The Ford Ranger's remarkable journey to becoming Australia's best-selling vehicle has hit a speed bump, with more than 1600 of the popular utes being recalled due to a potentially serious braking fault.
Ford Australia is recalling 1,643 examples of the current-generation Ranger, built between 2024 and 2025, under recall reference number PRA 2025/20544.
The issue centres on a software glitch that could leave drivers needing to press much harder on the brake pedal to stop their vehicle safely.
What's actually going wrong?
Due to a software issue, the brake boost function may not operate as intended, which could result in braking being reduced, requiring greater pedal force and potentially increasing the vehicle's stopping distance.
'A reduction in braking performance could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users'
Think of it this way: if you've ever driven an older car without power steering, you'll know how much more effort it takes to turn the wheel. The same principle applies here with brakes. Without the electronic brake boost working properly, stopping your Ranger becomes much more physically demanding and takes longer.
What does brake boost actually do?
Your Ford Ranger's electronic brake boost system amplifies the force you apply to the brake pedal, making it easier to stop the vehicle quickly and safely.
When this system fails, you'll need to push much harder on the pedal, and your stopping distance will increase—particularly dangerous when towing a caravan or carrying a heavy load in the back.
The problem becomes even more concerning when towing, carrying heavy loads, or driving on steep or uneven terrain, where braking distances are already more critical. For many Ranger owners who use their vehicles for weekend adventures or work purposes, this represents a genuine safety risk.
It's not just an Australian problem
What might surprise many Ranger owners is the scale of this issue. This Australian recall is part of a much larger global safety campaign affecting 312,120 Ford vehicles worldwide, including Rangers, Broncos, F-150s, and Expeditions, though Ford estimates only about one percent of the affected vehicles will actually experience the problem.
The issue was first identified in May 2025 when Ford's investigative team found numerous cases of brake boost failure across multiple models, and the company is aware of 37 warranty claims and one low-speed crash related to this issue.
What you need to do right now
The good news? Ford Australia will contact affected owners directly, asking them to schedule an appointment to have the issue fixed for free. Even better, the remedy is a simple software update that can often be done over the air, though owners can also visit their local Ford dealership for an in-person software update if needed.
Action steps for Ford Ranger owners
- Wait for Ford to contact you directly if your vehicle is affected
- Watch for warning lights: ABS, ESC, and brake warning lights will illuminate if the fault occurs
- Don't ignore dashboard warnings—they're there for your safety
- Contact Ford Australia on 1300 362 673 if you have concerns
- The repair is completely free of charge
If you notice warning lights for the ABS, ESC and brake system illuminating on your dashboard, along with an audible alert, take these warnings seriously as ignoring them could have serious safety implications.
Why this matters for older Australians
The timing of this recall is particularly significant given the Ford Ranger's popularity and the changing demographics of Australia's car buyers.
The Ranger became Australia's number one selling vehicle in 2023, with over 63,000 Australians choosing the model—quite an achievement for a vehicle that only adopted the Ranger name in Australia in 2006.
What's especially relevant is that Australians aged 50 and over now represent 48 per cent of new vehicle buyers, compared to just 38 per cent a decade ago, with those aged 65 and over doubling their presence in the new vehicle market from 9 per cent to 18 per cent.
This demographic shift means that many Ranger owners are likely to be in their 60s and 70s—drivers who may not have the physical strength to compensate for reduced brake boost as easily as younger drivers might.
Ford's track record and response
To put this recall in perspective, the Ranger's success story has been remarkable—it overtook the Toyota HiLux in 2023 to become Australia's best-selling vehicle for the first time since the Ford Falcon achieved that distinction in 1995.
Since its launch in 2011, the Ranger has evolved from a work vehicle into an essential part of Australian life, catering to tradies, families, office workers and adventure seekers, with its Australian-designed and engineered DNA renowned for its blend of capability, performance, and innovative technology.
Ford's response to this recall appears comprehensive and proactive. While the brake boost issue doesn't make affected vehicles non-compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards, Ford decided to issue the recall out of an abundance of caution, and the company emphasises that experiencing this problem is exceptionally rare.
