# Ford F-150 brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 8 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (5) - **Related recalls:** 6 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 8 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Ford F-150 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (5). There are **6 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 F-150 brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2018 | 5 | 95 | 5% | | 2019 | 2 | 69 | 3% | | 2020 | 1 | 57 | 2% | 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 F-150 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. **[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)** (2016-2018 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... **[21V533000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V533000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-07-15): Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 28, 2021. **[20V332000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V332000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2020-06-08): A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. 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 F-150 owners report - "feels like someone is hitting the brakes just slightly when driving 40-50mph transitioning from 7th to 8th. sudden jerk when shifting into 4th more irregular but once a day at least." -- owner of a 2020 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026 - "A low brake fluid warning was all that appeared and by the time I was going to safely stop to check fluid level, there was no braking pressure." -- owner of a 2019 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the message "Brake Fluid Level Low" was displayed. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes failed to work properly. The contact drove to Walmart and purchased brake fluid to add to the vehicle, but the failure..." -- owner of a 2018 Ford F-150, complaint filed 2026 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 F-150 brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 6 related recalls (25V823000, 25V488000, 25V236000, 22V150000, 21V533000, 20V332000) covering 2015-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford F-150 years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-150 model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 5 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford F-150 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 F-150 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 F-150 warning lights - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-f-150): 41 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-f-150): 4 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-f-150): 4 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 F-150 - [Ford F-150 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-f-150) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-f-150 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.