Ford Issues Major Recall for 2017-2018 Trucks and SUVs Due to Brake Defect

Ford Motor Company has announced a major recall affecting over 148,000 vehicles in the United States, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 17, 2025. The recall covers two safety issues, one involving brake fluid leaks and the other a software malfunction in the powertrain control module (PCM). 

The primary recall concerns approximately 123,611 vehicles from model years 2017 and 2018. These include the Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator with 3.5l EcoBoost engines. 

The problem stems from a potential brake fluid leak in the brake master cylinder. Fluid may leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster, which can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances. This raises the risk of crashes due to impaired front wheel braking. 

Investigations revealed that brake fluid contamination interferes with the rear cup seal function inside the master cylinder, or the seal may roll improperly, causing the leak. Ford has reported no accidents, injuries, or fires linked to this defect so far, but acknowledges 90 warranty claims related to the issue. 

Drivers affected by this recall may notice warning signs such as an audible chime or a brake warning light. and alerts on the message centre. They may also experience changes in brake pedal feel and increased pedal effort if the fluid leak worsens. 

Ford will fix the issue free of charge. The dealership will replace the brake master cylinder, and if leaking is confirmed, the brake booster will also be replaced. Owners will receive notification letters by mail starting April 28, with completion expected by early May. 

The second recall involves 24,655 units of the 2025 Ford Explorer built between December 6, 2023, and September 6, 2024. These vehicles may experience unexpected resets of the powertrain control module while driving. 

The PCM reset issue may damage the park pawl ratchet or other parking components, especially if the vehicle is moving over 10 mph. Additionally, consecutive resets can lead to a temporary loss of acceleration, posing a serious safety risk. 

Ford will address this by updating the PCM software and inspecting the transmission for any park system damage. This repair will also be provided at no cost to owners. Notification letters for this recall are expected to be mailed by May 26. 

Ford’s customer service can be contacted at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. Vehicle owners can also check if their car is affected by using the NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool online or by calling the Vehicle Safety Hotline. 

Although Ford owners of certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2025 Explorer models should be alert for recall notifications. The company is proactively addressing these safety issues with free repairs to ensure vehicle safety and prevent potential accidents caused by brake fluid leaks or PCM software errors.