The bigger picture for ute owners
This recall highlights the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and the importance of staying informed about safety issues. The dominance of utes in Australia's vehicle sales is unprecedented—last year the three best-selling vehicles were all utes: Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max.
For the many Australians who've made the switch to utes for their practicality, towing capacity, and versatility, this recall serves as a reminder that even the most popular and successful vehicles can have issues that need addressing.
The silver lining? Modern automotive technology also means that many problems can be fixed quickly and efficiently, often without the inconvenience of lengthy workshop visits.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Ford Ranger is actually designed and engineered in Australia. Despite Ford ending local car manufacturing, the company's Australian engineering team developed this globally successful ute from their Melbourne headquarters, making it one of the most successful Australian-designed vehicles ever created.
What happens next?
Ford will be sending notification letters to affected owners outlining the steps to take, reinforcing the importance of prompt action to mitigate risks. The process should be relatively painless—most owners will receive an over-the-air software update, while others may need a quick trip to their local Ford dealer.
For a vehicle that has captured the hearts of so many Australians, this recall represents a minor bump in what has otherwise been a remarkable success story. The key is staying informed and acting promptly when contacted by Ford.
Have you received a recall notice for your Ford Ranger, or do you have experience with automotive recalls? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ford-ranger-recalled-2
Ford Ranger Recalled Due to Brake Boost Issue—CarSauce
Cited text: The Ford Ranger has been recalled in Australia due to a brake boost issue, affecting 1,643 examples of the popular ute model built between 2024 and 20...
Excerpt: Ford Australia is recalling 1,643 examples of the current-generation Ranger, built between 2024 and 2025, under recall reference number PRA 2025/20544
https://www.carsauce.com/car-news/ford-ranger-recalled-due-to-brake-boost-issue
REC-006430—FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD—Ford Ranger 2024—2025 | Vehicle Recalls
Cited text: Recall reference number PRA 2025/20544.
Excerpt: Ford Australia is recalling 1,643 examples of the current-generation Ranger, built between 2024 and 2025, under recall reference number PRA 2025/20544
https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006430
Ford Ranger Recalled Due to Brake Boost Issue—CarSauce
Cited text: “Due to a software issue, the brake boost function may not operate as intended. As a result, braking could be reduced requiring greater pedal force an...
Excerpt: Due to a software issue, the brake boost function may not operate as intended, which could result in braking being reduced, requiring greater pedal force and potentially increasing the vehicle's stopping distance
https://www.carsauce.com/car-news/ford-ranger-recalled-due-to-brake-boost-issue
Ford recalls Ranger due to braking software fault
Cited text: If the problem occurs, drivers may need to apply greater pedal force, and stopping distances could increase significantly, particularly when towing, c...
Excerpt: The problem becomes even more concerning when towing, carrying heavy loads, or driving on steep or uneven terrain, where braking distances are already more critical
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/news/ford-ranger-recall-braking-fault
Ford recalls Ranger due to braking software fault
Cited text: For the 4×4 community, the risk is even greater when vehicles are loaded with gear, towing trailers, or navigating off-road tracks where braking dista...
Excerpt: The problem becomes even more concerning when towing, carrying heavy loads, or driving on steep or uneven terrain, where braking distances are already more critical
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/news/ford-ranger-recall-braking-fault
Ford Recalls 300,000 Bronco, Ranger Models Over Brake Booster Failure
Cited text: Now, some Ford Bronco, Ranger, F-150, and Expedition owners, as well as select Lincoln Navigator owners, may have that nostalgic experience in the pre...
Excerpt: This Australian recall is part of a much larger global safety campaign affecting 312,120 Ford vehicles worldwide, including Rangers, Broncos, F-150s, and Expeditions, though Ford estimates only about one percent of the affected vehicles…
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65575770/ford-recall-bronco-ranger-brake-booster-failure/
Ford Recalls 300,000 Bronco, Ranger Models Over Brake Booster Failure
Cited text: This issue was first identified in May 2025, when the Expedition/Navigator Rapid Response Team (RRT) identified a vehicle exhibiting a loss of brake b...
