US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars that may leak brake fluid. This may lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million vehicles, including: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ 
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022, following 50 complaints about brake fluid leaks and one crash allegedly caused by such a leak. The leaks are caused by the rupture of brake hoses, which transfer and multiply the force applied to the brake pedal to activate the brakes.

The investigation comes on the heels of an August 2020 recall that was conducted for the same issue and included the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The goal of the investigation is to evaluate “the adequacy” of the recall and see if the Fusion and MKZ cars need to be included as well.

Complaints

Complaints indicate that the front brake lines rupture without warning, causing a sudden brake fluid leak. Drivers have reported that the brake pedal became soft, accompanied by a noticeable drop in braking effect. One driver crashed the vehicle while trying to stop because of this failure.

Risks

A leaking brake line will affect the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. In addition, if left unchecked, this leak may result in a loss of brake fluid severe enough to render all brakes inoperable. Both situations increase the braking distance, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls 

There was a Ford Edge recall in June this year due to the risk of these cars rolling away because of transmission issues. The recall also included Escape, Fusion and C-Max cars and was conducted for at least the fifth time in the past four years, as reported.

There was a Lincoln recall for Aviator SUVs due to the risk of electrical fire, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

Ford conducts Edge and Lincoln MKX recall for leaking brake fluid

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has remedied issues with 249,359 2015-2018 Ford Edge Crossovers and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX Luxury SUVs that were dealing with brake fluid leaks. Additionally, 249,359 of these Ford models were categorized as unreachable and only 2 were removed from the recall. Four groups of these 2015-2018 Ford Edge Crossovers models with a fluid leak in the Front Brake Hoses issues were remedied in 2021 and one group was remedied in 2022.

Pleasanton, CA – August 11, 2020 Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall of 488,594 SUVs whose front brake hoses may leak brake fluid. The recall includes:

  • 2015-2018 Ford Edge crossovers
  • 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

Recall summary

The rubber brake hose in these recalled vehicles may not stand up to stress over time. Hard steering and bumpy roads could stress the front brake jounce hose and cause it to split, resulting in a leak. Brake fluid leaks can make it harder for a driver to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Safety tips

Drivers of Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles should keep an eye on the brake fluid warning indicator light, which will light up if the brakes lose too much fluid. 

Losing brake pressure can be frightening. When you press on your brakes, you may feel the pedal go down to the floor with little or no resistance. If this happens, you should:

  • Turn on your hazard lights.
  • Try to slow down either by shifting to a lower gear (if you have a manual transmission) or taking your foot off the gas (if you have an automatic transmission).
  • Pump your brakes.
  • If pumping your brakes does not stop the car, slowly engage your parking brake. (This is also called the emergency brake.)
  • Look for a place where you can safely pull off the road. You might be able to steer into an open area or turn your vehicle onto an uphill road.
  • As a last resort, if the vehicle does not stop, turn off the ignition. Do not turn it all the way to Lock to avoid locking up the steering wheel.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the front brake hoses in all recalled vehicles. As of yet, there are not enough parts for Ford and Lincoln dealers to repair the problems described in this recall, but the new hoses should be ready sometime in early 2021. Owners will be notified by mail when they’re available, at which time you can make an appointment with a dealer who will perform the service free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 488,000 SUVs are included in this Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge recall. To see if your car is one use the MotorSafety.org vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Rebecca RandFord conducts Edge and Lincoln MKX recall for leaking brake fluid