Ford is recalling 123,611 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles in recall 25V236 for brake fluid leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 123,611 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator vehicles because brake fluid can leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster. The leak can reduce brake function and extend stopping distance, which increases crash risk, and the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The brake master cylinder in the 2017-2018 Expedition, F-150, and Navigator is the part that turns brake-pedal force into hydraulic pressure. When you press the pedal, it pushes brake fluid into separate brake circuits so the calipers clamp the rotors. The brake booster sits next to it and adds assist so the pedal does not require excessive force.
In Ford recall 25V236, the master cylinder can leak brake fluid from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster. Ford traced the leak to contamination in the brake fluid that interferes with a rear cup seal, or to the rearmost cup seal rolling out of its intended position. Once that seal does not hold, fluid leaves the circuit and brake assist performance changes.
The warning signs are tied to fluid loss. The driver receives an audible chime, a message center alert, and a red brake warning indicator when the reservoir drops to a set level. If the vehicle keeps being driven, pedal travel and feel change and pedal effort increases.
Who's affected?
Covers three nameplates across the 2017 and 2018 model years, with the same brake master cylinder tied to both hydraulic foundation brakes and power assist.
| 2017 Ford Expedition | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Expedition | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Ford F-150 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Ford F-150 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Lincoln Navigator | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Lincoln Navigator | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Lincoln Navigator | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Lincoln Navigator | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Ford F-150 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Ford F-150 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 123,611 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 90 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake fluid leak can reduce brake function, require more pedal effort, and lengthen stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash. Watch for an audible chime, message center alert, red brake warning indicator, changed pedal travel, or a different brake-pedal feel. If any appear, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Expedition, F-150, or Navigator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free brake master-cylinder replacement that stops brake fluid from leaking into the brake booster.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the brake booster; Ford replaces it too if the master cylinder is leaking.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 25V236 and Ford recall 25S37 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete; leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the brake master cylinder. If inspection shows the master cylinder has leaked brake fluid into the brake booster, the technician replaces the booster too. The recall covers the repair, so parts and labor are free. If you already paid for the same brake master cylinder or brake booster repair before the owner letter, ask Ford customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation under Ford's reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 11, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 14, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| April 14, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 28, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 25, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V236?
Recall 25V236 covers 123,611 2017-2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Navigator vehicles with a brake master cylinder defect. Brake fluid can leak into the brake booster, reducing brake function and extending stopping distance. Ford dealers will replace the master cylinder for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, or Navigator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V236. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the brake master cylinder replacement. If the master cylinder is leaking, the dealer will also replace the brake booster for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford says dealers will perform this repair free of charge. The dealer will replace the brake master cylinder, and replace the brake booster too if the master cylinder is leaking.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake function and a longer stopping distance. Ford's recall report says brake fluid can leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster. If you notice braking changes, contact a Ford dealer and reference recall 25V236.
When were owners notified about recall 25V236?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on September 25, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free repair applies. You can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 25V236.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V236000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V236 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V236000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →