2014 Ford F-150 Brakes Problems

While driving, brakes pushed to floor, and vehicle alarm beeped showing Low brake fluid sensor had tripped. Brakes not working properly, pedal goes to floor, brake fluid added to refill and fluid emptied out of master cylinder reservior two more times, vehicle inoperable to drive with no brake pressure. Open safety recalls for Ford F150 models 2013-2014 #16S24, and for F150 Models 2014-2017 #20S31, both specifically for the 3.5LV6 Ecoboost engine, which I have, but Ford is saying that mine is not covered for the same brake master cylinder / brake booster issue.

NHTSA ID

11754442

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

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, and the vehicle rolled to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a leaking brake cylinder. The contact was informed that the brake cylinder was leaking onto the brake booster. The contact was informed that the brake cylinder, the brake booster, and the brake fluid reservoir needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11751640

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

Mileage

170,000 mi

My 2014 Ford F-150 previously received Ford's brake master cylinder recall repair under the previous owner in November, 2016. On XXX, at approximately 108,372 miles, we were towing our travel trailer and had just begun a planned vacation. Within approximately five minutes of leaving home, a warning chime sounded and a "Brake Fluid Low" warning appeared on the instrument panel. I immediately exited the roadway and pulled into the nearest gas station to determine the cause. Within moments, the brake pedal traveled completely to the floor, leaving the vehicle with virtually no braking capability and making it unsafe to operate. Because the truck was towing our travel trailer, we had to disconnect the trailer in the gas station parking lot. The truck could not be driven safely and had to be towed to Kent Parsons Ford in [XXX]. My son had to bring his own truck to tow our travel trailer home because our truck was no longer capable of doing so safely. Kent Parsons Ford inspected the vehicle and documented the following diagnosis on the repair order: "Verified customer's concern. Found master cylinder seal failed and filled booster with DOT fluid." The dealership replaced the brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake fluid, and related components. The failed components may no longer be available for inspection because they were replaced during the repair. I paid $1,793.38 for the repair. The dealership's diagnosis documents the same failure mechanism described in NHTSA Recall 20V-332 (Ford Safety Recall 20S31), involving failure of the master cylinder seal that allows brake fluid to leak into the brake booster, reducing braking performance. Because this vehicle had already received Ford's recall remedy in November 2016, I am submitting this complaint to document that an authorized Ford dealership identified the same failure mechanism after the recall repair had already been completed. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA ID

11751105

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

NHTSA / Center for Auto Safety Formal Complaint Vehicle Information: * Year / Make / Model: 2014 Ford F-150 * Component Category: Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) * Affected Part: ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) / Valve Assembly (Part # DL3Z-2C215-A / DL3Z-2C215-C) Incident / Issue Summary: I am reporting a critical safety concern involving a failure of the Anti-Lock Brake System Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) on my 2014 Ford F-150, combined with an indefinite manufacturer supply chain failure that renders the vehicle unable to be repaired to safe operating standards. The electronic ABS control module on my vehicle was inspected and rebuilt to functional specification; however, diagnostic testing confirmed that the internal mechanical/solenoid valves within the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) assembly are stuck/failing. This internal valve failure disables key safety features, including Anti-Lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac), and Traction Control. Upon attempting to purchase an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement HCU assembly through Ford Motor Company and authorized dealerships, I was informed that the critical safety part is on an indefinite nationwide backorder with no estimated delivery date (ETA). Safety Risk & Regulatory Impact: 1. Loss of Safety Features: Without a functional HCU assembly, the vehicle operates without active ABS or AdvanceTrac traction/stability control, significantly increasing the risk of wheel lockup, vehicle skidding, and loss of directional control during emergency stopping or adverse weather conditions. 2. Unavailability of Safe Parts: Due to high failure rates across 2009–2014 F-150 models, the replacement supply chain is completely exhausted. Independent repair facilities refuse to install unverified, used, or salvaged junkyard units due to severe liability and safety risks. 3. Indefinite Stranding / Unsafe Driving: Owners are forced to either leave their primary vehicle

NHTSA ID

11748585

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

The master brake cylinder and components thereof are leaking and failing, leading to decrease braking power. Yes it is available for inspection. But FORD says my truck is not covered under the recall 20S31. Having this problem puts my family in danger every time we drive this vehicle, I have 3 young children 11,8, & 6 years old. There was no warning light or message prior to the failure. When I called FORD they said it was not covered under the recall and basically it was my problem for repair.

NHTSA ID

11743954

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

Brake fluid leaks into brake booster.

