Problems · by component

2018 Ford F-150 service brakes problems

57 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Ford F-150 cite service brakes, 3% of all 1,929 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
57
3% of all complaints
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The brake hydraulic system on my 2018 Ford F-150 failed. The vehicle rapidly lost brake fluid, the brake pedal began sinking, and there was no obvious external brake-fluid leak. An independent repair facility later replaced both the brake master cylinder and the power brake booster. I have the repair invoice and service records available. I do not know whether the removed components were retained by the repair facility. This failure created a serious safety risk because the vehicle was losing brake fluid and braking ability could have been reduced or lost. I had to repeatedly add brake fluid because the reservoir level would drop again after only a short distance. The sinking brake pedal made the vehicle unsafe to continue driving normally. The problem was confirmed and repaired by an independent service center. The master cylinder and power brake booster were replaced, along with a brake-system flush. The symptoms are similar to those described in Ford Recall 25S37 / NHTSA Recall 25V-236, which involves certain 2017-2018 Ford F-150 vehicles where the master-cylinder rear seal can allow brake fluid to leak into the brake booster. My VIN is not currently…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Service brakesODI 11772703
“While driving my brakes went from normal, to squishy, to total loss of brakes. Brake indicator light came on while in the squishy phase. After avoid collision by nothing other than sure luck I was able to slow the vehicle and use the emergency brake to stop. Once stopped I popped the hood and found the master cylinder to be all but empty. I obtained brake fluid, filled the cylinder and the brakes appeared to be normal. After a very short drive I lost brake function again and the MC was empty. No leaks could be found from lines or around the wheels Truck was towed to an independent shop where the diagnostic determined the master cylinder seal had failed and leaked brake fluid into the brake booster. I believe the Hitachi master cylinder failure is a known Ford defect. It has been recalled on the 3.5L model F150's but not the 2.7L and 5.0L models. My loss of brakes could have led to serious or fatal traffic incidence. The master cylinder is defective on all models of the years involving the recall of the 3.5L models. The recall should be extended before someone loses their life. Please look to extend the recall to include the other models of F150s.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Service brakesODI 11766196
“My 2018 Ford F-150 is experiencing a dangerous loss of braking power, a soft/spongy brake pedal, and brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. These are the exact symptoms and component failures described in Ford Recall Campaign 25S37 (NHTSA Campaign 25V236). However, when checking my VIN, I am told my truck is excluded from the recall population. Because my vehicle is exhibiting the identical safety defect, the current recall window is too narrow and needs to be expanded to cover my vehicle before a serious collision occurs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026Service brakesODI 11759856
“While engaging my brakes at a traffic light, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Once I was able to safely park the vehicle (because there was no brake function), I inspected around the tires, brake fluid, and brake calipers. I noticed a puddling of brake fluid around the front passenger tire. Upon removing the tire, and inspecting this brake hose, I noticed the brake hose was visibly ruptured. I went to a local Ford dealership to purchase the replacement part, and fix this issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2026Service brakesODI 11755476
“My truck has been regularly serviced by FORD and yesterday out of the blue the brake pedal went soft and i got a check engine light saying low fluid. Upon inspection we noticed all brake fluid had leaked with no visible exit. We refilled the fluid and the next day, the fluid was completely drained again with no visible exit. Upon expert inspection it was noted the brake master cylinder is leaking into the booster.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2025Service brakesODI 11678748
“2018 Ford F-150 2.7 liter. Master cylinder and power brake booster failure. Confirmed by independent service center. Prior to failure there was a warning light indicating low brake fluid. I then lost all braking ability within 3 brake pedal depressions. My brake pedal touched the floorboard afterwards. Given right conditions I could have sustained major injury. Components were replaced by mechanic and unavailable for inspection. There is a recall on these components for 3.5 Ford truck but not 2.7 Ford truck, even though the components are identical. Again, confirmed by mechanic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 28, 2025Service brakesODI 11676689

Showing 6 of 57 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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