NHTSA Complaint #11509724 — 2011 FORD FUSION

While driving on the street, my car’s brakes were suddenly inoperative. The parking brake light and a brake system warning light were illuminated on my dash just as I went to use the pedal. (“Check brake system”). Despite pressing the pedal to the floor, I was unable to get the car to slow down at all. I was approaching a red light and had to shift the car into neutral, then use my parking brake to bring the car to a complete stop to narrowly avoid hitting the car in front of me. After turning the car off, then on again, the indicating lights disappeared and the car, from what I could see, acted as usual. The incident was completely spontaneous and posed a huge threat for not only myself, but drivers around me. After towing the car to my nearby mechanic I was told it was a possible problem with the Hydraulic brake/control assembly and ABS system. The estimate for repairs was nearly $3,000. My car is available for inspection upon request. After research, it appears it is a relatively common problem with my car’s make and model. Ford models of years previous to mine have seemingly had a similar issue, as well as others that were the same as mine. The damage possible with this manufacturing error is inexcusable. Completely spontaneous and at an exorbitant price for repair.