What is the brake issue on the Ford Bronco?

Some recent Ford Bronco models have experienced a loss or reduction of brake assist tied to the brake booster and vacuum system, which can affect stopping power. Ford has issued recalls and service notices to fix the issue. Owners should check their vehicle’s VIN against recall databases and seek service if symptoms appear.

Overview of the problem

The Bronco’s braking system relies on a vacuum-assisted brake booster to amplify the force a driver applies to the pedal. In affected vehicles, a faulty vacuum pump, booster component, or related control software can lead to partial or complete loss of brake assist. This can make the brake pedal feel harder or require more travel to stop, and may increase stopping distances. The issue has prompted safety recalls and dealer service campaigns in specific model years and configurations. Ford has indicated the root causes are connected to the booster-vacuum assembly and, in some cases, the accompanying control software, with repairs typically involving hardware replacement and software updates as needed.

Engineering context and potential causes

Modern Broncos use a brake booster that depends on engine vacuum to assist braking. Some designs also include an electric vacuum pump to maintain assist under certain conditions. When the vacuum supply is compromised or the booster fails to modulate pressure correctly, the driver can experience a delayed or reduced braking response. Manufacturers and safety regulators are investigating reports, and dealers are trained to diagnose booster integrity, pump function, and ABS-related software to restore normal braking performance.

Symptoms drivers should watch for

Below are common signs reported by owners that may indicate a brake-assist issue on Bronco models.

• Brake pedal feels soft or goes toward the floor with less braking power than usual


• Increased stopping distances or excessive pedal travel before brakes engage


• Brake-related warning lights (such as ABS or BRAKE) illuminate on the dash


• Hard or inconsistent pedal feel that appears after starting the engine or during driving

These signs can be caused by other problems as well, so a formal diagnosis at a trained service center is essential.

What Ford has done to address the issue

Ford has initiated recall campaigns and service bulletins aimed at correcting braking concerns in affected Bronco vehicles. Actions typically involve inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the brake booster and vacuum pump assembly, updating software in the brake-control/ABS system, and conducting a comprehensive brake-system check.

Conversations with dealerships and safety regulators emphasize VIN-based eligibility checks to determine whether a particular Bronco is covered by a recall or service campaign. Repairs are performed at no cost to the owner under recall/service work.

Specific actions taken (illustrative examples)

Before reviewing the list, note that actions vary by production date and VIN. Common steps include the following:

• Inspecting the brake booster and vacuum pump for wear, leaks, or failure signs; replacing components as needed


• Updating or recalibrating software in the ABS/brake-control modules to better manage brake assist


• Replacing associated lines or hoses and conducting a full brake-system diagnostic

These measures aim to restore reliable brake assist and prevent degraded braking performance. Owners should verify eligibility using their vehicle identification number (VIN) and contact a Ford dealer for the recommended service timeline.

Who is affected and how to verify

Eligibility for recalls or service campaigns depends on model year, production date, and specific hardware configurations. To verify whether a Bronco is affected, owners should check the recall status using the VIN through official databases and Ford’s owner portals.

• Look up recalls by VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall website or Ford’s official recall portal


• Contact Ford Customer Service or your local dealer with your VIN to confirm coverage and book service


• If a recall is listed for your VIN, schedule the recommended repair promptly

Even if a VIN isn’t currently listed, owners should stay alert for new recall alerts, as campaigns can expand to additional VINs over time.

What to do now if you own a Bronco

If you notice braking changes or warning lights, take prudent safety steps and seek professional inspection promptly.

• Avoid aggressive driving or high-speed braking until the issue is inspected


• Monitor for symptoms like a soft or hard pedal, longer stopping distances, and dash warnings


• Check your VIN for recall eligibility and schedule service with an authorized Ford dealer


• Do not attempt DIY fixes on brake components; only qualified technicians should perform repairs

Roadside assistance can be arranged if you experience sudden braking problems or must transport the vehicle to a service facility.

Summary

The Ford Bronco brake issue centers on potential loss or reduction of brake assist due to faults in the brake booster, vacuum pump, or related control software. This can result in a harder pedal, longer stopping distances, and warning lights. Ford has issued recalls and service campaigns to address affected vehicles, with repairs typically involving hardware replacement and software updates. Owners should verify recall status by VIN and arrange service through a Ford dealer if symptoms are present.

What is the recall on the Ford Bronco?

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What is the Ford brake recall?

Ford has issued multiple recent recalls for brake problems, including a potential loss of power brake assist in some 2025 models due to an electronic brake booster (EBB) module failure, which can increase stopping distances. Another recall affects 2022-2024 Expedition and Navigator SUVs because brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner, causing a risk of brake failure. Additionally, a 2023 recall for 2021-2023 F-150s addresses parking brakes that could unexpectedly activate while driving.
 
This video explains a recall for Ford F-150 pickups due to potential parking brake malfunction: 46sKTLA 5YouTube · Jul 29, 2023
Recent recalls

• 2025 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Bronco, and Ranger: Recall due to potential electronic brake booster (EBB) module failure, which can cause a loss of power brake assist and increase stopping distances. 
  • Fix: Over-the-air software update or dealer visit for a free software update. 
• 2022-2024 Expedition and Navigator: Recall due to the possibility that front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner, which could lead to a loss of brake function. 
  • Fix: Dealers will inspect the parts and replace the air cleaner outlet pipe if necessary. 
• 2021-2023 F-150: Recall because the electric parking brake could suddenly activate while the vehicle is in motion, potentially causing a loss of control. 
  • Fix: Dealers will repair the wiring harness. 
• 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Navigator: Recall for an issue where brake fluid could leak into the brake booster, potentially reducing braking function. 
  • Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and, if needed, the brake booster. 

What to do

• Check your VIN: Visit the official Ford recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to check if your vehicle is affected by any recalls by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN). 
• Contact your local dealer: Once you've confirmed your vehicle is part of a recall, contact a local Ford dealer to schedule the necessary repair work.
• Beware of warning signs: If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned in the recall information, such as brake warning lights, unusual sounds, or a change in brake pedal feel, have your vehicle inspected immediately. 

What is the brake recall on the Ford Bronco?

Ford has issued a recall for 2025 Bronco models due to an issue with the electronic brake booster (EBB) module, which can cause a loss of brake assistance while driving. This recall also affects certain 2025 F-150, Ranger, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator models. To fix this, Ford will provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update or allow owners to visit a dealer for a free software update.
 
What is the recall for?

• Problem: The EBB module can enter a "faulted state," leading to a total loss of power brake assistance.
• Symptoms: When the defect occurs, brake warning lights will illuminate, dashboard messages will appear, an audible alert will sound, and the brake pedal will feel different and require more force to use.
• Impact: This can increase stopping distances and the risk of a crash. 

What year Bronco is affected?

• The recall specifically targets 2025 model year Broncos.
• For the 2025 Bronco, the recall applies to vehicles produced between May 31, 2024, and June 17, 2025. 

What is the solution?

• Software update: Ford is providing a free software update to the EBB module.
• How to get the update:
  • The update can be done wirelessly through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update if your vehicle is equipped.
  • You can also take your vehicle to a Ford dealer to have the software updated. 

What should you do?

• Check if your vehicle is included in the recall. You can do this by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Ford recall page. 
• Wait for Ford to begin sending out owner notification letters, which began in August 2025. 
• If you are concerned, contact a Ford dealership to schedule the software update.