Lately Ford has had to recall several different vehicles for many different reasons, but one of the more serious and concerning reasons has to do with the recalled vehicles and the recall pertaining to brake fluid leaks. Without sufficient brake fluid, your automobile’s braking system becomes ineffective and can create catastrophic safety incidents.
In this blog, we will discuss all pertinent information involving the Ford vehicle brake fluid leak recall, including which vehicles are impacted, how to verify if your vehicle is in jeopardy, and what you should do to remedy the situation immediately.
If you are an automobile owner or an automobile lover, knowing this information is equally valuable for safety and to continue being in compliance.
Contents
- 1 How Ford Brake Fluid Leak Activations Work
- 2 Why Was the Recall Issued?
- 3 Which Ford Vehicles are Affected by the Recall?
- 4 How Can You Tell If Your Ford Vehicle Might Be Affected?
- 5 Consequences of Not Addressing Brake Fluid Leaks
- 6 What Should You Do If Your Ford Is Affected by The Brake Fluid Leak Recall
- 7 How Is Ford Addressing the Recall?
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 Conclusion
How Ford Brake Fluid Leak Activations Work
The Ford brake fluid leak issue primarily revolves around a problem concerning a mechanical flaw in the brake master cylinder of a small percentage of Ford vehicles. The problem leads to a leak of brake fluid over time, and it significantly threatens the vehicle’s ability to stop safely.
Brake fluid is the vital fluid that engages the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle when the driver applies pressure on the brake pedal. Without brake fluid, your vehicle’s brakes will not function, and that can cause a serious problem, potentially resulting in devastating crashes.
The issue began with fluid leakage, and Ford’s customers and dealers reported these problems. After these problem reports were submitted to Ford, the company performed investigations and faulted a few model’s brake master cylinders.
Ford found that a seal in the brake master cylinder, which is meant to contain brake fluid, can become eroded over time, causing fluid leakage. After discovering the defect, Ford executed a safety recall to mitigate the consequences.
Why Was the Recall Issued?
Ford has to issue recalls if they believe that there is a potential risk posed by the leakage of brake fluid. Losing the ability to brake is a very serious risk. Loss of brake fluid in a vehicles’ braking system can affect braking performance to the point that the vehicle may become dangerous to operate. This is especially the case during emergency situations that require sudden or quick braking.
The driving and braking systems of the vehicle rely on hydraulic pressure. When there is insufficient brake fluid, there is insufficient pressure, and the vehicle may have a very slow response time or may not stop at all. In a worst case scenario, the driver may become entirely unable to stop the vehicle, and may place not only themselves at risk, but their passengers as well. This is why Ford acted the way they did and braked the vehicles in question.
Ford showed they have put a tremendous emphasis on and value their customers’ safety, and want to prevent situations that may result in a loss of the ability to brake the vehicle during driving and result in an accident. A safety recall, like this one, reduces the risk of an incident occurring, and is a significant action in the automobile industry. Ford has to be commended for taking this step, not only for the safety of the public and their customers.
Which Ford Vehicles are Affected by the Recall?
In particular, the brake fluid leak recall pertains to several Ford models manufactured between 2019 and 2020. Affected models contained a defect in the brake master cylinder which can lead to fluid leakage. While Ford claims only a limited number of models are affected, such owners are encouraged to check the recall status for their vehicle.
The Ford models included in the recall are:
- 2019-2020 Ford Escape
- 2020 Ford F-150
- 2019-2020 Ford Ranger
- 2020 Ford Explorer
- 2020 Lincoln Aviator
The recall applies to the variety of trim levels and different engine options of the model. Only Ford models which fall within specific production date ranges will be affected. If you want to check if your vehicle is included in the recall, you may visit the NHTSA’s official site to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or reach out to your Ford dealership for assistance.
How Can You Tell If Your Ford Vehicle Might Be Affected?
If you suspect your Ford vehicle might be affected by the Ford brake fluid leak recall, the following tips will help you verify your vehicle’s status.
1. Review the Recall Notice
If Ford has sent you anything regarding the recall which includes information like the Ford brake fluid leak recall, you will be clearly instructed in the recall notice in the mail if your vehicle is affected and what steps you need to take.
2. Check the NHTSA Site
To find out if your Ford vehicle is involved in the recall, you can go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site. You can enter your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN on the government site, and in a matter of seconds, the site will let you know if there are any open recalls. If you suspect that your vehicle is affected, this will help ease your concerns.
