Transport Canada identifies brake safety issue with certain Ford F-150 models

OTTAWA – Transport Canada has identified a brake safety issue with certain Ford F-150 models and is deciding whether Ford of Canada will be ordered to issue a recall notice.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau said the government agency contacted Ford and is disappointed that the automaker disagrees with its assessment.

Ford said the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated reports in the U.S. associated with the same safety issue and after analysis, which included purchasing and testing a vehicle, concluded that it remained controllable.

The NHTSA report, which closed April 28, stated that testing "demonstrated that, even when worst-case conditions were simulated, the vehicles could be stopped with moderate increases in brake pedal effort."

Transport Canada said it has received more than 100 consumer complaints involving a failed electric vacuum pump in the power brake system of certain Ford models, which may result in an unexpected, longer stopping distance.

Following an investigation, the department determined that 2011 and 2012 F-150 trucks equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine have a defect in the pump.

Minister Garneau said he will decide whether Ford will be ordered to issue a recall after further review.