I've had plenty of Ford in the bay over the years, and the brake complaints on these don't surprise me. 6,417 on the NHTSA record across 194 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 2 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Ford vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 3,713 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 75,782 miles. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
Ford brakes problems
6,417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Ford vehicles for brakes issues. 29 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Worst-affected Ford model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Ford brakes 12 on file
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured February 22, 2016, through June 16, 2016
If the brake HCU pump is contaminated, the performance of the electronic stability control and related brake systems may degrade, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles
A loose brake pedal can result in a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles
The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Mustang vehicles
An undetected low brake fluid condition can lead to a loss of braking function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-730
Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS) fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
The brakes may not operate as intended, which could result in a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles
An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3
Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles
During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Mustang vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions
A broken brake pedal could affect braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles
Damage to the fuel pump circuit in the wiring harness could result in an unexpected engine stall. Damage to the ABS wiring can lead to reduction of ABS functionality and a loss of roll stability control (RSC) functionality. These scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco Sport vehicles
A leak inside the ABS module can cause an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel or unexpected movement during an Auto Hold event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Ford brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
6,417 complaints across 194 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 29 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Ford lineup.
Which Ford model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2008 Ford Fusion leads with 517 complaints in this category. Next: 2009 Fusion (494) and 2016 F-150 (296).
What does it cost to fix Ford brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Ford lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Ford brakes recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Ford vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.