Some 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Replace the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector. Do not disconnect the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector, cut the connector 3-4 inches (75-100 mm) from the connector end and leave the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector attached to brake fluid reservoir. Include these parts in the same package when returning warranty replacement brake fluid reservoirs. The brake fluid reservoir with the electrical connector still connected should be packaged in the orig
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Ford Bronco brakes problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Ford Bronco have filed 30 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
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bronco | 13 |
| 2022 Bronco (this page) | 30 |
| 2023 Bronco | 12 |
| 2024 Bronco | 8 |
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Ford Bronco we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 30.
Owners have filed 30 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.
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 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module. Replace the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector. Do not disconnect the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector, cut the connector 3-4 inches (75-100 mm) from the connector end and leave the brake fluid level sensor electrical connector attached to brake fluid reservoir. Include these parts in the same package when returning warranty replacement brake fluid reservoirs. The brake fluid reservoir with the electrical connector still connected should be packaged in the orig
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Software Update SU4 P4 for 2022-2023 Bronco is now available. Quality improvements include: - Prevent unintended Fuel level MIL after future OTA updates. -Various Apple Carplay quality improvements -Electronic Brake Boost (EBB) interaction enhancement during neutral tow operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit noises coming from the brake pedal while applying and/or releasing the brake pedal or while the vehicle is off without brake pedal application. A single click and/or clunk may be heard during brake pedal application and again on brake pedal release and is considered normal. Clicking may also be heard while the vehicle is off, and without the brake pedal being applied. The clicking heard with the vehicle off is due to the EBB going through the normal shut-down process. The amount of noise will vary between EBB modules and replacement of the EBB module is not expected to reduce the noises.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Bronco brake complaints cluster around three core problems. First, vacuum-line failures on 2.3L engines cause hard brake pedals and loss of braking power—TSB 50472 exists but there's no official recall and repairs run $230–$525+ out of warranty. The original brake booster vacuum hose appears suspect; owners report Ford replaced it with a different part number, yet no redesign has been issued.
Second, flat-towing brakes fail catastrophically. When the vehicle is in tow mode, the Electronic Brake Boost (EBB) shuts down after 45 minutes, rendering the auxiliary brake system ineffective and dramatically increasing stopping distance. The workaround is pulling fuses and waiting five minutes to engage or disengage—clearly not production-ready. This creates serious liability for RV owners relying on the supplemental brake system.
Third, owners report cold-start brake creep on downhill stops—the vehicle rolls forward after a full stop, then jerks suddenly to a stop. One owner mentioned that an ABS reprogramming fixed the issue, yet this fix isn't deployed across the fleet. Hard brake pedals also occur in 4WD mode and with cruise control active.
Additional reports include unintended brake engagement while driving, complete brake boost failure mid-highway, and ABS/pre-collision system faults. Dealers often claim hard pedals and poor response are normal; owners disagree and cite online forums showing the problem is widespread.
Same Ford Bronco brakes reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Parking brake system malfunction
Parking brake actuator, switch, or motor fails to release properly; dashboard warnings persist ('Parking brake engaged', 'Please release parking brake', 'Parking brake system overheated'); manual intervention required to disengage.
When: During normal operation; repeated after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to one side; Dashboard warnings for parking brake status; Brake does not auto-disengage when vehicle moves; Requires manual button press to release; System overheating warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Parking brake switch replaced; parking brake motor and actuator replaced; issue persisted
Electronic brake boost timeout in flat-tow mode
Electronic Brake Boost (EBB) shuts down approximately 45 minutes after ignition off in flat-tow setup, leaving supplemental brake system ineffective and dramatically increasing stopping distance. Vehicle weight not properly slowed by auxiliary brake system when EBB disabled. Workaround requires fuse removal and 5-minute wait before disconnect.
When: 45 minutes after ignition off during flat-tow mode
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake boost; Supplemental brake system cannot apply sufficient force; Dramatically increased stopping distance for motorhome and Bronco; If disconnected while towing, automatic braking may fail; Battery management system terminates EBB regardless of power supply
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse removal workaround requires 5-minute wait to engage/disengage; no permanent fix available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford aware; no official acknowledgment or solution; workaround only
Cold-start brake creep on downhill stops
Brakes do not hold vehicle on hill when cold; car creeps forward approximately one foot after full stop, then 'clicks' and jerks to abrupt stop. Does not occur after brakes warm up. No warning lights. Appears tied to ABS system.
When: When brakes are cold, typically first stop of day
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle creeps forward after full stop on incline; Creep stops with abrupt 'click' and jerk; Hard brake pedal during cold operation; No warning lamps or diagnostics; Issue resolves after brake warmup
Repairs/costs cited: One owner online reported ABS reprogramming resolved issue; not confirmed across fleet
Loss of brake assist during auto start-stop on incline
Manual transmission Bronco loses brake power when auto start-stop function shuts engine while vehicle stopped on incline; vehicle rolls backward despite brake pedal pressed firmly, loss of brake boost apparent.
When: During stop-and-go traffic on incline with auto start-stop active
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward after engine shut by auto start-stop; Loss of brake power/boost when engine stops; Vehicle requires driver to clutch and stall to arrest roll
Unintended brake engagement while driving
Brakes engage intermittently without driver pressing brake pedal; occurs while accelerating or maintaining speed. 'Check Braking System' message displays. Occurs several times, unpredictably.
When: While driving at highway speed (60+ mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes engage without pedal depression; Intermittent engagement; 'Check Braking System' message on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle owner aware of NHTSA campaigns 25V488000 and 25V823000 but VIN not included; dealer unable to diagnose without fault code
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated dealers are independent; no assistance provided
Brake booster vacuum line failure
Brake booster vacuum hose fails, causing hard brake pedal and loss of braking power. 'Check Brake System' warning light illuminates. Affects 2.3L engines primarily, reported as known issue (TSB 50472 / SSM 50472). Original part design suspect.
When: Can occur early in ownership (around 129 miles) to after 3+ years; reported on 2021–2022 models
Symptoms owners cite: Hard brake pedal when engine off; Excessive pedal pressure required while driving; Pedal stiffness increases in 4WD mode or with cruise control active; 'Check Brake System' warning light; Brake pedal may sink to floor
Codes mentioned: P050F
Repairs/costs cited: Part # MB3Z 2420 L or replacement hose assembly; $230–$525+ repair; parts frequently on backorder; original part replaced with different part, suggesting design issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 50472 / SSM 50472 issued; not covered by standard or extended warranty; known issue but no recall for full-size Bronco
Hard brake pedal with loss of braking effect
Brake pedal becomes hard and unresponsive or mushy with no braking effect; loss of brake power reported at highway speeds. Pedal may sink to floor. Inconsistent day-to-day.
When: While driving, varies by day
Symptoms owners cite: Hard brake pedal with no braking effect; Mushy, spongy brake feel with delayed response; Pedal sinks toward floor; First few inches of pedal travel produce no stopping; Inconsistent behavior day to day
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed vacuum hose failure in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim condition is normal; no recalls or warranty coverage
Brake failure with no brake boost
Complete loss of brake power when electric brake boost fails; pedal becomes rock hard and unresponsive, vehicle continues cruising without braking. Intermittent but critical safety event.
When: Intermittently while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Rock hard, unresponsive brake pedal; Vehicle will not slow or stop; Intermittent recovery of braking power after repeated pedal stomps; No warning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; Ford offered $40/day rental reimbursement (insufficient)
'Check Brake System' warning with brake issues
Check Brake System message displays on instrument cluster during braking events, sometimes with cruise control active. May accompany hard pedal, unresponsive brakes, or intermittent engagement.
When: During driving, often with cruise control on or during braking
Symptoms owners cite: 'Check Brake System' message on dashboard; Brake pedal becomes hard or unresponsive; Occurs nearly every time cruise control activated
ABS and hill-start assist system faults
Anti-lock brake system warning light, anti-brake fault, hill-start assist failures (multiple instances reported). Pre-collision system fails to activate when needed despite being enabled.
When: During normal operation and emergency situations
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Anti-brake fault warning; Hill-start assist failures (multiple); Pre-collision system non-responsive in emergency (65 mph vehicle merge); Pre-collision enabled but brakes do not activate
Synthesized from 30 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 2022 Ford Bronco?
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 2022 Ford Bronco?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 30 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 30 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 31,000 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/2022/Ford/Bronco.
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.