FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Ford F-150 brakes problems
severe 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 25 brakes complaints filed for the 2009 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 F-150s cite widespread, recurring brake failures across multiple systems. The most frequent complaint is ABS module failure, occurring anywhere from 10,000 to 183,000 miles, with no recall despite claims it's a known defect. Replacement costs run $800–$5,400, and parts are backordered at dealers nationwide; owners have had to hunt salvage yards across the country for used modules.
Beyond ABS, owners report complete loss of braking or heavily restricted braking capacity. One Florida owner discovered his rubber brake lines were corroded and crimped shut inside the bracket—90–100% restricted—causing wheel lockup and brake fluid starvation. Another experienced sudden loss of braking that required downshifting and the parking brake to stop at a red light. A third lost three-quarters of brake fluid within 15 miles due to hose failure at the master cylinder junction; the replacement hose from Ford's parts department was improved design, suggesting the manufacturer knew of the defect but did not recall.
Soft or unresponsive brake pedals plague many owners, who report having to pump the pedal multiple times or press with both feet to stop. Some describe brake pedals stuck or unresponsive entirely, and at least one owner was unable to depress the pedal at all during highway merging, resulting in a collision. Early rotor wear and grooving at 2,800 miles, with recurrence after partial repair, indicates potential caliper or pad material issues. Brake pulsation, seizure after ABS module replacement, and stalling during turns add to the picture of systemic instability. Dealers frequently report they cannot duplicate the problem or find no defect—even in cases where failure is verified.
Same Ford F-150 brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Failure
ABS control module becomes defective, triggering ABS and brake warning lights. Module replacement is expensive and often unavailable from dealers; some owners report dealer backlogs or having to source used parts from salvage yards. Owners report this as a known issue for the model year.
When: 10,000 to 183,000 miles; some instances very early (15,000 miles reported as 'bad from factory')
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and/or brake warning lights illuminated; Check brake system message displayed; Reduced braking response or brake pedal requiring excessive force; Brake pulsation; Difficulty locating replacement parts; backordered nationwide
Codes mentioned: B1342
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement; cost cited at $800–$5,400 depending on dealer. Many owners report part unavailability or severe backorder delays.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Manufacturer advised contact was out of warranty or offered no assistance. One contact noted dealer claimed some modules were 'bad from factory' but no recall exists.
Brake Hose and Bracket Corrosion/Restriction
Rubber flex brake lines become restricted or pinched due to bracket over-crimping and corrosion buildup between the line and bracket. Corrosion accumulates and compresses the line until brake fluid flow is severely restricted. Owner reported right front 100% restricted and left front 90% restricted.
When: 40,900 miles (one case reported); likely earlier in humid/coastal environments
Symptoms owners cite: Locked brake caliper unable to retract without opening bleeder valve; Wheel locked and extremely hot/smoking; Reduced braking capacity in front wheels; Pad burned into rotor from excessive heat; Brake pedal may lose response
Repairs/costs cited: Full brake line replacement (rubber flex line and/or bracket). Owner replaced entire brake assembly at the wheel and performed repairs himself.
Brake Hose Failure at Master Cylinder Junction
Brake hose connecting master cylinder to ABS box (at rubber-to-metal junction) fails, causing rapid fluid loss. New replacement hose from Ford dealership noted to be improved design, suggesting manufacturer was aware of the defect but did not issue recall.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid low warning light illuminated while driving; Spongy brake pedal feel; Rapid fluid leakage at hose junction; Loss of 1/4 master cylinder fluid after 15-mile drive
Repairs/costs cited: Brake hose replacement from dealer (Dublin Ford, Dublin GA) cost $33. Owner notes improved design in replacement suggests Ford knew of original defect.
Brake System Seizure and Loss of Braking
Complete or near-complete loss of braking function, sometimes accompanied by brake system seizing. Failures recur even after dealer repairs and ABS module replacement. Some instances involve brake pedal becoming unresponsive or stuck in up position.
When: 9,000 to 183,000 miles; one failure occurred at 20,000 miles and recurred after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of braking capacity; brake pedal unresponsive or stuck; Brake pedal goes to floor with no resistance or stopping power; Brake warning light illuminated; Brakes seize while driving; Failure occurs with little or no prior warning; Increased difficulty stopping on snow/ice (with loud grinding noise in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple instances required towing. Some owners reported dealers unable to diagnose failure. One case: dealer diagnosed ABS module failure, but failure recurred after brake rotors, pads, and calipers were replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact was out of warranty; no recall issued. In one case, dealer kept vehicle nine days, diagnosed ABS module failure, and replaced it—but failure recurred.
