The front brake lines can possibly leak brake fluid. Faulty brakes can increase the chance of a crash.
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Ford is recalling 273,789 of its popular Expedition and Navigator SUVs because of a potential brake problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall affects 2022-2024 models of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Brake fluid in some of the vehicles may leak because the brake lines were installed too close to the engine air cleaner outlet pipe. A brake fluid leak could cause the brakes to malfunction and increase the risk of a crash.
What is Causing the Problem
According to paperwork filed with NHTSA, Ford started an internal investigation after receiving dozens of warranty reports about problems with brake fluid leaks. Ford’s internal investigation determined some of the lines may have been bent when the engine was installed.
According to the Safety Recall Report,
“Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP) had modified the radiator hose stowage process during engine decking. This modification was done to prevent the brake line from being bent and was made starting on November 20, 2024 to ensure proper clearances were met. The CCRG determined that Expedition and Navigator vehicles, produced prior to this stowage process modification at KTP, could potentially experience a bent brake line during the engine installation process. Under the old process, during engine installation, the radiator hose could catch the right front brake line, bending it, which could lead to misrouting of the brake tube and rubbing against the engine air cleaner outlet pipe.”
Vehicles Affected by the Recall:
- 223,315 2022-2024 Ford Expedition vehicles
- 50,474 2022-2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles
Ford says that the customer may experience an increase in pedal travel. With continued driving, a leaking brake line will cause the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir to decrease. When the level gets too low, the red brake warning light will illuminate. Ford is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the brake fluid leak.
How Ford Will Fix the Problem
Ford will notify owners by mail May 26 - May 30, 2025. Service technicians will inspect the front brake line for proper clearances, proper routing, and retention. The dealer will replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe as required. There will be no charge for any of the repair work.
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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
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