NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
99 reportsClear category filter49,500 miles · Mar 11, 2020
Service Brakes
ONE EVENING IN MAY, 2018, TOOK MY CAR TO GET GAS AND FELT THE BRAKES TOO SOFT. WHEN LEAVING THE GAS STATION, MY BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. PUT EMERGENCY BRAKE ON WITH HAZARD LIGHTS AND WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A NEARBY RESIDENTIAL AREA. BRAKE FLUID WAS ADDED WITHIN MINUTES; ALL THE FLUID RAN TO THE GROUND. IT WAS T…
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ONE EVENING IN MAY, 2018, TOOK MY CAR TO GET GAS AND FELT THE BRAKES TOO SOFT. WHEN LEAVING THE GAS STATION, MY BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. PUT EMERGENCY BRAKE ON WITH HAZARD LIGHTS AND WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A NEARBY RESIDENTIAL AREA. BRAKE FLUID WAS ADDED WITHIN MINUTES; ALL THE FLUID RAN TO THE GROUND. IT WAS TOWED NEXT MORNING TO THE DEALER. DEALER STATED THE BRAKE LINE HAD A 2" SLASH; SAID ANYTHING COULD'VE CAUSED IT. IT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. ON MARCH 7, 2020, WENT TO RUN ERRANDS. WHEN I PARKED AT LOT, THE BRAKES FELT SOFT. WHEN LEAVING THE STORE LOT, MY BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR, AGAIN! THIS TIME, I'M ALREADY IN TRAFFIC; SCARIEST THING EVER! AGAIN, PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND AT BARELY NO SPEED AT ALL, TURNED THROUGH RESIDENTIAL STREETS TO GET HOME SAFE. AGAIN HAD IT TOWED MONDAY MORNING, BACK TO THE DEALER. I EXPLAINED THAT THIS PREVIOUSLY HAPPENED IN MAY 2018. NEW INVOICE STATES: "LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE LEAKING," AND "INSPECT AND FOUND LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE SPLITTING/LEAKING; REPLACED LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE, BLEED BRAKE SYSTEM, TEST DROVE AND OK AT THIS TIME." THIS TIME? I WAS TOLD THE MAY 2018 ISSUE WAS THE SAME, EXCEPT THAT ONE WAS THE BACK BRAKE HOSE. AND NO WARRANTY THIS TIME; HAD TO PAY OVER $500 FOR REPAIR. VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT FORD HASN'T MADE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. I TRAVEL 35 MILES DAILY TO WORK ON THE TOLL ROAD. WHAT AM I TO DO WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON A 60-MILE SPEED LIMIT HIGHWAY? I'M TERRIFIED NOW AND DON'T HAVE MANY OPTIONS FOR GETTING TO WORK. I READ ONLINE THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. IF A RECALL ISN'T IN THE WORKS, I'M GETTING RID OF THIS VEHICLE, ALBEIT OUR FAMILY CAR. MY KID'S 2014 FORD FOCUS HAS HAD TRANSMISSION ISSUES FOR YEARS. I CANNOT CONTINUE TO HOPE THAT NOTHING HAPPENS, NOR CAN I CONTINUE TO PAY THIS MUCH MONEY FOR FORD'S MISTAKES. NHTSA, PLEASE - FIND THIS PROBLEM!
NHTSA ODI #11317440
75,000 miles · Jan 28, 2020
Service Brakes
11/2018 - WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY I PRESSED BRAKE TO START CAR, CAR JERKED AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I PUMPED BRAKES AND THEY SEEMED TO BE OKAY. STARTED DRIVING AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN WHEN I WAS BRAKING. WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP BY PUMPING BRAKES. DEALER STATED THAT A FRONT BRAKE LINE RUPTURED AND REPAIRED THE LI…
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11/2018 - WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY I PRESSED BRAKE TO START CAR, CAR JERKED AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I PUMPED BRAKES AND THEY SEEMED TO BE OKAY. STARTED DRIVING AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN WHEN I WAS BRAKING. WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP BY PUMPING BRAKES. DEALER STATED THAT A FRONT BRAKE LINE RUPTURED AND REPAIRED THE LINE. VEHICLE WAS 2 YEARS OLD. WITH UNDER 36,000 MILES ON 1/27/2020 WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED PUMPING THE BRAKES AND HEARD ANOTHER BANG WITH THE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR AGAIN. I WAS DOWN THE STREET FROM MY HOME SO I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. I HAD IT TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT BOTH FRONT BRAKE LINES HAD RUPTURED.