Soft or Abnormal Brake Pedal Feel
Brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or abnormal, requiring multiple pumps to build pressure or excessive force to stop vehicle. Pedal may travel nearly to floor when depressed. Dealer often reports feeling is normal and declines to repair.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (202 miles reported in one case); some instances after 60,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Soft, spongy brake pedal feel; Pedal requires multiple pumps to build pressure (2–3 pumps reported); Brake pedal travels nearly or completely to floor; Requires excessive force or both feet to stop vehicle; System acts like air is trapped in brake lines; Occasional near-failure incidents requiring hard braking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report no defect found or claim soft feel is normal. No repairs performed in most instances.
Brake Rotor Premature Wear and Deep Grooving
Front brake rotors develop deep grooves very early in vehicle life. After Ford replaced left caliper and turned rotors (without replacing pads), grooves reappeared by 5,800 miles. Possible cause related to caliper design or pad material.
When: 2,800 miles (initial failure); recurrence by 5,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Deep grooves visible in front brake rotors at very low mileage; Problem recurs after Ford's partial repair (caliper and rotor turning only)
Repairs/costs cited: Ford replaced left caliper and turned (resurfaced) rotors but did not replace pads. Grooves reappeared within 3,000 additional miles. Owner questioned whether ventilated-type rotors are needed.
ABS Sensor Wire Damage
ABS sensor wires became exposed and damaged, causing ABS warning light. One case noted wires were not covered, allowing damage during normal operation.
When: 22,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Failed ABS sensor wire
Repairs/costs cited: ABS wire replaced by dealer.
Brake Pulsation and Uneven Stopping
Brake pedal experiences pulsation or vibration during braking without warning. Vehicle becomes difficult to stop completely. One case involved left front disc brake locking suddenly during turns while towing.
When: As early as 1,700 miles (one case with towing load); early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pulsation during normal braking; Vehicle difficult to bring to complete stop; Left front disc brake locks suddenly during right or left turn (while towing loaded); Vehicle pulls in direction of locked brake
Repairs/costs cited: One case required front and rear brake rotor and pad replacement. Another case with locked left brake could not be reproduced by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised failure could not be reproduced in case involving brake lock during turns.
Loss of Power Brake Assist
Brake pedal loses power assist feel, becoming hard and awkward to depress. Issue occurs intermittently, often first thing in morning after vehicle is started. Owner had minor collision due to unexpected hard pedal.
When: Early in ownership; intermittent, first thing in mornings
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels hard as if no power assist; Surprising, unexpected loss of assist requiring excessive force; Intermittent; most common after first start in morning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford unable to replicate issue.
Stiff, Hard-to-Depress Brake Pedal
Brake pedal becomes extremely stiff and hard to depress, even after replacement of ABS module and other brake components. One case reported pedal stiffness recurred alongside brake seizure.
When: 10,000 miles (one documented case)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal stiff and extremely hard to depress; Reduced braking responsiveness
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module was replaced, but stiffness and brake seizure recurred.
Engine Revving and Brake Pedal Stuck/Unresponsive
Engine makes revving noises followed by brake pedal becoming stuck in up position or completely unresponsive. Brake pedal cannot be depressed even with full force applied, resulting in loss of vehicle control and collision.
When: Early at onset (speed 20–25 mph during highway merge)
Symptoms owners cite: Series of engine revving noises; Brake pedal stuck in up position or unresponsive; Brake pedal will not depress even with both feet and full pressure; Complete loss of braking ability; vehicle rolled into vehicle ahead
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; dealer unable to determine issue.
Vehicle Stalling During Turns and Traffic Stops
Engine warning light illuminates intermittently; vehicle stalls while making sharp turns or coming to traffic light stops. After stalling, brake pedal must be depressed hard to restart braking.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine warning light intermittent; Vehicle stalls during sharp turns; Vehicle stalls while coming to traffic light stops; Brake pedal requires hard depression after stall to restore braking
Repairs/costs cited: Failure could not be duplicated by dealer; vehicle not repaired.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Ford f150. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes stopped working. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians stated they could not diagnose the failure. The contact took the vehicle in for a second opinion at another dealer and was given the same response. The contact stated when there was snow or ice on the roads the vehicle made a load grinding…
ABS & TCS warning lights came on, when diagnosed it reads a code b1342 faulty ABS control module. I have tried desperately to find a replacement all the dealers seem to have them on back order whit no ship date known. None of the parts houses sell this particular module it is a 1 year part only I called several wrecking yards all over the country and was told this seems to be a common problem.…
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. Additionally, the ABS and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed down; however, the brake pedal needed to be depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was…
Had brakes trouble with your 2009 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2009 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 15,000 and 96,000 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 96,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.