2018 Ford F-150 brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

80 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2018 Ford F-150, 4% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 72,000 mi.

Brakes complaints
80
Crashes
8
Fires
0
Injuries
6
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
72,000 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes60
Service brakes, hydraulic16
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder2
Service brakes, air:antilock:abs warning light1
Service brakes, air1

Brakes complaints across Ford F-150 years

4200564200778200910342011341372013148852015141792017802020192276202141522023142020254
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

6Under 10k310k–30k830k–60k860k–100k9100k–150k4150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 25V236000Apr 11, 2025123,611 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

    Risk: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S37. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-150.

  • Recall 22V150000Mar 11, 2022195,864 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.

    Risk: 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 April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 22, 2026MTBrakes
    While driving my brakes went from normal, to squishy, to total loss of brakes. Brake indicator light came on while in the squishy phase. After avoid collision by nothing other than sure luck I was able to slow the vehicle and use the emergency brake to stop. Once stopped I popped the hood and found the master cylinder to be all but empty. I obtained brake fluid, filled the cylinder and the brakes appeared to be normal. After a very short drive I lost brake function again and…
    NHTSA complaint #11766196 · source
  2. Filed Aug 26, 2026NVBrakes
    My 2018 Ford F-150 is experiencing a dangerous loss of braking power, a soft/spongy brake pedal, and brake fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. These are the exact symptoms and component failures described in Ford Recall Campaign 25S37 (NHTSA Campaign 25V236). However, when checking my VIN, I am told my truck is excluded from the recall population. Because my vehicle is exhibiting the identical safety defect, the current recall window is too narrow…
    NHTSA complaint #11759856 · source
  3. Filed Aug 20, 202662,513 miCOBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power, and the brakes became inoperable. The drivetrain and wrench symbol were displayed. The ABS warning light was illuminated and DTC: U100 (Failure of Communication for Engine and Transmission) was displayed. The codes were cleared after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a communication error…
    NHTSA complaint #11758290 · source
  4. Filed Aug 11, 2026114,089 miTXBrakes
    The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. 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 persisted. The contact added more brake fluid, but the failure recurred, and the engine made a knocking sound with smoke coming from…
    NHTSA complaint #11756317 · source
  5. Filed Aug 7, 2026SCBrakes
    While engaging my brakes at a traffic light, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Once I was able to safely park the vehicle (because there was no brake function), I inspected around the tires, brake fluid, and brake calipers. I noticed a puddling of brake fluid around the front passenger tire. Upon removing the tire, and inspecting this brake hose, I noticed the brake hose was visibly ruptured. I went to a local Ford dealership to purchase the replacement part, and…
    NHTSA complaint #11755476 · source
  6. Filed Jun 23, 2026TXBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain
    - Master Cylinder leaking into booster Pump. ~Lost brakes going 65MPH, had to drive into a grass area to slow down. No warning lights until I lost all brakes. - Transmission hard shifting and unreliable gear selection ~ This truck has missed gears when passing intersections and has almost caused a wreck multiple time. Transmission is unsafe for users to drive with.
    NHTSA complaint #11745841 · source
  7. Filed Jun 9, 2026MABrakes
    Master cylinder leaked and got a low brake fluid level warning and within one mile lost brakes with pedal depression all the way to the floor. Ford has a current recall for other makes and models which appears to be a manufacturer defect. My truck is currently in the dealership getting repaired
    NHTSA complaint #11742986 · source
  8. Filed Jun 5, 202652,000 miWVCrashTowedBrakes
    The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and hauling a trailer, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact drove the vehicle into a ditch to stop it. The message "Low Brake Fluid" was displayed, and the brake warning light was illuminated. The front driver's side tire was damaged from the ditch. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained, and no…
    NHTSA complaint #11742248 · source
  9. Filed May 26, 2026IDBrakes
    While driving this vehicle, the brake line was cut after making contact with the A arm assembly, at the highest point on the line. I immediately lost my brakes as the brake pedal went to the floor. I am extremely lucky that I was able to stop within the parking lot that I had just entered and did not have to make an immediate stop.
    NHTSA complaint #11740262 · source
  10. Filed May 21, 2026COBrakes
    Brakes completely failed. Foot went to the floorboard and car did not stop. Drove until is was slowed down enough to throw it into park. Engine light stated low on brake fluid. Filled it up and it went about a mile before brakes failed again. Took to a mechanic who determined that brake cylinder and booster had failed. Called Ford who said my 2018 Ford F-150, built in Kansas City was not in the Ford April 14, 2025 recall (25S37) as the build date on my vehicle was a few…
    NHTSA complaint #11739322 · source
  11. Filed Apr 20, 2026MIBrakes
    The BRAKE light came on right as I parked with the warning that my brake fluid was low. Opened the hood and noticed the reservoir was low but could not see any sign of a leak. When I pushed the brake to put the truck in reverse, the pedal went to the floor. After testing it in the parking lot, the truck eventually stopped after having pressing the pedal all the way down. I was able to get it to the auto shop down the street. That is where they told me there was a recall out…
    NHTSA complaint #11732493 · source
  12. Filed Apr 20, 2026201,000 miOKBrakes
    The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 - 45 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The low brake fluid message was displayed. There was an audible chime coming from the vehicle. The brake fluid reservoir was very low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the brake fluid reservoir was empty, and there was no indication of a leak. The brake fluid reservoir was empty within 5 minutes.…
    NHTSA complaint #11732333 · source

Other 2018 Ford F-150 problem areas

Back to all 2018 Ford F-150 problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology