URGENT: Ford Brake Recall 2025 - 668K F-150 Trucks Affected

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Ford Motor Company has issued a critical safety recall affecting 668,668 F-150 pickup trucks due to a potentially dangerous parking brake malfunction. If you own a 2021-2023 Ford F-150, this recall may affect your vehicle's safety. At Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair, we're providing free recall inspections and immediate service for affected vehicles in Sonoma County.

Critical Safety Issue: What Ford F-150 Owners Need to Know

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ford have identified a serious defect in certain F-150 models where the electronic parking brake may unexpectedly activate while driving. This poses an immediate crash risk and requires urgent attention from all affected vehicle owners.

Affected Vehicles - Check Your F-150 Now

Model Years Affected:

• 2021 Ford F-150 (built between specific dates)

• 2022 Ford F-150 (all trim levels)

• 2023 Ford F-150 (early production models)

The recall specifically affects F-150s equipped with the electronic parking brake system, including popular trims like Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Even if you haven't experienced issues, your vehicle may still be at risk.

The Dangerous Defect Explained

The problem stems from a software malfunction in the Body Control Module (BCM) that can cause the rear parking brake to engage without warning while the vehicle is in motion. This can result in:

• Sudden loss of vehicle control

• Rear wheel lockup at highway speeds

• Increased stopping distance

• Potential rear-end collisions

• Risk of vehicle rollover in extreme cases

Ford has received multiple reports of incidents, including several crashes attributed to this defect. The company is treating this as a priority safety issue requiring immediate remediation.

How to Check if Your F-150 is Affected

Step 1: Locate Your VIN

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found:

• On the driver's side dashboard (visible through windshield)

• Driver's door jamb sticker

• Vehicle registration documents

• Insurance cards

Step 2: Check Recall Status

Three ways to verify:

• Visit Ford's official recall site: ford.com/recalls

• Call Ford directly: 1-866-436-7332

• Check NHTSA database: nhtsa.gov/recalls

• Bring your vehicle to Rohnert Park Transmission for free verification

Step 3: Schedule Immediate Service

If your vehicle is affected, DO NOT DELAY. Schedule service immediately as this is a critical safety issue. We're offering priority scheduling for recall repairs.

Warning Signs Your F-150 May Have This Problem

While the defect can occur without warning, some owners have reported these symptoms before failure:

Immediate Warning Signs:

• Parking brake warning light flickering while driving

• Grinding or dragging sensation from rear wheels

• Burning smell from rear brakes

• Unexpected resistance when accelerating

• Vehicle pulling to one side without steering input

If you experience ANY of these symptoms:

• Safely pull over immediately

• Do not continue driving

• Call for towing service

• Contact us at (707) 584-7727 for emergency assistance

The Official Fix: What Ford is Doing

Ford has developed a comprehensive repair solution that includes:

Software Update

The primary fix involves updating the Body Control Module software to prevent unintended parking brake activation. This update:

• Corrects the logic error causing random engagement

• Adds failsafe protocols

• Improves system diagnostics

• Takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete

Hardware Inspection

In addition to the software update, technicians will:

• Inspect the entire parking brake system

• Check for heat damage to rear brake components

• Test the updated system thoroughly

• Verify proper operation before release

Cost to Owners

This recall repair is 100% FREE, including:

• All parts and labor

• Software updates

• System inspection

• Follow-up testing

Ford is also covering towing costs if your vehicle is unsafe to drive to a repair facility.

Local Impact: Sonoma County F-150 Owners

With thousands of F-150s registered in Sonoma County, this recall significantly impacts our local community. Popular uses for F-150s in our area include:

• Construction and contracting work

• Agricultural and vineyard operations

• Recreation and boat towing

• Daily family transportation

• Commercial fleet vehicles

The recall affects all variants equally, whether you use your F-150 for work or personal use. Given our hilly terrain and winding roads in areas like Bennett Valley and Sonoma Mountain, a parking brake malfunction poses exceptional risks.

What to Do Right Now: Action Steps for F-150 Owners

1. Immediate Actions (Today)

• Check your VIN against the recall database

• Look for warning signs listed above

• Schedule inspection if affected

• Inform other F-150 owners you know

2. Until Repair is Complete

Safety Precautions:

• Avoid using cruise control

• Maintain extra following distance

• Avoid steep grades when possible

• Park on level ground only

• Use wheel chocks when parking on inclines

• Consider alternative transportation for long trips

3. Document Everything

Keep records of:

• Any symptoms or incidents

• Communication with Ford

• Repair appointments and completion

• Any expenses incurred (Ford may reimburse)

Beyond the Recall: Brake System Maintenance

While this recall addresses a specific electronic issue, it's a reminder of the critical importance of brake system maintenance. Regular brake service can prevent many non-recall issues:

Essential Brake Maintenance Schedule

Every 12,000 miles or annually:

• Brake fluid check and top-off

• Visual brake pad inspection

• Parking brake adjustment test

Every 25,000 miles:

• Comprehensive brake inspection

• Rotor thickness measurement

• Brake line inspection

• Caliper operation check

Every 30,000-45,000 miles:

• Brake fluid flush and replacement

• Brake hardware lubrication

• Emergency brake cable inspection

Signs You Need Brake Service (Recall or Not)

Don't wait for a recall to address these issues:

• Squealing or grinding noises

• Vibration when braking

• Longer stopping distances

• Brake pedal feels soft or spongy

• Vehicle pulls to one side when braking

• Brake warning light illuminated

Why Choose Rohnert Park Transmission for Recall Service

Authorized and Experienced

While Ford dealerships can perform this recall, independent shops like ours offer:

• Faster appointment availability

• More flexible scheduling

• Personalized service

• Additional safety inspections

• No high-pressure upselling

Our Recall Service Process

Step 1: Free VIN Verification

We'll confirm if your vehicle is affected and explain the recall details.

Step 2: Priority Scheduling

Recall repairs get priority booking - often same-day or next-day service.

Step 3: Comprehensive Service

Beyond the recall fix, we'll perform a complimentary 27-point safety inspection.

Step 4: Documentation

We provide complete documentation for your records and future reference.

Step 5: Follow-up

We'll follow up to ensure the repair resolved any issues you were experiencing.

F-150 Recall History: A Pattern of Brake Issues?

This isn't the first brake-related recall for F-150s. Understanding the history helps owners stay vigilant:

Recent F-150 Brake Recalls:

• 2022: Master cylinder defect (200,000 vehicles)

• 2021: Brake pedal issue (250,000 vehicles)

• 2020: Brake fluid leak (300,000 vehicles)

• 2019: Transmission/brake interlock (150,000 vehicles)

While Ford has generally responded quickly to these issues, the pattern suggests F-150 owners should be particularly attentive to brake system performance and maintenance.

Legal Rights and Compensation

Your Rights as an Affected Owner

Under federal law, you're entitled to:

• Free repair regardless of warranty status

• Reimbursement for previous repairs related to this issue

• Rental vehicle if repair takes extended time

• Compensation for documented incidents

Lemon Law Considerations

If your F-150 has had multiple brake-related repairs, you may qualify for:

• Vehicle replacement

• Purchase price refund

• Cash settlement

Consult with a lemon law attorney if you've had recurring brake issues. Document all repairs and communications with Ford.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ford Recall

Q: Can I still drive my F-150 before the repair?

A: Ford advises using extreme caution. If you must drive, avoid highways, maintain extra distance, and be prepared for unexpected brake engagement. We recommend limiting driving to essential trips only.

Q: How long does the recall repair take?

A: The software update typically takes 30-45 minutes, but allow 1-2 hours for complete inspection and testing.

Q: Will this void my warranty?

A: No, recall repairs do not affect your warranty. In fact, NOT getting the repair could void warranty coverage for related damage.

Q: What if I already paid for brake repairs?

A: Keep all receipts. Ford may reimburse you for repairs related to this defect. Submit claims through Ford's customer service.

Q: Are other Ford models affected?

A: Currently, this specific recall only affects F-150 models, but stay alert for expanded recalls.

Take Action Now - Don't Wait

This recall represents a serious safety risk that requires immediate attention. Every day you delay increases the risk to you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Sonoma County's busy highways like 101 and winding roads through wine country make brake reliability absolutely critical.

Don't become a statistic. Take action today to ensure your F-150 is safe to drive. Whether you choose dealer service or trust us at Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair, the important thing is to ACT NOW.

Remember: This is not just routine maintenance - it's a critical safety recall that could prevent a serious accident. Your safety and the safety of others on the road depends on addressing this issue immediately.

Expert Brake Service Beyond the Recall

At Rohnert Park Transmission & Auto Repair, we've been keeping Sonoma County vehicles safe for over 20 years. Our ASE-certified technicians are experts in:

• Complete brake system diagnosis

• Electronic parking brake repair

• ABS and stability control systems

• Brake fluid service

• Rotor and pad replacement

• Brake line repair

• Emergency brake adjustment

While this recall brings urgency to brake safety, we're here for all your brake service needs, recall-related or not. Our commitment to safety extends beyond fixing recalls - we ensure your entire brake system operates at peak performance.

Schedule Your Free Recall Inspection Today

Don't wait for Ford to contact you - be proactive about your safety. We're offering FREE recall inspections for all F-150 owners, whether your vehicle is affected or not. Our team will:

• Verify your VIN against the recall database

• Inspect your brake system thoroughly

• Perform the recall repair if needed

• Provide a complete brake system health report

• Offer honest recommendations for any additional service needs

Call us now at (707) 584-7727 to schedule your inspection. We're offering extended hours and weekend appointments to accommodate the urgent nature of this recall.

Your safety is our top priority. Let our experienced team ensure your F-150 is safe for you and your family. Don't delay - schedule your free inspection today and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is properly repaired.

Stay Informed: Sign Up for Recall Alerts

Don't wait for the next recall to find you. Stay proactive about your vehicle's safety:

Register for Alerts:

• NHTSA: Sign up at nhtsa.gov/recalls

• Ford: Register your vehicle at ford.com

• Our Newsletter: Get local recall news and service reminders

Being informed is your first line of defense against vehicle safety issues. Make recall awareness part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine.