Ford Brake Software Recall: Don’t Ignore This Critical Safety Issue!

Ford brake software recall affects certain 2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles due to a brake assist malfunction. The issue can reduce braking power, but a free software update is available to fix it.

Ford is angering many truck and SUV owners with the concern and headache as they recall and repair the 2025 model year’s software related to the electronic braking system software and the assisting brake performance to fix an overall safety issue with the vehicle’s software.

Carmakers will issue vehicle recalls when they identify a safety issue with the vehicle. With Ford’s software system the safety concern is with the vehicle’s electronic brake, boost system, and software, and the company plans to address issues with the software electronically and the safety systems technologically.

Ford recalls are for the owners of the vehicle and the safety of the model years and software systems detailed in this Ford Brake Recall. They include, but are not limited to, the most recent vehicle years, including the electronic brake boost systems for the recent vehicles, and for the customers safety.

What is the Ford Brake Software Recall?

Ford has put this recall in place due to a potential concern with the brake assist system available in some 2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. The issue is due to a software issue in the electronic brake booster (EBB). The EBB is a component of the system that assists the driver in braking. When the system fails, the driver will find stopping the vehicle very difficult.

Why Is This Recall Important?

Surely one of the worst consequences of the brake assist system malfunction is that it leads to longer stopping distances. This is aggravated when the driver is using the adaptive cruise control system, which is an advanced driver assistance system. We recognize that there is no such thing as a minor malfunction when it comes to a vehicle’s braking system, as it could have devastating effects.

Key Points of the Ford Brake Software Recall:

Ford has announced the recall of certain models from the 2023 to 2025 production years due to a defect in an electronic software system that poses a loss of brake assist. This is an urgent safety issue explained in detail in this letter that we encourage all Ford owners to take action on without delay.

• Root Cause: Software in the electronic brake booster system has been identified which, in some cases, results in loss of brake assist.
• Safety Concern: Loss of brake assist requires increased effort on the driver’s part in order to brake the vehicle, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
• Solution: To restore full braking functionality, Ford has made a software fix available to all users.

Impacted Ford and Lincoln Models

The impacted vehicles for this recall range across the 2025 model year. The cars in this range have electronic brake boosters that use advanced computing to control brake assist. Vehicles such as trucks, buses, and crossovers that are very popular are in the affected models.

Vehicles in the recall are:

• 2025 Ford F-150
• 2025 Ford Expedition
• 2025 Ford Bronco
• 2025 Ford Ranger
• 2025 Lincoln Navigator

Combined, these automobiles make up over 312,000 units in the United States alone. There is the possibility of the recall extending to other continents, dependent on vehicles in the given region along with their specifications.

What are Electronic Brake Boosters?

An electronic brake booster (EBB) is a newer technology in the automotive industry as a substitute to the hydraulic booster. Using a motor, additional braking force is lent to the driver if a brake pedal is pressed. This design is made to enhance control and reaction time, made even more quick if ADAS features such as automatic emergency brake (AEB) and adaptive cruise control are added on.

In this situation, the issue relates to software faults that affect how the EBB responds. When this occurs, the brake assist may become inoperative which would necessitate the driver applying significantly more effort to engage the brakes.

The Importance of the Risks of the Recall

The Ford brake software recall addresses one of the most concerning issues regarding the ability of the vehicle braking system to stop the vehicle. Ford owners should understand the issue and the associated risks to protect themselves and others on the road.

1. Loss of Power Brake Assist

The main concern is the loss of power brake assist. If brake assist fails, the driver will have to depend on themselves to push down on the brake pedal with their own strength. In most scenarios, the braking system will still engage, but the brakes will work at significantly less of an effectiveness level, which is an issue in emergency braking situations where every ounce of braking power is needed.

2. Increased Stopping Distances

With loss of power brake assist, stopping distance will negatively be impacted and it will take your vehicle a longer time to come to a complete stop which is an issue at high speeds and heavy traffic situations where rapid response to actions is needed to avoid a crash.

3. Effect on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Models of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 and Ford Bronco are outfitted with features of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including cruise control that changes with the speed of the vehicles and automatic brakes that engage in emergencies.

If these systems use the broken brake boosters to engage the brakes, the systems may not operate as intended, and in fact, may be dangerous – particularly in circumstances where the vehicles are programmed to use the advanced features of the brakes and steering systems.

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How Ford is Handling the Situation

Ford plans to rectify the situation as quickly as possible with the release of a software update designed to restore the functionality of brake assist in vehicles where the assist has been disabled or may have been disabled. The update to the EBB system will result in a modification of the system so that the vehicle will be able to brake when needed.

There are two major ways to obtain the software correction.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Many vehicles today have the capability to receive software updates wirelessly, referred to as over-the-air (OTA) updates. For the affected Ford vehicles included in this recall, the software remedy can be sent wirelessly to the vehicle’s electronic control unit. There is no need for an in-person trip to the dealership.

