Ford Recall 2025: Here is a detailed overview of Ford’s recall of 312,120 vehicles due to a brake‑failure risk, along with FAQs. This covers the key points, safety implications, affected models, timeline, and what owners need to do.
🛑 Overview of the Recall
- Recall announced: August 1, 2025, by Ford and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Total vehicles recalled: 312,120 in the United States.
- Affected models: Specific 2025 model‑year vehicles:
- Ford F‑150 (≈ 217,969 units)
- Ford Bronco (≈ 39,913 units)
- Ford Expedition (≈ 26,582 units)
- Ford Ranger (≈ 20,552 units)
- Lincoln Navigator (≈ 7,104 units).
What’s Wrong — Brake Risk Explained
- The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module, which provides power brake assist, may fail intermittently while driving or when using ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), such as automatic emergency braking.
- Voltage disturbances trigger the failure, potentially placing the EBB in a “faulted state” until the vehicle is powered off and restarted.
- When EBB fails, drivers lose power brake assist, meaning longer stopping distances and a higher risk of crash—especially if emergency braking is expected from driver‑assist systems.
- Dashboard indicators like ABS and traction control warning lights may illuminate when this occurs.
How Many Vehicles Are Affected?
- Out of 312,120 recalled vehicles, only around 1% are estimated to experience failure.
- So far, 37 warranty claims and one confirmed low‑speed crash have been linked to the issue.
Timeline & Identification
- Problem identified: May–June 2025 by Ford’s Rapid Response Team after analyzing cases of loss of brake boost in various models.
- Recall filed: July 18, 2025 → officially announced August 1, 2025.
- Recall campaign numbers:
- NHTSA: 25V‑488000
- Ford: 25S77.
Owners will receive notification letters and can confirm via VIN lookup on the HTSA or Ford websites.
Remedy: Free Fix, No Cost
- Fix: Software update to the EBB module.
- Delivered over‑the‑air (OTA) or in‑dealer via software reflash.
- Cost: Free of charge—Ford covers it.
- Expected owner notices: For example, Cars.com reports letters are expected to be mailed around August 25, 2025.
Safety Implications
- Without power brake assist, braking requires more physical force and takes longer—especially dangerous in emergencies.
- ADAS-driven braking may fail to deliver the needed response due to the fault.
- Visual cues: ABS or traction control lights may serve as warning signs of EBB failure.
- Ford assures that only a small subset of vehicles experience real defects, but it acted proactively to protect driver safety and confidence.
❓ FAQs
Q: How can I find out if my vehicle is included?
A: Use your vehicle identification number (VIN) at the NHTSA or Ford recall lookup. Ford will also send official notice letters to affected owners. Model‑year and build dates include certain 2025 F‑150s, Broncos, Rangers, Expeditions, and Lincoln Navigators—not necessarily in VIN order.
Q: Is the brake booster hardware being replaced?
A: No—only a software update to the EBB module is required. No brake components or hardware replacements are needed.
Q: When will the recall repair be available?
A: The fix is available now, delivered either OTA (if enabled) or at authorized Ford dealerships free of charge.
Q: What if I experience a loss of brake assist while driving?
A: Stop safely, turn off the vehicle, then restart—this resets the EBB module. Have the software update performed ASAP. Also watch for ABS/traction control lights.
Q: What should I do if I already paid for brake-related repairs?
A: Contact Ford customer service (866‑436‑7332) and provide receipts—it’s likely eligible for reimbursement.
Q: Can I still drive my vehicle before the fix?
A: Ford and NHTSA have not issued a “do‑not‑drive” advisory for this recall. They emphasize that while failure is rare, drivers should stay alert and seek repair promptly.
Broader Context & Previous Brake Recalls
- Earlier in 2025, Ford recalled nearly 274,000 SUVs (2022–24 model years of Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator) due to front brake line misrouting, which risked wear and leaks leading to potential brake fluid loss. No crashes or injuries were reported in that campaign.
- This new recall is distinct: it involves software failure in the brake booster, not fluid leakage or hardware misrouting.
Takeaway Summary
This recall of 312,120 vehicles is a proactive safety measure to prevent rare but serious loss of power brake assist in certain 2025 trucks and SUVs. Although very few cases have occurred, Ford is offering free software updates—remotely or at dealerships—to ensure safe braking performance. Drivers of affected vehicles should check their VIN status, schedule the remedial update, and remain alert to any warning indicators while driving.
Important Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Models affected | 2025 F‑150, Bronco, Ranger, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator |
| Total recalled | 312,120 units |
| Estimated actual defect rate | ~1% |
| Fix | Software update (OTA or at dealership), free |
| Recall numbers | NHTSA 25V‑488000; Ford 25S77 |
| Not yet mailed owner notices | Expected late August 2025 |
| Customer support | Ford: 866‑436‑7332; NHTSA hotline 888‑327‑4236 |
If you own one of the listed models or know someone who does, it’s wise to check the VIN and schedule the update promptly. Let me know if you’d like help checking your VIN or finding a local Ford dealer to perform the update.