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Automotive hydraulic braking systems have been mass-produced for over 100 years. Engineering and assembling them for bulletproof reliability is so common, we often take our brakes for granted. But drivers of 273,789 recalled Ford SUVs may have a good reason to worry about their brakes. Here are the affected models:

• 2022-24 Ford Expeditions
• 2022-24 Lincoln Navigators

Ford has 45 warranty reports of leaking brake fluid. Why? “Front brake lines in the affected vehicles may be in contact with the engine air cleaner outlet pipe.” That contact can wear a hole into the line. “This can result in a brake line leak.”

If your brakes feel mushy, this might be why

Is your brake pedal sagging closer to the floor? It’s not just a quirk—it’s a safety issue. “A brake line leak may cause a longer than expected brake pedal travel.” Weak brakes, “can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The vehicles affected by the Ford brakes recall include 223,315 Ford Expeditions and 50,474 Lincoln Navigators. The problem starts at the factory. “The front brake line may have been bent during the engine installation process at Ford’s final assembly plant.”

Once the problem gets bad enough, “the red brake warning indicator light will illuminate.” But when it comes to safety, you probably don’t want to wait that line. The good news is Ford already has a fix for the recalled brakes. “The dealer will replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe as required.”

The Ford brakes recall was years in the making

Ford has multiple customer service reports for this problem on file. One came in on June 26, 2024, another on August 28, 2024. It also has two field reports—dating back to August 4, 2022. So this ford brakes recall has been simmering for a while. But in mid-May 2025, the automaker finally committed to a full recall.

In addition, the automaker reported: “Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant had modified the radiator hose stowage process during engine decking.” Translation: Ford updated its assembly process to avoid this recalled brakes problems on future SUVs.

Ford says dealer notifications for SUV owners with recalled brakes will go out May 14, 2025. “Mailing of owner notification letters is expected to begin May 26, 2025 and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2025.” If you’re not sure your SUV is included, check with your dealer or head to nhtsa.gov and plug in your VIN.