While driving and trying to stop on a wet, snow-covered road my ABS system began to kick in. After coming to a complete stop the brake pedal had a "soft" feel and could be forced to the ground. Since this first incident, the brake pedal goes extremely soft after the anti-lock brake system engages. My car can still brake, but I have to press the pedal almost to touching the floor. It will stay soft a while (at least 20 min, probably longer), but I found that if I pump them hard a few times (like while at a red light) it then returns to normal. After research, it was found that the ABS control module is faulty and needs to be replaced.

- Avon, OH, USA

Gentlemen, I own a 2007 Lincoln Mkz with 68,750 miles on it. I put a new master brake cylinder on it on August 16, 2015. The master cylinder was replaced because my brakes were periodically going 'soft' after hitting rough patches on a road, striking wet, uneven manhole covers, or hitting slippery conditions which activated the ABS system. Since that August installation of a new oem master brake cylinder I have had three more instances where the brakes have gone mushy after various attempts to make a quick stop. I've come to understand the likely defective part is the hydraulic motor control common to the cars under investigation as well as all others utilizing this same part. My point is that it is not just the 2007-2009 Ford Fusion or the Mercury Milan (which you are investigating) that has these suspected defective brake conditions. My 2007 Lincoln Mkz (and any other Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln automobiles which use this car's same braking system) has this same unsafe design. My latest incident occurred last week when a deer ran out in front of my car on a snowy road. I slammed on the brakes and avoided him. The ABS kicked in and brakes have became mushy immediately thereafter. After taking my car in for repairs to the soft brakes, the brakes have not been returned to 'normal'. I'm returning to the garage for a 'fix' again. The soft brakes cause the car to take extraordinarily above normal distances to stop. I strongly encourage you to review the 2007 Lincoln Mkz for similar defects to that of the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion. Although you are reporting no deaths currently as a result of these conditions to the Mkz, one / many are imminent. 475,000 cars all potentially with this same brake design are unsafe. One we know for sure that is certainly unsafe is the 2007 Lincoln Mkz.

- Parma Heights, OH, USA

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- Parma Heights, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln Mkz. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000....updated 03/13/17

- Bloomsburg, PA, USA

While traveling at 45 mph traffic slows. I come down hard on brake. Anti-lock brake activates, peddle goes soft and catches just above floor. Peddle dose not return to normal until checked by local mechanic and he runs a check on the anti-lock brake system. Hours later brakes are back to normal. This is the second occurrence of the problem. The Mkz is a close relative of the Ford Fusion.

- Marietta, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln Mkz. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal traveled to the floor when it was depressed. The contact stated that there was an increase in how long it took the vehicle to fully stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,500.....updated 02/06/17

- Plymouth, MI, USA

The brakes do not function properly. The pedal feel is spongy and the pedal travel is excessive (3-4") before the brakes start to slow the vehicle down. Brakes were fully bled to ensure old fluid with too much moisture in it wasn't the problem. This action didn't fix the problem. Just had a Ford dealer replace the master cylinder--that did not correct the problem. After conducting a web search and talking with the dealer more, apparently the problem is a valve stuck in the open position on the ABS system's hydraulic control unit. This appears to be a bit of a common problem with the Fusion, Mkz and Milan vehicles over numerous years. There also appears to be an updated part number for the hydraulic control unit. This condition is a safety hazard as the brakes do not properly slow the vehicle down when the brakes are applied.

- Dexter, MI, USA