Ford Explorer Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 749 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford Explorer across 26 model years. The 1996 model year has the most (120). The words owners use most often: “brakes failed” (7% of reports).
- 749service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 132mention a crash
- 59mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $660typical repair cost reported by owners
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brakes failed: mentioned in 49 of 749 complaints (7%)
- Pedal went: mentioned in 41 of 749 complaints (5%)
- Brake pads: mentioned in 39 of 749 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical service brakes, hydraulic repair on the Ford Explorer at $660, and half of them between $640 and $1,400.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2002–2011), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 253 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 749 complaints, 132 mention a crash, 16 a fire, 59 an injury.
Ford Explorer service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% | 20,000 |
| 2022 Explorer | 3 | 1% | 39,793 |
| 2021 Explorer | 3 | 1% | 69,615 |
| 2020 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 74,000 |
| 2019 Explorer | 2 | 1% | 36,033 |
| 2018 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 982 |
| 2015 Explorer | 4 | 0% | 115,000 |
| 2014 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 111,315 |
| 2013 Explorer | 7 | 0% | 52,000 |
| 2012 Explorer | 2 | 0% | 56,285 |
| 2011 Explorer | 7 | 1% | 9,250 |
| 2010 Explorer | 6 | 5% | 6,900 |
| 2008 Explorer | 3 | 2% | 10,800 |
| 2007 Explorer | 8 | 4% | 38,000 |
| 2006 Explorer | 23 | 4% | 52,872 |
| 2005 Explorer | 8 | 2% | 48,684 |
| 2004 Explorer | 31 | 2% | 36,000 |
| 2003 Explorer | 31 | 3% | 50,000 |
| 2002 Explorer | 89 | 3% | 40,000 |
| 2001 Explorer | 31 | 8% | 28,500 |
| 2000 Explorer | 56 | 6% | 56,000 |
| 1999 Explorer | 64 | 5% | 66,000 |
| 1998 Explorer | 86 | 4% | 70,598 |
| 1997 Explorer | 83 | 5% | 90,000 |
| 1996 Explorer | 120 | 8% | 101,700 |
| 1995 Explorer | 75 | 9% | 110,014 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Model years: 2025
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles. The bolts securing the front brake caliper may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of front brake function and possible wheel damage.
Risk: Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S60.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The right front brake line to the hydraulic control unit (hcu) connection could separate causing the line to leak when the brake pedal is applied.
Risk: This could result in a loss of brake pressure to the front wheels, increasing the stopping distance.
Fix: Dealers will replace the flare nut on the brake line.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1995
Problem: In some of the vehicles, brake tubes were misrouted between the master cylinder and the hydraulic control unit and results in exceeding the allowable stopping distances as required by fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." in addition, seals within the master cylinder could be abraded by this condition over time resulting in an internal leak and a further reduction in brake performance.
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: stopping distances could be longer than intended resulting in increased potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will reroute the brake tubes.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shaking excessively, with severe vibrations throughout the cabin of the vehicle. The failure was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while approaching a stop sign or a red light and…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and an independent mechanic arrived to…
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow…
The contact owns a 2022 FORD EXPLORER. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the master warning, brake, battery, ABS, and brake system warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the message "STOP Safely Now" was displayed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Explorers have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 749 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Ford Explorer. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Explorer service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford Explorer?
Owners report a typical cost of $660 (half paid between $640 and $1,400), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford Explorer?
The most frequent phrase is “brakes failed”, in 49 of 749 complaints, followed by “pedal went” (41).
Other Ford Explorer problems
- Power Train problems (5,093)
- Structure problems (4,914)
- Steering problems (4,061)
- Tires problems (2,965)
- Engine problems (2,059)
- Electrical System problems (2,039)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (1,752)
- Suspension problems (1,691)
See all Ford Explorer problems.