Excerpt: The issue was first identified in May 2025 when Ford's investigative team found numerous cases of brake boost failure across multiple models, and the company is aware of 37 warranty claims and one low-speed crash related to this issue
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65575770/ford-recall-bronco-ranger-brake-booster-failure/
Ford Recalls 300,000 Bronco, Ranger Models Over Brake Booster Failure
Cited text: The Dearborn-based automaker is aware of 37 warranty claims and one low-speed crash related to this issue.
Excerpt: The issue was first identified in May 2025 when Ford's investigative team found numerous cases of brake boost failure across multiple models, and the company is aware of 37 warranty claims and one low-speed crash related to this issue
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65575770/ford-recall-bronco-ranger-brake-booster-failure/
Ford Ranger Recalled Due to Brake Boost Issue—CarSauce
Cited text: “If this occurs, the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Brake telltales will illuminate warning lights and audible ...
Excerpt: Ford Australia will contact affected owners directly, asking them to schedule an appointment to have the issue fixed for free
https://www.carsauce.com/car-news/ford-ranger-recalled-due-to-brake-boost-issue
REC-006430—FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD—Ford Ranger 2024—2025 | Vehicle Recalls
Cited text: Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Ford Motor Company Australia asking them to schedule an appointment with their local dealership to ha...
Excerpt: Ford Australia will contact affected owners directly, asking them to schedule an appointment to have the issue fixed for free
https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006430
Ford Recalls 300,000 Bronco, Ranger Models Over Brake Booster Failure
Cited text: Ford will first update the software on the electronic brake booster module over the air.
Excerpt: the remedy is a simple software update that can often be done over the air, though owners can also visit their local Ford dealership for an in-person software update if needed
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65575770/ford-recall-bronco-ranger-brake-booster-failure/
Ford Recalls 300,000 Bronco, Ranger Models Over Brake Booster Failure
Cited text: Ford will first update the software on the electronic brake booster module over the air. If that doesn't solve the issue, Ford owners can also take th...
Excerpt: the remedy is a simple software update that can often be done over the air, though owners can also visit their local Ford dealership for an in-person software update if needed
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65575770/ford-recall-bronco-ranger-brake-booster-failure/
Ford recalls Ranger due to braking software fault
Cited text: Warning lights for the ABS, ESC and brake system will illuminate on the dash, along with an audible alert, if the fault is active. Drivers are urged t...
Excerpt: If you notice warning lights for the ABS, ESC and brake system illuminating on your dashboard, along with an audible alert, take these warnings seriously as ignoring them could have serious safety implications
https://www.4x4australia.com.au/news/ford-ranger-recall-braking-fault
Ford Ranger—Australia's Top Vehicle 2023 | Ford Australia
Cited text: Ford Ranger is Australia's number one selling vehicle, with over 63,000 Australians enjoying the model in 2023.
Excerpt: The Ranger became Australia's number one selling vehicle in 2023, with over 63,000 Australians choosing the model
https://www.ford.com.au/showroom/trucks-and-vans/ranger/australia-top-selling-vehicle/
Ford Ranger—Australia's Top Vehicle 2023 | Ford Australia
Cited text: In 2023, a record 63,3561 adventurous Australians enjoyed the new Ford Ranger, making it Australia’s No1 selling vehicle.
Excerpt: The Ranger became Australia's number one selling vehicle in 2023, with over 63,000 Australians choosing the model
https://www.ford.com.au/showroom/trucks-and-vans/ranger/australia-top-selling-vehicle/
Ford Ranger—Australia's Top Vehicle 2023 | Ford Australia
Cited text: In 2023, a record 63,3561 adventurous Australians enjoyed the new Ford Ranger, making it Australia’s No1 selling vehicle.
Excerpt: The Ranger became Australia's number one selling vehicle in 2023, with over 63,000 Australians choosing the model
https://www.ford.com.au/showroom/trucks-and-vans/ranger/australia-top-selling-vehicle/
New data shows decreasing proportion of younger drivers on our roads, but more seniors staying behind the wheel—Roy Morgan Research
Cited text: Now 48 per cent of new vehicle intenders are aged 50 plus compared to only 38 per cent a decade ago. This growth is being driven by those aged 65+ who now represent 1...
