Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Emergency/parking brake assembly rear brake backing plate metal failure, brakes not working. Brake shoe pins pulled through the backing plate that hold the brakes in place due to the failure of the metal... The Ford service mgr., and the Ford factory rep. Said since the warranty is over, there is noting that can be done. The Ford parts counter person stated Ford factory came out with a revised and stronger metal rear brake backing plate since the original backing plates were installed in excursions, explorer SUV, and all of the pick up trucks. Pleas look into this severe safety failure of brakes. There soled be a recall for brake failure. I have the original parts to confirm my claim..
Dt: the consumer's 2005 Ford Excursion would not stop. The brake lines were leaking fluid, and was rubbing against the driver's side tire. The vehicle was towed. The tow truck driver said that it looked like the brake line was put on backwards. The consumer stated that no one has touched the vehicle since it was purchased. This happened on 10-1-03.
Dt: vehicle was involved n an accident due to brake failure. The ABS went out. When opened the hood for investigation the master cyclinder separted from the brake booster cylinder. No lock on bolt and the nut sheared itself off. Called Ford and left message. Had to put new transmission at 16,000 miles as well. Had 2 mechanics look at this and suggested Ford should take notice.
I had a 1998 expedition before buying my 2004 excurion, and I could not keep brakes on the expedition. When shopping for the Excursion I made it a point to ask if the brakes were more heavy duty due to my problems on the expecition. I was mislead to believe that the ton framework would translate into more heavy duty brake systems. I had my Excursion in for service at 20K and requested my brakes be examined when my tires are rotated. I picked the vehicle up to find the tires were never removed or rotated. Dealership apologized, said mechanic could tell brakes were fine, and they would look at them in 5K. At my next service 2 months later, they said brakes look fine, but they never drove it to observe the shaking which I told them about at 20000 and 25000. In summary, I?ve been pushed off because (based on the complaints on your web site) they do not want to replace rotors under warranty. …
Pavement was wet...cit was dark ....a car suddenly stopped in the roadway..my anti lock brakes locked up causing me to skid into the car in front of me..causing rear damage to it...my airbag also did not deploy..was going about 25mph..but seemed to increase in speed skidding on the pavement it caused me to lose my safe driving discount on my istate farm insurance...had to pay a higher premium for 3yrs because of it..I have recently gotten my safe driver discount back can get statefarm documentation later if needed
While traveling on the road at about 45 MPH consumer had to slam on the brakes, seat belt did not lock and driver hit the windshield. (second consumer for this letter: christopher erosion walters) the tires blew out and the vehicle flipped over. The driver's seat belt problem remained the same.
After purchasing a used vehicle from internet auto sales in reno, nevada, the brakes were not working correctly. The brakes pulled the vehicle violently to the right. The dealer replaced the calipers and pads and turned the rotors and told me the problem was solved. After test driving the vehicle, the brakes had the same problem. The vehcile was sent to the local lithia dealer and they ended upreplacing the ABS sensor once. After that the vehcile did not improve. So, the vehcile went back to the dealer and the dealer took the brake system apart and could not find anything wrong with it. They returned the vehicle and soon as I drove it, the brakes failed to operate correctly. They took the vehcile back and they replaced some more brake parts, but it did not solve the proble,. In fact, the problem got worse. Now, the brakes are pulling both left and right. …
I seem to be having a braking problem with my 2002 Ford Excursion. I have had to replace brake pads and rotors on a number of instances. It seem to be caused by the brake caliper slide brackets which prevent the proper caliper travel when activated. This was a complaint I have addressed since my purchase of the vehicle. The problem gives the vehicle an uneven brake activation, which causes poor handling while braking. The dealer say that it is not a warranty issue. The dealer has replaced 2 calipers, but each time I'm expected to pay for pads and rotors. I'm an ex garage owner, and ex-nys vehicle inspection licensed mechanic. I have on 5-6 instances replaced pads and rotors due to this problem with the caliper slide system. Each of these times, after pulling the brakes apart, and cleaning all surfaces, and lubing the sliders before reinstalling, after witch all parts worked as designed. …
NHTSA investigations
Pulls under hard braking
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Excursion years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (63), 2002 (17), 2001 (13), 2003 (10) and 2004 (5) model years. Brake complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Excursion brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Ford Excursion model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Excursion brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles; 59% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (36 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (32).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.