Ford to Van Owners: Do Not Drive

Faulty brakes in nearly 16,000 Transit vans could stop working at any time, Ford told federal regulators. The automaker is warning owners to stop driving their vehicles until the problem is fixed.

“The brake booster pushrod may disconnect from the brake pedal,” the automaker recently told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “This can result in a loss of braking while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The issue stems from a missing cotter pin—a small but critical component that secures the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal. Without this pin, the pushrod can detach from the pedal, potentially preventing the driver from applying the brakes properly. 

The recall covers 15,965 vehicles manufactured between January 21 and April 25, 2025. Ford became aware of the problem in a warranty report from a vehicle owner who experienced dashboard warning lights. A dealer technician later inspected the brake pedal assembly and confirmed that the cotter pin and retainer clip were missing, according to the company.

“The root cause remains under investigation,” Ford told NHTSA. Still, the automaker’s investigation “indicates that the brake booster cotter pin and the redundant clip may not have been installed during the assembly process.”

Ford said it planned to notify owners of recalled vans via mail. The company will ask owners to bring their cars to authorized service providers for inspection and repair.

The Ford Recalls Keep on Coming

These kinds of recalls have become all too common for major carmakers, but the problem is especially acute for Ford.

The company has led the country’s automakers in annual safety recalls for several years straight. The recalls run a wide range, from loose seats and malfunctioning SUV liftgate hinge covers to faulty transmissions and fire risks. They are routinely announced long after cars have left factory floors, sold to unsuspecting buyers.

The good news for Ford owners in California is that you do not need to wait around for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed. The California lemon law gives you some strong rights and protections.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law generally forces carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also requires the companies to buy back covered vehicles that they cannot or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts required before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.