What 2,796 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel

I was backing into my parking spot at work and my dash dinged and the red brake system warning flashed on my dash, I couldn't push my brake pedal down, lost my brakes. This was very scary. I have lost them before, but not as bad as this time. They didn't come back this time. I am so glad I was in a parking lot and not around other cars.

NHTSA ODI 11489749

Brakes are very hard to push the pedal, checked the vacuum pump, and have a good vacuum going to the master cylinder. Brake fluid level is good. Check brake system light comes on after the engine is started and running for about 30 seconds. All reports show that there is no current recalls on my truck.

NHTSA ODI 11488646

2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/ 3.5L Twin Turbo Ecoboost engine. 9/9/2022 8:30am: At start, some whirring/squeaking noise audible in cab. Became louder as brake pedal was pressed. Verified function of brakes before driving. 8:30am - 11:30am: Intermittent driving with stops and engine shut offs at various retail locations. Noise mentioned above still present. Brakes still functioning ~11:30am: Slowed to stop traveling east on Kingwood Dr just past Lake Houston Pkwy in Kingwood/Houston, Harris County, Texas. Prepared to turn left across west bound Kingwood Dr lanes to enter multi-retail plaza. After accelerating to ~10mph, pressed brakes and pedal went to the floor. The vehicle did not slow until pedal was at floor and grinding noise was heard from front brakes (noise similar to when ABS system is utilized). Nearly rear ended the car in front of me (within ~12in from bumper to bumper). Remained stopped until sufficient window of oncoming traffic appeared and plenty of safety space was present within retail plaza turn in. Accelerated gently (forced vehicle to remain in 1st gear) across Kingwood drive into plaza parking lot. Brakes remained in non-functioning condition. Vehicle only slowed when brake pedal was at the floor and grinding noise issued from front brakes. Slowly proceeded to parking spot and stopped (pedal to floor w/noise) and turned off the vehicle. Vehicle was then towed back to house. Significant safety issue as I nearly rear-ended another vehicle and had this happened less than 30 seconds earlier, I would have been trying to stop from a much higher rate of speed (~40mph).

NHTSA ODI 11483698

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, she noticed that the brake fluid reservoir was empty; however, a leak was not found. Brake fluid was added to the reservoir however, the reservoir was empty the next day. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and the contact was provided a diagnostic test fee. The contact then discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V345000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) which she linked to the failure. The contact brought the recall to the attention of a Service Manager who submitted a request to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer denied the request. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession unrepaired. The failure mileage was 133,951.

NHTSA ODI 11483490

Brake Fluid loss and loss of braking in traffic

NHTSA ODI 11483227

Complete failure of brakes on the freeway without warning. Local mechanic diagnosed the issue as "master cylinder leaking into the brake booster" which is the same exact issue that the 3.5 liter engine vehicles are having. The 3.5 liter engine vehicles have a recall, but not the 3.7 liter engine vehicles but it's the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11481861

Slowing down to make a left turn. Brakes failed very difficult to press brake pad and Power transmission system was not responding properly causing my truck brakes to fail, transmission was slipping and the rear tires to slide. End result was a Crash into a pole at a corner. My truck was totaled by the insurance company costing me over $9,000 to replace the truck after the insurance payment. Recall for Master Cylinder and Power train issued after my crash on 2/2/2018.

NHTSA ODI 11481626

On August 8, 2022 I noticed a "low brake fluid" warning light on the dash of my Ford F150 truck and experienced greatly reduced brake function. There was no sign of brake fluid on the garage floor. I had AAA tow the truck to a repair shop where they diagnosed a leak from the master cylinder to the brake boost. The master cylinder reservoir was completely and at this point the brakes were completely non functional. I had the repair shop replace the master cylinder, brake boost and do a fuel system maintenance since some of the fluid was found in that system. Total cost to repair was $1583.83.

NHTSA ODI 11480732

I was pulling a heavy load within the weight limit for my truck. I started down a steep grade 10mph below speed limit. I went to brake and I had none. The pedal was super hard. The check brake system light came on. I was freaking out because i was picking up speed fast. I had no choice but to shift to manual and down shift to try to slow down. It down shifted from 3rd to second but that was not enough to stop me. I was standing on the brakes. Luckily a "run away truck ramp" was coming up which i entered at about 30 mph. I am a very experienced driver and I was able to avoid a horrible accident but other people might not be so lucky. My brakes were fairly new and there was zero warning that they were about to fail completely. I looked online and saw hundreds of other drivers that had experienced this. Why is it not a recall? I could have died.

NHTSA ODI 11480433

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, she depressed the brake pedal upon merging onto highway as the low brake fluid warning message and a red exclamation warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact advised his wife to pull into the rest stop and switch places. The contact initially stated that while driving, the brake pedal was spongy; however, upon reaching his exit, the contact was forced to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the brake master cylinder was pumping brake fluid into the brake booster. Upon investigation, the mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V345000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which he linked to the failure. The contact called Varney Ford (237 Moosehead Trail, Newport, ME 04953) and Darling's Ford Volkswagen Audi (403 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME 04401) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11477557

While driving down the road the low brake fluid light came on. I drove to a safe stopping area and found the brake fluid reservoir was completely empty. I checked for leaks at all areas under the hood and at brake calipers. No signs of any leaks nor any fluid on the ground. Filled reservoir and drove less than 1 mile and the low brake fluid light came on again. Stopped and checked the brake fluid reservoir and once again it was empty, still no signs of any leaks: based on research I have determined that it is a known problem with this make/model and year of the master cylinder seal going bad which causes the fluid to be sucked into the brake booster.

NHTSA ODI 11477487

Heading home on fwy and brakes totally went out and low brake fluid light came on. Was able to pull onto side of fwy. All the brake fluid was gone and no sign of leakage. Was towed home. Filled brake reservoir up and as soon as I hit brakes again all the fluid disappeared. Upon inspection there was no sign of leak anywhere. I'm assuming the fluid is leaking into the brake booster since I cannot see any leaks anywhere.

NHTSA ODI 11475482

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the low brake fluid warning light illuminated. The contact added more brake fluid to the reservoir; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 16V345000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11467135

I have a serious issue with my 2013 Ford F150 Limited. I almost had a horrible accident on I295 because of brake failure. Seems the brake fluid is leaking out and I didnt know this until I tried to brake and the pedal went all the way to the floor. Then the "brake fluid low" light came on. Upon Inspection after all the drama, got truck in a safe place, I checked and saw there was no fluid in reservoir. I filled it and pumped brakes a few times and pedal keeps going to floor then eventually it gained pressure..when I checked reservoir again, half of the new fluid was gone and truck was hard to stop again, So I had to tow it home. After taking to a shop I was told the fluid was leaking from master cylinder to the brake booster!! I then searched the internet, and discovered this is a common problem and Ford has a recall for this same exact issue my truck is having..Recall # 16V345000. Ford # 16S24. I then went to dealership to see if I can get fixed and was informed my VIN is not on the recall list and they wont fix. I called ford customer service and was told the same and also to contact NHTSA. So that is what i'm doing now.

NHTSA ODI 11466539

Fluid leak, brake light on dash and chime. Possible hydraulic fluid leak feom master cylinder.

NHTSA ODI 11464337

lost all of the electrical power to my truck as I was going to drop it off at the dealership for a recall. On my way there my truck downshifted into first gear over revved the motor and caused it to shut the motor down and loss of the computer as well. I had it towed to my local shop. I called Ford to see what they want me to do next and said to have it towed there and I did .Ford cant get power to the truck because there motor is no good. ford also tells me that the oil is way over full. but I know it wasn't over full it holds 6 quarts of oil and I know that.so they state that the oil is over filled and blew the truck up. but the problem is the computer and in that event caused the motor to blow up and push gas and break fluid into the motor truck only has 80,000 miles on it. this I feel as a manufacturers default and frontier ford of Anacortes WA. And ford itself only honors there own techs so they are going by what they say. I have been dealing with this for almost 7 months with out a truck witch has cost me a job and among other issues and loses. feel as they didn't honor or care about the customer or even looking into the dealership that has my truck. when I asked to seek with a supervisor I was told they are no supervisor available and that they would call me back i have still never heard from them. How long must I be without a truck or a jib because they aren't doing there job correctly and making my life here impossible to get a head in such hard time as it is. Thank you [XXX]. L look forward to hearing from you. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11458366

