Skip to main content

Ford Recalls 600,000 Vehicles To Keep Brakes From Failing Due To Sticking Valve

Ford has recalled 600,000 2006-2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ midsized cars to fix a ABS problem. The ABS valve reacts with the brake fluid currently used in the vehicles and can significantly slow or stop the action of the ABS valve, leading to braking problems. So far, two injuries have been linked to the issue.
Posted: December 21, 2019 - 12:54PM
Author: Marc Stern

In two recalls, Ford has recalled more than 600,000 vehicles for critical brake and spare tire problems. The brake issue affects 2006-10 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ, while a limited number of 2020 Ford F-150s has an issue with the spare tire.

Reason Is Sticking ABS Valve

In the first recall, the anti-lock braking valve (ABS) may remain open following an ABS event such as an emergency or hard stop that causes the ABS to engage. If the normally closed valve does remain open, the brakes will require more travel to stop the vehicle. The recall affects 600,166 vehicles.

The reason for the added travel is that the ABS valve reacts to the brake fluid, which contains corrosion preventive additives. The reaction between the valve and the fluid causes the valve to remain open, increasing the risk crashes, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In its announcement, Ford said that it is aware of 15 accidents and two injuries that may be related to this problem. The automaker built the affected vehicles at its Hermosillo, Mexico Assembly Plant from Feb. 22, 2006, to July 15, 2009.

Dealers Will Replace The Faulty Units

Ford dealers will inspect the hydraulic control unit for signs of stuck or slow-responding valves and replace the unit, if necessary. The hydraulic control system will be pressure-flushed with DOT 4 brake fluid. And, the DOT 3 cap currently there will be replaced with a DOT 4 cap. The Ford internal reference number for this recall is 19S54. The NHTSA identifier is 19V904. Ford will notify owners initially of the recall in mid-January. There will be another notice sent out when parts are available, which is expected late in the first quarter of 2020, according to NHTSA. For the hearing-impaired, the TTY line is 800-424-9153. You can also contact the agency through its website, www.safercar.gov.

In the second recall, Ford has recalled a small number of 2020 Ford F-150 pickups to replace the spare tire. According to Ford, the bead area could have been damaged when the spare was mounted. Over time, cuts, tears, or other damage may lead to corrosion to the bead-wire. Bead-wire corrosion can cause separation of the bead wire, resulting in a rapid loss of air pressure, which leads to the tread detaching from the tire. The bead is the point where the tire’s sidewall joins the tread.

Ford has issued several other recalls recently, the most recent of which is for a fire threat from sparks from pretensioners that can ignite the carpet causing a fire. In another recall for Ford Super Duty pickups for unintended tailgate openings due to problems with water in locking mechanism. In another recall, 78,000 Ford Rangers were recalled for issues with a rear light connector and lighting.

Ford F-150s In U.S., Canada Affected

So far, there have been no accidents or injuries reported to Ford due to the problem that affects 31 Ford F150 pickups in the U.S. and 51 in Canada. Dealers will replace the spare tire on the pickups that came down the assembly line the Dearborn Truck Plant, Nov. 10-21, 2019. The Ford identifier is 19S55.

Marc Stern has been an auto writer since 1971. It was a position that filled two boyhood dreams: One was that I would write, and two that I write about cars. When I took over as my newspaper’s auto editor, I began a 32-year career as an automotive columnist. There isn’t much on four wheels that I haven’t driven or reviewed. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. Today, I am the Ford F150 reporter for Torque News. I write how-to and help columns for online sites such as Fixya.com and others. You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook.

Comments

Jody Maxfield (not verified)    April 25, 2020 - 8:31AM

Regarding Ford recall, 19S54, I own a 2008 Mazdza 3, which had this same type of failure occur. When the vehicle was built, I know the companies were using each other's parts. I have a FoMoCo dipstick and my brake calipers are FoMoCo. Could this same ABS hydraulic unit have been installed on my vehicle? I had to pump the brakes up to stop, with no fluid leakage. The repair was $1200 at the local Mazda dealer.

Fusion (not verified)    September 10, 2020 - 9:44PM

In reply to by Ray (not verified)

I wish you well on this problem. My 2010 was included in the recall. Received recall letter in January. I notify Ford Motor and a Dealership I was having brake issues. Only to be told I would received a second letter when the part was available. August 14th my brakes failed again and pushed to the floor board. I had to leave the highway to avoid hitting the person in front of me that was turning, my car is damaged now from the accident. Almost a month now my car has been at a dealerships lot waiting on Ford Motor Company to do something. My advice to anyone with this brake issue be careful. The only warning you will have is when the brakes go to the floor then it’s to late.

JL (not verified)    July 16, 2021 - 5:27PM

In reply to by Ray (not verified)

I have the same issue with my Ford Fusion 2012 (2.5 SEL).
After a hard push of brake my brake pedal goes to the floor. It is so frustrating for me, and I'm nervous to have an accident.

Unafortunally my model isn't in the list of recall cars.

