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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
13 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
52,814 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford F-150 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 4 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #60

Oct 242017

F-150

  • 57,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Someone stopped short in front of me. I applied the brakes but could not avoid hitting car. The brake indicator on front control display said my brakes are ok. Once I crashed the seat belt engaged but I still hit the steering wheel with my chest. The airbags did not deploy! there was some heavy smoke though around the seat belt area or from perhaps the electrical connections under the seat?

- Deer Park, NY, USA

problem #59

Jun 022017

F-150

  • 57,000 miles
I was driving normal speed and had to make a quick stop because the truck in front of me stopped short in front of my. I slammed the brakes to stop and my truck did not stop and collided with the car in front of me. There were no skid marks, the truck just did not stop. I had the brakes done the day before and I did not stop. I took my truck to Ford to check brake boost vacuum pump because it was making noises. They replaced it because the part was defective. I believe this is what caused my accident and the inability to stop quickly. Ford has replaced the part and the brakes are working properly but the pump is still noisy. I believe this to be related to the 2011‐2012 Ford F‐150 equipped with 3.5L gtdi engines EA15‐006 brake vacuum pump failure

- Schwenksville, PA, USA

problem #58

Jul 082017

F-150

  • 45,000 miles
The brakes gave out and all of the brake fluid leaked out. The brake went straight to the floor. There are no injuries involved, but could have been fatal if on a highway at speed vs in a parking lot.

- Southborough, MA, USA

problem #57

Jun 142017

F-150

  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Brake vacuum pump failure: Used 2012 Ford F150 purchased in October 2016. When we moved in March 2017 to a home with a slight driveway slant, there were daily brake issues where when applying the brake it would feel stiff and fail to stop the vehicle. Upon investigation, we learned that a recall had been done on our make, model, and year of vehicle due to a vacuum brake pump failure, but were told that our vehicle was made at a different plant then where the recall was valid for. On 4/24/17 we took the vehicle in to have it checked out and were told by the dealership that this was "normal" and charged $83.95 for this. Within a couple weeks we started hearing another loud noise when starting the vehicle and took it in on 5/12/17 where the timing chain was replaced under powertrain warranty. A month later, the service brake light started coming on while driving, but if we stopped and turned off the vehicle and turned it back on it would stay off (for a day or two). We called and were told not to bring it in unless the light was actually on. A week later the light came on and we took it into an auto shop to have the codes read to identify the issue to show the dealership. On 6/21/17 the vehicle was taken in with the readings and at that time we were informed that the vacuum pump had failed and needed to be replaced. Ford refused to pay for any of the service and we were charged $559.08 for the exact problem the other vehicles had been recalled for and which we were originally told was "normal" to not be able to use the brakes on our vehicle for 20 seconds or so when started. At this time we requested to see what repairs had been done on the vehicle in the past prior to us purchasing the vehicle and our listed below:3/21/16 replace timing chain at bickley Ford;3/21/16 replace vacuum pump at bickley Ford;4/8/16 replace hoses for vacuum pump at bickley Ford

- Little Chute, WI, USA

problem #56

May 012013

F-150

  • 1,000 miles
When backing out of driveway at approx. 5mph, the power brakes become spongy and can be pushed all the way to the floor. The vehicle fails to stop and the brakes must be pumped several times before they work. This only occurs at initial startup (first use of the brakes) that day. This happens almost daily during warm/hot weather months. The problem has existed since the vehicle was purchased and I have taken it to the dealership 2-3 times regarding this issue. However, they could not duplicate problem or determine the cause. It's been happening for the past 3-4 years and it's only a matter of time before I don't stop in time and backup into my neighbors car across the street. I have the 2012 Ford F150 w/ eco boost six-cylinder engine and find similar complaints on the internet regarding this truck. A recall for similar brake problems was issued on 2013-2014 year models but not 2012. My truck is not used daily and has about 30,000 miles on it.

- Mansfield, NJ, USA

problem #55

May 112017

F-150

  • 64,000 miles
At initial startup after sitting over night the brakes do not work correctly. It sounds like the exact issue with the 13-14 recall. After a couple pumps on the brakes the pressure is back and they work fine. As I am backing out of the garage it feels like the brakes lock up a couple times and then they are fine.

- Grand Ledge, MI, USA

problem #54

Apr 272017

F-150

  • 52,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. While driving in reverse at 3 mph, the contact's husband depressed the brake pedal and the pedal traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to slow down or stop. As a result, the driver struck a pole. The driver shifted the vehicle into drive and the vehicle independently accelerated as the brake pedal was depressed completely to the floor. The driver then shifted the vehicle into park and was able to stop the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home. On the way to the contact's home, the brake pedal became fully depressed again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

- Van Wert, OH, USA

problem #53

Apr 042017

F-150

  • 42,700 miles
Upon first starting the vehicle and putting it into reverse, the brake pedal becomes hard/stiff causing the vehicle to continue in reverse, even when increasing the effort in an attempt to stop the vehicle completely. At this time, a loud grinding noise can be heard as the vehicle fails to stop and continues to slide backwards down the driveway or parking lot. This happens in the morning when I leave for work, as well as when I leave the work parking lot. I live in a suburb surrounded by young kids and people out walking their dogs in the morning. It is extremely dangerous for me to back my vehicle out of my garage not knowing if there is traffic or pedestrians until I am completely outside the garage, at which time it is too late to stop the vehicle due to the malfunction where the truck continues to slide even after I push the brakes as hard as possible in an attempt to stop the truck from reversing. When investigating the problem, I discovered there has been a reported problem with 2011-2012 Ford F-150 pickup trucks with the issue as the 'brake vacuum pump failure'. when contacting several Ford dealers, my husband and I were informed that there has been a recall, but the recall was not specific to our VIN number as it was made in a different area; therefore, they will not pay for it. One Ford dealer associate was very rude about our situation as well. I should not have to be fearful every morning I leave for work that a small child may be crossing the sidewalk by my driveway when my vehicle's brakes malfunction, and neither should anyone else who is having similar problems but cannot receive the repairs due to having the incorrect VIN number, simply because our vehicle was not at the same location as the others.

