2018 Ford F-150 Brakes Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the message "Brake Fluid Level Low" was displayed. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work properly. The contact drove to Walmart and purchased brake fluid to add to the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact added more brake fluid, but the failure recurred, and the engine made a knocking sound with smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 114,089.

NHTSA ID

11756317

Incident

Aug 9, 2026

Mileage

114,089 mi

While engaging my brakes at a traffic light, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Once I was able to safely park the vehicle (because there was no brake function), I inspected around the tires, brake fluid, and brake calipers. I noticed a puddling of brake fluid around the front passenger tire. Upon removing the tire, and inspecting this brake hose, I noticed the brake hose was visibly ruptured. I went to a local Ford dealership to purchase the replacement part, and fix this issue.

NHTSA ID

11755476

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

The master cylinder has failed causing the brakes to fail similar to a previous Recall 25S37.

NHTSA ID

11749500

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

- Master Cylinder leaking into booster Pump. ~Lost brakes going 65MPH, had to drive into a grass area to slow down. No warning lights until I lost all brakes. - Transmission hard shifting and unreliable gear selection ~ This truck has missed gears when passing intersections and has almost caused a wreck multiple time. Transmission is unsafe for users to drive with.

NHTSA ID

11745841

Incident

May 22, 2026

Master cylinder leaked and got a low brake fluid level warning and within one mile lost brakes with pedal depression all the way to the floor. Ford has a current recall for other makes and models which appears to be a manufacturer defect. My truck is currently in the dealership getting repaired

NHTSA ID

11742986

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and hauling a trailer, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact drove the vehicle into a ditch to stop it. The message "Low Brake Fluid" was displayed, and the brake warning light was illuminated. The front driver's side tire was damaged from the ditch. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained, and no police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11742248

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Mileage

52,000 mi

While driving this vehicle, the brake line was cut after making contact with the A arm assembly, at the highest point on the line. I immediately lost my brakes as the brake pedal went to the floor. I am extremely lucky that I was able to stop within the parking lot that I had just entered and did not have to make an immediate stop.

NHTSA ID

11740262

Incident

May 26, 2026

Brakes completely failed. Foot went to the floorboard and car did not stop. Drove until is was slowed down enough to throw it into park. Engine light stated low on brake fluid. Filled it up and it went about a mile before brakes failed again. Took to a mechanic who determined that brake cylinder and booster had failed. Called Ford who said my 2018 Ford F-150, built in Kansas City was not in the Ford April 14, 2025 recall (25S37) as the build date on my vehicle was a few months after the May 19, 2017 cut off. However it is clear that later built models also had the same problem with the defective brake cylinder as the earlier builds. I suspect they used the same part. Ford should expand the date of brake failure to cover repair of later models with failed brake booster and master cylinder.

NHTSA ID

11739322

Incident

May 15, 2026

The BRAKE light came on right as I parked with the warning that my brake fluid was low. Opened the hood and noticed the reservoir was low but could not see any sign of a leak. When I pushed the brake to put the truck in reverse, the pedal went to the floor. After testing it in the parking lot, the truck eventually stopped after having pressing the pedal all the way down. I was able to get it to the auto shop down the street. That is where they told me there was a recall out for the master cylinder leaking internally (recall 25V-236) but my VIN is not part of it. Took it then to the Ford dealership where they confirmed I needed a new master cylinder and booster but it was not covered under the recall.

NHTSA ID

11732493

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 - 45 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The low brake fluid message was displayed. There was an audible chime coming from the vehicle. The brake fluid reservoir was very low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the brake fluid reservoir was empty, and there was no indication of a leak. The brake fluid reservoir was empty within 5 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake master cylinder was leaking fluid into the brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000.

