Ford Mustang Recall Issued Over Risk of Brake Pedal Fracturing

More than 38,000 newer model Ford Mustang vehicles are being recalled due to a risk the brake pedals may fracture and break during use, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Ford Mustang recall on September 23, after determining the brake pedal brackets may be prone to fracturing during sudden stops.

Ford Motor Company first learned of about the potential brake pedal problems in August 2019, after receiving at least three reports of the pedal brackets fracturing in certain 2020 model Mustang vehicles. Shortly after, the company’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened an investigation and began collecting field parts to analyze.

The investigation determined the failing brake pedal brackets were made of polypropylene rather than the nylon material other models had received. Ford consulted their brake pedal bracket supplier, KSR International Inc. of Canada, and determined the brackets failed due to insufficient design margins, which could be prone to fracturing under certain loads.

According to the investigation, certain Mustang models with automatic transmissions received polypropylene brake pedal brackets from March 4, 2019 through August 13, 2020, before being pulled from production.

To date, Ford has become aware of at least four reports in Europe, and two reports in North America, where the brake pedal brackets broke when drivers tried to stop the vehicle. No injuries or accidents have yet been reported in relation to the recall, according to Ford.

NHTSA officials warn consumers that during a sudden stop the driver may experience a loss of primary braking capability, which could increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

The recall includes approximately 38,005 model year 2020 Ford Mustangs equipped with automatic transmissions. The vehicles were manufactured from March 4, 2019 through August 13, 2020 and were distributed for sale throughout the United States and European market to licensed dealers.

Ford indicates it will alert affected customers by mail with instructions on how to schedule a repair at their local Ford or Lincoln dealer. The dealers are instructed to replace the brake pedal bracket assembly.

The recall is expected to begin on November 16, 2020 when replacement parts become available. Customers with additional questions or concerns are being asked to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference the recall number 20S52.