NHTSA Investigating Ford F-150 for Reported Brake Failures

Late Friday afternoon, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it will open an investigation into 250,000 Ford F-150 pickup trucks built in 2011 and 2012, after numerous reports from customers who have experienced a loss of power brakes.The Detroit News reports that the NHTSA’s investigation involves 2011 and 2012 F-150s equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. At least 32 complaints have been filed, alleging a complete loss of power brake assist. At least two accidents have been attributed to the unexpected increased pedal effort and lengthened stopping distances associated with loss of power brake assist.

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NHTSA says that “none of the complaints reported any warning indicators to alert the driver of brake power assist loss or the potential of increased stopping distance.” The agency also revealed that many affected customers found that the defect was expensive to fix, with parts backorders extending as long as six weeks in one particular case.

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The affected 2011 and 2012 F-150s use an electric vacuum-assist pump, The Detroit News reports. Ford switched to a belt-driven vacuum brake pump for the 2013 model year. Ford says it is cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation, which could potentially lead to a recall of the involved vehicles.

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