Complaint 2200488

Complaint Summary

SERVICE BRAKES

Owner Narrative

I am reporting a safety issue involving a 2013 Ford Edge Sport AWD related to progressive brake failure. The affected components include the brake booster and master cylinder. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. In mid-2025, the vehicle developed a gradual loss of braking capability. The brake pedal required increasing force over time to bring the vehicle to a stop. Because the failure developed progressively rather than suddenly, the severity of the issue was not immediately apparent. At the time, the vehicle was primarily driven by my teenage son, a new driver, who continued operating the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal harder to compensate. This created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle did not reliably stop under normal braking conditions, increasing the risk of collision. The issue was confirmed by an independent mechanic, and repairs required replacement of the brake booster, master cylinder, and related components. The vehicle was later discussed with a Ford dealership; however, no warning of coverage or recall applicability was identified at that time. There were no clear warning lights or dashboard messages indicating brake system failure prior to the issue. The primary symptom was a progressive increase in required pedal force. After the repair, I learned that brake booster failure is a known issue for this vehicle platform and has been the subject of prior manufacturer service campaigns. I am concerned that this type of gradual brake degradation may not be recognized by drivers, particularly inexperienced drivers, and could result in unsafe operating conditions. The vehicle has also experienced repeated rear differential failures. Replacement parts are no longer manufactured by Ford, requiring use of used components with unknown condition and lifespan, further affecting vehicle reliability and safe operation. I have attached a receipt for the second time purchasing and replacing the rear differential.

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.