Lawanda Easterly (not verified)    August 6, 2021 - 8:20PM

In reply to by Ray (not verified)

Ford did expand the issue with the breaks completely going out. And the fault airbags. Take to Ford dealership and get your car fixed free. Enter your VIN # and see if your car is on of them .Also make a complaint with the NHTSA about the recall..My 2009 Ford Fusion has 8 recalls. I'm on vacation and breaks completely went out without a warning signs nothing.I hadn't even had that car a month. Please check the vin # Ford motors company is the worst car manufacturer ever, and I've owned Ford cars before but this one right here is awful and very dangerous. Call 888-327-4236. You will not get a rental car unless you pay for it and Ford reimburse you. Thank God I'm alive. I had no idea about the recall they sold me a car with 2 safety recalls. And didn't mention anything about the issue.

Terri Allen (not verified)    December 19, 2021 - 8:53PM

In reply to by Lawanda Easterly (not verified)

I feel.bad.i have an 2007 and had a person come make sure I had the car bought still because takkan put in every like a bunch of great airbags threw a bad one with inflators that killed . Ok I had very secret stuff from this and I waited for 3 years it was not to be sold drove and I called dewy in ankeny my cushion and another in iowa only 2 had I waited borrowed a car then thought I'm going to get deep into this so I went to a ford dealership the car wasn't bought from and they said you should have rental I said Dewey wont get I've called sent everything and got a lawyer nothing . So I got stuff from a dealer that had nothing with my car but they called I got a brand new rental and ford paid . I could die but yes I have an airbag but dash isnt right I want to see the airbag that taken out to prove it ..now i see your brakes i just had my caliper lock up driving almost died so yes I'm seeing. I settled with Ford after people were killed and I asked 600 last year still nothing so I hope Dewey ford ankeny iowa has a wonderful lawyer to tried to vear .but I had another recall bad dewey said fixed it was bad it's right back. Thanks for sharing I'm on this

Martin Price (not verified)    June 17, 2020 - 1:47PM

I have a 2010 Fusion, built 12-09, that has done this twice now. After sitting for several minutes it goes back tio working normally. Who do we as a group need to complain to? Thanks

Steve (not verified)    August 5, 2021 - 4:29PM

In reply to by Martin Price (not verified)

I have a 2010 Milan with around 40000 miles on it. Ford said my VIN isn't included in this recall. I had the brakes go out on me about a year ago and I had the dealer replace the HCU at my expense, but even so, my brake pedal still goes to the floor about once a month. Mine will go back to normal too after awhile. It's usually soon after I've just started the car that it happens to me.

DAN J THOMPSON (not verified)    June 17, 2020 - 2:13PM

In your ford manual is an actual number I think to an independent agency for complaints. When I was on phone to ford they didnt tell me about this just that they will document it and that there arent enough people complaining for them to look into it. It's a joke I asked her who I complained to when someone dies do to a malfunctioning brake system. That is clearly noted an every ford mechanic knows about. She said that is hypotothec and that not necessarily anyone will die. Likely last ford I buy.

Mary Metler (not verified)    July 7, 2020 - 6:10PM

My ABS light has been on for a week yet I have not received any instructions regarding the recall. For needs to wake up. I have almost died in this car and they keep dragging their feet. How many people gotta die?

Marty Price (not verified)    July 20, 2020 - 12:56PM

If you are experiencing this problem you need to complain to the NHTSA as well as Ford. NHTSA will make Ford extend the recall if they get enough complaints. Ford complaints go nowhere. There is a complaint process on the NHTSA web site that wasn't hard to navigate but we all need to complain to be counted and make them change. In teh meantime I did what the service order said Ford would do, flush the system with Dot 4, once I did that my valve went back closed and the issue seems better. I didn't want to replace the ABS valve assembly $750 part.

Fusion (not verified)    September 10, 2020 - 10:09PM

To anyone having the brake issue please be cautious. I did received the recall on my 2010 Ford Fusion. I have been experiencing brake failure a few times. I have talked to Ford Motor Company and a Dealership about it only to be told I will receive a second letter when the part was available. The recall was in January. In August coming through a busy town the vehicle in front of me was making a right turn into a restaurant. When I applied the brakes they went out again. I had to run off the highway because my car was not going to stop. If I had not I would have hit the lady in front of me. I hit several curbs and was inches away from a street light pole when I finally came to a stop. I am thankful I chose to leave the highway. That rainy afternoon that ladies life or mine could have been taken. You have no warning before it happens. Now my car has been sitting on a Dealership lot waiting to see what Ford Motor Company is going to do about all the damages to my car. It’s been almost a month now. This is a serious and dangerous situation.

