Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,422 model year 2025–2026 F-59 and F-53 stripped chassis vehicles over a Hydroboost brake system defect. The issue involves incomplete brake pedal return that can cause stop lamps to remain illuminated when the driver is not braking. NHTSA has assigned the campaign number 26V155.
Highlights
- 2,422 Ford F-59 and F-53 stripped chassis vehicles are affected by a Hydroboost brake booster defect causing incomplete brake pedal return.
- Stop lamps may remain illuminated when brakes are not applied, violating FMVSS 108 and increasing crash risk.
- Bosch-supplied brake booster push rod ball crimp tooling change introduced friction variations that cause the defect.
- Ford reports no accidents or injuries related to the condition as of March 10, 2026.
Vehicles Affected
The recall covers two Ford stripped chassis platforms produced between May and January 2026. Both are classified as medium and heavy vehicles.
- F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis: 1,748 units (1,654 model year 2025; 94 model year 2026). Production dates May 19, 2025, through January 9, 2026.
- F-53 Recreational Stripped Chassis: 674 units (661 model year 2025; 13 model year 2026). Production dates May 21, 2025, through January 7, 2026.
Defect Description
Variations in the ball crimp formation within the Bosch-supplied Hydroboost brake booster can cause excessive friction between the push rod and the reaction piston. This friction may prevent the brake pedal from fully returning to its rest position after the driver releases it.
As a result, the brake on-off lamp switch remains in the “on” state. Ford stated that no measurable torque is applied to the brakes in this condition. However, the stop lamps stay illuminated until the pedal fully returns.
The condition represents a noncompliance with FMVSS 108, which requires stop lamps to activate only upon service brake application. Persistently lit brake lights can reduce their effectiveness as a warning signal to following drivers.
Driver Warning Signs
Drivers may notice a “brake applied, power reduced” message on their instrument cluster. A speed limitation may also engage if the vehicle’s Brake Over Accelerator safety feature activates. Ford noted these warnings can appear even when the brakes are not actually applied.
Root Cause and Investigation Timeline
Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group began investigating in January 2026 after a post-build vehicle upfitter reported incomplete brake pedal return on F-53 and F-59 trucks. Testing by Ford and Bosch confirmed the lamp switch was remaining “on” after brake application.
Part analysis traced the issue to excessive internal friction at the push rod ball joint within the reaction piston socket. In February 2026, the CCRG identified a crimp knife tooling change at the Bosch brake booster push rod ball crimping station on May 19, 2025, as the likely source of the friction variations.
Bosch implemented a push rod articulation process to address the friction in December 2025. Ford’s Detroit Chassis Plant began using the corrected pre-articulated parts on January 9, 2026.
Warranty and Field Data
As of March 10, 2026, Ford had received 41 warranty claims and 16 field reports related to the condition. These reports covered 42 VINs and were received between August 24, 2024, and March 4, 2026. Ford reported no accidents or injuries tied to the defect.
Recall Remedy
Ford dealers will inspect the brake pedal for incomplete return. On affected vehicles, technicians will articulate the brake booster push rod to relieve the internal friction. The repair will be performed at no charge.
Notification Schedule
- Dealer notification: March 20, 2026
- Owner notification letters: Expected to be mailed between March 23 and March 27, 2026
- VIN search availability: March 20, 2026, on NHTSA.gov
Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s internal recall number is 26C17.
Affected Components
The recall involves two Bosch-manufactured Hydroboost hydraulic brake booster part numbers:
- LU94-2B560-AA
- LU94-2B560-AB
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