The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed its investigation into rear brake hose failures on certain Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles following Ford’s recall of nearly 500,000 units to address the issue.
Highlights
- Investigation covered 2015–2017 Ford Edge and 2016–2018 Lincoln MKX models.
- NHTSA identified 64 consumer complaints, including two crashes related to brake loss.
- Ford issued recall 25V-544 covering 499,129 vehicles in August 2025.
- Root cause under investigation; remedy program in development.
Background: Rear Brake Hose Failures
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24-027 in October 2024 after receiving reports of sudden, total loss of braking due to rear brake hose ruptures in affected Ford Edge vehicles. Drivers reported the brake pedal dropping to the floor and brake fluid leaks near the rear tires, without any prior warning lights or fluid alerts.
Many of the affected vehicles had previously undergone recall 20V-469, which addressed similar front brake hose failures. The earlier defect was attributed to cyclic fatigue in the internal reinforcement braid caused by tensile and torsional stresses during suspension and steering articulation.
Investigation Findings
NHTSA’s review found that both front and rear brake hoses shared the same construction and material composition. While Ford argued that the rear hoses experienced less dynamic loading due to the absence of steering inputs, ODI’s inspections revealed consistent rupture patterns near the crimp—the same failure region identified in the front hose recall.
Consumer reports contradicted Ford’s assertion that the issue resulted in a progressive fluid leak and a warning light. Instead, multiple incidents involved a sudden, complete loss of braking without any prior indication.
Ford’s Response and Recall Action
Following technical discussions with ODI in July 2025, Ford reopened its internal investigation and announced recall 25V-544 in August 2025, covering both the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX produced between 2015 and 2018. The recall identifies the defect as rupture of the rear brake jounce hose, which can increase pedal travel and stopping distance, elevating crash risk.
Ford has not yet determined the exact root cause and continues to develop a remedy program for affected vehicles.
ODI Closure
With Ford’s recall action underway, NHTSA has closed the Preliminary Evaluation but reserves the right to take additional action if new evidence emerges.
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