- Little Chute, WI, USA

problem #52

May 242012

F-150

  • 5,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. While driving various speeds and making a left or right turn, the traction control system warning indicator illuminated. When the brakes were engaged by the system, the vehicle's speed was severely reduced and almost caused several crashes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a recording device was attached, indicating that the contact depressed the brake pedal when, in fact, he did not. The brakes and several parts were replaced by the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

- Southside, AL, USA

problem #51

Dec 252016

F-150

  • 99 miles
On December 25th exiting highway entering gas station as I was looking for a parking driving around gas station when I applied the brake I notice it was not stopping and the brake light started flashing. I was able to circle gas station parking lot when I had to put it in neutral and turn the truck off and started apply the brake again after 25 30 feet it came to a stop. Towed the truck to the nearest dealership and when the technician inspected the truck it did not fault. Received the truck back December 28th and drove roughly 70 miles later when the same issue occurred driving down interstate 20 and had to repeat the same procedure during the gas station by placing truck in neutral and turning ignition off towed truck to new dealership wont receive the diagnosis for brake failure till the 2nd of January 2017.

- Saginaw, TX, USA

problem #50

Oct 012016

F-150

  • 33,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No brakes when starting up my truck, plus went through a stop sign, it did not stop, after that the brakes started to work again, but every time I start the truck up in my garage, and back it out there are no brake, it been doing this Oct to now, if I push hard on the brake it will slowly stop

- Aurora, OH, USA

problem #49

Sep 132016

F-150

  • 30,000 miles
Had this problen from start but did not know it only have 30K miles on 2012 do not have many highway miles but when traveling brake light comes on. Have had checked two times and nothing wrong with brakes. Had Ford ck and found to be vacume leak that has been there for long time when this happens I have manual brakes at best. Ford said not warrentied and $700 to fix. I guess Ford is waiting for someone to get killed before they recall. If anyone out there can help please advise.

- Bullhead City, AZ, USA

problem #48

Jan 132015

F-150

  • 24 miles
Braking fails sporadically when starting forward or reverse. Unable to stop. Once moving problem appears to go away. Identical to descriptions given in other 2012 recall on brake failure. Vehicle has 31K miles, and problem has existed since around 24K miles. Becoming more frequent.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #47

Nov 172012

F-150 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. While driving under 30 mph, the traction control warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle decelerated without being prompted. The brakes engaged and the failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 52,000. Updated 11/01/16 the consumer stated the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure.

- Southside, AL, USA

problem #46

Jul 022016

F-150

  • 62,000 miles
While driving on the interstate doing 75mph pulling a 6000lb camper the brakes wouldn't work. The stayed firm and would not allow me to depress them. Then errors came across the screens warning of a break system failure.

- Louisville, NE, USA

problem #45

May 062016

F-150

  • 46,975 miles
While at a red light on hyw 59 with my foot on the brake pedal it suddenly went soft and depressed completely to the floor. I proceeded to a truck service shop where a mechanic did a quick look and found no leaks, I then made an apt at a Ford dealer in Canada where they discovered that the master brake cylinder had an internal fault and was replaced at a cost of $992.53 to myself.

- East St Paul Manitoba Canada, AZ, USA

problem #44

Apr 222016

F-150

  • 50,500 miles
First of all I have a pickup with a reconstructed title. Upon entering highway and starting to accelerate, I had to stop immediately for stopped vehicle in front of me. My pedal was real hard and it didn't feel like my normal pedal. I wasn't sure I would stop, but it did just in time. It is the hardest I have ever applied a brake pedal in my 44 plus years driving and not one tire locked up or any pulsation on pedal. Ford has sent me a letter with customer satisfaction program "15N05". vacuum pump failure. Which applies to what happen to me. They informed me that this was a warranty issue that branded titles are not covered, not a safety issue, which would cover a branded title. How can brakes not be safety? Ford has changed this brake system after only a couple of years. Just because it only involves a couple of years, Ford should make this a safety issue not extended warranty to keep the NHTSA from forcing their hand.

- Little Valley, NY, USA

problem #43

Mar 182016

F-150

  • 89,430 miles
The brake fluid light came on and the brakes stopped working. There was no sign of a leak. I filled the master cylinder 2 times within 2 miles and samething continued to happen. I was able to slowly get it to a dealership and it was the booster and master cylinder. No signs of leaks. Immediately stopped functioning.

- Yukon, OK, USA

problem #42

Mar 102016

F-150

  • 137,500 miles
Riding down the road low brake fluid light comes on and brake light pull over put 24 oz. Brake fluid in drive for 20 miles hi-way same thing pull over master cylinder almost dry. Refill check vehicle for leaks nothing drive 1/2 mile check fluid down half way take truck to dealer say, S master cylinder leaking into booster pump luckily driving early morning no traffic and was able to pull off road quickly could have been disasters

- Winchester, VA, USA

problem #41

Apr 122015

F-150

  • 35,000 miles
I also have experienced the brake pedal going to the floor and not having any brakes when applied. The dealer replaced several parts to no avail. The first time it happened I was getting off the interstate highway and the brakes went all the way to the floor and I went straight through the stop sign at the end of the ramp. I believe the problem has been resolved but I am still very careful. I would love to find the exact problem.

- Biscoe, NC, USA

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