3RD REQUEST UNSATISFIED WITH YOUR LACK OF INTEREST IN FORDS INCOMPLETE RESOLUTION TO EXPANDING THIS HAZARD TO INCLUDE 2013 YEAR MODEL WITH SAME BAD PART ( FORD ) KNOW THIS . IN # 11229625 , 11403034SAME FATORY , SAME TRUCK, SAME PART .... A FEW MONTHS BEFORE RECALL 19S19... THIS COST TO ME WAS $1200 (FORD DEALERSHIP) NOW YOU HAVE A NEW RECALL ON SAME MASTER CYCLINDER ON 2016 TO XXXX MODEL YEARS.... SOMEONE IS NOT ACCURATE WITH THE AMOUNT OF BAD MASTER CYCLINDER OUT THERE THAT ARE A HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC. I WAS BACKING UP IN A STORE PARKING LOT AND THE BRAKES FAILED .I TOWED THE TRUCK TO LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT AND GIVEN THE RUN AROUND

NHTSA ODI 11458185

I know how to drive it is not cool to be in trouble for not being able to control a truck that malfunction

NHTSA ODI 11453569

I lose all brake pressure driving at certian times. my brakes 100% of the time make this horrible grinding noise and I lose braking power after going from drive to reverse. I always end up getting a check brake system warning message. There is a recall for the vacuum pump and for a seal that is bad but I'm not included since my vehicles manufacturer date is 2/13 and not 8/13. I feel like this is wrong and not fair

NHTSA ODI 11451681

I was turning into gas station when I applied brakes to turn, power steering quit working and brakes, luckily there was no one exiting or i would have crashed into them. I was able to muscle steering wheel to make the turn. I then muscled steering wheel to a parking spot where brakes began to work. Dash board read check advance track there were no check engine lights or warning prior to turning. I then shut off vehicle then turned back on and it ran fine but drove with caution. This has happened 2 other times where power steering has feld but came back suddenly but this time on 2/11/22 I had no power steering at all for at least 60 to 70 feet. I have not had a mechanic or dealership look at because I don't know when it will happen its more of a hit and miss. The fact that there's no check engine light or warning lights on I believe any diagnostics would not show anything wrong.

NHTSA ODI 11451603

Was stopped at a red light, when my brake pedal suddenly went to the floor and the truck started moving forward toward the car stopped in front of me. Drove around the car and pulled off to the side. Tested it and found the brakes slowly stopped the truck if I pumped them. Got the truck home and found no leaks in any of the brake lines, wheel cylinders or master cylinder. Checked on line and found many others with the same problem; many of whom were not covered in Certain 2013-2014 Model Year Ford F-150 trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost Engines, Brake Master Cylinder Replacement recall #16S24, as mine was also not covered.

NHTSA ODI 11449984

Complete loss of braking power resulting in very dangerous driving condition to n way home. Inspection seems to be a leering master break cylinder into booster. Was driving home on highway and came to a stop light, when pressing the brakes my pedal when all the way to the ground with no stopping power to speak of followed by warnings of low break fluid. Had there been another vehicle there present this would have resulted in a very bad incident. Luckily it was late and not may were out there and I was able to use down shifting for engine braking to slow down and get to a stop. This problem came out of no where as I upkeep my vehicle well with servicing and never had a problem

NHTSA ODI 11444245

Vehicle accelerated without driver pressing gas pedal and RPM gauge jumped up to 5 (which is red zone). Brake pedal went to the floor when brakes were applied instead of causing the vehicle to stop. Emergency brake was used, and driver lost control of the vehicle resulting in a terrible accident. The crash caused injuries to driver and the death of a bicyclist.

NHTSA ODI 11442730

Took vehicle in for recall issue and job not completed according to recall specifications. Break booster will need to be replaced if break cylinder leaks into part.

NHTSA ODI 11437346

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the low brake fluid and the parking brake warning lights illuminated. While depressing the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor and the vehicle slowly came to a stop. The contact was able to drive to an independent mechanic and was informed that the master cylinder and the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V345000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11435911