Ford Motor Company has announced a major recall of nearly 500,000 vehicles in the United States due to a defect that could cause brake fluid to leak, increasing the risk of accidents. The recall affects 2015–2018 Ford Edge SUVs and 2016–2018 Lincoln MKX crossovers, following a regulatory finding that a ruptured brake hose could result in reduced stopping power.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 1% of the recalled vehicles are expected to have the defect; however, the potential consequences were serious enough to warrant a sweeping safety action. While Ford reports that no crashes or injuries have been reported, officials caution that leaking brake fluid can increase stopping distances, posing a danger in emergencies.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to schedule an appointment with a local dealer. Technicians will inspect the brake lines and replace faulty hoses at no cost. Ford stressed that ensuring customer safety remains the company’s top priority.
This latest recall comes amid a series of brake-related actions by Ford in 2025. Earlier this year, the automaker recalled nearly 274,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to a separate risk of brake failure. In total, Ford has issued recalls affecting more than 4 million vehicles in 2025, making it one of the automakers most scrutinized by federal regulators this year.
For vehicle owners, the message is clear: don’t ignore recall notices. Even if only a small percentage of cars are impacted, the risk of brake failure is too serious to delay repairs. Drivers can also check the NHTSA recall database online using their vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm whether their car is affected.