Dealership Service: Over-the-air (OTA) updates are available, or the car owner can schedule a Service at an Authorized Ford Dealership. The dealership will perform the necessary software updates at no cost. Ford focuses on the fact that the software updates are quick and inclusive of a permanent solution to the issue at hand.

What should you do if your vehicle is affected?

If you own one of the affected vehicles, it is important to do something as soon as you receive the notice. Ford is in the process of communicating to affected vehicle owners by mail, email, and phone, however, in the meantime, you can take some measures to help us ensure your vehicle is protected.

1. Check your vehicle’s recall status

The easiest way to check if your vehicle falls within the scope of the recall is to go to Ford Recall Lookup Tool or NHTSA Recall Page. You can perform this by typing in your vehicle identification number (VIN) situated on the driver’s side dashboard or on the driver’s side door frame.

2. Book the Software Update

Upon confirming the impact on your vehicle, schedule the service with the Ford dealership. If your vehicle qualifies for the OTA update, you should be notified as soon as the update is ready. If you do not receive such a notification, you should schedule an appointment with the dealership to receive the update.

3. Observe Your Brake Functionality

If you have experienced any abnormal performances, or if your vehicle is alerting you regarding the brake assist system, then you should operate the vehicle with extra care until the update is installed. If, in severe instances, there is a total loss of brake assist functionality, then you should reach out to Ford or your dealership for immediate assistance.

Recognizing the Cause of Ford Brake Software Issues

Ford experienced a recall due to issues in the vehicle braking system that could be traced to numerous causes:

Defects in Software: Due to the complexity of systems, bugs are a reality that could lead to system failures. In this instance, the error that existed in the EBB system led to a malfunction in the assist braking system.

Electrical Fluctuations: The EBB system contains electrically powered systems. Sudden changes in voltage could lead to malfunctions within the system.

Improper Sensor Calibration: If the sensors that communicate to the assist system of the braking system are poorly calibrated, it could lead to a failure of the braking system.

Wear of Components: Like any part of a vehicle, the brake system will also experience wear, but safety concerns could lead to software issues appearing suddenly without warning and in unpredictable patterns leading to a safety recall.

The Future of Vehicle Braking Systems: The Importance of Software

Most functions in modern vehicles have become digitized and software controlled. Braking systems are no exception. Technologies like the electronic brake booster that improve performance and safety are pivotal in the integration of ADAS systems.

How Crucial is Software in Braking Systems?

Brakes software is essential for designing the safety systems of the vehicle, and braking is especially critical:

More Accuracy: Electronic systems for braking can be configured to achieve greater responsiveness and braking force abstraction, allowing for superior control.

ADAS Integration: Software is essential to the operation of many modern vehicle systems, including automatic emergency braking systems, and without the correct software, these systems could be disabled.

Remote Software Updates: One of the many benefits to modern vehicles is that they can receive software updates remotely, which can be done without a visit to the service center while ensuring the vehicle’s continued safety.

Key Insights on the Ford Software Blanking Recall

As Ford brake software recall is coming to a close, it will be helpful to briefly summarize the essential and critical points to affected owners to explain what actions they will need to collect and do for their Ford vehicles. Here is a brief list of the most essential and critical points that you need to know in order to take proper action.

• This recall concerns Ford and Lincoln model year 2025 vehicles, including the F-150, Bronco, and Ranger.
• The recall relates to the electronic brake booster, which can result in the loss of brake assist, which is a safety-critical resource.
• Ford provides customers with the opportunity to correct the problem at no cost, either at a dealership or via company network.
• Customers are encouraged to verify the specific recall for their automobile and obtain the update at the earliest opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common concerns regarding the software defect relating to Ford’s braking system –

1. What is the Ford brake software recall?

Ford’s brake software recall is intended to remedy a defect in the electronic brake booster system within certain 2025 model year Ford and Lincoln vehicles that may cause a complete loss of brake assist.

2. How many vehicles are affected?

312, 000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the United States are impacted by this recall, including the F-150, Bronco, and Ranger, which are among the brand’s best sellers.

3. Do I need to pay for the software fix?

There is no fee associated with this software update for the impacted vehicles.

4. What to Do If Your Vehicle is One of the Affected Units

Book an appointment with your Ford dealership to get the needed software modifications. They will automatically send you a message if you have an over-the-air update.

Final Thoughts

It is your responsibility to take the Ford brake software recall very seriously if you own a Ford or Lincoln vehicle. If you have brake assist malfunctions, your vehicle will have difficulties stopping in emergency situations. To rectify this issue, Ford has obliged himself to provide you with a software update at no charge to you. Vehicle owners have a responsibility to check if their vehicle has an outstanding recall, and if they have one, they need to book a software update to get their vehicle to be in a roadworthy state.

By being diligent in monitoring any updates, you will be able to ensure that your vehicle has its brake system fully functional so that you and your passengers will be able to travel safely in your vehicle. If you have received a recall notice or you have experienced an increase in stop distance while using your vehicle’s cruise control, you need to take steps to get the brake assist issue resolved in your vehicle.