Recall 16V345 affects 225,012 2013-2014 Ford F-150 trucks for brake-fluid leakage and front-brake loss. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 225,012 2013-2014 F-150 pickups equipped with 3.5L engines because the master cylinder rear cup seal can roll and leak brake fluid into the brake booster. That fluid loss can take away front brake function and increase crash risk, and Ford dealers will replace the master cylinder free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The master cylinder on 2013-2014 Ford F-150 trucks with 3.5L engines turns brake pedal force into hydraulic pressure. Inside it, a rear cup seal helps keep brake fluid moving through the brake system instead of escaping into nearby parts. The brake booster sits behind the master cylinder and helps reduce the effort needed at the pedal.
On affected F-150 trucks, the rearmost cup seal in the master cylinder can roll out of its proper position. When that happens, brake fluid leaks from the primary reservoir into the brake booster. As the fluid level drops, braking effectiveness is reduced and the pedal feel and travel can change. Ford's testing found the rear brakes remained operational, but the brake system still needs service.
Before the fluid level gets too low, the truck gives warnings. The driver receives an audible chime, a full-screen message center alert, and a red brake light in the instrument cluster, all pointing to required brake system service.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2013 and 2014 model years tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2013 Ford F-150 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ford F-150 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 225,012 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 9 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of brake fluid from the primary reservoir results in complete loss of front brake function and increases the risk of a crash. If you hear the chime, see a message center alert, or see the red brake light, pull over safely and call a Ford dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free brake master cylinder replacement that fixes brake fluid leakage into the brake booster.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 16V345 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking until the repair is complete; the defect involves brake fluid leakage and front brake function.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about Ford recall 16S24.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the brake master cylinder and checks whether brake fluid has leaked into the brake booster. If the booster is affected, the technician replaces that part too. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through Ford's original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the warranty provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 24, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 24, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 11, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 11, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 28, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V345?
Recall 16V345 covers 225,012 2013-2014 Ford F-150 trucks with 3.5L engines. The brake master cylinder rear cup seal can roll and leak brake fluid into the brake booster. Ford dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if needed, the brake booster for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Ford F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V345. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall number 16S24. The dealer repair is free, and Ford customer service is available at 1-866-436-7332.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if needed, the brake booster free of charge under recall 16V345.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V345?
The safety risk is a complete loss of front brake function. Ford says brake fluid can leak from the primary reservoir into the brake booster, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before relying on the truck for normal driving.
What if I bought my Ford F-150 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your 2013-2014 Ford F-150 is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall 16V345 or Ford recall number 16S24.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V345000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V345 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V345000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →