Ford F-150 Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 1,344 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford F-150 across 31 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (213). The words owners use most often: “master cylinder” (12% of reports).
- 1,344service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 143mention a crash
- 56mention an injury
- 11related recalls
- $890typical repair cost reported by owners
- 25%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.
- Master cylinder: mentioned in 158 of 1,344 complaints (12%)
- Brake fluid: mentioned in 133 of 1,344 complaints (10%)
- Pedal depressed: mentioned in 101 of 1,344 complaints (8%)
- Brakes failed: mentioned in 85 of 1,344 complaints (6%)
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 F-150 at $890, and half of them between $660 and $1,300.
Based on 21 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2021), 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 689 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,344 complaints, 143 mention a crash, 43 a fire, 56 an injury.
Ford F-150 service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 F-150 | 2 | 2% | 8,350 |
| 2024 F-150 | 1 | 1% | 13,290 |
| 2023 F-150 | 9 | 2% | 12,000 |
| 2022 F-150 | 5 | 1% | 22,000 |
| 2021 F-150 | 10 | 1% | 40,000 |
| 2020 F-150 | 2 | 0% | 59,500 |
| 2019 F-150 | 2 | 0% | 102,000 |
| 2018 F-150 | 19 | 1% | 83,000 |
| 2017 F-150 | 30 | 2% | 92,000 |
| 2016 F-150 | 37 | 2% | 68,000 |
| 2015 F-150 | 17 | 1% | 95,000 |
| 2014 F-150 | 56 | 4% | 88,214 |
| 2013 F-150 | 44 | 1% | 116,465 |
| 2012 F-150 | 12 | 1% | 115,000 |
| 2011 F-150 | 19 | 1% | 89,500 |
| 2010 F-150 | 13 | 2% | 16,274 |
| 2009 F-150 | 14 | 4% | 18,750 |
| 2008 F-150 | 17 | 5% | 5,600 |
| 2007 F-150 | 29 | 6% | 18,700 |
| 2006 F-150 | 68 | 12% | 19,371 |
| 2005 F-150 | 90 | 8% | 31,087 |
| 2004 F-150 | 95 | 5% | 13,000 |
| 2003 F-150 | 17 | 4% | 15,750 |
| 2002 F-150 | 27 | 3% | 60,329 |
| 2001 F-150 | 51 | 4% | 50,100 |
| 2000 F-150 | 67 | 6% | 59,899 |
| 1999 F-150 | 97 | 9% | 88,500 |
| 1998 F-150 | 110 | 8% | 120,000 |
| 1997 F-150 | 213 | 8% | 80,000 |
| 1996 F-150 | 32 | 10% | 150,000 |
| 1995 F-150 | 139 | 22% | 88,975 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (11)
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module
Model years: 2025
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:software
Model years: 2025
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk: 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.
Fix: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder; service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
Model years: 2017, 2018
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk: A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder; service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Model years: 2021
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The electronic brake booster may leak brake fluid into the electronic control unit, which could result in reduced braking performance.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S33.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist; service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014 equipped with 3.5L engines. The master cylinder rear cup seal may roll, resulting in brake fluid leakage from the primary reservoir into the brake booster.
Risk: Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in a complete loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S24.
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch; service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2014
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 F-150 vehicles manufactured March 1, 2014, to March 13, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a brake pedal position switch that is improperly adjusted. As a result, the brake lights may illuminate with a delay or not at all. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the brake lights fail to illuminate, or illuminate after a delay, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will adjust the brake pedal position switch, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14C09. Note: Until the vehicle has been remedied, owners are advised not to use their cruise control system.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: Ford is recalling 605,684 my 2005-2006 f-150 and lincoln mark lt vehicles equipped with 5.4l 3-valve engines. The brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting may swell over time and lose retention force. This condition could allow the hose to become detached from the fitting during an intake manifold backfire. Should the hose detach from the intake manifold, several brake applications with power assist will be available before the vacuum reserve is depleted.
Risk: Once the brake booster vacuum reserve is depleted, the driver will have foundation brake function, but with increased brake pedal effort. Reduced vehicle braking could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace a rubber hose on the brake booster vacuum supply tube assembly. The recall began on june 27, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The left front brake hose was damaged during final assembly.
Risk: If the hose is damaged, brake fluid could leak and stopping distances may be increased.
Fix: Dealers will install a new left front brake hose assembly. Owner notification began march 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-248-0186 or 1-800-392-3673.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 1997
Problem: The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.
Risk: A loss of service braking can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will inspect to verify that the retainer clips are installed and if clips are missing will install clips.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts for the recall repair was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact…
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Ford F-150. While the owner was driving 45 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake warning light became displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The driver was forced to depress the brake pedal to the…
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard but failed to respond as intended. The contact…
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to stop as needed and the braking distance became extended. Additionally, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact received notification…
The contact's mother owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop. The contact's wife engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle was…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford F-150s have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,344 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Ford F-150. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford F-150 service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 11 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 F-150?
Owners report a typical cost of $890 (half paid between $660 and $1,300), from 21 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford F-150?
The most frequent phrase is “master cylinder”, in 158 of 1,344 complaints, followed by “brake fluid” (133).
Other Ford F-150 problems
- Power Train problems (8,971)
- Engine problems (4,524)
- Electrical System problems (3,642)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (2,690)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (2,502)
- Steering problems (2,253)
- Service Brakes problems (2,080)
- Visibility problems (2,074)
See all Ford F-150 problems.