NHTSA ODI #11302571
38,000 miles · Jan 2, 2020
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EDGE. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EDGE. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE EMERGENCY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000.
NHTSA ODI #11292535
24,250 miles · Nov 26, 2019
Service Brakes
MY FIANC WAS DRIVING HER VEHICLE WHEN SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT SEEMED TO GO TO THE FLOOR. IT WASN'T UNTIL THE LOW BRAKE FLUID LIGHT CAME ON THAT SHE REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THANKFULLY THE LIGHT CAME ON AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND THE STORE AND NOT TRYING TO SLOW DOWN FROM 55MPH. I MET HER AT THE PARKING …
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MY FIANC WAS DRIVING HER VEHICLE WHEN SHE PRESSED THE BRAKE AND IT SEEMED TO GO TO THE FLOOR. IT WASN'T UNTIL THE LOW BRAKE FLUID LIGHT CAME ON THAT SHE REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THANKFULLY THE LIGHT CAME ON AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND THE STORE AND NOT TRYING TO SLOW DOWN FROM 55MPH. I MET HER AT THE PARKING LOT SHE STOPPED IN AND UPON INVESTIGATING I FOUND BRAKE FLUID ALL UNDER THE VEHICLE AND ALL OVER THE WHEEL LINER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THE LEFT FRONT LINE RUPTURED. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AS WE BOUGHT IT CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED. DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE LINE WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, IT HAS 24,250 MILES ON IT. THE SELLING DEALERSHIP ADVERTISED THE CPO AS BEING WORTH THE EXTRA PRICE OVER A REGULAR USED CAR BECAUSE IT WOULD TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING WITH THE 12 MONTH/12,000 MIKE BUMPER TO BUMPER, A FLAT OUT LIE. I CONTACTED FORD AND AFTER A GREAT DEAL OF BACK AND FORTH FOR OVER A WEEK, THEY DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. NOW I'M ON THE HOOK FOR A $600 REPAIR BILL AND WONDERING HOW LONG IT WILL BE UNTIL THE OTHER LINE BURSTS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WILL BE SELLING THIS CAR ASAP AND IT WILL BE THE LAST FORD PRODUCT I EVER OWN.
NHTSA ODI #11282558
74,199 miles · Nov 15, 2019
Service Brakes
LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE RUPTURED. I WAS DRIVING AND THE CHECK BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. ADDED BRAKE FLUID. THE NEXT MORNING I TOOK OUT AND CAME TO THE END OF THE STEET, HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC, THE BRAKE HOSE HAD RUPTURED CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.
NHTSA ODI #11280444
42,875 miles · Oct 16, 2019
Service Brakes
IT BEGAN WITH THE DRIVER SIDE, THE BRAKE LINE STARTED LEAKING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR TO INITIATE ANY FORM OF BRAKING ON THE CAR. THE CAR WAS JUST SERVICED, SO IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE DEALER MESSED SOMETHING UP WHEN FIXING THE CAR. THEN, ONCE IT WAS FIXED 3 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME T…
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IT BEGAN WITH THE DRIVER SIDE, THE BRAKE LINE STARTED LEAKING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR TO INITIATE ANY FORM OF BRAKING ON THE CAR. THE CAR WAS JUST SERVICED, SO IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE DEALER MESSED SOMETHING UP WHEN FIXING THE CAR. THEN, ONCE IT WAS FIXED 3 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME THE LEAKAGE WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. ONCE AGAIN THE BRAKES NEED TO BE PRESSED TO THE FLOOR TO WORK AND FLUID WAS LEAKING ALL OVER. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AGAIN TO BE FIXED. THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO BE PAID FOR SINCE BUMPER TO BUMPER WAS ONLY COVERED FOR 36,000 MILES. BOTH TIMES THE BRAKE LINES STARTED TO LEAK (WE WERE NEVER GIVEN A REASON BY THE DEALER HOW IT OCCURED) WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED AND WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE BRAKE NEEDED TO BE PUSHED DOWN ALL THE WAY TO START THE CAR AND THERE WERE WARNING LIGHTS THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW (DUE TO THE LEAKAGE). THERE WAS MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT FORD REGARDING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR AND THEY SAID SINCE THAT SPECIFIC PART WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR EXTENDED SERVICE PROGRAM THAT WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. WE THOUGHT THE FIRST TIME (7/15/2019) WAS A FREAK ACCIDENT OR THE MECHANIC MESSED UP WHEN CHANGING THE FLUIDS, BUT THEN THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED ON THE OTHER SIDE 3 MONTHS LATER (10/14/2019) AND THAT SHOULD NOT BE A COINCIDENCE.
