Problem with Ford Brake Hoses: Owners Pay While the Company Searches for a Solution
Ford is trying to convince the world that it is tightening quality control to reduce the number of recalls. However, the statistics tell a different story. The company still initiates significantly more recalls than its competitors, and in one case, the delay between the announcement of a recall and the actual resolution of the problem led to a Boston resident receiving a huge repair bill.
The Recall That Dragged On
In August of last year, Ford announced a recall of 497,624 vehicles, including Ford Edge models (2015-2018) and Lincoln MKX models (2016-2018) in the U.S. The reason was a potential rupture of the rear flexible brake hoses, which could lead to fluid leaks.
The recall decision itself was correct, but Ford appears to be working too slowly to develop an actual fix. In April, Massachusetts resident Paul Lonergan discovered a fluid leak from the rear brake hose of his 2017 Ford Edge. He contacted a local dealer, having received a recall notice back in September.
Owner Forced to Pay Out of Pocket
The dealer immediately informed him that an official solution had not yet been developed. So Lonergan had to pay for the repair himself, costing him a staggering $1,854.
“I can’t lend $1,800 to a multi-billion dollar corporation. It annoys me that I might not get my money back,” he said.
Refund Rules and Ford’s Position
According to U.S. regulations, automakers are required to reimburse owners for costs if they paid for a repair related to a recall out of their own pockets. According to WCVB, Ford offered Lonergan to send his receipts for “consideration of reimbursement,” but has not yet confirmed whether his money will be returned. Even if compensation is approved, he will only receive it after the official repair becomes available.
Timeline for Resolution
Initially, Ford planned to complete the development of a fix by April, but now work will not begin until September—more than a year after the recall was announced. Meanwhile, the solution should not be technically complex, as Ford could easily find higher-quality brake hoses.
The situation with Paul Lonergan is a clear example of how bureaucratic delays and insufficient attention to quality can shift the financial burden onto ordinary consumers. Although Ford claims to be improving control, reality shows that the company still cannot respond promptly even to critical safety issues, such as brake system failures. This undermines trust in the brand and raises the question of whether the automaker is truly ready to take responsibility for its mistakes, especially when it comes to the safety of drivers and passengers. Vehicle owners affected by similar recalls should carefully monitor updates and keep all repair documents, as the compensation process may prove lengthy and unpredictable.