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Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC brake fluid may leak

NHTSA campaign 18V104000 · Reported 2018-02-12 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

Weakened brakes are a real crash risk, so get this checked quickly and stop driving if the pedal feels soft or goes low.

What's wrong, in plain English

Some 2018 Escape and MKC vehicles left the factory with the wrong front brake hoses. Because they are not the right ones, they can rub against nearby parts until they wear through and start leaking brake fluid. Losing brake fluid means your brakes get weaker and the vehicle takes longer to stop than you expect. Dealers will look at the hoses and put in correct ones wherever the wrong parts were used.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your vehicle is covered.
2. Contact your dealer or Ford at 1-866-436-7332 (recall 18S04) and ask for a prompt appointment.
3. Have the brake hoses inspected and replaced if needed; the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (2)

2018 Ford Escape
2018 Lincoln MKC

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why does Ford keep recalling brakes for leaks and pedal failures? · all 20 Ford recalls in this area
Lincoln brake recalls: fluid leaks and lost brake assist · all 7 Lincoln recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with incorrect front brake hoses that may chafe against other components, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Safety risk: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake hoses, replacing any that are incorrect, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S04.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.