NHTSA ODI #11268990
48,000 miles · Sep 21, 2019
Service Brakes
RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE FAILED RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING AND THE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR
NHTSA ODI #11257086
27,800 miles · Aug 27, 2019
Service Brakes
FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE BURST WHILE DRIVING (APPLYING THE BRAKE DURING A TURN ON A CITY STREET), WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DEPRESS ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR AND MAKING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STOP (BY THE TIME I MADE IT HOME IT WAS HARDLY STOPPING AT ALL). FORD REPLACED THE LINE AND SAID IT …
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FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE BURST WHILE DRIVING (APPLYING THE BRAKE DURING A TURN ON A CITY STREET), WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DEPRESS ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR AND MAKING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STOP (BY THE TIME I MADE IT HOME IT WAS HARDLY STOPPING AT ALL). FORD REPLACED THE LINE AND SAID IT HAD JUST "WORN OUT" (THOUGH THE CAR WAS JUST OVER 2 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME AND HAD UNDER 24000 MILES). TODAY (08/27/2019) THE OTHER FRONT BRAKE LINE SEEMS TO HAVE BURST (PASSENGER SIDE) AGAIN WHILE DRIVING (AGAIN WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE THIS TIME AT A STOP LIGHT ON A CITY STREET) AND AGAIN CAUSING THE PEDAL TO GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND MAKING THE CAR EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STOP. THIS IS A HAZARDOUS SITUATION AND VERY CONCERNING THAT IT HAS OCCURRED TO BOTH FRONT BRAKE LINES WITHIN THE PAST YEAR, AND ALL WHILE THE CAR IS UNDER 3 YEARS OLD AND UNDER 36,000 MILES. I AM HAVING IT TOWED TO FORD TODAY, AND NO DOUBT THEY WILL SAY THE SAME THING, AND WE WILL STUCK WITH A VEHICLE WAITING FOR ANOTHER BRAKE LINE TO BURST IN THE NEAR FUTURE. FROM I HAVE GATHERED ONLINE THIS IS AN ISSUE OTHERS HAVE FACED (SEE FOLLOWING LINK THAT SEEMS TO INCLUDE NHTSA COMPLAINTS): HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EDGE/2016/BRAKES/SERVICE_BRAKES.SHTML
NHTSA ODI #11246635
62,000 miles · Aug 5, 2019
Service Brakes
DRIVING ON FL HIGHWAY, AT OF SPEED OF 65 MPH, BREAKS WENT DOWN TO FLOOR NEARLY RAMMING INTO BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. HAD TO SWERVE ONTO SHOULDER VEHICLE THEN STOPPED. HAD TO CONTINUE ONTO NEAREST FORD DEALER SERVICE AND BRAKE WAS MAKING AIR LEAK NOISES AND WOULD NOT COMPLETELY STOP, EVEN AT RED LIGHTS. THIS WAS ON A WEDNESDAY CA…
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DRIVING ON FL HIGHWAY, AT OF SPEED OF 65 MPH, BREAKS WENT DOWN TO FLOOR NEARLY RAMMING INTO BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. HAD TO SWERVE ONTO SHOULDER VEHICLE THEN STOPPED. HAD TO CONTINUE ONTO NEAREST FORD DEALER SERVICE AND BRAKE WAS MAKING AIR LEAK NOISES AND WOULD NOT COMPLETELY STOP, EVEN AT RED LIGHTS. THIS WAS ON A WEDNESDAY CAR WAS NOT LOOKED AT UNTIL FRIDAY AND WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BREAK BOOSTER, IT IS NOW MONDAY AND I AM STILL PAYING FOR A RENTAL CAR AND WAITING FOR MY VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #11241763
40,000 miles · May 31, 2019
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I COULD NOT STOP. DEALER SAID FRONT BRAKE LINES HAD FAILED, ONE BURST AND THE OTHER HAD A LARGE BUBBLE IN THE LINE. VEHICLE HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. SECOND PROBLEM IS WITH COMPUTER SCREEN, WHILE DRIVING ALL THE SYSTEMS CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER START FAILING ONE AFTER A…
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WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I COULD NOT STOP. DEALER SAID FRONT BRAKE LINES HAD FAILED, ONE BURST AND THE OTHER HAD A LARGE BUBBLE IN THE LINE. VEHICLE HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. SECOND PROBLEM IS WITH COMPUTER SCREEN, WHILE DRIVING ALL THE SYSTEMS CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER START FAILING ONE AFTER ANOTHER, AFFECTING SAFETY SYSTEMS CONTROLLED BY THE COMPUTER. WHEN DEALER REPAIRED IT THEY SAID THE INTERFACE TO THE COMPUTER SCREEN WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ODI #11217156
Official recalls
7Sep 3, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Aug 22, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.
Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Aug 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Aug 29, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Feb 27, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles. In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: During deployment, if the air bag does not fully inflate or the cushion detaches, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C02.
Oct 12, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016. During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control, and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems" and number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the operator is not warned of an ABS or ESC malfunction and the ESC loses engine torque control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, and update the service software, free of charge. The recall begin November 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C14.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016. During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control, and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems" and number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: If the operator is not warned of an ABS or ESC malfunction and the ESC loses engine torque control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, and update the service software, free of charge. The recall begin November 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C14.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016. During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control, and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems" and number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: If the operator is not warned of an ABS or ESC malfunction and the ESC loses engine torque control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, and update the service software, free of charge. The recall begin November 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C14.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP26008 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 3, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 5, 2026, requesting a defect investigation into the 2.0 Liter EcoBoost engine on model year 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The petition alleges that engine coolant intrusion results in a significant loss of engine power, accompanied by an "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" warning message. The petition further alleges that after the vehicle has sat and cooled down, the engine runs roughly and generates a check engine light for a cylinder misfire. This defect petition is being opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11754989.
PE24027 · Loss Of Braking Caused By Rear Brake Hose Failure
Opened Oct 3, 2024 · Closed Oct 30, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On October 3, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate instances of rear brake hose ruptures causing a sudden and unexpected loss of braking in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that, without warning, the vehicle lost its ability to brake causing an unanticipated increase in the vehicle’s stopping distance. The complaints also allege that, prior to the rear brake hose rupture event, the vehicle had been serviced under recall 20V-469. Recall 20V469 involved MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles which may experience front brake hose ruptures causing increased brake pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration. Ford identified the cause of this safety defect as a consistent localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid of the brake hose due to cyclic fatigue via tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. Ford also identified that only 88% of suspension articulation was utilized on the front brake hose test rig during life cycle testing. These findings, along with ODI’s identification of an emerging trend involving rear brake hose ruptures, prompted the opening of this investigation. ODI identified 64 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires related to this investigation, 2 involving a crash. These consumers were interviewed and reported experiencing sudden loss of braking ability while traveling at low and highway speeds without any prior warning such as a “low brake fluid” warning indicator. Consumers reported that, as they tried to stop their vehicle, the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard and the vehicle required more stopping distance than anticipated or considered normal. Consumers also observed brake fluid present on the rear tires and roadway near the rear tires immediately after the incident. Some consumers provided photographs of the rear brake hose ruptures which depicted a similar rupture pattern and location (near the crimp on the dynamic section of the brake hose). 1 photograph showed an installation alignment mark pulled out near the crimp suggesting exposure to unanticipated tensile forces pulling the hose away from the crimp. During this investigation, Ford responded to Information Request Letters detailing information such as warranty claim data, brake hose specifications and engineering drawings, production part changes logs, and Ford’s assessments of potential root cause. Ford reported that the front and rear brake jounce hoses equipped on the subject vehicle population utilized the same construction and material. Therefore, Ford’s analysis consisted of a comparison between the front and rear hoses demonstrating that the rear hose bend radii in full jounce and full rebound were larger than the front hose. Ford also described that the two hoses are exposed to different loading environments as the rear brake hose is exposed to suspension inputs only, while the front hose is exposed to both suspension and steering inputs; thus, the rear hose is subjected to lower tension and fatigue loads. However, it is important to point out that larger bend radii alone do not necessarily mean a brake hose can withstand the dynamic loading requirements of a brake hose (as discussed earlier, the defect identified in the front brake hoses were attributed to the hose material). Rear brake hose failures were identified through exemplar vehicle and parts inspections conducted by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center. Ford stated that its investigation did not identify any specific or common root cause for this safety defect, and