Marty Price (not verified)    September 11, 2020 - 12:49AM

If you experience this failure, in an emergency, as a last resort, you can deploy your parking brake. We use to call them emergency brakes in the old days. Most of them will stop the car but it can mes up some newer model parking brakes. I would rather mess up a parking brake than run into someone at full speed.

jack Palczynski (not verified)    October 27, 2020 - 5:31PM

In reply to by Marty Price (not verified)

The e brake in a fusion will simply activate the normal rear brake. Won't hurt anything. Of course, there's the potential to lock the rear tires which will bring the back of the car to the front. If you think that's a bad thing, don't do it, or only pull a little, not full gorilla mode.

KARL Petry (not verified)    October 29, 2020 - 6:22PM

I have a 2008 Mercury Mariner and have the same problem with the brakes. I don't see Ford recalling the Mercury Truck line. My friend has a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer and also has the problem.

Billy Clark (not verified)    December 9, 2020 - 12:27AM

I have a 2014 fusion se 1.5 ecoboost with a sinking pedal and a issue with the stability control it feels like the chasis is twisting back and forth driving strait down the road and I only have 70k on it and I'm on my 4th set of tires in 50k miles I have had it at long lewis of MS al 3 or 4 times for them to tell me nothing is wrong with my car after paying for a rental for 10 to 14 days each times

ARNULFO SILVA (not verified)    April 29, 2021 - 5:10PM

I have a 2013 FORD FUSION HYBRID abs module pump that throw the brake fluid out as I push the brake when a was living the garage so I had no damage or injuries but what can happen if it happen on Hight speed . Is it on a recall?

dorothy a eifert (not verified)    May 17, 2021 - 5:27PM

On april 27 2021 i brought my 2007 Ford Fusion to the delearship after receiving a recall notice on ABS hydrolic valve problem.. was told tha oninspectuon that there was in fact a defect eith this part..Iwas told it would initially that it would take a couple of days.several days later i was it was on back order. There is a problem in obtaining this new part from the manafactured...we are now approaching four weeks and mct and there are y car is still sitting in ford's lot and iave no means of transportation and the de alership has no idea ct and there are when the part will be available.. ford can't release the car because of the defect and there are no loaners available...i don't see any end to this...ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Carla phillips (not verified)    August 9, 2021 - 5:53AM

In reply to by dorothy a eifert (not verified)

I believe Ford dealership is supposed to provide you with a vehicle … when mine was in shop getting the airbag recall fixed. The dealership was gonna have to keep it longer than a day and I was provided a vehicle.. check into that…
Does anyone know of any recalls besides driver airbag on 2006 FORD FUSION SEL? Been having a few problems with it lately and was jw.

Lawanda Easterly (not verified)    August 10, 2021 - 7:52PM

In reply to by dorothy a eifert (not verified)

Yes I see a and to this inconvenience that all of us are suffering. A civil law suit. I'm in the same boat as you are. Now that got the 19S54 part in now they saying my master cylinder needs replacing over 800 dollars. I'm so upset with Ford motors company. My car been at dealership since June 29th no loaner car nothing.

Debra Mejeur (not verified)    October 18, 2021 - 12:50PM

In reply to by dorothy a eifert (not verified)

We are on week 5 on waiting for the part for our 2009 Fusion. The dealership put in a module instead of what Ford says,which is a valve/cap replacement. We are paying for full coverage insurance on a car that isn't even in our possession! It's sad that I'm looking for this part online. I'm already resorting to calling every Ford dealership to see if they have the parts needed. (One did!) But, the bank refuses to let the car off the lot because it's too dangerous. We can't even get our car back to fix it elsewhere.

dorothy a eifert (not verified)    May 17, 2021 - 5:29PM

On april 27 2021 i brought my 2007 Ford Fusion to the delearship after receiving a recall notice on ABS hydrolic valve problem.. was told tha oninspectuon that there was in fact a defect eith this part..Iwas told it would initially that it would take a couple of days.several days later i was it was on back order. There is a problem in obtaining this new part from the manafactured...we are now approaching four weeks and mct and there are y car is still sitting in ford's lot and iave no means of transportation and the de alership has no idea ct and there are when the part will be available.. ford can't release the car because of the defect and there are no loaners available...i don't see any end to this...ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Lawanda Easterly (not verified)    July 8, 2021 - 10:20PM

In reply to by dorothy a eifert (not verified)

My 2009 Ford Fusion brakes completely went out on me no warning signs nothing. Couldn't stop at a stop sign did a roll stop in front of the police. Got a ticket going to fight the ticket because breaks wasn't working properly. Get with Ford motor recall have car dropped off at a Ford dealership and tell serviceman to get in touch with SSAC. After they contacted Ford. My car been at a dealership for over 2 weeks and just found out that after Ford authorizes the work serviceman call SSAC for parts.

S Wilson (not verified)    July 15, 2021 - 10:51AM

In reply to by dorothy a eifert (not verified)

Yes, here’s a suggestion. Have Ford pay for a rental car for you, as they’re doing for me. They’re paying at least $35/day for my rental thru Enterprise. It’s called having skin in the game. Sounds like they’re not offering it automatically unless you really complain about it. Call their recall department at +1-800-392-3673 and demand a rental on their dime. They’ve had 1.5 years+ to solve this recall problem.