What 1,686 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

On 12/20/21, while driving home on State Route 7 from work, the low brake fluid warning appeared. I tried the brakes and as I tried to slow down, the pedal went all the way down. I almost went off the road but after pumping it was able to slow a bit. I was merging onto Interstate 8 West and slowly drove to figure out where to get off. The best off ramp was Imperial since it was uphill and managed to pull over after getting off and stopping the truck. Replaced the lost liquid and my brother in law followed me to his home. Same issue with brakes and slowly took it to his home. Took the vehicle to Ford dealer assuming that a recall on F150 due to master cylinder failure and leaking fluid onto the booster, which occurred to my vehicle that it would be covered in good faith by Ford. My VIN was not listed although the issue was similar to the recall. After calling the NHTSA and Ford, there was nothing else that I could do at that time but pay the service. My complaint is that I almost had an accident due to an issue that Ford had recalled various trucks and did not include my truck. The least that Ford can do is in good faith and that it was not an accident due to this failure, that repayment is made on the cost to repair master cylinder and booster.

NHTSA ODI 11449430

The break pedal became unresponsive and would have to be pressed alot more that usual to stop the car and the stopping distance was much much longer. Then I noticed that every time I press the brakes oil shoots out from the front driver side. When I searched online I noticed that there is a similar recall for the exact same issue and same model year ford F-150, however my VIN number is not included in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11442764

On 11-12-2020, our 2016 Ford F150 experienced a serious and dangerous brake failure. Without warning, the Right Front brake line ruptured while stopping.. The driver was able to stop the vehicle while avoiding a collision. Inspection by one of our company mechanics revealed that the brake line failed at the upper crimp. The brake line was replaced with an OEM part and the brake system was bled. Vehicle mileage was 110546. On 11-19-2021, our 2016 Ford F150 experienced a serious and dangerous brake failure. Without warning, the Left Front brake line ruptured while stopping with a different driver. The driver was able to avoid colliding with another vehicle at a stop light by slamming the vehicle into Park. Inspection by one of our company mechanics revealed the brake line, like the Left Front one a year prior, failed at the upper crimp. The brake line was replaced with an OEM part and the brake system bled. Vehicle mileage was 129149. After both failures, Power Ford's service department was contacted with this safety concern. They responded by stating that they had not seen any problems with late model F150 brake .lines. Our company vehicles undergo regular servicing and brake fluids are checked. This vehicle was out of warranty prior to the first failure, and warranty wasn't an issue and wasn't claimed. However, brake lines typically last much longer than five years without any problems and our company feels that this could be a major safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11441301

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the low brake fluid warning light illuminated. The contact stated he was depressing the brake pedal to the floor but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated he had to shift gears to neutral and use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle off the highway while experiencing the failure. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the master cylinder and power brake booster to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,387.

NHTSA ODI 11439014

2016 F150, 3.5L, manuf Kansas City October 2016. Complete brake failure resulting in a collision of the F150 and its towed trailer. Over $4,000 damage to F150 and trailer, and $1,066 to replace Master Brake Cylinder and Brake Booster. Gaylord Ford (Bill Marsh) 1928 Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 732-4835 SO#927036 diagnosed: Master Cylinder leaking into Brake Booster Safety Recall 20S31. Owner advised F150 VIN was manufactured Oct 2016, 3 months after 20S31 cut-off August 1, 2016. June 8, 2020 Ford Motor Company Recall 20S31 Chronology page 2: “Ford proposed conducting a Customer Satisfaction campaign to repair master cylinders if and when they fail and to continue monitoring the population of non-recalled vehicles. Due to the severity of this case at high-speed and potential for fatal and life changing injuries, full brake failure and none of the warning scenarios described by Ford in 4 items below; reasonableness on any public safety business standard would ‘red flag’ this wurst case scenario for investigation and review. Chronology page 1, ¶4 - Loss of Brake Fluid: None of the following were observed. In this case “Brake” illuminated on dash and then not illuminated to normal. Total brake failure followed 20 minutes later without any of these 4 Ford described scenarios a driver is to expect. 1) “the driver will receive an audible chime, a full screen message center alert, and a red brake warning indicator in the instrument cluster; all indicating that brake system service is required.” 2) “Braking ability would still be unchanged at that time.” 3) “If a vehicle continues to be operated and additional fluid is depleted, the driver may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel.” 4) “if a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, full braking function would remain in the rear wheel circuit. Indisputable evidence the failure is grossly worsened beyond 20S31 cut-off now into Oct 2020.