Excerpt: What's especially relevant is that Australians aged 50 and over now represent 48 per cent of new vehicle buyers, compared to just 38 per cent a decade ago, with those aged 65 and over doubling their presence in the new vehicle market from 9 per cent to 18 per cent
https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/...ads-but-more-seniors-staying-behind-the-wheel
New data shows decreasing proportion of younger drivers on our roads, but more seniors staying behind the wheel—Roy Morgan Research
Cited text: The biggest shift we have seen is in the 65 and over age group, which has doubled its presence in the new vehicle intenders market,” said Ms. Levine.
Excerpt: What's especially relevant is that Australians aged 50 and over now represent 48 per cent of new vehicle buyers, compared to just 38 per cent a decade ago, with those aged 65 and over doubling their presence in the new vehicle market from 9 per cent to 18 per cent
https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/...ads-but-more-seniors-staying-behind-the-wheel
Record breaking Ranger! How the Ford Ranger has achieved classic-era Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon popularity, with help from Toyota Prado—Car News | CarsGuide
Cited text: Already snatching the number-one title from arch-enemy HiLux in 2023 to end the Toyota’s seven-season run on top of the charts with 63,356 versus 61,1...
Excerpt: the Ranger's success story has been remarkable—it overtook the Toyota HiLux in 2023 to become Australia's best-selling vehicle for the first time since the Ford Falcon achieved that distinction in 1995
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-ne...has-achieved-classic-era-holden-commodore-and
Ford Ranger beats Toyota HiLux to become Australia's best-selling vehicle
Cited text: Ranger sales totalled 63,356 for 2023 versus 61,111 for the HiLux, making the ute the first Ford sales champion in Australia since the Falcon in 1995....
Excerpt: the Ranger's success story has been remarkable—it overtook the Toyota HiLux in 2023 to become Australia's best-selling vehicle for the first time since the Ford Falcon achieved that distinction in 1995
https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/ford-ranger-beats-hilux-australia-best-selling-vehicle-2023
Ford Ranger—Australia's Top Vehicle 2023 | Ford Australia
Cited text: Since its launch in 2011, the Ranger has evolved from a work vehicle into an essential part of Aussie life—catering to tradies, families, office wor...
Excerpt: Since its launch in 2011, the Ranger has evolved from a work vehicle into an essential part of Australian life, catering to tradies, families, office workers and adventure seekers, with its Australian-designed and engineered DNA renowned…
https://www.ford.com.au/showroom/trucks-and-vans/ranger/australia-top-selling-vehicle/
Ford Recalls 300,000 Bronco, Ranger Models Over Brake Booster Failure
Cited text: While the brake boost didn't make the subject vehicles non-compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards, Ford decided to issue a recall on Ju...
Excerpt: While the brake boost issue doesn't make affected vehicles non-compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards, Ford decided to issue the recall out of an abundance of caution, and the company emphasises that experiencing this…
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65575770/ford-recall-bronco-ranger-brake-booster-failure/
Ford Recalls 300,000 Bronco, Ranger Models Over Brake Booster Failure
Cited text: While Ford wants to emphasize that this problem showing up is exceptionally rare, a loss of power-braking ability is certainly something that Ford tru...
Excerpt: While the brake boost issue doesn't make affected vehicles non-compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards, Ford decided to issue the recall out of an abundance of caution, and the company emphasises that experiencing this…
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a65575770/ford-recall-bronco-ranger-brake-booster-failure/
Show us the numbers! The truth about Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max's big sales—Car News | CarsGuide
Cited text: Last year the best-selling vehicle in Australia wasn’t a car—it was a ute, and so was the second-best seller, and the third. Yep, the Ford Ranger wa...
Excerpt: The dominance of utes in Australia's vehicle sales is unprecedented—last year the three best-selling vehicles were all utes: Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-ne...ranger-toyota-hilux-and-isuzu-d-max-big-sales
2025 Ford Brake Issue Prompts Recall—The BRAKE Report
Cited text: Owners will receive notification letters outlining the steps to take, reinforcing the importance of prompt action to mitigate risks.
Excerpt: Ford will be sending notification letters to affected owners outlining the steps to take, reinforcing the importance of prompt action to mitigate risks
https://thebrakereport.com/2025-ford-brake-issue-prompts-recall/
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