Ford SUV, Truck Recall Due to Brake Concerns

Jun 11, 2023

Full-sized SUVs and pickups from 2016-2018 may leak brake fluid

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2016-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs and 2016-2018 F-150 pickup trucks that are equipped with a 3.5-liter engine due to brake concerns.

The brake fluid may leak, eventually risking a crash. Should the fluid run low, the driver will be notified via an audible chime, a message on the instrument panel, and a red braking warning light. Documentation filed with NHTSA indicates that the braking ability would be unchanged when the initial warnings are presented, but if the low fluid level isn’t addressed, the brake pedal travel and feel will change. Increased pressure on the pedal would be needed to stop.

As the leak progresses, front-braking ability would be affected. Rear braking would not be impacted, but vehicles rely heavily on the front brakes for stopping power.

Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the brake master cylinder replaced. In addition, the brake booster will be replaced if the brake master cylinder is leaking. There will be no charge for this service.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting April 25, 2022.

This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332 that involved 2014-2017 Ford F-150 trucks.

Vehicles recalled: 2016-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, and 2016-2018 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L EcoBoost engines.

The problem: The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front-wheel circuit into the brake booster.

The 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.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S11.

NHTSA campaign number: 22V150000.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.

Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSBartlett.