Ford Transit Brake Problems

Brake complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  2

Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  520%
• 25k–50k
  832%
• 50k–75k
  00%
• 75k–100k
  14%
• 100k–150k
  728%
• 150k+
  416%

What owners report

My 2022 Ford E-Transit 350 has had repeated safety and performance failures. The vehicle has an open recall on the rearview camera, which caused a police incident when I hit another car because the camera was not working properly. On several occasions, the vehicle has also completely shut down and would not start at all, leaving me stranded. The van often loses acceleration, gets stuck at 20 mph, and becomes unsafe to drive. The brakes, electrical system, and propulsion system have all malfunctioned. Despite multiple visits to Ford dealers, the problems remain. I have had to rent vehicles at my own expense since no loaner was provided. These failures put my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. I have police reports, medical certificates (including 12 days of medical leave), dealer invoices, and photos fully documenting everything.

I've been dealing with some intermittent problems with my 2022 transit for a couple years now. Basically I'll be driving on the highway and all the sudden I'll lose gas control, and power braking and the dash displays a message that says "shift to neutral to restart vehicle", battery icon flashes red and I have to coast to the side of the highway. The electronics in the car will still be working when I pull over but the battery is dead. If I shift to park my engine doesn't turn over or make any clicks at all. The few times it's happened it eventually will turn back on after 10 min or so after using a jumper pack. I've taken it to dealers and they all say the computer isn't throwing any codes so they can't help. I've nearly been in 2 accidents now on the highway trying to get to a shoulder/lack of shoulder and the fact that I lose my brakes makes this an undrivable vehicle. …

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was started, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the right front wheel activated, and the ABS activated while making a hard right turn. The contact was not depressing the brake pedal during the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the brake lights remained activated. The contact stated that several functions were deactivated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

We own a fleet of these vans and 5 out of the last 7 purchased from 2020-2023 have had total rear brake system failure. The calipers are not retracting and are overheating and freezing up the rear brake system. In some cases leaving our employee(s) stranded on the side of the road in the middle of winter storm waiting to get towed putting their safety at risk. The problem has been reproduced as it has happened on 5 of the last 7 vehicles we purchased. Our local Ford dealer has inspected these issues and we contacted the Ford Consumer phone today - spoke with Rena at Ford on 6/19/24 at approximately 2pm - 2:15pm PDT. No warning lamps or message alerts. Brakes are making a squeaky noise and hot smell prior to seizing. We have had to pay thousands of dollars for some of these repairs and towing. We wanted to alert Ford and you as we are noticing an alarming trend. …

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact's wife was parking the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled into the curve and stopped. The contact stated that his wife was lucky that the vehicle had not struck the building. In addition, the contact stated that one time the failure occurred while the contact's wife was driving, and the brakes independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure once occurred while the contact's wife was driving on a busy highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed HECU. The contact was informed that the HECU needed to be replaced. …

The contact's neighbor owned a 2019 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds to the end of his street in the cul-de-sac. The brakes were sticking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. A neighbor walking her dog alerted him about an abnormal sound emerging from the vehicle. While driving over the curb, approaching the driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The brakes failed to respond, and he crashed into his house. There were no reported injuries, airbag deployment, or fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. Then it was towed to another body shop. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while his daughter-in-law was driving approximately 60-70 MPH down the interstate, there was an abnormally loud, unidentifiable sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle rolled to the side of the road. The contact stated that the repairs should be covered under a warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the drive shaft coupling had detached. The heater hose and brake lines had additional damage. The brake line and brake fluid warning lights illuminated after the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed that the repairs were not covered. …

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact moved to the right lane, and there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact struck the curb, ran over the curb, and pulled up the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the drive shaft being faulty and referred him to the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed the failure was due to the driveshaft flexible coupling. The vacuum line, brake line, and fuel line were cut, and the transmission was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. …

Related recalls (3)