The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a May 9 recall of Ford Motors is recalling 273,789 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition vehicles because poorly installed front brake lines may cause reduced brake function, increasing the risk of crashes.
The affected vehicle may have a "bending brake line" that can be in contact with the engine air cleaner duct, a hose used to transfer filtered air from the car's air filter to the IT engine. As a result, the outlet pipe may be damaged, causing the brake fluid to leak, causing the vehicle's front brake to stop working, recall the document.
Brake line leakage may cause more than expected brake pedal stroke and result in a reduced deceleration rate. If the brake fluid is rapidly lost or the brake fluid is completely consumed, the distance required to stop the vehicle can be expanded, thereby increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA state reported in NHTSA.
Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries caused by a brake line failure.
The recall affects the following models:
The cause of the bending line is due to component failures during vehicle engine installation at Ford Kentucky truck factory. U.S. automakers conducted an internal review of plant records earlier this year and found that modifications to the engine installation process were conducted by the Louisville plant in November to prevent damage to the brake lines.
"Through this investigation, Ford's CCRG found that Ford's Kentucky Truck Factory (KTP) modified the radiator hose load on the engine deck. Modifications were made to prevent braking lines from bending and began on November 20, 2024 to ensure proper cleaning was met," the recollection document said.
The vehicles included in the recall were manufactured before factory modifications.
If a brake fluid leak occurs, the driver may increase the pedal travel or move from the brake pedal when indented.
The recall states: “With the continuous driving, the leaked brake lines will cause the brake fluid level to decrease in the master cylinder reservoir.” When this happens, the red brake warning light will illuminate once the fluid level drops to a dangerously low level.
To resolve this issue, Ford dealers will check the front brake lines and replace the brake lines or air cleaner socket ducts free of charge if needed. The owner notice will be mailed on May 26, 2025. The owner can contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 25S47.
Consumers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171), or visit NHTSA.GOV. NHTSA's recall number is 25V-314.