Brake pedal feels soft or spongy

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the master cylinder (13 reports), the booster (9 reports) and the brake lines (6 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the brakes cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 19 recalls on the 2018 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the F-150

None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 18,335 and 101,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Master cylinder leaked and got a low brake fluid level warning and within one mile lost brakes with pedal depression all the way to the floor. Ford has a current recall for other makes and models which appears to be a manufacturer defect. My truck is currently in the dealership getting repaired”

Filed Jun 9, 2026

“While driving this vehicle, the brake line was cut after making contact with the A arm assembly, at the highest point on the line. I immediately lost my brakes as the brake pedal went to the floor. I am extremely lucky that I was able to stop within the parking lot that I had just entered and did not have to make an immediate stop.”

Filed May 26, 2026

“My truck has been regularly serviced by FORD and yesterday out of the blue the brake pedal went soft and i got a check engine light saying low fluid. Upon inspection we noticed all brake fluid had leaked with no visible exit. We refilled the fluid and the next day, the fluid was completely drained again with no visible exit. Upon expert inspection it was noted the brake master cylinder is leaking into the booster.”

Filed Aug 6, 2025

“Brake fluid was leaking internally into the booster. This caused a low level brake fluid alarm with an immediate soft pedal resulting a significant delay in braking response. Ford has issued a recall for this specific master cylinder leak. However, my vehicle shows no recalls.”

Filed Aug 17, 2022

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 519 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 251 reports
• Timing chain or cam phaser rattles 227 reports
• Engine rattles or ticks 195 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 180 reports
• Doors, latches or locks fail 164 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 119 reports
• Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 114 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 91 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 89 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 65 reports
• Burns oil or oil level rises 54 reports
• Tailgate or liftgate will not open or close 48 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 47 reports
• Windshield cracks or distorts 42 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 40 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 38 reports
• Rear window shatters or explodes 38 reports
• Vehicle fire 32 reports
• Loses power when accelerating 30 reports
• Seat belt or seat problems 29 reports
• Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 29 reports
• Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 26 reports