The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into certain variants of the 2015 and 2016 Ford F-150. The trucks in question are equipped with the manufacturer's 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 under the hood. The federal agency has received 25 complaints of sudden brake failure, with the brake pedal going straight to the floor and the taillights illuminating on some of the '15 models.
Ford is already the subject of two different federal investigations, one centered around the 2011-2013 Edge crossover and another involving the 2010 Fusion. The Edge's issue involves the "door ajar" light staying on even though the doors are closed, while the Fusions in question can experience power steering failure.
Earlier this year, the automaker recalled 2013 and 2014 F-150s equipped with the same 3.5 liter turbo V6 for a similar issue. Ford then claimed that this problem stemmed from an issue with the brake master cylinder that allowed the master cylinder reservoir to leak brake fluid into the brake booster. This caused a loss of brake pressure and a "low brake fluid" light to illuminate on the dashboard.
According to a few of the complaints, several dealerships have already blamed this latest issue on a problem with the truck's master cylinder.
NHTSA will continue to investigate this issue and, if need be, force Ford to issue yet another recall on it's popular pickup. The automaker also has the option to issue a voluntary recall before federal regulators come to a decision.
NAFA Fleet Management Association
http://www.nafa.org/