2016 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Brake fluid leaks or a brake line bursts
- 36owner reports
- 66,000median miles
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Jul 9, 2026 · checked Sep 29, 2026
36 of the 339 reports of brake wear on the 2016 F-150 describe brake fluid leak.
Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (339 reports) · also: soft brake pedal, brake failure, brake booster failure, brake light on
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Brake fluid leak on other F-150 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
This is the narrower sheet inside brakes for reports of fluid loss: an empty reservoir, fluid at a wheel, or a brake line or hose that let go. The wider sheet covers brake complaints in general, and this one is for cars that lose the hydraulics themselves.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the brake line (16 reports) and the brake hose (8 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the brakes cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
All 14 recalls on the 2016 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the F-150
Brake master cylinder failure. Closed jul 5, 2020, led to recall 20V-332.
Master cylinder external leak. Closed jul 26, 2016, led to recall 16V-345.
Brake vacuum pump failure. Closed apr 28, 2016.
Brake vacuum pump failure. Closed oct 19, 2015.
Loss of brake power-assist. Closed may 9, 2008, led to recall 08V-208.
Parking brake failure. Closed sep 23, 1994, led to recall 94V-169.
Parking brake failure. Closed jul 27, 1993.
Loss of brake effectivenes. Closed oct 30, 1992, led to recall 92V-026.
Loss of brake effectivenes. Closed oct 31, 1991.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 52,000 and 95,262 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Driving down the highway at a high rate of speed had to press on my brakes and the front passenger brake hose blew out. Severe brake fluid loss .”
Filed Mar 15, 2025
“I have now had two brake lines burst (both in the front) which resulted in loss of braking ability. The first incident was in March of this year, and the second was in October of this year. This has cost me at least $800 in repairs plus towing costs.”
Filed Oct 23, 2024
“Vehicle was parked, pressed brake pedal to start it and pedal went to floor. Found right front flex brake hose failed. Brake fluid spraying out just below the top fitting. Brake fluid low indicator came on while troubleshooting problem. OEM part not available from dealership replaced part with non-oem part.”
Filed Oct 29, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 36 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 183 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 159 reports
- Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 125 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 106 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 105 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 94 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 91 reports
- Rear window shatters or explodes 90 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 82 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 57 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 41 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 35 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 33 reports
- Windshield wipers stop working 33 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 32 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 30 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 29 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 27 reports
- Turbo failure or loss of boost 25 reports