Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The brake is so far left, it is unsafe to drive. It is in the position the clutch would in an a Manual transmission and my right foot has trouble moving that far over and its unsafe to use my left as i'm never braked with my left foot.
My girlfriend and I came home, I placed the SUV in park. I was fully out of the vehicle when my girlfriend informed me that the keys were still in the ignition. I reached into the vehicle to take the keys out of the ignition, the car was what I assumed to be off. The SUV begin to reverse. The driveway was on an incline and I almost got ran over by the vehicle. There was a clicking noise like the gear was trying to catch. I was fully out of the SUV with a bag in my hand, but the seat belt locked on my girlfriend and she wasn't able to get out or get the vehicle to stop. The SUV was stopped by trees and I was able to get it out, the key was in the ignition still, the car was in park, in order to get out over the curb and out of the trees, I restarted the engine. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repairs. The contact was unsure about what part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
When driving during normal dry weather the traction control randomly comes on when it shouldn't and has caused the brakes to fail and the vehicle not stopping when the brakes are pressed. I have have owned the vehicle only 7 weeks and have had this issue with the brakes occur on 3 occasions. Luckily, 2 of the times I was in a rural area but the 3rd time I was on a busy city street and ran through a red light narrowly missing having an accident. Each time this has occurred my speed was below 45mph. I did some research on this issue and found several blogs online of people with the same problem. In these blogs the individuals stated that the Ford dealer was unable to identify or duplicate the problem in each blog that I found with this problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Expedition. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. The contact was able to avoid a crash after the emergency brake was engaged. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The master cylinder was replaced two additional times, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the automatic brake system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07e105000 (service brakes, air). The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Expedition. While depressing the brake pedal at various speeds, the pedal would depress all the way to the floorboard without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where all the brake pads were replaced; however, the failure continued. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 07e105000(service brakes, air). The contact called bill brown Ford (32222 Plymouth rd, livonia, mi 48150, [phone]) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle brand new, the brake pedal,when depressed, was soft without warning. The contact spoke with an independent mechanic who informed him of NHTSA campaign number: 07e105000 (service brakes, air) and also sent him a letter in relation to the recall. The contact took the vehicle and the letter to grieco Ford of fort lauderdale 1333 n federal hwy, fort lauderdale, fl 33304 who informed him that there were no recalls on his vehicle. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 16.
Driving vehicle brake function seems normal, but randomly the brake pedal will depress far lower in order to brake. After a few pumps it rises and brakes at a higher position. I took the car to the mechanic who had previously replaced the brake pads and found nothing wrong, also during week long test drive mechanic did not have same experience. I have had the experience 5-6 times, and spouse has also had the brake pedal go too far down before it brakes. This issue has happened at high & lo speeds street & highway. It is very random too, does not happen on every vehicle use.
I was reading in a magazine about Ford having a problem with the brake master cylinder failing, leaking into the booster, causing brake failure. This happened to me a few weeks ago. I first felt my brake pedal getting weak. Then I saw a warning light. I first thought maybe my emergency brake was applied?? It was not. Then I noticed I had very little brake?? What to do?? I decided to try to get back to my job, where we have a service department. I drove about 50 miles with no brakes!!! Just took my time, being careful. About $800 later I'm on the road again!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford Expedition. While driving at 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the hydraulic control valve and the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,700. The VIN was not available.
Brake complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Ford Expedition, 23% of the model year's 146 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford Expedition brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Ford Expedition, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford Expedition brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.