The traffic light turned yellow, I applied the brakes which worked momentarily then released as the brake pedal went all the way to the floorboard. No warning lights illuminated in the instrument panel. Using the emergency brake I stopped short of blocking the intersection. Upon stopping it was determined that on level ground with the vehicle idling in drive and the brake pedal fully depressed there was not enough brake force to keep the vehicle from moving forward. Inspection of the vehicle revealed that the left (driver side) front flexible brake line had ruptured and that there had been a small amount of brake fluid lost from the master cylinder. This line is about 17 inches long with a metal sleeve in the middle where it is attached to the vertical strut for support. The rupture was at the top of this sleeve. While bleeding the brakes after the line was replaced, it was found that the low brake fluid sensor worked. Is this an unknown "safety feature" of ABS? if it is, progress has brought us back to where an individual part can cause the same catastrophic failure as before the split system was introduced in the 1960S. I am the original owner of this vehicle. This has been reported to Ford Motor Company.

- Gilbert, MN, USA

L/H tone ring on axel cracked and threw an ABS warning, brake service warning and 4WD light blinking. At approx 65,000 the R/H tone ring cracked as well but was small enough that it did not trip the sensor. I noticed a clicking sound when turning into parking spaces. This was fixed under my extended warranty. From searches on the internet this seems to be a design flaw of this weak part. Dealers try to get you to replace the entire axel which is not needed as did the Ford dealer in margate. Ford should be replacing these tone rings with a part with stronger tensile strength so it does not crack. This needs to be a recall as it will strand many who see all the lights and warnings go off and think they cannot continue driving. This is a poor design, a poorly made part and through it's dealer network a rip-off for customers who are told the entire axel needs replacement.

- Margate, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Mariner. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard a metal grinding noise. The brakes were applied; however, the noise grew louder and the vehicle began to veer to the right. When the brakes were released and reapplied. There were also no warning indicators present. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop and they stated that the front passenger side brakes were worn down to the rotors. The rotors and pads were replaced. The current and failure mileages were 27,500. Updated 03-05-08 the consumer stated the brake indicator stated the brakes were fine. The brakes were down to the metal.

- Okanogan, WA, USA