About this problem
The brake booster is the round canister behind the brake pedal that uses engine vacuum or an electric pump to multiply the force of your foot. Without it, the brakes still work, but the pedal goes hard and the car needs much more effort and distance to stop. Leaking boosters, failed check valves and worn vacuum pumps are the usual causes.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Ford Edge since 2012, 567 (6.1%) describe brake booster failure, the third most reported problem we track on the Edge. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2013 drew the most, with 366. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 55,000 and 110,000 miles. 19 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Ford has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of 2011 to 2014 Edges report the brake pedal going hard and the car taking much longer to stop. The 2013 drew the most reports. A failing brake booster is the usual cause.
How it gets fixed
The repair replaces the brake booster. Ford recalled some cars for booster problems.
Typical cost: A booster costs about $800 to $1,200.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Bad brakes (?brake boosters?) - I am extremely upset and amazed that my new 2012 Ford Edge, purchased one year earlier and only has 15,000 miles had a catastrophic brake failure."
2012 Ford Edge, 15,000 miles
"At approximately 46,000 miles, my 2013 Ford Edge's brakes failed. I was on the interstate behind a semi truck when they hit the brakes. Brakes were locked, hard to press and the vehicle did not slow down."
2013 Ford Edge, 46,000 miles
"While exiting a parking lot into the main thoroughfare the brakes suddenly became hard and unresponsive. Additionally we have noted a squealing and hissing sound coming from the brakes when the pedal is depressed."
2014 Ford Edge, 61,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Ford has sent dealers 4 bulletins that mention this problem on the Edge. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX Vehicles - Extended Warranty Coverage on Brake Booster
Ford: some vehicles will experience, from brake booster, a grunting noise during first portion of brake pedal travel and high vacuum conditions after replacement of brake booster.
Ford: see document search button for owner letter.
Before you buy a Edge
- Test the brakes firmly at low speed in an empty lot.
- Press the brake with the engine running; it should not feel rock hard.
- Check by VIN for open brake recalls.
Questions
Which Ford Edge years have brake booster failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 366 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 78,000 miles, and half reported it between 55,000 and 110,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A booster costs about $800 to $1,200.