2024 EB brake failure

[AutobahnSHO]

There was a thread a while ago with a guy who said he lost brake pedal and hit small business after it jumped a curve. The thread got nasty and I don't think we ever did find out what happened.

I believe I remember them saying "the brakes failed TWICE" yet they were still driving it. From all description of the two incidents it sounded like classic "pushed the wrong pedal" cases.

Cuz I think the crash into the store STARTED at "super low speed"- which means even if the brakes failed they wouldn't have jumped the curb or whatever.

And it got ugly because people wondered if the wrong pedal was applied and people argued over that?

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[dbozman]

It would be great if folks could control themselves and not re-litigate a previous thread here. I’m trying to present facts that may be useful to another owner in the future. I appreciate your consideration.

Judder = “to vibrate with intensity.”

 

[TheSEARCH]

I just mentioned the other thread as it sounded some what similar . I hope I didn't start a mess like that thread. sorry if I did.

Glad dealer is taking this seriously.

 

[ScottyC]

Judder = “to vibrate with intensity.”

This??

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/judder

 

[dbozman]

Correction: The part ordered was an HCU, which is a hydraulics control unit, as I understand it.

 

[HeyBales]

My understanding is the Hybrids' brakes are different, as they assist in charging the batteries.
I have my doubts about the guy and the small business crash.

Well, the brakes don't assist in charging the batteries, as in physical brakes.
Way up the line the Electronic Brake Booster is used instead of the vacuum booster the EB uses (not sure if 25 EB's keep it). Something many cars use instead of vacuum. Like steering racks.
That allows the traction motor to provide a lot of possible resistance if no Go pedal pushed, and if no quick heavy braking is requested, to indeed recharge the battery. When the press is hard enough the EBB presses on to the hydraulics like normal.

 

[dbozman]

Truck is still in the shop. No further communication since Friday. With a weekend to get my thoughts in order, I have to say my level of concern is high.

Don‘t know if there are any ChatGPT users here, but if you plug my specific situation into a query, the response is exactly the steps being taken. Replace the HCU and rebuild the master cylinder. It also suggested a firmware update.

Here is where I’m struggling: Electronics should not be able to override core vehicle functions. IE, even if a sensor goes bad, I still should have brake pedal.

In practical terms, this has created a trust issue. I love the truck in the sub-500 miles of ownership. I was fortunate to have the issue in my neighborhood. But what about at 80 mph on the freeway? Or an emergency situation if a kid rides his bike in front of me?

Not to minimize other people’s issues, but total brake failure is a different animal than a dead battery or rattling dash. Thoughts?

 

[dbozman]

Truck still in the shop. No resolution as of this writing. Tomorrow will be one week at the dealer. I did miss a call from Ford, but it was the same customer service person reading from a script. I requested escalation from Ford (no response) and the dealer, who stated the sales manager would contact a regional Ford rep.

 

[dbozman]

Latest update: Not much to report. Wednesday will be two weeks at the dealer. Last meaningful information was 3-4 days ago. I had a long conversation with a new service advisor. He asked some good questions about the circumstances of the brake failure.

To my understanding, they have new parts, but have not been approved by Ford engineering to install them. Regardless, they haven’t been able to replicate the issue, so I suppose it doesn’t matter. If they can’t figure out specifically what happened I won’t be comfortable ever driving this vehicle again. Setting aside my safety (and everyone else on the roadway), imagine the liability.

 

[dbozman]

Well, I appear to be in a tough position. They’ve replaced the HCU and some other parts and driven the truck a bunch. Unable to replicate the issue and now it appears I’m going to have to take possession of the truck. No one can assert that any of the parts were bad.

I had anticipated Ford might do a buyback just based on the liability. That doesn’t appear to be the case. I did have an attorney consultation and I don’t qualify for Lemon Law in AZ as there is no statutory “safety concern” language. Basically, I’d need to wait for the brakes to fail again — and hope neither I nor anyone else died — in order to have a successful claim.

That doesn’t really seem like a reasonable thing to do. I can’t imagine putting my family or other drivers’ families at risk by operating this vehicle. I guess my only real option is to take a financial hit and sell it Carmax.

Pretty upset by this entire ordeal.

 

[dalola]

Yeah, you're in a tough spot for sure. I would probably try to work out some kind of trade with the selling dealer first, see if they are motivated to take care of you. Plus, puts the liability of the vehicle back on them for resale. Good luck.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I guess my only real option is to take a financial hit and sell it Carmax.

Pretty upset by this entire ordeal.

Worse case scenario, you'll take a $5K or so hit. Sell the truck, buy another brand, and move on. Your family has to be worth it.

HRG

 

[dbozman]

Just to follow up again, I made an official buyback request with Ford. The rep was responsive and emailed me the necessary paperwork, which I returned same day. Fingers crossed on the buyback.

 

[dbozman]

Not sure if anyone is still following this saga, but Ford did offer a buyback today. I’m supposed to hear from the buyback specialist in 3-5 days.

 

[MiMav]

Not sure if anyone is still following this saga, but Ford did offer a buyback today. I’m supposed to hear from the buyback specialist in 3-5 days.

Good for you. I hope they offer a reasonable amount. I am somewhat surprised that they are offering a buyback.

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