Earlier this year, Ford recalled 225,000 F-150s (2013-2014) for sudden brake failure. The problem was blamed on brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder. Nine accidents and 33 complaints were reported.
On September 28, the government opened a new investigation after receiving 25 reports of “sudden and complete brake loss” on brand new F-150s (2015-2016) with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engines.
Drivers say the “brake pedal went to the floor and provided no stopping resistance.” On the 2016 model-year trucks, no warning lights or chimes went off before the brakes suddenly failed.
Several drivers swerved off the road to avoid other cars, ran red lights, or rolled into busy intersections. One driver narrowly missed a child in a school crosswalk.
No serious injuries have been reported. The rear brakes will still work if the master cylinder fails, but the front brakes provide most of the stopping power. It would take a much longer distance to stop the 2.5-ton vehicle.
The 2011 and 2012 model-year F-150s have also been linked to power brake assist failures. No recall was issued, but a government investigation last year found 432 complaints, 7 crashes, one injury, and 6,476 warranty claims related to electric brake vacuum pumps.
Source: NHTSA