# Ford Explorer brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 62 - **Most complaints:** 2020 (26) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 62 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Ford Explorer (2015-2026 models), most for the **2020** model year (26). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Ford Explorer brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 5 | 1814 | 0% | | 2016 | 6 | 2464 | 0% | | 2017 | 5 | 1713 | 0% | | 2018 | 2 | 733 | 0% | | 2020 | 26 | 1248 | 2% | | 2021 | 6 | 452 | 1% | | 2022 | 6 | 271 | 2% | | 2023 | 2 | 113 | 2% | | 2025 | 4 | 107 | 4% | 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 Explorer recalls related to the brake warning light **[25V371000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V371000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-06-04): Loss of brake function and wheel damage can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary. If bolts are missing, the brake caliper and pads will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2025. 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 Explorer owners report - "Multiple warnings appeared, including Anti-Lock Brake System Fault, Electronic Parking Brake, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, and Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power. The dashboard also displayed "Park Brake Not Applied," although I had not activated the parking brake. FordPass reported that the ABS control..." -- owner of a 2025 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2026 - "The light keeps indicating that the brake is on. This happens continuously every day. 2. Steering... when you are switching lanes, it's not a smooth transition. It feels like a jerk each time and feels like if you were to put the brake, the car will flip over. Very concerning. Happens all the time." -- owner of a 2023 Ford Explorer, complaint filed 2024 - "On [XXX] while stopped at a stoplight across from Sheetz, with the auto brake hold engaged for a minute or two already, my vehicle accelerated forward into the vehicle in front of me. The impact was so sudden that the driver of the vehicle I collided with thought I had been rear ended. While I had contacted my..." -- owner of a 2022 Ford Explorer, 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 Explorer brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (25V371000) covering 2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Explorer years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2020 and 2021 Explorer model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 26 for 2020. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Explorer 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 Explorer 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 Explorer warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/ford-explorer): 33 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-explorer): 205 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/ford-explorer): 15 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-explorer): 314 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-explorer): 222 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-explorer): 11 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/ford-explorer): 23 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 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 Explorer - [Ford Explorer specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-explorer) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-explorer Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.