The new Bronco is built to go places. That means mud, sand, rocks and water get into the brakes, and owners lean on them hard coming down trails. Most Bronco brake issues are plain wear. A few are electronic, and Ford has fixes for them.
The 2025 brake booster recalls
| Recall | Vehicles | Problem | Free fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V488000 (Ford 25S77) | Certain 2025 Bronco, F-150, Ranger, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator (about 312,120) | Electronic brake booster (EBB) module can malfunction while driving or using driver-assist features, causing loss of power brake assist | EBB software update, over the air or at a dealer |
| 25V823000 (Ford 25SD4) | Certain 2025 models in the same group (about 679) | Same loss of power assist | Dealer replaces the electronic brake booster |
Without power assist, the brakes still work, but you'll need to push much harder on the pedal. A 2023 owner told NHTSA in June 2026 that their brake failure looked exactly like what this recall describes, but the recall only lists 2025 models. If you have an older Bronco with the same symptoms, report it to NHTSA and push the dealer to diagnose it.
Bulletins for 2021-2023 Broncos
| Bulletin | Years | Symptom |
|---|---|---|
| SSM 51261 / SSM 51120 (2022) | Various Ford models incl. Bronco | Noise when brakes are applied; techs told to follow the brake noise pinpoint test |
| SSM 51227 (Dec 2022) | 2021-2023 Bronco, 2.7L or 3.0L | Noises from the brake pedal when applying or releasing it, or even with the truck off |
| SSM 50951 (July 2022) | 2021-2022 Bronco with EBB | Multiple error messages and the parking brake applying itself right after starting, with doors removed |
| TSB 22-2210 / 22-2360 (2022) | 2021-2022 Bronco with EBB | Inconsistent brake assist when flat towed with a supplemental braking system; updated ABS software |
| SSM 50713 (Apr 2022) | 2021-2022 F-150/Bronco | ABS and traction control lights in below-freezing weather |
| SSM 50314 (Nov 2021) | 2021 Bronco, 2.3L | Red brake warning and code P050F in the ABS module |
What owners are reporting
From NHTSA complaints on 2021-2024 Broncos:
- Brake pedal suddenly stiff, needing a lot of force to slow down (2021, 2022 and 2024 reports)
- Soft or "squishy" brakes and repeated brake fault warnings
- A 2022 owner whose dealer said a brake vacuum hose (part MB3Z-2420-L) was the cause of a hard pedal and ABS light
- A 2024 owner with a seized caliper that dropped a pad and damaged the rotor
- 2022 manual-transmission owners whose clutch hydraulic line failed; one notes the clutch and brakes share the same fluid reservoir
What brake work costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Brake pads, 2021-2026 Bronco | $248-$305 (RepairPal) |
| Rotors | Extra; get a written quote after rotor measurement |
| 2025 EBB recall work | $0 |
Signs to watch
- Hard pedal plus a warning light: power assist problem. Get it checked right away.
- Squeal or grind after off-roading: often grit trapped between pad and rotor. A rinse and inspection might be all it needs. Grinding that stays means pads are gone.
- Pulling to one side: possible stuck caliper. One 2024 owner learned that the hard way.
- Low fluid on a manual Bronco: check for a clutch hydraulic leak, since it shares the brake reservoir.
DIY or shop?
Pads and rotors on a Bronco are a classic driveway job with jack stands and a torque wrench. Anything involving the electronic brake booster, ABS module or parking brake electronics is dealer work, because it needs Ford software and is often covered.
What to ask before paying
- "Is my Bronco in recall 25V488000 or 25V823000?"
- "Are any of these bulletins (SSM 51227, TSB 22-2360, SSM 50713) relevant to my symptoms?"
- "Did you check the brake vacuum hose and calipers for sticking?"
- "Is this price for one axle or both, with or without rotors?"
Is it worth fixing?
Yes. Pads are cheap and recalls are free. Just don't ignore a hard pedal on a heavy 4x4. More help on the Ford Bronco repair page.
Prices checked October 14, 2026.