NHTSA ODI 11431772

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH, when the brake warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and inspect the brake reservoir and noticed that it was empty. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,643.

NHTSA ODI 11430549

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while her husband was driving 25 mph up a hill, the brake warning light was illuminated, and he was depressing the brake pedal to the floor but failed to stop the vehicle. The driver was able to cruise to the side of the road. The driver stated while checking under the hood, he noticed there was no brake fluid but did not see any leaks. The driver was able to add brake fluid and continue driving to his destination. The driver took the vehicle to local dealer and was informed that no brake fluid leaks were found. The driver stated on August 7, 2021, he experienced the failure for a second time. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer at Ray Skillman Ford (1250 US-31, Greenwood, IN 46143: (317) 885-9800), where it was diagnosed with needing the brake master cylinder and brake booster to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,972.

NHTSA ODI 11428854

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floor. Upon inspection, it was discovered that there was no brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster and brake master cylinder were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11426451

This is a 2016 Ecoboost 3.5 F150 built in Kansas City plant. The brake booster leaked and I lost brakes. This is a current recall but my VIN is not included. How can my truck, the same model and powertrain as those recalled, in the same time period, built in the same plant, with the exact same issue not be part of the recall? I nearly crashed... the mechanic at the Ford dealer knew exactly what it was - how - well clearly its a bigger issue than what has bene recalled!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11426216

Hi, I have a 2016 Ford F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost motor. The truck has roughly 80k miles on it currently. I replaced the front brake rotors and pads on the truck a few weeks ago. After the repair I had full brake ability and no issues what so ever. This weekend I was driving the truck when I received an audible alarm and on the heads up screen by the speedometer that said the brake fluid was low. I also had the red "brake" indicator on the dash. When this occurred I did loose what I would say was 80% of my braking ability. Luckily I was only a few blocks from home so I was able to get home. When home I took all 4 wheels off my truck looking for leaks and everything was dry. The brake fluid reservoir was in fact low so I put 12 oz. of fluid back in it and went to drive around the block to see if things were better. I made it about 3 blocks before I received again that brake fluid low warning again and then lost braking ability. I then called my wife and took the truck to a local brake shop about a mile away. After some research over night I ran across 20V-332 and wondered if my truck was part of this recall. I called Ford this morning and the confirmed it is. They have ordered a master brake cylinder and I am now waiting for they to correct the issue. I will be without me truck at a minimum of a week because of this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11424361

Low brake fluid light came on while driving. Shortly thereafter (minutes) the brakes got very bad and unsafe. Basically the resistance left and the pedal went to the floor. It slowly stopped via brakes but very poorly. You couldn't make a quick stop if needed. Checked fluid it was empty. Added fluid. Drove to dealership, brakes were slightly better but sure enough 5 minutes into drive the low fluid light came on. I suspect it is emtpy again (I dropped at dealership and told them to check). Brakes starting working worse again, just like before (keep in mind they were'nt normal again even with the fluid, just a bit more resistance when i pumped the pedal). After the light came on, all resistances was gone again. Doing some research and talking to the dealership this sounds exactly like NHTSA campaing # 20V-332, however, my vehicle isn't covered because the cutoff for that is currently Aug 1 2016, while my truck was apparently built the following month in September. Dealer thinks it is the same issue. I called Ford and they are taking a wait and see attitude, but it sure seems fishy that the exact recall problem appears to suddenly pop up in a vehicle that fits all the descriptions except a month later...The guy I talked to said they used dealership reports to determine affected dates, so who knows. Car is at dealership getting fixed and it needs a new master cylinder.

NHTSA ODI 11423536

Brake Master Cylinder failed. Sudden, complete loss of brake pressure with all the brake fluid leaking into brake booster. I had to replace the unit as the car was not drivable even after adding fluid. The unit has not been inspected. Brake fluid indicator came on when there was a sudden loss of fluid due to the master cylinder failure,

NHTSA ODI 11423390

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, extra effort was needed while depressing the brake pedal to slow and stop the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA ODI 11423127

Out of no where & no indication anything was wrong, my son was driving home & lost all brakes. Out of the 300,000 recalled for this reason our vin# wasn't on the list. So we had to pay the $1117 . Ford did not seem to care when we reported it to their main office in Michigan. This could have caused a serious wreck or even a death!

NHTSA ODI 11422853

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle did not immediately stop. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the brake fluid was very low. After refilling the brake fluid reservoir, the vehicle immediately experienced the same failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake fluid had leaked into the brake master cylinder, and the brake booster and master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11422630

Low brake fluid level. Little to no stopping abilities.

NHTSA ODI 11422090

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed the brake pedal traveled to the floor. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle has not been seen nor diagnosed. No dealer was contacted. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ODI 11422188

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, a warning light illuminated from the vehicle stating no brake fluid in brake cylinder. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and added brake fluid. The contact continued to drive and after a few minutes the warning light reappeared. The contact was able to continue to drive back to their residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as the master cylinder was leaking fluid into the brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11421829

The contact owns a 2016 FORD F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The contact stated that the low brake fluid warning light was displayed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 20V332000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the Vin was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ODI 11420574

Leaking brake booster line at 50,000 + miles I have to pay for out of pocket. Also throttle body replacement. Vehicle would lose power then throw a code P2112. Both bad safety issues.

NHTSA ODI 11420094

Master Cylinder and brake booster went out

NHTSA ODI 11419200

Car lost all braking within 5 miles of starting truck. THERE WAS RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH. No issues were experienced before parking the car the day before. Audible alert and panel "brake fluid low light" came only only 2 miles before total brake loss. Brake reservoir was empty. Refilled reservoir, pumped brakes until "normal" braking was experienced and the refilled brake reservoir. Ran the engine and drove 3 miles before all braking was lost again. Checked engine compartment and area surrounding brake reservoir and cylinder plus all hydraulic fittings around all four brakes and found all to be bone dry. No evidence of any leak anywhere. Mechanic believes the fluid is being consumed by the engine (bakes sense) and plans on examining to determine.

NHTSA ODI 11418415

low brake fluid light is continuously going on and off. Parking brake also came on. There was a recall and brought to dealer and they said it was fixed. Happen shortly after, dealer said needed a battery. Replaced battery and light is still going on and off. The recall said front brakes wil go out with this issue. If this isn't fixed it will cause a crash.

NHTSA ODI 11417704

NO BRAKES. TOOK TO FORD. DOES NOT FALL UNDER CURRENT RECALL OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 20V-332. HOWEVER MY FORD DEALER IS CHARGING ME TO REPLACE THE SAME EXACT PARTS UNDER THE RECALL. BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP AND BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. NO BRAKES. BRAKE FLUID LOW. ADDED MORE BRAKE FLUID, NOT LEAKING UNDER TRUCK. EMERGENCY BRAKE STILL WORKS. HAD IT TOWED TO FORD 2 WEEKS AGO. THEY ARE NOT RETURNING MY CALL. THEY DID TELL ME THEY HAD TO ORDER BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP, BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND FLUSH THE BRAKE LINES. $3000 REPAIR. ODD THAT THIS IS THE SAME REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11416208

MY 2016 F150 3.5L ECO BOOST HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS THE RECALL 20S31. OUT OF NOWHERE MY BRAKES WENT OUT. DASH SAID BRAKE FLUID LOW. NO SIGNS OF LEAKS EVEN AFTER REFILLING. IT WAS DUMPING INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. VIN DOES NOT SHOW UP UNDER THE AFFECTED VEHICLES THOUGH.

NHTSA ODI 11414859