Ford F150 Lawsuit Investigation Over Brake Failure, Problems
Last Updated on October 11, 2019
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who experienced a sudden brake failure in their 2015-2016 Ford F150 (3.5L engines).
- What's Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are trying to determine whether a class action lawsuit can be filed against Ford for people who experienced brake problems with their F150.
- Have There Been Complaints Reported?
- Yes. In September 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it would be investigating problems with the cars' brakes after reviewing more than two dozen complaints from drivers.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information below is for reference only.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of 2015-2016 Ford F150 owners and lessees who experienced failure or other problems with their brakes.
What Started This Investigation into the Brake Problems?
In September 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it would be looking into reports of sudden brake failure in 2015-2016 Ford F150s.
In the 2015 model, the agency said that drivers were complaining of:
- Brake pedals going to the floor
- Sudden and complete loss/failure of the brakes
- Illumination of the brake warning lamp
- Low or empty brake fluid levels
According to the NHTSA, the 2016 models showed no indication of low brake fluid and did not display the brake warning light.
Wasn’t There a Recall Over This Issue?
Not for the 2015 and 2016 Ford F150s. Several months before this most recent announcement, the NHTSA recalled the 2013 and 2014 Ford F150s with 3.5L engines over problems with the front brakes. According to the recall, the sudden failure of the brakes in the older models was caused by “the loss of brake fluid from the brake master cylinder reservoir into the brake booster, which [could] lead to visual and audible warnings of low brake fluid level to the operator.”
What Problems Are People Reporting?
According to the NHTSA, consumers have reported “sudden loss of brake effectiveness, with some specifically reporting a failure of the brake master cylinder and low brake fluid level.” People have also posted complaints online, some of which can be read below:
“The brakes failed completely and the power steering also failed. Had I been on a highway or main street someone could have been seriously injured because without power the truck is virtually impossible to control.”
—Robert, Double Oak, Texas, ConsumerAffairs.com
“I had both my F-150 and my F-250 lose brakes after the master cylinder and brake booster went with no warning…Ford told me they have no brake issues with F150 or F250 trucks. I will never buy one again after the way this was handled.”
—Chris, Bayville, New Jersey, ConsumerAffairs.com
“I bought this truck brand new back in March 2016. For about the last month on multiple occasions I have had complete brake failure both when pulling a trailer and not pulling a trailer. When I look at recalls for my truck it states there are none. However, there is a known issue with the master cylinder on the 3.5L Ecoboost.”
—>William C., Caballo, New Mexico, CarComplaints.com
How Can a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
If a lawsuit is filed and is successful, Ford F150 drivers may be able to collect compensation for repairs to their vehicles and force the automaker to recall the cars.
To help determine whether a class action lawsuit could be filed, attorneys working with ClassAction.org are asking Ford F150 drivers to share their stories with us. If we hear from enough people who had brake failure or other problems with their trucks, the attorneys may be able to sue Ford for repair costs.
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