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Lincoln hydraulic brake recalls involving fluid leaks and lost assist
Brake fluid leaks recur across Lincoln MKC, MKZ, MKX, and Navigator notices, but the affected components differ. The 2018 MKC notice identifies incorrect front hoses that may chafe; the 2013-2018 MKZ recall concerns front hoses that may rupture. The 2016-2018 MKX notice concerns rear brake jounce hoses. Navigator appears most often: the April 2025 notice identifies master cylinder leakage on certain 2017-2018 vehicles, and the May 2025 notice concerns front brake line contact on 2022-2024 models. Two further notices concern electronic brake booster malfunctions on 2025 Navigator. Those booster notices specify different remedies: a software update in July 2025 and booster replacement in December 2025.
Warning signs to watch for
- 23S12: A brake fluid leak increases brake pedal travel and extends stopping distance.
- The April 11, 2025 Navigator master cylinder recall: Leakage can reduce brake function and extend stopping distance.
- 25S47: Damaged front brake lines may leak fluid and reduce brake function.
- 25S77 and 25SD4: Power brake assist may be lost, stopping distance may increase, and the vehicle may not brake as expected with driver-assist features engaged.
- The August 22, 2025 MKX rear hose recall: A brake fluid leak can extend stopping distance.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of the supplied Lincoln hydraulic brake notices tells owners to stop driving or park outside. The February 2018 MKC front hose, March 2023 MKZ front hose, April 2025 Navigator master cylinder, and May 2025 Navigator front line notices do not tell owners to stop driving. Neither do the July 2025 Navigator booster software, December 2025 Navigator booster replacement, or August 2025 MKX rear hose notices. The absence of those instructions does not establish that an affected vehicle is safe to drive.
What the free repair involves
The notices specify free remedies. For 18S04, dealers inspect hoses and replace incorrect ones; for 23S12, they replace front hoses. The April 2025 Navigator remedy replaces the master cylinder and, if it leaks, the booster. For 25S47, dealers inspect and replace the brake line or outlet pipe as necessary. The 25S77 remedy updates EBB software by OTA or dealer; 25SD4 replaces the booster.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 6 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Where owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under service brakes, hydraulic for the Lincoln models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Service brakes, hydraulic complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln MKX | 8 |
| 2022 Lincoln Navigator | 5 |
| 2025 Lincoln Navigator | 4 |
| 2024 Lincoln Navigator | 2 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2025 | Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator Brake Assist Can Fail | high |
| Aug 22, 2025 | Ford Edge Lincoln MKX Rear Brake Hose May Leak | medium |
| Jul 25, 2025 | Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator Lose Brake Assist | high |
| May 9, 2025 | Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator Brake Line Damage | high |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Ford F-150, Expedition Recalled for Brake Fluid Leak | high |
| Mar 10, 2023 | Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ Front Brake Hoses Can Leak | high |
| Feb 12, 2018 | Ford Escape, Lincoln MKC Brake Hose Leak Risk | high |
Common questions
Do the two 2025 Navigator brake booster recalls use the same repair?
The July 2025 notice, 25S77, specifies an electronic brake booster module software update over the air or through a dealer. The December 2025 notice, 25SD4, specifies replacing the electronic brake booster. Both notices state that their remedies are free.
Which Lincoln brake recall mentions increased pedal travel?
The March 2023 recall, 23S12, covers certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. Its notice says front brake hoses may rupture and leak fluid, increasing brake pedal travel and stopping distance. Dealers replace the front brake hoses free of charge.
What repair does the MKX rear brake hose notice specify?
The August 2025 notice covers certain 2016-2018 MKX vehicles whose rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak fluid. Dealers inspect and replace brake jounce hoses and adjust hoses with no damage present. The notice states that the remedy is free.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.