2018 Ford Expedition

Subject: Safety Complaint – 2018 Ford Expedition Brake Master Cylinder Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 I am filing this complaint regarding my 2018 Ford Expedition, which is subject to an open Ford brake master-cylinder recall, Recall 25S37 / NHTSA Recall 25V236. I am currently experiencing brake fluid loss around the brake master cylinder/brake booster area. Because this is directly related to the braking system and the vehicle is subject to an open brake master-cylinder recall, I believe this vehicle presents a potential safety concern and needs to be properly inspected. I contacted Ford regarding the recall and explained that I am losing brake fluid in the area of the master cylinder and brake booster. I requested that the vehicle be inspected to determine whether the recall condition is present and that the brake booster be checked for brake-fluid contamination or leakage. I was told that my vehicle is approximately six months too late to receive the recall repair/replacement and that they would not allow me to bring the vehicle in for inspection under the recall. I have not yet confirmed the part number of the master cylinder currently installed on my vehicle, and I intend to do so to determine whether it is the same component addressed by the recall. My concern is that I am experiencing a symptom that appears directly related to the component identified in the recall, yet I am being denied an inspection simply because of the timing/eligibility issue. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter and determine: 1. Whether my vehicle should be inspected for the condition identified in Recall 25S37 / NHTSA 25V236 despite the expiration or timing issue stated by Ford. 2. Whether brake-fluid leakage around the master cylinder/brake booster area is a known symptom or consequence of the recalled component. 3. Whether Ford should inspect the vehicle and determine whether the installed master cylinder is the recalled part.

I am submitting this complaint regarding potential safety issues with my 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I purchased the vehicle from Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola, Florida, and discovered several problems shortly after purchase that I believe may affect the vehicle's safe operation. Within days of purchasing the vehicle, it began displaying an intermittent **low oil pressure warning** while driving. Because a low oil pressure condition can lead to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure, I believe this presents a potential safety concern. The dealership's inspection report completed before the sale states: **"Has multiple minor oil leaks, wet but not dripping yet."** I had the vehicle independently inspected by Firestone, which determined the oil leak was coming from the timing cover/timing case area and estimated approximately $3,000 in repairs. I am concerned that the documented oil leak and intermittent low oil pressure warning could increase the risk of engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. I have also experienced what I believe is a brake safety concern. Although the dealership's inspection report indicates the brakes and rotors had been serviced, the brake pedal feels unusually soft or spongy and requires more pedal travel and pressure than expected before the brakes engage. While the vehicle currently stops, I am concerned this condition could reduce braking performance or increase stopping distance. Additional issues include intermittent operation of the power running boards, a non-functioning rear window washer, and a detached rear window defroster electrical connection. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can determine whether these issues are isolated to my vehicle or may indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting other 2018 Ford Expedition vehicles. I can provide the dealership inspection report, Firestone inspection and repair estimate, photographs, and other supporting documentation upon request.

No Brakes, Engine Racing, & ignition would not turn off, yes available for inspection at Seth Whatley Ford. Car crashed which was the only way it came to a stop, wheels were still turning when I got out of the car, if anyone one had been around they would have been hurt or killed. Towed to dealer, dealer was unable to find any evidence on their side. Insurance adjuster came out and assess the damage from crash. There was no warning lights or sensors that were working during this episode. Monday, March 27, 2023 at approximately 10am, I got into my Expedition to start my vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed as I pushed the button to start the car, and the engine was running smoothly. Foot was on the brake pedal when I put the car into reverse, the car shot out from the carport and engine was racing. I tried to pump the breaks and push the engine button, while guiding the car as it kept going faster and faster, until I hit a trailer that was attached to a truck. There was two witness that saw everything, that went on. I feel this car is DANGEROUS. If this had occurred when my family was around serious injuries could have occurred, or if I had been in a parking lot, there was no way to stop and I was not in control. Safety is the first issue. Special Note - I took my car in February 2022 for the recall.

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while in park and releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle rolled forward three to four feet and then stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Middleton Ford (7520 Century Ave, Middleton, WI 53562; 608-831-7725) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

During a recent oil change at 14299 miles (04/28/2022), I was told that the rear brake pads were dangerously low and had to be replaced immediately. I previously had an oil change and inspection by the same dealership on 11/17/2021 (10986 miles) and 6/22/2021 at 8685 miles and the brakes were checked ok with no mention of any wear whatsoever. When I asked the service manager what could have caused such a rapid deterioration of the brake pads, I was given a shoulder shake and was told that they didn’t find a problem like calipers sticking and things just happen. This car new with only a couple hundred miles on it when we bought it from the same dealer. My concern is that, at this low mileage, I could have gone longer before I brought it in for an oil change and inspection and, if the pads were that bad, we could have been in a very serious accident. The dealership non-concern about the seriousness of the defect/problem is very concerning. The service facility was QuickLane at Jones Ford, 5757 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE USE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE PADS' RAPID DETERIORATION.

UNDER WARRANTY, MOISTURE WAS PRESENT IN ALL THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THE UPPER (THIRD) BRAKE LIGHT HAD THE MOST CONDENSATION. AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER REVIEWED THE ISSUE AND ADVISED FORD DOES NOT COVER MOISTURE WITHIN A LIGHT AS THE MOISTURE WILL DISSIPATE OVER TIME. I ADVISED THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT WAS NEVER DRY, THEY INSISTED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER THE ISSUE. I COULD REPLACE THE LIGHT, I RECEIVED A QUOTE AT THAT TIME. NOW THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT HAS LESS THAN 2 LED'S WORKING AND THE VISIBILITY IS NEXT TO NOTHING. REVIEWING FORUMS, THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN PRESENT IN THE FORD EXPEDITIONS SINCE THE NEW VEHICLE DESIGN CHANGE. MY CONCERN IS VERY SIMPLE, THAT BRAKE LIGHT IS IMPORTANT IN THE SAFETY OF OUR PASSENGERS, THOSE AROUND THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ITSELF. WE HAVE NOT BEEN IN A REAR END COLLISION WITH THIS VEHICLE, BUT IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE BRAKING OF THIS VEHICLE AHEAD WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ONE CAR AHEAD OF YOU BASED ON WHAT I HAVE SEEN WHEN DRIVING BEHIND THIS VEHICLE MYSELF. I CONSIDER THIS BRAKE LIGHT A SIGNIFICANT COMPONENT OF THE SAFETY FEATURES IN OUR VEHICLE. TIMING OF THE ISSUE WAS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. FIRST PHASE WAS MOISTURE NOT DISSIPATING, SECOND PHASE HAS BEEN THE LED LIGHTING CONTINUES TO STOP WORKING, A FEW LED'S AT FIRST, NOW ONLY A FEW ARE OPERATIONAL, AND DIM AT BEST DUE TO THE CONTINUED MOISTURE IN THE UPPER REAR BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY.

VEHICLE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE/RIM/CYLINDER HAS A POPPING SOUND. IT POPS AS IF THE CALIBER OR BRAKES HAVE SOMETHING BROKE OR DIRT IN IT. I CAN HEAR THIS WHEN DRIVING SLOW AND WHEN IN REVERSE BACKING UP. ONLY HEAR SOUND WHEN DRIVING. BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND OR FIX THIS PROBLEM.