Introduction: Ford Recalls
Imagine driving your Ford F-150 or Lincoln Navigator, relying on its power to get you through daily commutes or family road trips, only to find the brakes feel heavier than usual. For over 312,000 Ford and Lincoln owners, this scenario could become a reality due to a critical issue with the power brake assist system. In August 2025, Ford announced a major recall to address a malfunction in the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) that could lead to longer stopping distances and increased crash risks. This human-crafted article breaks down the recall details, affected vehicles, remedies, and steps owners can take to stay safe, bringing clarity to a concerning issue for Ford drivers.
The Issue: Loss of Power Brake Assist
The recall centers on the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module, which reduces the effort needed to press the brake pedal for smoother, safer stops. A malfunction in the EBB can cause a sudden loss of power brake assist, either during regular driving or when using Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane-centering or adaptive cruise control. This failure results in a harder brake pedal, extended stopping distances, and potential safety hazards, especially in emergency situations.
The root cause is the EBB motor’s sensitivity to voltage fluctuations. A voltage drop followed by a recovery can trigger a current surge, exceeding the motor’s limits and shutting it down. Drivers may notice warning lights, cycling dashboard messages, audible alerts, or a noticeably firmer brake pedal. As of July 11, 2025, Ford reported 37 warranty claims and one low-speed crash linked to this issue, with no injuries or fires confirmed. However, the potential danger, especially in heavy vehicles like the F-150 or Expedition, makes this recall urgent.
Affected Vehicles
The recall affects 312,120 Ford and Lincoln vehicles from the 2025 model year, manufactured within specific date ranges. The impacted models are:
· 2025 Ford F-150: 217,969 units, built from May 8, 2024, to June 9, 2025
· 2025 Ford Bronco: 39,913 units, built from May 31, 2024, to June 17, 2025
· 2025 Ford Expedition: 26,582 units, built from November 8, 2023, to June 9, 2025
· 2025 Ford Ranger: 20,522 units, built from February 5, 2024, to June 20, 2025
· 2025 Lincoln Navigator: 7,104 units, built from November 9, 2023, to June 9, 2025
Since these vehicles were not built in VIN order, owners must verify their vehicle’s status using its VIN. Ford estimates that only 1% of the recalled vehicles may experience the issue, but the safety implications warrant immediate action.
The Fix: Free Software Update
Ford is addressing the EBB malfunction with a free software update for the affected module. Owners have two options:
1. Over-the-Air (OTA) Update: For vehicles with OTA capabilities, Ford will remotely update the EBB software starting in August 2025, allowing owners to resolve the issue without a dealership visit.
2. Dealership Service: Owners can schedule a free software update at a Ford or Lincoln dealer, where technicians will reprogram the EBB module.
Ford will notify owners by mail between August 25 and August 29, 2025, with instructions for next steps. The recall is designated as Ford number 25S77 and NHTSA campaign number 25V488000. The faulty EBB component was supplied by Robert Bosch LLC, highlighting the reliance on third-party systems in modern vehicles.
What Owners Should Do
To stay safe and address the recall, owners of affected 2025 Ford or Lincoln vehicles should take these steps:
1. Verify Your VIN: Check if your vehicle is included by entering your VIN on the Ford Recall page (www.ford.com/support/recalls) or the NHTSA website (www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). The FordPass app also displays recall alerts for registered vehicles.
2. Monitor for Notifications: Look for a recall letter from Ford starting August 25, 2025. If you don’t receive one but suspect your vehicle is affected, contact Ford directly.
3. Contact Ford: For questions or to schedule a repair, call Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 or reach out to a local Ford or Lincoln dealer.
4. Stay Alert: If you notice brake warning lights, dashboard messages, or a harder brake pedal, have your vehicle inspected immediately.
For towing or roadside assistance, contact Ford Roadside Assistance at 1-800-241-3673.
Why This Recall Matters
This brake assist recall is one of many for Ford in 2025, with the company issuing a record 88 recalls by mid-year, affecting millions of vehicles. The issue highlights the growing complexity of vehicle systems, where software and electronic components play critical roles in safety. For families relying on vehicles like the Expedition or Navigator, or workers using the F-150, the thought of losing brake assist is unnerving. Ford’s proactive approach—offering free OTA and dealership fixes—aims to restore confidence, but the recall underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring reliability across its lineup.
The human impact is clear: drivers want to trust their vehicles in every situation, from school drop-offs to cross-country hauls. By addressing this issue promptly, Ford is working to prevent accidents and maintain its reputation, but the high volume of recalls this year has left some owners questioning quality control.
Conclusion
The recall of over 312,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a potential loss of power brake assist is a serious safety concern, but Ford’s swift response with free software updates offers a path forward. Owners should act quickly to check their VIN, schedule repairs, and stay vigilant for warning signs. As Ford navigates a challenging year of recalls, its commitment to transparency and free fixes is a step toward keeping drivers safe. For more information or to schedule a repair, visit www.ford.com/support/recalls or call 1-866-436-7332
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