3. Call Your Local Ford Dealership
If you cannot find the information through the NHTSA Website, the recall notice, or the recall notice, you can reach out to your Ford dealer. Dealerships can access Ford’s database and can quickly determine whether or not your vehicle is a part of the recall.
4. Signs of Brake Fluid Leaks
In addition to VIN and recall check, there are also signs to see if there are leaking fluids for brakes. These consist of:
- Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: Brake pedal feels soft or requires more effort than usual. Could indicate brake fluid is low or leaking out.
- Brake Fluid Warning Light: This is if the light with the brake sign on the warning light dashboard is on.
- Pooling of Brake Fluid: A big sign if there is fluid leaking of any sort with brake fluid. Should be parked near the wheel or beneath the master brake cylinder.
Related Article
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Brake Caliper Leaking Fluid from Piston
Consequences of Not Addressing Brake Fluid Leaks
Not addressing is dangerous. Even with small amounts of brake fluid lost there are massive problems with the braking system of the vehicle. Most problematic is the lack of efficiency of the braking system. Without efficient brakes vehicle accidents are more likely to occur and are especially problematic during emergency stopping situations.
Potential Risks: Due to the risk of brake fluid leakage, Ford has issued a safety recall on certain vehicle models. Ford vehicle owners should be very concerned with this issue, as loss of brake fluid can lead to major braking problems and a higher risk of accidents.
Complete Brake Failure: The braking system can become ineffective. If the brake fluid level decreases too much, the brakes may completely fail.
Increased Stopping Distance: Brake fluid leaks can make the brakes less responsive. This results in greater stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
Accidents: If the brakes don’t respond in time, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
Further Damage: The longer you ignore this problem, the greater the damage to the vehicle’s brake system. This can lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
Getting your recall repairs done at a Ford dealership is the quickest and best way to solve the problems. This will also ensure that the vehicle’s occupants and the vehicle’s braking system are safe.
What Should You Do If Your Ford Is Affected by The Brake Fluid Leak Recall
Taking the steps below will ensure repair of your vehicle is done accurately and in a timely fashion.
- Reach out to your selected Ford Dealership: As soon as you verify your vehicle is part of the recall, contact your local Ford dealership. They will assist in scheduling a service appointment and coordinating the necessary repairs. Generally, the repairs will be performed at no charge to you.
- Wait for the repair to be done: Depending on the vehicle, and how serious the leak is, the repair will likely take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Ford Dealerships will issue a loaner vehicle if your car needs to be kept for a long time.
- Look for updates from the dealership: Contact the dealership for updates on your vehicle, and on the recall Ford will issue if there is any new information.
- Paying for the repairs is not your responsibility: As for the repairs regarding the recall, Ford is not going to charge you. They will replace the brake master cylinder, or repair the faulty components of the brake fluid system free of charge to you.
How Is Ford Addressing the Recall?
The company Ford, is moving very quickly trying to make repairs to all the affected vehicles. Ford is notifying the vehicle owners about the recall and is providing repairs and is cooperating with suppliers to eliminate the source of the brake fluid leaks. The firm is updating and replacing the faulty brake master cylinders to ones that will be able to prevent brake fluid loss.
Ford is being quick and responsible with performing with recall repairs. Ford and its dealerships have safe and effective methods for getting the repairs complete, and the owners will have no issues with getting the repairs done and getting back the working vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about ford vehicle brake fluid leak recall –
1. What vehicles are part of the Ford brake fluid leak recall?
The recall concerns Ford vehicles involving the Ford Escape, F-150, Ranger, Explorer, and Lincoln Aviator all of 2019-2020. You can find out the status of your vehicle by searching for your VIN at the NHTSA website.
2. Is the brake fluid leak dangerous?
Yes. The leak of brake fluid results in decreased performance of the breaks, which can lead to very dangerous consequences, including loss of breaks and accidents.
3. How do I fix the brake fluid leak?
Ford can fix the problem for free. The dealership will either replace the brake master cylinder or fix the brake fluid system if needed.
4. Do I have to pay for the repair?
No, Ford pays for any repairs related to this recall, so any parts that need to be replaced will be free to you, along with the labor needed.
Conclusion
If your car is one of the Ford vehicle brake fluid leak recall, you need to get this issue taken care of. The sooner you get this fix done, the better to make sure you are safe. This recall is a reminder that you need to pay attention to the safety of your vehicle.