that brake hoses can fail for many reasons including contact with road debris, improper vehicle servicing, and fatigue, as well as vehicle age and miles in service. Based on its assessment of failure rates and warranty claims, Ford concluded that the rear brake hose ruptures did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety because consumers would experience a progressive leak accompanied by a red brake warning indicator within the instrument panel and would not experience a total loss of braking due to the diagonally split brake system. Note that these assessments are contrary to the consumer experiences described above. As previously described, consumers described a sudden, unexpected loss of braking ability with no prior warning in their instrument cluster (not a progressive leak) and an increase in anticipated vehicle stopping distance (presenting an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety). ODI conveyed these perspectives and investigative findings to Ford during a technical discussion on July 23, 2025. On August 22, 2025, Ford submittedrecall 25V-544 which included MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, for a total recall population of 499,129 vehicles. As described in the Part 573, in September 2024, Ford concluded that this concern did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and closed its investigation into allegations involving rear brake jounce hose ruptures within this vehicle population. Ford reopened this investigation in July 2025 following the technical discussion with ODI referenced above. Ford identified the safety defect as a rupture of the rear brake jounce hose resulting in an increase in pedal travel and increase in vehicle stopping distance elevating the risk of a crash. To date, Ford has not fully determined the root cause of this safety defect and is currently working to develop a remedy program. In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes
On October 3, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate instances of rear brake hose ruptures causing a sudden and unexpected loss of braking in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that, without warning, the vehicle lost its ability to brake causing an unanticipated increase in the vehicle’s stopping distance. The complaints also allege that, prior to the rear brake hose rupture event, the vehicle had been serviced under recall 20V-469. Recall 20V469 involved MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles which may experience front brake hose ruptures causing increased brake pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration. Ford identified the cause of this safety defect as a consistent localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid of the brake hose due to cyclic fatigue via tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. Ford also identified that only 88% of suspension articulation was utilized on the front brake hose test rig during life cycle testing. These findings, along with ODI’s identification of an emerging trend involving rear brake hose ruptures, prompted the opening of this investigation. ODI identified 64 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires related to this investigation, 2 involving a crash. These consumers were interviewed and reported experiencing sudden loss of braking ability while traveling at low and highway speeds without any prior warning such as a “low brake fluid” warning indicator. Consumers reported that, as they tried to stop their vehicle, the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard and the vehicle required more stopping distance than anticipated or considered normal. Consumers also observed brake fluid present on the rear tires and roadway near the rear tires immediately after the incident. Some consumers provided photographs of the rear brake hose ruptures which depicted a similar rupture pattern and location (near the crimp on the dynamic section of the brake hose). 1 photograph showed an installation alignment mark pulled out near the crimp suggesting exposure to unanticipated tensile forces pulling the hose away from the crimp. During this investigation, Ford responded to Information Request Letters detailing information such as warranty claim data, brake hose specifications and engineering drawings, production part changes logs, and Ford’s assessments of potential root cause. Ford reported that the front and rear brake jounce hoses equipped on the subject vehicle population utilized the same construction and material. Therefore, Ford’s analysis consisted of a comparison between the front and rear hoses demonstrating that the rear hose bend radii in full jounce and full rebound were larger than the front hose. Ford also described that the two hoses are exposed to different loading environments as the rear brake hose is exposed to suspension inputs only, while the front hose is exposed to both suspension and steering inputs; thus, the rear hose is subjected to lower tension and fatigue loads. However, it is important to point out that larger bend radii alone do not necessarily mean a brake hose can withstand the dynamic loading requirements of a brake hose (as discussed earlier, the defect identified in the front brake hoses were attributed to the hose material). Rear brake hose failures were identified through exemplar vehicle and parts inspections conducted by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center. Ford stated that its investigation did not identify any specific or common root cause for this safety defect, and that brake hoses can fail for many reasons including contact with road debris, improper vehicle servicing, and fatigue, as well as vehicle age and miles in service. Based on its assessment of failure rates and warranty claims, Ford concluded that the rear brake hose ruptures did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety because consumers would experience a progressive leak accompanied by a red brake warning indicator within the instrument panel and would not experience a total loss of braking due to the diagonally split brake system. Note that these assessments are contrary to the consumer experiences described above. As previously described, consumers described a sudden, unexpected loss of braking ability with no prior warning in their instrument cluster (not a progressive leak) and an increase in anticipated vehicle stopping distance (presenting an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety). ODI conveyed these perspectives and investigative