# Ford Expedition brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 85 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (37) - **Related recalls:** 5 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 85 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Ford Expedition (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (37). There are **5 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Ford Expedition brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 164 | 2% | | 2016 | 24 | 217 | 11% | | 2017 | 37 | 358 | 10% | | 2018 | 3 | 383 | 1% | | 2019 | 2 | 524 | 0% | | 2020 | 5 | 428 | 1% | | 2021 | 1 | 242 | 0% | | 2022 | 1 | 117 | 1% | | 2023 | 3 | 65 | 5% | | 2024 | 2 | 79 | 3% | | 2025 | 2 | 38 | 5% | | 2026 | 2 | 11 | 18% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ford Expedition recalls related to the brake warning light **[25V823000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V823000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-12-01): An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. **[25V488000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V488000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-07-25): An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. **[25V314000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V314000)** (2022-2024 models, reported 2025-05-09): A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2025. **[25V236000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V236000)** (2017-2018 models, reported 2025-04-11): A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. **[22V150000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V150000)** (2016-2017 models, reported 2022-03-11): A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed... Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Expedition owners report - "On October 10, 2026, while traveling down the interstate at approximately 80 mph, the dash on my vehicle began flashing the following error messages: Service AdvanceTrac, Check Brake System, Service Vehicle Soon, Part Brake Limited Function Service Required, and PreCollision Assist Not available. Also showed..." -- owner of a 2026 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2026 - "Four days after I bought the Ford Expedition Max, I experienced brake failure and all warning lights going off on the Ford. I was unable to brake correctly and almost causing a wreck on [XXX] in Charlottesville, VA. I called the Ford Dealership, (Myers Ford) in Elkton where I bought the Ford and they sent me a..." -- owner of a 2025 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2025 - "I did not have warning signs so my brakes could have been an issue because I was paying attention and unable to avoid an accident going under the speed limit. The rear cross traffic. Warning stays on pretty consistently because we live down a dirt road, and every time it rains, it again comes back on. I do not..." -- owner of a 2024 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Expedition brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 5 related recalls (25V823000, 25V488000, 25V314000, 25V236000, 22V150000) covering 2016-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Expedition years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Expedition model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 37 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Expedition with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Ford Expedition has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ford Expedition warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-expedition): 47 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-expedition): 161 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-expedition): 50 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-expedition): 5 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-expedition): 14 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Ford Expedition - [Ford Expedition specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-expedition) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-expedition Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.