Unintended 2021 - 2023 Ford F-150 Parking Brake Defect Causes Recall - Lemon Law

Over 870,000 single exhaust system-equipped Ford F-150 pickups have been recalled due to parking brake issues.

The electric parking brakes on the recalled 2021–2023 Ford F–150 trucks may malfunction, causing them to suddenly activate while the vehicle is moving (which sounds terribly frightening).

The defect occurs if the electric parking brake wiring is damaged by the exhaust system and shorts out to the ground. And, obviously, when driving, if the parking brake suddenly engages, it could be deadly.

Following concerns concerning unintended parking brake problems on 2021 F-150 pickups, Ford launched an inquiry in February. After Ford’s investigation, they found that the cabling that housed the circuits for the rear electric parking brakes had been damaged, according to the warranty and field reports. As of July of 2023, Ford was aware of over 900 warranty claims and three field reports regarding chafed wiring.

According to Ford, their fix is "If the abrasion tape that covers the wire bundle exhibits wear-through, the suspect harness will be replaced with a new service harness. If the abrasion tape does not exhibit wear-through, the dealer will install a protective tie strap and tape wrap."

Documents filed with NHTSA can be found here.

Here is the official report from NHTSA:

July 21, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V509000

Unexpected Activation of Electric Parking Brake

Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V509000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components PARKING BRAKE

Potential Number of Units Affected 870,701

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.

Remedy

Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.