact to remove the ABS fuse, and the contact removed the fuse. The vehicle was later taken to another independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to the ABS module. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH and approaching the stop light, the vehicle in front of her vehicle stopped prematurely. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the vehicle decelerated but failed to stop as intended and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact hit the right leg shin area against the dashboard and sustained a punctured wound on the leg. The contact also sustained a swollen right leg and back pain. The emergency units physically examined the contact and recommended medical assistance for the right leg injury. The contact later went to urgent care but could not afford the cost of the medical care. The contact then treated the injuries at home. It was unknown whether the other driver sustained injuries. There was no property damage. A police report was filed but the contact did not have the information available. The police determined that it was a no-fault accident. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hot
- Henrico, VA, USA
I was recently driving on the freeway in the #1 lane when my 2013 F150 began to experience a loss of power. While traveling at 70 mph, I noticed that my transmission had shifted and was stuck in 5th gear. I continued to depress the accelerator with no response. I then felt a sudden jolt from the transmission shifting to a lower gear and continued to travel. There was no warning light indicating that the truck was experiencing a malfunction. On Nov 26th I took my truck to an authorized Ford dealership service department who performed a diagnostic test on the transmission who recommended an immediate transmission flush and service, which I scheduled immediately. While on scheduling the repairs to my vehicle I learned that there was a recall on the 2011-2013 Ford F150 trucks. I learned that NHTSA issued a recall on 2/11/2019 and 6/10/19 due to the component failure of the transmissions in those vehicles causing the loss of power while driving. Both of these recalls involved either electrical component failure or mechanical failure of the parts installed in each vehicle that involved the powertrain. I was never notified by the NHTSA or Ford Motor Corporation of the recalls on my vehicle. During a phone conversation with Ford I was told that there is no longer a recall on the 2011-2013 F150. I was also told by a representative of Ford that there is no record of Ford sending me notification of the time of the recall. Here are the recall numbers that I found: 1. 19V075000 2. 19V433000 3. 16V345000 Thank you for your consideration.
- Spring Valley, CA, USA
See complaint on File: 11623520
- Marion, IN, USA
Master Cylinder leaked into brake booster causing complete brake failure. Had to use downshifting and emergency brake to stop. Contact Ford and they said not on recall list. Have a nice day.
- Dallas, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving in a parking lot, she depressed the brake pedal and it became stiff. The vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The vehicle collided with a parked car. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The contact then began driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and he observed a grinding noise emanating from the front driver side of the vehicle. The brake pedal then became stiff and did not slow down as intended. The vehicle was placed in the park position on multiple occasions to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the check valve was clogged and the brake vacuum booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Olathe, KS, USA
I started the truck and as I backed out of a parking spot, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor and the brakes did not stop the truck. I used the emergency brake to stop and pulled back into the parking spot. I checked the brake fluid and it was low. I purchased some at the store I was at and filled up the reservoir. I pumped the brakes and they appeared to work. After driving for about a block the brake fluid light came on and the reservoir was empty. No fluid leaking anywhere under the vehicle.
- Jupiter, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact depressed the brake pedal down to the floor and the brakes were inoperable. The contact swerved to avoid an accident. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with failed brake master cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder and the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
- Warrenville, SC, USA
Brake pedal goes very hard and unless you press with both feet you will not stop. it happens intermittently. Almost had two accidents because of this and I knew what to do. If someone else was driving there would definitely been an accident. Also the engine mounted vacuum pump is leaking oil which seems to be a problem with everyone on these vehicles. The oil leaking directly onto the hot tubo creating a burning smell.
- Cedar Grove, NJ, USA
The brakes instantly became soft and unresponsive with a warning chime and message to service the vehicle. The brake fluid reservoir was empty with no apparent leaks on the vehicle. I refilled the brake reservoir only to watch it disappear over a short time. I researched and found there is a recall 16S24 impacting Ford F150 ecoboost vehicles with this exact symptom. My vehicle does not show up on the recall list having been manufactured at the Dearborn facility in June of 2013 where the cutoff was August 2013. At this point, Ford has refused to recognize this issue is the same.
- Double Oak, TX, USA
I took my truck in a couple of weeks ago to get the recall done due to downshifting. Picked it up the next day and they told me they resolved the issue. The next day it happened again and it continued for a week. I called the dealership (Holmes Tuttle Ford) and they said they would charge me $200 plus maintenance fee even though it is a recall. Fast forward to today and my truck went out and will not start. Called ford and they informed me that although they cleared the recall they did not actually fix the problem because it was not present when they turned it on and told me I would have to repair it on my own even though they did not attempt to fix it.
- Tucson, AZ, USA
While driving brake pedal went to the floor, after that brake light came on, unable to stop, move to the side of the road and stopped with parking brake slowly. Upon inspection no brake fluid at reservoir and no external leaks. Brake fluid went to brake booster. Upon research Ford has a recall to address the same complain, but my VIN is not part of the recall. Went to dealer and called Ford, and they could not help by stating that my VIN is not part of the recall, even if the year is part of it the VIN is not. My F150 VIN is [xxx] my name [xxx]. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Miramar, FL, USA
The truck slammed into 1st gear going 55 mph on the interstate. Through investigation a speed sensor warning was the culprit. Not being able to have truck service for a month due to Ford Dealers being backed up Cavalier Ford sent a mobile mechanic out to me. He spent about 10 minutes on my truck handed me the keys and told me he did something with the computer mo parts are needed. He never test drove it to ensure the problem was corrected. When I went to drive the truck, the wrench light was still on and was worse than before. Actually stuck in first gear. After going around and around I was informed by Fors Customer Service they did their part, anything else I wanted done would be my responsibility financially because of the mileage. I didn't not think recalls had a mileage limit but they are insistent after 150k they were no longer responsible. Cavalier Ford marked the recall as complete but it wasn't. My case number with Ford is CAS44213098 transmission fluid leaking recall was not on there but I am leaking that as well. I don't want something for free, I just want them to correct their defects
- Norfolk , VA, USA
Brake fluid is leaking into the brake booster, im not understanding why the recall back in 2020 didn't cover my truck. 2013 f150's were recalled but the Ford dealership says they show nothing.
- Burkburnett, TX, USA
My break went out an I hit my garage when I start my vehicle or if I-??m going down a hill slow the breaks get really hard to push an almost want stop all my breaks an calipers are new so it-??s a different issue
- Parrottsville , TN, USA
I-??ve went though 8 wheel bearings in the last 6 months on the drivers side tire alone. I-??ve had to replace brake hoses every few weeks and I-??ve had to take it to two different dealerships. Also it keep downshift from 6 gear to first with no warning. I-??m afraid it-??s gonna cause me to wreck.
- Garner, KY, USA
- Chesterfield, MI, USA