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Lincoln brake recalls: fluid leaks and lost brake assist
Six of these seven Lincoln brake recalls come down to fluid leaks, and the leak point moves around the car: front brake hoses on the 2018 MKC and 2013-2018 MKZ, a master cylinder leaking into the brake booster on 2017-2018 Navigators, front brake lines contacting the engine air cleaner outlet pipe on 2022-2024 Navigators, and rear jounce hoses on 2016-2018 MKX models. Navigator appears in more campaigns than any other Lincoln here. The newest problem is electronic: the Electronic Brake Booster on the 2025 Navigator can malfunction while driving or while an ADAS feature is in use, recalled in July 2025 for a software fix and again in December 2025, the group's only critical item, for replacement.
Warning signs to watch for
- A brake pedal that feels soft or sinks toward the floor.
- A hard pedal or a sudden loss of power brake assist while driving or while using a driver assistance feature.
- Longer stopping distances than usual.
- A brake warning light on the dash.
- The Electronic Brake Booster failure can appear suddenly with no warning beforehand.
Is it safe to keep driving?
No notice in this group carries a stop-driving or park-outside order, including the critical December 2025 Electronic Brake Booster recall on the 2025 Navigator, but that one should be treated as urgent, and if the pedal ever goes hard you should stop driving. The leak recalls follow the same rule: keep driving while you wait, but if the pedal feels soft, sinks toward the floor, or a brake warning light comes on, stop and have the car towed to a dealer. Owners of 2016-2018 MKX models face the longest wait.
What the free repair involves
Most are parts replacements: new front brake hoses on MKC and MKZ, a new master cylinder on Navigator (plus the booster if it has been leaking), a replaced brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe on newer Navigators, and inspection, adjustment or replacement of MKX rear jounce hoses. The 2025 Navigator booster is reprogrammed over-the-air or at a dealer, and replaced under the December recall. All work is free.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 1 |
| high | 6 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-01 | Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator can lose brake assist | critical |
| 2025-08-22 | Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX rear brake hose may leak | high |
| 2025-07-25 | Ford and Lincoln SUVs, trucks can lose brake assist | high |
| 2025-05-09 | Ford Expedition and Navigator front brake lines can leak | high |
| 2025-04-11 | Ford F-150, Expedition and Navigator brake fluid leak | high |
| 2023-03-10 | Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ front brake hoses can leak | high |
| 2018-02-12 | Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC brake fluid may leak | high |
Common questions
What does losing the electronic brake booster feel like?
Ford describes a loss of power brake assist that can occur while driving or while a driver assistance feature is in use, lengthening your stopping distance. Leave extra following distance until the repair, and stop driving if the pedal goes hard.
Can the 2025 Navigator brake recall be handled over the air?
The July 2025 recall updates the Electronic Brake Booster module software over the air or at a dealer. The December 2025 recall cannot be done remotely, because it replaces the electronic brake booster itself and requires a dealer visit.
My MKX rear hose repair is not available yet. What now?
Ford mailed interim letters in September 2025 and the full remedy is expected around August 2026. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving, but see a dealer right away if the pedal softens or a brake warning light appears.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.