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 ↗2023 Ford Bronco brakes problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Ford Bronco 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bronco | 13 |
| 2022 Bronco | 30 |
| 2023 Bronco (this page) | 12 |
| 2024 Bronco | 8 |
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
Owners describe a cluster of brake system faults across 2023 Broncos. The most frequent complaint is the Check Brake System or Parking Brake warning light illuminating repeatedly, sometimes within hours of dealership repairs. Dealers have replaced brake fluid level switches and bled air from lines without lasting resolution; in other cases, no fault codes appear, leaving technicians unable to diagnose. Owners report being told the vehicle is safe to drive while also being given no clear answer about safety.
A distinct and troubling pattern emerges on hills: vehicles creep or roll forward 6–8 inches despite the brake pedal being fully depressed, particularly when the engine is cold or after sitting. The brakes then suddenly re-engage hard. Owners say this happens with no pedal feedback, no engine RPM change, and no ABS activation. It endangers pedestrians and crossing traffic.
Separately, owners report the brake pedal becoming rock-hard or squishy at low speeds, requiring excessive force to stop. One owner at highway speed had to kick the brake pedal to engage it. Several owners cite online forums indicating these are known issues affecting multiple Bronco owners. Dealerships have been unable or unwilling to reproduce or fix the problems, citing lack of test hills or inability to replicate intermittent faults.
Same Ford Bronco brakes reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Check Brake System / Parking Brake Light – Persistent / Intermittent
Brake warning lights (Check Brake System and/or Parking Brake Fault) illuminate repeatedly despite multiple dealership visits and part replacement attempts. Dealers report low brake fluid level switches, air in lines, or no fault codes. Lights recur within hours or days of repair; some owners report no codes found on subsequent visits.
When: Around 10,000–40,000 miles; some recurring from new
Symptoms owners cite: Check Brake System light illuminates after engine start or during driving; Parking Brake light stays on constantly or flickers; Loud beeping accompanies light activation; Lights come on and off intermittently, making it impossible to tell if parking brake is actually engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid level switch replaced (did not resolve); air bubble bled from brake lines (did not resolve); some visits yielded no codes and no action taken
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford and dealership cannot or will not declare vehicle unsafe to drive; Ford customer service documented issue but cited no recalls available; dealership suggested customer call Ford Service to report
Brake Creep / Roll-Forward on Inclines Under Full Pedal Pressure
Vehicle creeps or rolls forward 6–8 inches downhill despite brake pedal fully depressed. Happens most on steep grades, primarily when engine is cold or after sitting. Brakes then suddenly re-engage hard, jerking the vehicle to a stop. No brake pedal feedback or engine RPM change during the creep. Owners report this as a known issue in online forums.
When: Cold engine or after sitting; within first few minutes of driving; occurs on slopes 22% grade or steeper
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle creeps forward 6–8 inches on downhill while pedal is fully depressed; Sound of brakes releasing pressure, then suddenly reapplying; No ABS warning or brake pedal feedback during creep; Abrupt brake re-engagement jerks vehicle to sudden stop; Endangers pedestrians and cross traffic
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; dealers unable to reproduce problem due to lack of hills near service locations; owner videos exist but not actionable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford and dealership will not take action; no recalls or TSBs mentioned; dealer suggested customer document via complaint
Hard / Spongy Brake Pedal – Intermittent Loss of Power Assist
Brake pedal becomes rock-hard (unassisted feeling) or squishy with significantly reduced stopping power. Occurs at low speeds or during coasting. Pedal feels as if brakes were pumped with engine off. Second or subsequent brake application restores normal feel. No ABS engagement or warning lights.
When: During coasting or low-speed driving (5–15 mph); most often in warm weather; at 40k miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels rock-hard, like engine-off brake pumping; Pedal stays high in stroke; does not go to floor; Significantly harder pressure needed to stop vehicle; Second brake application returns normal feel; No ABS activation or warning lights; Unreproducible at dealership
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; cannot be reproduced by dealership
Soft / Ineffective Braking on Declines
Brakes apply very softly or incompletely on downhill grades, requiring much harder than normal pedal pressure to stop. On one instance off-pavement, brakes did not engage until third pedal press; pedal went to floor on second press.
When: During descent; steep declines most associated
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes apply very softly on decline; excessive pedal pressure required; Brake pedal goes to floor without stopping vehicle (single instance); Multiple pedal presses needed for complete stop (off-pavement case)
Brake Pedal Lock / Extreme Hardness at Speed
Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to press or locks up during highway driving, requiring significant force (kicking) to engage brakes. Condition resolves briefly, but pedal remains squishy or inconsistent afterward.
When: Highway driving at 70 mph; vehicle at 40k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal locks or becomes extraordinarily hard to press at highway speed; Requires kicking/extreme force to engage brakes; Pedal then feels normal momentarily, but later becomes squishy; Brake behavior inconsistent thereafter
Check Brake System with Emergency Brake / Collision Detection Activation
Check Brake System message appears on dash, triggering automatic emergency brake or collision detection brake engagement at highway speed. Condition clears after 15 minutes of power-off, with no stored fault codes on restart.
When: Highway driving; recurrence intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Check Brake System message on dash during highway driving; Emergency brake or collision detection brake engages involuntarily; Clears after vehicle sits off for 15 minutes; No fault codes stored after restart; no codes on subsequent diagnostics
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
A little over 10000 miles, the "Check Brake System" and "Parking" Brake Lights came on after starting the vehicle. Both Ford and the dealership were contacted and was advised that the coding through the system showed brake fluid level low with possible indication of brake fluid leaking. I asked if the vehicle was safe to drive and neither Ford or the dealership would say either way. The vehicle…
Two different times, my brakes have lost power. Both times were at slower speeds while coasting. The first time a car pulled out in front of me (about 50 feet ahead) and even though I was only going about 15 miles per hour I was barely able to stop in time. When I hit the brake pedal it felt rock hard (like when you pump the brakes with the engine off). The pedal did not go to the floor or…
See attached document for complaint.
Had brakes trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Ford Bronco?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2023/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.