Recall 17V768 affects 390 2017 Ford F-59 and F-53 chassis for missing HECU valve plugs. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 390 2017 F-59 and F-53 stripped chassis because the brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit can be missing valve block ball plugs. That defect can cause a brake fluid leak or air ingestion during ABS or electronic brake distribution activation, lengthening stopping distance and increasing crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Antilock Brake System hydraulic electronic control unit on the 2017 Ford F-59 and F-53 is the brake system's control valve body. It routes brake fluid pressure during electronic brake distribution and ABS activation, the moments when the system adjusts pressure to help keep the wheels from locking or braking unevenly.
On affected chassis, some of these units left the supplier before assembly was finished. The valve block was missing required ball plugs, small plugs that seal drilled passages inside the hydraulic block. When the system activates ABS or electronic brake distribution, brake fluid can leak from the open passage, or air can enter the brake fluid path. Either condition reduces hydraulic pressure where the brakes need it.
The warning sign is tied to fluid loss. If enough brake fluid leaves the system, the brake warning light in the instrument cluster can turn on.
Who's affected?
Both listed models use the same hydraulic brake system component, so the scope is split by model rather than by different defects.
| 2017 Ford F-59 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford F-53 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 390 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2017 Ford F-53 or F-59 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake fluid leak or air entering the brake system can make the F-59 or F-53 take longer to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. A brake warning light can appear if enough fluid is lost. Drive cautiously, keep extra stopping space, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Ford F-59 or F-53 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free HECU inspection and replacement that fixes the brake-fluid leak or air-ingestion risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V768 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the HECU for missing valve block ball plugs. If the inspection finds the plugs are missing, the technician replaces the HECU. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Prior repair costs are handled through Ford's original warranty program, not a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says the warranty program 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
| November 29, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 22, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V768?
Recall 17V768 covers 390 2017 Ford F-59 and F-53 stripped chassis with ABS hydraulic control units that can be missing valve block ball plugs. Ford dealers inspect the HECU and replace it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Ford F-59 or F-53 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chassis is included in recall 17V768. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the HECU inspection. Reference recall 17V768 or Ford recall number 17S41 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will inspect the HECU and replace the unit as necessary free of charge at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
A missing valve block ball plug can allow a brake fluid leak or air ingestion during electronic brake distribution or ABS activation. That can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, which raises crash risk. The dealer repair path is the free HECU inspection and replacement as needed.
What if I bought this Ford chassis used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the vehicle was purchased. Check your VIN, then give the dealer recall 17V768 or Ford recall number 17S41 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V768000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V768 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V768000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →