The 2023 Super Duty redesign brought a new cab, new tech and a pile of software. Most brake costs on these trucks are normal wear, but a couple of recalls and some recurring warning messages deserve your attention first. Here's the rundown in plain English.
The 2025 brake pedal recall (25V401)
This one is short and serious. Per Ford's recall filing and The Brake Report, about 2,345 2025 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty trucks built between March 19 and May 4, 2025 may be missing the small spring clip that holds the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal. Without it, the pushrod can come loose and you can suddenly lose service brakes with no warning.
| Detail | What it means |
|---|---|
| NHTSA number | 25V401 (Ford code 25C26) |
| Trucks | 2025 F-250 SD (1,304 units) plus F-350, F-450, F-550 |
| Risk | Sudden loss of braking, no warning beforehand |
| What to do | Ford advised owners not to drive until inspected |
| Fix | Dealer inspects and repairs the pedal assembly, free |
Other recalls that touch braking
- 26V104 (2023-2026 F-250): The integrated trailer module may lose communication while towing, which can mean loss of trailer brake lights, turn signals, or trailer brakes. Fixed with a software update, by a dealer or over the air.
- 23V595 (2023 F-250/F-350 with single rear wheels and the 10.5-inch rear axle): The left rear axle shaft may break. Not a brake part, but it's at the rear wheel and it's free.
- 25V866 (2026 F-250/F-350): Same axle shaft issue, right side.
Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. These are all free, even if you bought the truck used.
Brake warnings owners report
NHTSA owner complaints for the 2023-2025 F-250 Crew Cab mention a handful of repeat themes:
- "Park Brake Limited Function" or "Park Brake Service Required." One 2025 owner reported this message within months of buying the truck. It needs a dealer scan, and it's warranty territory on a truck this new.
- ABS, brake and driver-assist lights all at once. A 2024 owner described ABS, traction and trailer sway control dropping out together. That pattern points to a module or wiring issue, not pads.
- High cold idle making the brakes work hard. Two owners (2023 and 2024) said the engine idles high when cold, so the truck pushes against the brakes in gear.
- Automatic emergency braking surprises. Some owners reported hard braking in slow traffic or in turns with nothing there.
What brake work costs on a 2023+ F-250
| Job | Where | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pad replacement (2023-2025) | Independent shop | $357 to $414 (RepairPal) |
| Brake pad replacement (2022) | Independent shop | $249 to $306 (RepairPal) |
| Recalls 25V401, 26V104 | Ford dealer | $0 |
| Pads plus rotors | Any shop | Higher; get an itemized quote |
| Park brake or ABS warning diagnosis | Ford dealer | Often covered by Ford's new-truck bumper-to-bumper warranty on a truck this new |
Heavy-duty trucks eat brakes faster when they tow, haul or drive in hills. If your truck pulls a fifth wheel every weekend, you'll be doing pads more often than a commuter F-250.
Signs you need brake work
- Squealing from the wear indicators or grinding from metal on metal
- Pulsing pedal or a shaking steering wheel when stopping, common after towing downhill
- Truck pulls to one side under braking
- Burning smell after normal driving, which can mean a dragging caliper or parking brake
- A pedal that feels hard, soft or different from yesterday
What to ask the shop before paying
- "Are 25V401 and 26V104 done on my VIN?"
- "Front, rear or both? How much pad and rotor is left?"
- "Will you use the electronic parking brake maintenance mode for the rear?"
- "Are these heavy-duty or towing-rated pads?"
- "For warning lights, what codes are stored and is there a software update?"
Is it worth fixing?
No question. A Super Duty with a trailer behind it is a lot of weight to stop. Get open recalls done first, they're free. For normal wear, a few hundred dollars per axle keeps one of the most expensive trucks on the road stopping like it should. If warning lights keep coming back, document every dealer visit while you're under warranty.
More F-250 help is on the Ford F-250 Super Duty repair page. Prices checked October 14, 2026.
