Tag Archives: park brake problem

Brake Performance Reduced in Certain 2016–2020 Acura ILX Vehicles

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Owners of certain 2016–2020 Acura ILX vehicles may be experiencing an unsettling brake issue that develops quietly over time. While it does not always appear suddenly or trigger warning lights, the condition can reduce brake effectiveness during everyday driving—particularly during gentle or slow brake applications.  For drivers, any issue involving braking deserves close attention.

What Is the Brake Problem?

The issue centers on the brake master cylinder, a critical component responsible for converting pedal pressure into braking force. In the affected vehicles, a material used in the brake fluid reservoir hose can release excess plasticizer into the brake fluid.

Over time, this contamination causes a seal inside the master cylinder (known as the secondary cup seal) to swell and deform. Heat from the engine can make the problem worse.

When this happens:

  • Brake fluid can bypass the seal instead of building proper pressure
  • The brake pedal may feel softer or less firm
  • Stopping distances may increase, especially during light or gradual braking

In real-world driving, this means the vehicle may not slow down as expected—raising the risk of a crash or injury.

Why Did This Happen?

The root cause traces back to manufacturing timing. The brake reservoir hose was installed too soon after production, before excess plasticizer had time to dissipate. That plasticizer leached into the brake fluid, which was then absorbed by the master cylinder seal.

As the seal absorbed the contaminant and expanded:

  • Its shape and flexibility changed
  • It could no longer maintain a proper seal under certain braking conditions
  • Brake fluid was allowed to leak back into the reservoir

The result is reduced hydraulic pressure when the driver presses the brake pedal slowly.

A Long Investigation Timeline

Honda and Acura engineers spent nearly a decade analyzing this issue:

  • 2015–2021: Initial complaints of intermittent brake pedal pressure loss
  • 2022–2024: Extensive testing confirmed chemical contamination and seal swelling
  • 2025: A clear link was found between hose storage timing, material curing, and seal deformation

By late 2025, the manufacturer determined that this condition posed a motor vehicle safety defect and initiated corrective action.

As of December 2025, there were 192 warranty claims associated with the issue. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

What Is Being Done to Fix It?

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to visit an authorized Acura dealer. The repair involves:

  • Replacing the brake master cylinder
  • Installing an improved sealing cup made from a different material
  • Restoring proper brake fluid sealing and pedal feel

This updated design is intended to eliminate the contamination-related swelling entirely.

Why This Matters for Lemon Law Claims

Even if a manufacturer offers a fix, brake-related defects can still be relevant under Lemon Law statutes, especially if:

  • The problem existed during the warranty period.
  • You experienced repeated brake complaints or repairs.
  • The issue affected vehicle safety, drivability, or value.

Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango Loss Of Power

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2019 Dodge Durango vehicles because of a problem affecting the powertrain of their vehicles.

According to the defect report, the front differential may have been built with pinion gears that were not sufficiently hardened. Over time the gears could wear down until torque power cannot be transferred from the drivetrain to the front wheels. If this happens drivers will experience loss of power and loss of the “Park” function when stationary. Prior to loss of power, drivers may notice a gear whine or grinding noise coming from the drivetrain

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the front differential replaced. This recall is expected to begin May 15, 2020. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W22 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-183.

2016 Tesla Model S & Model X Parking Brake Warnings

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Tesla will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Model S and Model X sports cars about a manufacturing problem affecting the braking system. According to the defect report, the Brembo electric parking brake calipers on some Tesla vehicles may have been improperly manufactured and could fracture. If this gear fractures, the electric motor will be unable to move the brake pad and the parking brake caliber will not release. When attempting to release the parking brake, an alert will appear that reads “Parking Brake Did Not Release – Contact Tesla Service.” When applying the brake, an alert will appear that reads “Parking Brake Needs Service – Car May Be Free Rolling.”

Those receiving notices can return to their Tesla service center to have the electric parking brake calipers replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-17-33-002 and the NHTSA campaign number is 170-260.

2016 Honda Civic Brake Warning Indicator Blinks

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Honda will be asking owners of certain 2016 Honda Civic two and four door cars equipped with 1.5L or 2.0L engines, to return to their dealerships for a problem affecting the parking brake. According to the defect report, the stability assist electronic control unit software could prevent the electric parking brake from engaging immediately after turning the ignition off. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. If the parking brake cannot be applied, the brake warning indicator will blink on the instrument panel for 15 seconds to alert the driver.

Dealers will update the vehicle’s software to allow the braking software to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is KC6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-725.

2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 & GLC 300 Electronic Stability Problem

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Mercedes-Benz has determined that a small number of 2016 C300 and 2016 GLC 300 vehicles have an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) hydraulic control unit that may have been damaged during transport. Depending on the extent of the damage, specific ESP functions may be deactivated. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through a display message and warning lights on the dashboard, and may experience loss of electronic parking brake functions.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) hydraulic control units replaced. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16V-603.

2016 Mercedes Benz SLK300 Ignition Switch Defect

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Mercedes Benz will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 SLK300 roadster vehicles equipped with nine-speed automatic transmissions, about an electrical problem that could affect the transmission and parking brake. According to the defect report, the backup power supply for the ignition switch may have not been properly connected. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power from the main battery, the transmission will not shift into “Park” and the electric parking brake cannot be applied. Without the backup power supply, the only way to keep the vehicle from moving is to press the brake pedal. Drivers attempting to exit the vehicle in this situation should take precaution as the vehicle could roll. Continue reading →

2015 Chevy Cruze Park Brake Failure

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A safety defect affecting a small number of 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles will have owners returning to their dealership to have repairs done to the braking system. According to reports, the left rear or right rear parking brake cable brackets may have not been properly fastened during the assembly process. If the fastening bolts back out completely, the mounting bracket could separate, causing the parking brake to fail. The problem could result in the vehicle unexpectedly rolling away. Continue reading →