NHTSA ID

11732333

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

Mileage

201,000 mi

While driving a chime rang with message “low brake fluid”. Immediately noticed brake pedal soft and braking dramatically reduced. Was able to stop the vehicle close by gas station. Purchased 2 16 ounce bottles brake fluid. The reservoir was almost empty and I put in 16 ounces. Brake warning message was gone. Proceeded home which was 5 miles away. As I neared home warning returned. Once home I checked the reservoir and it was empty. Put the other 16 ounces in and checked for leaked under the truck. Found no leaked. Did some research and saw there was a recall for the brakes. • The Defect: The master cylinder's piston cup seals can fail, causing brake fluid to leak into the brake booster, reducing hydraulic pressure, I tried to move my truck but when I pressed on the brakes the pedal went all the way to the floor. Was able to put in neutral and stop the truck safely. I had the truck towed to Honolulu Ford. Was informed my truck was not included in the recall. They replaced the brake master cylinder, brake booster, and vacuum tube. At a cost of $2490.85. I believe Ford should have fixed this at no cost because the exact issue has been addressed on 2 previous recalls . From the time I got the message of low brake fluid to not having any brakes was almost immediately. I believe this could have been much worse. Prior to this I did not have any issues with the brakes. I check fluid levels regularly and never had to add brake fluid.

NHTSA ID

11728643

Incident

Mar 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The contact stated the front end of his vehicle impacted the front driver-side wheel of the other vehicle. The contact stated that not a single air bag deployed during the impact, and no brake collision warning was activated. No warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the crash. The contact stated he received a pre-collision notification on his phone approximately 30 seconds after the accident occurred, but he was unable to avoid the collision. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was the only occupant in the vehicle. The contact sustained neck pain, a herniated disc, and a bulging disk in the lower back. The contact was taking no pills and undergoing physical therapy. A police report was filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA ID

11727328

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

Mileage

167,000 mi

Truck suffers problem associated with NHTSA 22V-150 but is not included in the recall. This occurs on highway driving while on cruise control. This can occur within just a few minutes of driving or extended period. Vehicle brake warning on dash occurs and says "Check Brake System", the brake pedal becomes very stiff and reduces braking of the vehicle. The brake light remains on until vehicle is shut off and restarted. This occurred most recently on a 3,000 mile trip through the Utah national parks and presents dangerous scenarios through mountain passes.

NHTSA ID

11726145

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

My truck has the same issue with the brake master cylinder bleeding back into the brake booster. Luckily I caught it before I left work. The reservoir was totally empty on the back half supplying the front brakes. At home pulled the vacuum hose and did the dip stick test and there was brake fluid in the brake booster . There is already a safety recall on the 2017-2018 f150 brake master cylinder but only with the 3.5motor. The 2.7 has the same brake master cylinder so I cannot see why only the 3.5 motor would have a recall??? Ford will not do anything about it and they don’t even have a part until sometime in March.

NHTSA ID

11713959

Incident

Jan 27, 2026

ABS block leaking

NHTSA ID

11707867

Incident

May 16, 2025

Master brake cylinder leaked into brake booster making my brakes not work and almost causing an accident. There is a similar recall on 2018 Ford F150 with eco boost. This appears to be a known issue with these Ford F150 models. Due to the issue I almost got in a serious accident.

NHTSA ID

11706513

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

The brake system on my 2018 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost began failing around early 2025 with a brake warning light illuminating and the pedal feeling soft, signaling a problem. The brake fluid reservoir dropped low repeatedly despite topping it off multiple times with DOT 3 fluid, indicating a persistent leak. By 09:52 AM CDT today, September 10, 2025, the brake pedal lost all pressure, making the vehicle completely undrivable and posing a severe safety risk due to significantly increased stopping distances and potential brake failure. At 10:37 AM CDT, thick white smoke started billowing from the exhaust each time the vehicle was started, likely from brake fluid leaking into the engine via the brake booster, a symptom matching Ford recall 25S37 (NHTSA 25V236) for a defective brake master cylinder seal. This failure endangers the driver, passengers, and other road users, as the truck is a primary vehicle, with the smoke suggesting a fire hazard and possible engine damage like stalling or misfires. The issue is reproducible, with the warning light, fluid loss, and soft/no pedal persisting since early 2025, worsening today with the smoke appearing consistently on startup. It has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center yet, as the vehicle is undrivable, but I plan to tow it to a Ford dealership for inspection under the recall. No manufacturer, police, insurance, or other inspection has occurred, as the smoke issue escalated this morning; prior rear left electronic parking brake actuator replacements in 2025 due to fluid leaks were done at home. The brake master cylinder and possibly the brake booster are the failed components, with the actuator issue likely related, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request or at a dealership. Symptoms first appeared with the warning light and soft pedal in early 2025, followed by fluid loss, complete pedal failure, and smoke today at 09:52 AM CDT.

