Driving a Ford? Over 500,000 cars just got recalled for a serious brake issue—check if yours is at risk
- Replies 0
If you’re a proud Ford owner, you may want to take a second look at your driveway—and your mailbox.
Ford has just announced a major recall affecting half a million vehicles due to a potentially dangerous brake fluid leak that could put drivers and passengers at serious risk.
For families who rely on these vehicles every day, this is not a warning to ignore.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford is recalling approximately 500,000 vehicles, specifically the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX midsize luxury SUVs and the 2015-2018 Ford Edge SUVs.
The culprit? A flexible hose in the rear brake system that can rupture, causing brake fluid to leak out.
When brake fluid leaks, it can lead to a “spongy” brake pedal, longer stopping distances, and, in the worst-case scenario, a complete loss of braking power.
Ford’s own letter to dealers spells it out: “If the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir becomes low, the red brake fluid warning indicator light will illuminate. An increase in stopping distance increases the risk of a crash.”
In the meantime, if you suspect your vehicle is affected or you notice any of the warning signs above, contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealer right away. They can advise you on the safest course of action.
Also read: Buying a car just got easier—how Amazon and Hertz are teaming up to change the process
This latest recall comes on the heels of another big one: over 355,000 Ford pickup trucks were recalled earlier this month due to instrument panel display failures.
That’s right—if your dashboard isn’t showing you critical info like speed or warning lights, it’s a serious safety risk.
Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, Kumar Galhotra, addressed the uptick in recalls in a recent blog post. He says the company has doubled its team of safety and technical experts and ramped up testing on critical systems like powertrains, steering, and brakes.
The goal? To catch problems early and keep drivers safe.
Also read: A safety notice that could affect thousands of drivers
Automotive expert Shaun Carse put it best: “A recall notice isn’t junk mail—it’s basically your car writing you a doctor’s note. Bin it, and you’re just asking for trouble.” Ignoring a recall can put you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk.
Have you ever experienced a recall? Did you catch a problem before it became serious? Or maybe you have tips for staying on top of vehicle maintenance?
Ford has just announced a major recall affecting half a million vehicles due to a potentially dangerous brake fluid leak that could put drivers and passengers at serious risk.
For families who rely on these vehicles every day, this is not a warning to ignore.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford is recalling approximately 500,000 vehicles, specifically the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX midsize luxury SUVs and the 2015-2018 Ford Edge SUVs.
The culprit? A flexible hose in the rear brake system that can rupture, causing brake fluid to leak out.
When brake fluid leaks, it can lead to a “spongy” brake pedal, longer stopping distances, and, in the worst-case scenario, a complete loss of braking power.
Ford’s own letter to dealers spells it out: “If the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir becomes low, the red brake fluid warning indicator light will illuminate. An increase in stopping distance increases the risk of a crash.”
If you’re thinking, “Well, how bad could a little leak be?”—the answer is: pretty bad. Image source: Lincoln MKX - Wikipedia
What Should You Look For?
- Brake Warning Light: If your dashboard lights up with a red brake fluid warning, don’t ignore it. That’s your car’s way of waving a red flag.
- Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels different—softer, or it travels farther than usual before the brakes engage—get it checked immediately.
- Longer Stopping Distance: If it’s taking you longer to stop at a red light or in traffic, that’s a sign something’s wrong.
In the meantime, if you suspect your vehicle is affected or you notice any of the warning signs above, contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealer right away. They can advise you on the safest course of action.
Also read: Buying a car just got easier—how Amazon and Hertz are teaming up to change the process
This latest recall comes on the heels of another big one: over 355,000 Ford pickup trucks were recalled earlier this month due to instrument panel display failures.
That’s right—if your dashboard isn’t showing you critical info like speed or warning lights, it’s a serious safety risk.
Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, Kumar Galhotra, addressed the uptick in recalls in a recent blog post. He says the company has doubled its team of safety and technical experts and ramped up testing on critical systems like powertrains, steering, and brakes.
The goal? To catch problems early and keep drivers safe.
Also read: A safety notice that could affect thousands of drivers
Automotive expert Shaun Carse put it best: “A recall notice isn’t junk mail—it’s basically your car writing you a doctor’s note. Bin it, and you’re just asking for trouble.” Ignoring a recall can put you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
- Check Your VIN: Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code found on your dashboard, driver’s side door, or registration paperwork.
- Visit the NHTSA Website: Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. You’ll see if your car has any open recalls.
- Contact Your Dealer: If you’re affected, call your local Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule a repair as soon as the fix is available.
