Problems · by component

2011 Ford F-150 service brakes problems

160 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Ford F-150 cite service brakes, 7% of all 2,137 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
160
7% of all complaints
Crashes
14
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Brake system alarm. When the mechanic put the computer reader on it, it’s saying it’s a vacuum issue. This issue has been recalled on several 2011 FordF150’s, but when I look up my VIN, it says there isn’t a recall on mine”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2025Service brakesODI 11646645
“mechanical brake booster pump failure. Has been inspected by ford dealerships twice and also with a third party certified mechanic. The vehicle has a tough time stopping upon ignition and brake has to be pumped hard. Ford claims 2021 was the last service date on this but still there a reserve records that show that its not resolved but no recall is out for this. [XXX] parents are traveling in mx right now wanting to drive back but fear for their safety truck is under names of [XXX] and [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 14, 2024Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11577459
“The below was sent to me, It is difficult for me to understand why I was not told the recall expired in 2016 when I made the appointment (6-6-23) and when I handed my property over (6-12-23) to this dealership. Thank you for the diagnostic, it was very helpful, but, I still run the danger of crashing due to my breaks not pressing down when the pump goes out and the option to get FORD to fix it expired in 2016, My VIN is registered and I did not get a notice, I would gladly give this shop the $$ to fix the 2016 recall that expired. Now, that business will go to your competitor. If you were not aware of the expiration, I get that, but, you are a shop specifically designed for my Ford, again, thank you for the diagnostic but the way it was done I can't trust this shop or get other females to come there. Keep Jeff, do not run him off, his soul and manners feel safe and trusting, he treated me very well and I know he did what he was told to do by whoever was in charge. There is no need to contact me moving forward, but, this very email will be submitted to all the proper authorities (NHTSA.GOV, FTC.GOV, FORD.COM) when I hold FORD and others accountable. I work very…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2023Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11527482
“The vehicle was being driven with the cruise control set. Upon approaching an intersection on a four lane divided roadway I tapped the brakes to deactivate the cruise control. When pressure was applied to the brake pedal the cruise control did not disengage but the vehicle accelerated instead. I released pressure to the brake pedal and the vehicle continued at the cruise control set speed. I again applied pressure to the brake pedal and the vehicle again accelerated. To avoid striking stopped traffic I moved into the right turn lane with the vehicle continuing to accelerate as I attempted to brake the vehicle. Upon entering the intersection my vehicle struck another pickup truck broadside. I believe speed at the point of impact was 60 plus miles per hour. My vehicle then continued on and struck two utility poles. Both vehicles were damaged beyond repair. There appears to be a problem with the speed control system as it would not disengage but caused the vehicle to accelerate. Googling the same problem with other Ford F-150's I found several reports of the exact problem. I ordered the vehicle new and it was maintained by the Ford dealership. There were no known…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2022Vehicle speed control, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11471168
“I was driving with the cruise control engaged set at 60 mph. Approached an intersection with traffic light with traffic stopped in both westbound lanes. Tapped the brake to deactivate the cruise control. The cruise control did not turn off but instead tapping the brake caused the truck to accelerate. Released the brake pressure and reapplied brake pressure. This action again caused the truck to accelerate. To avoid hitting stopped traffic I moved to the right hand turn lane which was free of traffic. The truck continued to accelerate as I applied brake pressure. As my truck entered the intersection a collision occurred with a northbound vehicle. The collision severely damaged my vehicle and the struck vehicle with injuries to myself and the other driver. Crash speed had to be over 60 mph. This was all captured by a traffic camera. My F-150 had 31,900 on the odometer. It has been dealership maintained since new and has no known defects other than this incident. No lights, no warnings. The truck has not been Inspected since the incident. The truck has heavy damage. This incident could have easily caused the deaths of myself and the other driver. Searches online…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2022Vehicle speed control, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11471030
“The brake booster vacuum pump located behind driver headlight keeps Giving out almost crashed 3 times . It was recalled in Canada so what is the difference here , I have seen many forums with this issue and ford doesn't do anything this item is defective from the company”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2022Service brakesODI 11469083

Showing 6 of 160 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.