NHTSA ID

11739078

Incident

May 20, 2026

I was driving and my brakes gave out a bit and my brake pedal was hard to press down and when I pressed down there was a grinding sound. Also a red warning message said check braking system. Has been confirmed for 3.5L EcoBoost engines, which is what I have.

NHTSA ID

11734198

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

It was Tuesday 04/14 I had just left a store. Drove to the corner stop sign and applied the breaks which have always been just fine, easy to stop and slow. Until thst day I eased on the breaks and all of a sudden the peddle went to the floor. I came home and called my mechanic shop. They told me to bring it in. When I did they told me the master cylinder had gone out and was leaking all into the booster. They felt it was unsafe for me to drive it. They gave me a loaner vehicle. Upon returning to my home that's when I saw all the break fluid running down my driveway where I had parked when I got home from the store the day prior. Which I hadn't noticed before. So, now I'm without my vehicle because I simply can't afford a $900 repair bill. I've looked it up and on your website it shows in 2025 there was a recall on the 2014 Ford F-150 that named the master cylinder as a problem. It also stated that on Google. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11732148

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

Na

NHTSA ID

11730611

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Received a recall statement for the brake system master cylinder. Called Bowen Scarff Ford Dealership and made an appointment to have it repaired, and then they called and cancelled the appointment stating the part was on backorder with an indefinite timeline for availability. I asked them to open a repair order today 4/3/26 so it’s documented I tried and they told me “you are on the list”. The dealership also stated if the vehicle stated having brake issues, that we could bring it in for service but that we would be charged. No service number for the created and unresolved ticket was provided to me from the dealership. I then called Ford Customer Servive about the recall timeline, which again had an indefinite date and no other information to provide. I was told the vehicle was safe to drive, and to just wait. I expressed concern that my [XXX] son drives this vehicle, and the Ford representative told me to stop driving the vehicle if we experience: -An audible chime -A message center alert -The red brake warning indicator lights up I was provided a case number from Ford on 4/3/24 #CXH07558665 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11729114

Incident

Apr 3, 2026

My truck’s brakes failed unexpectedly. I know there’s been a recall on similar year and engine models for brake issues. Even though my VIN isn’t showing an open recall, I’d like this inspected because the failure feels identical to the recall problem.

NHTSA ID

11721345

Incident

Feb 28, 2026

NHTSA Investigation PE24010 (or related transmission downshift probes.. Safety Risk: the vehicle unexpectedly downshifts and locks rear wheels, creating an immediate life-threatening risk on the highway. Dealer Response: dealer claimed their "computer doesn't pick up anything," as this helps investigators understand that the diagnostic tools are failing to detect the fault. VIN Number: [XXX] Dealer Record: that Grieco Ford performed the recall update and that the issue persists. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11716515

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

Recall number: 20s31 Statement: “Recall repair completed in 2021. Replacement master cylinder failed. Brake pedal goes to floor. Vehicle not drivable.” Called dealer and they will not fix the safety recall and so I called Ford customer service and they also refuse to fix.

NHTSA ID

11713658

Incident

Jan 25, 2026

Transmission would downshift unexpectedly causing me to brake and panic, the tool icon will come on dash, speedometer stops working and backup camaras failed, transmission locked up on highway and caused driveshaft to lock back tires. All around dangerous situation

NHTSA ID

11706184

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

Bought truck on 2/25,. 7/15/25, wife went to store took truck. When she went to stop truck noticed brake pedal was going down but truck stop. Brake light went on so she turned around home. She drove slow when she reached the front of house pressed brake to stop truck brake pedal went all the way down. Could not stop truck with brakes so she hit curb with tire to stop it.I checked brake fluid canister and is was empty.No leaks on street.I called dealer; three days later truck was towed by dealer to their place.I was told master brake cylinder assembly and booster assembly has to be repaired.I paid 1,648.22. I called Ford for any recalls (I was concerned about brakes) I was told that there was a brake recall repaired by All American Old Bridge, dealership I bought the truck from.Repaired was done on April 12, 2017. Recall Number is 16S24 I noticed that it was exactly same problem I paid for. I told Ford what happened and I wanted my money reimbursed At first I was told the warranty expired, it was either 12 months or 12, 000 miles. I explained it was a Safety Recall not a warranty. The person would not allow me to file for reimbursemenent and after going back and forth finally told me file a claim.I did. Another weeks past and I called again, went through the whole explanation again. Asked to speak to supervisor and after a conversation told me go to dealer to file papers.I did and service manager at first started saying the same thing but eventually put in the claim. I waited several weeks, then check with dealer who told me Ford had to give a code. Called Ford was told no code needed.Called dealer and told them. Several weeks later check dealer and was told still needed code. I called Ford, and asked for a code I was told again about the warranty expiring .I spoke with supervisor same problem. Is 4 months. Nothing. Ford is not complying with Federal Safety Recall Law that does not expire. Need investigation about truck brake problem and reimbursement money.

