Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Ford F-150 brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Ford F-150 have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 F-150 | 270 |
| 2016 F-150 | 296 |
| 2017 F-150 | 59 |
| 2018 F-150 | 50 |
| 2019 F-150 (this page) | 12 |
| 2020 F-150 | 8 |
| 2021 F-150 | 42 |
1crash
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.
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018-2019 F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant on 17-Jul-2017 and through 4-Aug-2019 or Kansas City Assembly Plant on 14-Aug-2017 and through 6-Aug-2019 equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine, 3675 mm (145 in) wheelbase, XL/STX trim package, and max trailer tow package (towing pack 1) may exhibit a stability control, traction control and/or Advance Tracù warning message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0051:54 and/or C0051:64 stored in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module. This maybe due to one or more software parameters in the ABS module. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2018-2019 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles may exhibit a concern of inoperative adaptive cruise control with no associated diagnostic trouble code (DTC). This concern may occur if the hot in run or start switched power is not present at the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module on circuit CBB17. A load test is recommended to test the ABS module power and ground circuits.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe eight distinct brake-system problems across the 2019 F-150 fleet. Brake hose rupture or loosening allows fluid to leak onto the engine, triggering low fluid warnings and soft-to-nonexistent pedal response. One vacuum hose disconnected from the brake booster, killing pedal feel entirely.
The Pre-Collision Automatic Emergency Braking system alerts drivers repeatedly but fails to engage when collision occurs; dealerships admit no diagnostic test exists to verify the system works. Multiple owners report erratic pedal behavior—sinking slowly to the floor at stops with unpredictable performance—on vehicles under 12,000 miles, yet dealerships claim this is normal. One vehicle spontaneously slammed on the brakes hard enough to chirp tires while in traffic, with no prior warning.
Rotor and pad failures recur within hundreds of miles of replacement on one truck; the dealer cannot explain why and Ford declines to help. Auto Start-Stop shut off the engine on a downhill approach, killing power steering and brake assist. ABS engages without provocation at highway speed over rough road, yanking the vehicle hard right with no stored diagnostic codes.
Warranty denials and lack of manufacturer response or recall action characterize owner experience.
Same Ford F-150 brakes reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Brake fluid leak from ruptured/damaged hose
Brake hose ruptures or becomes damaged, often by rubbing against the steering column or other components under the hood, causing brake fluid to leak onto the engine bay. Loss of brake fluid triggers low brake fluid warning and results in soft brake pedal requiring full depression to stop, or partial brake failure.
When: 118,000 miles reported in one case; one case occurred early in ownership with undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid visible on engine or under hood near firewall; Brake Fluid Low warning light illuminated; Brake pedal soft or requiring full depression to floor; Difficulty coming to complete stop; Limited braking power
Repairs/costs cited: Brake hose replacement required. One dealership claimed hose came loose and rubbed against steering column due to off-roading (owner denies this); dealership denied warranty coverage citing 'not a mechanical failure.' Another case had check engine light illuminated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership (Jones Ford, Humboldt, TN) denied warranty coverage, claiming hose loosening was not a mechanical failure. No recall or TSB mentioned in narratives for this specific issue on 2019 F-150.
Vacuum hose disconnection from brake booster
Vacuum hose connected to the brake booster becomes disconnected or stuck, interrupting vacuum supply to the brake booster. This causes loss of brake assist, resulting in hard or stiffer brake pedal and extended stopping distances or complete loss of power-assisted braking.
When: Occurred with vehicle that had not been driven without issue since purchase in April; failure occurred mid-trip
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels stiff or stiffer than usual; Vehicle slows unexpectedly or stops in middle of road; Loss of brake boost sensation; Hot rotors indicating brake drag
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum hose reconnection restored normal brake pedal feel and vehicle operation. Owner noted one hose closest to brake booster was stuck and had audible air suction when disconnected.
Pre-Collision Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system failure
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system fails to engage or apply brakes when collision risk is detected. System alerts on multiple occasions but does not apply brakes when it should during actual collision events. Dealership states no diagnostic procedure exists to verify system function.
When: 12,500 miles in one case; 150 miles in another case; failures occurred during highway driving and merging
Symptoms owners cite: AEB system alerts but does not engage brakes; Collision occurs despite system alert; Pre-collision system fails to apply braking during near-collision or collision event
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempts documented. Dealership (Ford of Boerne) stated there is no way to check the system to verify it works and that this information came from Ford engineers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford stated no diagnostic procedure exists to test the Pre-Collision Automatic Braking System. No recall or TSB mentioned.
Brake pedal sinks or softens while holding at stop
Brake pedal behaves erratically, sinking slowly toward the floor while holding the brake at a stop or red light, or going soft and requiring repeated applications to maintain stopping power. Behavior differs each time brakes are applied, creating unpredictable stopping performance. Vehicle has very low mileage.
When: Under 12,000 miles at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sinks slowly to the floor while holding; Soft brake pedal; Inconsistent brake pedal behavior; Pedal requires full depression to floor for adequate stopping
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took vehicle to two separate Ford dealerships; first dealership told owner this is 'normal' behavior, second dealership outcome not yet reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First Ford dealership claimed this behavior is normal.
Spontaneous hard emergency braking in traffic
Vehicle applies brakes suddenly and forcefully with no warning while in low-speed stop-and-go traffic, causing vehicle to skid to immediate stop with tire chirp. No warning lights on dashboard prior to event. Event lasts approximately 2 seconds before vehicle resumes normal operation.
When: Just before July 4th, 2023; low-speed traffic condition
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang sound; Vehicle skids to immediate stop; Tires chirp during braking; No warning lights illuminated before event; Occupants restrained by seatbelts from impact
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes seeing recall for 2021-23 F-150 emergency brake issue and requests 2019 F-150 be included in recall.
Repeated rotor and pad wear or failure
Rotors fail prematurely, requiring resurfacing within 300 miles; replacement rotors and pads fail within 200 miles. Multiple returns to dealership for rotor resurfacing. Dealership has no explanation for cause of failure and Ford refuses to provide explanation or assurance issue will not continue.
When: 8,600 miles on vehicle at time of complaint; four separate brake failures in this short mileage span
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure (type not fully detailed); Premature rotor wear
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: rotor resurfacing (lasted less than 300 miles). Second repair: rotor and pad replacement (lasted less than 200 miles). Additional resurfacing required afterwards.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford refuses to provide explanation or assurance that brake failures will not continue.
Auto Start-Stop system disables engine, causing loss of steering and brake assist
Auto Start-Stop feature automatically shuts off engine during downhill approach to stop sign, disabling power steering and brake boost. Driver loses control of vehicle, steering becomes unresponsive, and brakes feel squishy. Vehicle rolls into oncoming traffic.
When: Downhill descent while approaching stop sign
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shut off unexpectedly by Auto Start-Stop; Loss of power steering; Squishy brakes / loss of brake assist; Vehicle rolling into oncoming traffic; Dashboard message: 'Auto StartStop Shift to P, then Restart Engine'
ABS activation causing hard right-pull at highway speed over uneven road
ABS system engages and applies braking force to right wheel when vehicle hits uneven ground at highway speed (80 mph), causing vehicle to be yanked hard to the right. ABS light flashes during event. No diagnostic trouble codes stored and all components pass inspection.
When: Highway speed (80 mph) over uneven ground
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages unexpectedly over uneven ground; Hard right-pull due to right-wheel braking; ABS light flashes; Loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: No codes; all components pass inspection despite symptoms
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 36,485 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2019/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.