Recall Issued for Over 123,000 Vehicles Due to Brake Fluid Leak Risk, including Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator

Ford Motor Company is initiating a safety recall affecting more than 123,000 vehicles in the United States due to a defect in the brake master cylinder that could result in a loss of front-wheel braking capability. The recall targets specific models of the Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator manufactured during the first half of 2017.

The recall, identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as 25V-236 and by Ford as 25S37, covers 87,738 Ford F-150s, 30,200 Expeditions, and 5,673 Lincoln Navigators equipped with 3.5L EcoBoost engines. The affected vehicles may experience brake fluid leakage from the master cylinder’s front wheel circuit into the brake booster, which could lead to diminished braking performance in the front wheels and an increased risk of crashes.

Ford’s investigation attributes the defect to either contamination of the brake fluid interfering with the rear cup seal or rolling of the rearmost cup seal in the master cylinder. Although the defect affects only about 1% of the recalled vehicles, the potential safety hazard prompted the company to act. If brake fluid levels drop too low, warning alerts including a chime, a dashboard message, and a red brake indicator will notify the driver. Continued driving could result in changes to pedal feel and increased effort needed to brake.

Ford became aware of the issue in early 2025 after the NHTSA flagged multiple Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging brake fluid leaks in certain Expeditions. While the problem was most prevalent in Expedition and Navigator vehicles produced between February and June 2017, a smaller number of F-150 models also showed signs of the defect. A total of 90 warranty claims had been filed by early 2025, with no accidents, injuries, or fires reported.

Owners will receive mail notifications beginning April 28, 2025, and concluding by May 2. Dealerships will replace the brake master cylinder at no cost, and also replace the brake booster if leakage is detected. Those who previously paid for similar repairs may qualify for reimbursement under Ford’s recall remedy plan.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Ford Motor Company Safety Recall Report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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