NHTSA ID

11686268

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

Had a SUDDEN loss of braking ability. While starting to drive the truck home, the brake pad went flat. Checked the brake reservoir and it was empty. Refilled with brake fluid and drove 2 miles, brakes went out when arriving in the driveway. It went empty again within 15 minutes. No noticeable leak. No breaks on the truck to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to the nearest dealer due to having NO brakes. Turns out the brake fluid was leaking into the booster. Noticed many other 2018 Ford F150 trucks were recalled for the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11682418

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

My truck has been regularly serviced by FORD and yesterday out of the blue the brake pedal went soft and i got a check engine light saying low fluid. Upon inspection we noticed all brake fluid had leaked with no visible exit. We refilled the fluid and the next day, the fluid was completely drained again with no visible exit. Upon expert inspection it was noted the brake master cylinder is leaking into the booster.

NHTSA ID

11678748

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the brake pedal extended to the floor while depressed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact discovered brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle, with the message "Low Brake Fluid" displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side brake line had failed and needed to be replaced. The brake line was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11678221

Incident

Jul 30, 2025

Mileage

140,000 mi

2018 Ford F-150 2.7 liter. Master cylinder and power brake booster failure. Confirmed by independent service center. Prior to failure there was a warning light indicating low brake fluid. I then lost all braking ability within 3 brake pedal depressions. My brake pedal touched the floorboard afterwards. Given right conditions I could have sustained major injury. Components were replaced by mechanic and unavailable for inspection. There is a recall on these components for 3.5 Ford truck but not 2.7 Ford truck, even though the components are identical. Again, confirmed by mechanic.

NHTSA ID

11676689

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard with the "Brake Fluid Level Low Service Now" message displayed. Upon inspection of the engine, the contact discovered that the brake fluid was low; brake fluid was added to the vehicle, and the contact drove to the nearest dealer. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and discovered that brake fluid had leaked into the brake booster due to a defective brake master cylinder. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and linked the failure to the recall. The dealer then informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 119,650.

NHTSA ID

11675426

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

Mileage

119,650 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed with the service brakes and low brake fluid warning lights illuminated. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder had allowed brake fluid to leak into the brake booster, causing the brake booster and the brake master cylinder to fail. The contact was informed that the brake booster and brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11674993

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

The electronic emergency break engages while on the highway crusing at normal highway speed. It has engaged randomly for a few months. Yesterday it engaged 15 times almost making me crash the 1st time. I had to pull over, shut off the truck to reset the brake to make it home.

NHTSA ID

11668998

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

Just got off the Interstate on to a frontage road when I received a low brake fluid light warning. Instantly lost braking power. Was traveling approximately 40mph downhill toward a traffic light where cross traffic was going full speed. I had to activate my emergency brake to stop from running into the cross traffic. Got the truck into a gas station, checked the brake fluid reservoir & it was below the minimum fill line. Purchased brake fluid at the gas station, filled it up & drove and the parking lot. The brakes partially worked, but the reservoir drained quickly again. I was lucky that there was a brake service repair shop within a quarter of a mile, so I refilled the brake fluid to the max & drove slowly with hazards on to the shop & left it there. Today they told me it was a brake master cylinder internal failure that caused brake fluid to leak into brake booster resulting in loss of braking power. While my truck is not covered under an existing recall, there is a recall for this exact issue for the same make & model of my vehicle (but with a different motor). That is NHTSA recall # 25V-236. I believe this recall should apply to my truck.

NHTSA ID

11667233

Incident

Jun 15, 2025