NHTSA Investigates Ford F-150 Brake Failure

Federal regulators are investigating claims that Ford F-150s, one of the most popular vehicles in the nation, is prone to defective brake failure. The investigation stems from many recent complaints, some involving crashes.

In the past year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has received over 30 complaints of Ford F-150 trucks with defective brakes. With over 420,000 F-150s on the road, this investigation could lead to yet another massive recall in the near future.

Based on complaints, the U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating 2013 and 2014 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with 3.5L engines. According to documents on the NHTSA website:

“The complaints allege symptoms of brake pedal going to the floor with complete loss of brake effectiveness, brake warning lamp illumination, and/or low or empty master cylinder reservoir fluid level with no visible leakage.”

When Ford owners take their F-150s to be repaired, they are often told brake fluid has leaked out of the master cylinder, without the warning light going off.

The complaints only seem to be increasing. Of the 33 total complaints received, 20 occurred in the last 7 months.

Total brake failure is a devastating defect. It could cause a person to lose control of his or her vehicle. So far, none of the complaints have involved injuries, but that could only be a matter of time. MSN.com reported that one defective truck, owned by someone in San Marcos, California, caused severe property damage.

“[H]e was backing his pickup out of the driveway in May of 2015 when the pedal went to the floor and he completely lost his brakes. The pickup crossed the street, went over a curb and hit a neighbor's landscape wall, causing severe damage, the driver wrote.”

NHTSA investigators will have to look into how often the problem occurs to decide if a recall is necessary. MSN.com reports that Ford intends to cooperate with the investigation, which could get even bigger. Ford says F-150s with other engines also use the same braking system. All together, Ford sold over 1.5 million F-150s in 2013 and 2014. If they all need to be fixed, the chance someone will be injured without a recall is very high.

Dani K. Liblang is a lemon law attorney at The Liblang Law Firm, in Birmingham, Michigan. If you were injured in an auto accident caused by a vehicle defect, she can help you get paid for your injuries. Contact The Liblang Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.