NHTSA ID

11698255

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while shifting into drive(D) and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal remained on the floorboard and the vehicle unintendedly moved forward. The vehicle was restarted, and the brake pedal was continuously pumped until it regained normal functionality. The contact stated that after the third attempt to shift into drive(D), the "Low Brake Fluid" message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but it had not yet been diagnosed. Additionally, the contact stated that there was condensation under the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11695899

Incident

Oct 27, 2025

Mileage

88,000 mi

Driving at highway speed when the low brake fluid warning light came up on dash. I managed to get the truck and trailer I was pulling to a safe location and checked brake fluid. I had little braking power. I had brake fluid brought to my location and refilled the reservoir. I inspected the brake system for leaks and there were none. I tested brakes and they appeared to function properly. I returned to the highway and within two minutes I completely lost all braking. The internet reports that there are recalls on some trucks for this problem but my search using my VIN does not show one, but I have the same brake failure described to those reports.

NHTSA ID

11691575

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

My master cylinder leaked in to my brake booster, so I had to replace both after losing my brake stopping abilities. I received the new parts replaced them then hookup the battery checked brakes turned off ignition. Went back to start engine nothing battery 7.5 volts.. Replaced 250.00 started engine brakes good drove stopped 3 times got home evening sun down brake lights are on, I cant turn them off! unplugged battery. The brake switch was on and broken could not be reset. This is a fire hazard!!! My leads for the positive where hot very hot to the touch, my power was weak on the engine while driving I almost lost my truck over that Brake switch? No where does it say to replace it or why does this happen it clearly is a small broblem that can be a very big one fast!

NHTSA ID

11687190

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

Transmission & Brakes ... Acting up

NHTSA ID

11686875

Incident

Sep 11, 2025

I had to do laundry loaded truck jumped in took off got on the highway doing 75 MPH peep peep low brake fluid! Low brake fluid, my peddle was not to the floor but was slow to stop.. no store to fill up brake fluid but an Ace hardware was at my laundry mate which I got 32 oz to fill it was empty. No fluid on ground!?! Did laundry drove 4 miles to walmart almost did not stop! Low brake fluid and it was out! Filled it back up with 32 oz brake fluid drove 4 miles more to home brakes down to floor put in park when stopped at light lucky it was a construction zone all the way home 35 MPH. Got home no fluid leaking out the booster weep hole? because they dont have one anymore? Took master off booster was full of brake fluid had to order both . Lucky I am an old shade tree machinic a person with out knowledge would of crashed ...

NHTSA ID

11686362

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The "Brake Fluid Low" message was displayed on the instrument panel soon after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and brake fluid was added; however, the failure persisted while continuing to drive. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. While at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake master cylinder and brake booster. The contact was informed that the parts needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

NHTSA ID

11685638

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

Mileage

166,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact’s wife stated that while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard with the low brake fluid warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the brake fluid level was low. The contact added brake fluid to the reservoir, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. However, upon restarting the vehicle, the low brake fluid warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster and master cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,778.

NHTSA ID

11684839

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

Mileage

125,778 mi

They have a faulty master cylinder on the brakes causing brake issues. I was driving down state road 80 after hurricane Ian and a car slammed on its brakes in front of me because a vehicle lost a load off of their tailgate. I slammed on my brakes but I didn't break very well. It was very squishy into the floor and I relied on distance. The brakes gave a little assistance

NHTSA ID

11684344

Incident

Nov 22, 2022

Vehicle drove fine to work and upon getting in to return home and staring the vehicle, the brake pedal was instantly spongy and low brake fluid alert displayed on dash. There was a difference in 9 hours from when the brakes were fully functional to having brakes were completely out and nonfunctional. Had vehicle towed to local dealership and their diagnosis was "master cylinder is bleeding into the booster" and booster "full of brake fluid." This exact issue has been known and was supposed to be addressed but there have been numerous issues with the new parts installed after the recall leading to subsequent master cylinder/booster failures. Since it has already been "repaired" under the initial recall, the subsequent repair cost $1,300 including diagnostic.

NHTSA ID

11682799

Incident

Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard before the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer; however, the dealer offered a diagnosis over the phone and believed that the brake master cylinder was leaking brake fluid into the brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 144,000.

NHTSA ID

11681682

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

Mileage

144,000 mi