Ford Recalls Over 312,000 Vehicles in the U.S. Over Loss of Power Brake Assist
On August 1, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) announced that Ford is voluntarily recalling over 312,000 vehicles in the United States due to defects that may cause loss of power brake assist—raising serious safety concerns for drivers and their passengers.
What Happened?
According to NHTSA, the affected Ford vehicles can experience loss of power brake assist, which may significantly increase stopping distances and the risk of a crash. The vehicles in question span multiple recent model years and include high‑volume types such as SUVs and pickup trucks. Ford intends to notify owners beginning immediately and to provide free inspections and repairs at authorized dealerships.
Why This Matters: Lemon Law & Consumer Protections
1. Defect Persistence
Recalls of this nature may reflect recurring or uncorrected issues, which consumers previously reported or had repaired.
Multiple recalls for similar brake‑related defects suggest potential underlying quality control problems or insufficient remedy efforts in prior recalls
2. California Lemon Law Implications
Under California’s Song‑Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, buyers and lessees whose vehicle exhibits the same serious defect within a “reasonable number” of repair attempts or time frame may qualify for a “lemon law” claim.
Repeated safety‑critical defects like loss of braking functionality often meet the threshold. Owners should carefully document repair visits, complaints, and any continued malfunction.
3. Consumer Rights & Next Steps
Even if the defect hasn’t manifested yet, recall notifications trigger the manufacturer’s legal obligation to individual consumers.
If repairs continue to fail—despite repeated attempts—vehicle owners may be entitled to a repurchase or replacement of the vehicle, plus reimbursement of incidental costs (e.g. towing, rental).
What You Should Do If You're an Owner
Check Eligibility: Visit NHTSA.gov or Ford’s official recall site, entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm recall coverage.
Schedule Repairs Promptly: Even if your vehicle seems to operate normally, brake system checks and repairs should not be delayed.
Document Everything: Keep all service records, correspondence from Ford, work orders, and repair estimates.
Evaluate Lemon Law Options: If the same defect persists after multiple repair attempts within a short window—especially in California—you may have grounds for a lemon‑law claim.
Final Thoughts from Valero Law
At Valero Law, we understand how safety defects—especially those affecting brakes—can disrupt lives and erode trust in vehicle manufacturers. When problems keep cropping up in vehicles you rely on every day, it’s more than an inconvenience—it's a legal issue.
If you are the owner or lessee of a potentially affected Ford vehicle and are experiencing repeated brake issues, contact us for a free consultation about whether you qualify for compensation under California’s Lemon Law. You don’t have to navigate recalls, repairs, or legal remedies alone.