Ford Recall Issued Over Risk of Brake Loss in Certain Trucks and SUVs

Manufacturer has received at least 90 warranty claims involving problems with brake fluid leaks, which may result in difficulty braking.

Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall affecting more than 120,000 Ford Expedition, F-150 and Lincoln Navigator vehicles, amid reports of problems with the trucks and SUVs leaking brake fluid, which could impair the ability of drivers to effectively brake, and increase the likelihood of an auto accident.

The Ford truck and SUV recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 11, warning that certain vehicles from model years 2017 through 2018 may have a brake master cylinder that could leak brake fluid from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster, potentially affecting brake function.

The brake master cylinder is an essential part of a vehicle’s braking system. It converts the force from the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is needed to activate the brakes. If brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder, it can reduce the system’s effectiveness, resulting in longer stopping distances and a higher risk of accidents.

The recall impacts 123,611 model year 2017 through 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150 trucks and Lincoln Navigator vehicles with specific assembly plant and build dates outlined in the manufacturer’s notice (PDF). 

Drivers are being advised to watch for a message center alert, a red brake warning indicator, or listen for a chime, which may signal low or empty brake fluid. Continuing to drive in this condition can increase stopping distances and require more force to press the brake pedal.

While Ford is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to the issue, the company has received at least 73 warranty claims involving Expedition and Navigator vehicles, and at least 17 claims for F-150 trucks connected to the recall.

According to the Safety Recall Report (PDF), Ford first became aware of the issue on January 15, 2025, after the NHTSA identified vehicle owner questionnaires (VOQs) alleging brake fluid leaking into the brake booster on certain Ford Expedition vehicles.

The NHTSA also inquired about a possible connection to a previous Ford recall issued in 2022, which addressed brake master cylinder fluid leaks in the same vehicle models.

Ford forwarded the reports to its Critical Concern Review Group on February 6, 2025. Between February and March of this year, the company conducted a comprehensive review of updated data, including warranty claims, field reports and VOQs related to the issue.

The analysis revealed an increased rate of reports for Expedition and Navigator vehicles produced between January 2017 and June 2017. Ford subsequently initiated a voluntary safety recall (PDF) of all affected vehicles on April 4, 2025.

Customers will begin receiving notification letters on April 28, 2025, with instructions on how to schedule a free replacement of the brake master cylinder and brake booster at their local dealership. Vehicle owners who have already had this solution performed at their own expense before receiving the recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement.

Ford’s recall number for this issue is 25S37, which is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150. Customers may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or reach the Ford contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, by email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov.

Owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171), or visit www.nhtsa.gov.