NHTSA Probes Ford Edge SUVs Over Potential Brake-Hose Issues
Federal regulators investigate 368,000 Ford Edge SUVs for possible brake-hose failures. The probe follows 36 complaints about reduced braking ability, including in vehicles previously recalled in 2020.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Ford Edge SUVs, focusing on models from 2015 to 2017, due to concerns about potential brake-hose failures. This probe, which began on October 3, 2024, encompasses an estimated 368,000 vehicles.
NHTSA, established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970, received 36 complaints regarding a loss of braking ability in these vehicles. The agency noted that the reported issues occur without prior warning and result in increased stopping distances. Typically, a vehicle traveling at 60 mph requires about 180 feet to come to a complete stop.
The Ford Edge, a mid-size crossover SUV introduced in 2006, is currently in its second generation, which was launched in 2015. It's worth noting that the 2015 Ford Edge was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The vehicle is manufactured at Ford's Oakville Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada.
The investigation also revealed that some of the complaints pertained to vehicles that had undergone brake repairs as part of a 2020 recall. This earlier recall affected 488,000 vehicles, including both Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX SUVs, although only about 1% were believed to have brake problems at that time.
NHTSA attributes the loss of braking ability to brake fluid leakage resulting from ruptured brake hoses. Brake fluid, a type of hydraulic fluid used in automobile braking systems, typically has a boiling point between 230°C and 260°C. The average lifespan of brake hoses, which are usually made of rubber or stainless steel braided lines, is about six years or 80,000 miles.
It's important to note that NHTSA has not reported any injuries or deaths associated with this investigation or the 2020 recall. The agency, responsible for reducing casualties and economic losses from motor vehicle crashes, has the authority to issue vehicle safety standards and require manufacturers to recall vehicles with safety-related defects.
Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and currently the second-largest U.S.-based automaker, had not immediately responded to requests for comment at the time of this report. The company has a history of producing innovative vehicles, with the Ford Edge sharing its platform with several other Ford and Lincoln models.
As this investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure vehicle safety and the importance of regular maintenance. NHTSA continues to play a crucial role in monitoring and addressing potential safety issues in the automotive industry.
