1. Class Action Overview
A new class action enumerates problems in Ford F-150 master cylinders. The lawsuit includes owners and lessees of 2013-2018 Ford F-150 trucks that allegedly have front brake circuits that can suddenly fail. The new Hitachi master cylinder have piston cup seals that allow brake fluid to leak. Front brakes are responsible for 75 percent of the truck’s braking force and without them the trucks can fail to stop, or in some cases even slow down.
2. Problems Reported
Drivers of the 2013-2018 Ford F-150 trucks report rolling through stop signs and red lights and watching as their trucks roll into objects because the master cylinders lose their brake fluid. The 2013-2018 Ford F-150s use master cylinders supplied by Hitachi, with the pistons fitted with just a single cup seal responsible for containing pressurized brake fluid. The lawsuit alleges this is unusual because pistons within master cylinders are usually fitted with two cup seals to ensure that fluid does not leak out of the master cylinders.
The alleged defect involves failure of the piston cup seals that roll and become unseated in their grooves, losing the seal with the pistons and allowing pressurized brake fluid to escape from the master cylinder and back toward the brake booster.F-150 owners claim Ford allegedly knew about the dangers but concealed that knowledge from truck owners. According to lawsuit documents, Ford’s internal communications show the automaker was completely aware of the defective Hitachi master cylinders.
F150 owners may be entitled to compensation.
Looking into buying new pickup truck cause my Silverado brakes are crap. Brake lines rusted big time and ever since no seems to be able to get spongy pedal to go away,1 private garage and 2 dealers and about 4000 dollars. NHtsb or whatever dropped the case after it’s longest investigation. I’m a retired mechanic who rebuilt many a wheel cylinder and master cylinder. How the hell could Ford approve of a master cylinder with one seal. None of these “engineers” could see a problem with this? What good is a truck that Is bought usually to pull a trailer or do heavy work and can’t stop! Shit emergency ( now parking ) brakes that are just about useless backing down a boat ramp. Pickups, all pickups should have drum rear brakes that always worked and could be used and were called emergency brakes. Ford f150 spark plug problems and this master cylinder nightmare I don’t know what to get.