findings to Ford during a technical discussion on July 23, 2025. On August 22, 2025, Ford submittedrecall 25V-544 which included MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, for a total recall population of 499,129 vehicles. As described in the Part 573, in September 2024, Ford concluded that this concern did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and closed its investigation into allegations involving rear brake jounce hose ruptures within this vehicle population. Ford reopened this investigation in July 2025 following the technical discussion with ODI referenced above. Ford identified the safety defect as a rupture of the rear brake jounce hose resulting in an increase in pedal travel and increase in vehicle stopping distance elevating the risk of a crash. To date, Ford has not fully determined the root cause of this safety defect and is currently working to develop a remedy program. In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On October 3, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate instances of rear brake hose ruptures causing a sudden and unexpected loss of braking in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that, without warning, the vehicle lost its ability to brake causing an unanticipated increase in the vehicle’s stopping distance. The complaints also allege that, prior to the rear brake hose rupture event, the vehicle had been serviced under recall 20V-469. Recall 20V469 involved MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles which may experience front brake hose ruptures causing increased brake pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration. Ford identified the cause of this safety defect as a consistent localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid of the brake hose due to cyclic fatigue via tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. Ford also identified that only 88% of suspension articulation was utilized on the front brake hose test rig during life cycle testing. These findings, along with ODI’s identification of an emerging trend involving rear brake hose ruptures, prompted the opening of this investigation. ODI identified 64 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires related to this investigation, 2 involving a crash. These consumers were interviewed and reported experiencing sudden loss of braking ability while traveling at low and highway speeds without any prior warning such as a “low brake fluid” warning indicator. Consumers reported that, as they tried to stop their vehicle, the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard and the vehicle required more stopping distance than anticipated or considered normal. Consumers also observed brake fluid present on the rear tires and roadway near the rear tires immediately after the incident. Some consumers provided photographs of the rear brake hose ruptures which depicted a similar rupture pattern and location (near the crimp on the dynamic section of the brake hose). 1 photograph showed an installation alignment mark pulled out near the crimp suggesting exposure to unanticipated tensile forces pulling the hose away from the crimp. During this investigation, Ford responded to Information Request Letters detailing information such as warranty claim data, brake hose specifications and engineering drawings, production part changes logs, and Ford’s assessments of potential root cause. Ford reported that the front and rear brake jounce hoses equipped on the subject vehicle population utilized the same construction and material. Therefore, Ford’s analysis consisted of a comparison between the front and rear hoses demonstrating that the rear hose bend radii in full jounce and full rebound were larger than the front hose. Ford also described that the two hoses are exposed to different loading environments as the rear brake hose is exposed to suspension inputs only, while the front hose is exposed to both suspension and steering inputs; thus, the rear hose is subjected to lower tension and fatigue loads. However, it is important to point out that larger bend radii alone do not necessarily mean a brake hose can withstand the dynamic loading requirements of a brake hose (as discussed earlier, the defect identified in the front brake hoses were attributed to the hose material). Rear brake hose failures were identified through exemplar vehicle and parts inspections conducted by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center. Ford stated that its investigation did not identify any specific or common root cause for this safety defect, and that brake hoses can fail for many reasons including contact with road debris, improper vehicle servicing, and fatigue, as well as vehicle age and miles in service. Based on its assessment of failure rates and warranty claims, Ford concluded that the rear brake hose ruptures did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety because consumers would experience a progressive leak accompanied by a red brake warning indicator within the instrument panel and would not experience a total loss of braking due to the diagonally split brake system. Note that these assessments are contrary to the consumer experiences described above. As previously described, consumers described a sudden, unexpected loss of braking ability with no prior warning in their instrument cluster (not a progressive leak) and an increase in anticipated vehicle stopping distance (presenting an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety). ODI conveyed these perspectives and investigative findings to Ford during a technical discussion on July 23, 2025. On August 22, 2025, Ford submittedrecall 25V-544 which included MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, for a total recall population of 499,129 vehicles. As described in the Part 573, in September 2024, Ford concluded that this concern did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and closed its investigation into allegations involving rear brake jounce hose ruptures within this vehicle population. Ford reopened this investigation in July 2025 following the technical discussion with ODI referenced above. Ford identified the safety defect as a rupture of the rear brake jounce hose resulting in an increase in pedal travel and increase in vehicle stopping distance elevating the risk of a crash. To date, Ford has not fully determined the root cause of this safety defect and is currently working to develop a remedy program. In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.