C0071 on Ford
Brake Switch Circuit
C0071 on Ford vehicles indicates brake switch circuit. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Ford model — most commonly on Fusion. C0071 is a chassis code indicating a fault in the brake switch (brake light/brake pedal switch) circuit, as seen by the ABS or stability control module. The brake switch tells modules when the brake pedal is pressed, which the ABS/traction/stability systems use to coordinate their operation. The code sets when the brake switch signal is implausible, missing, or electrically inconsistent. Symptoms can include an ABS or traction control warning light, disabled stability features, cruise control that won't engage, or brake lights that behave incorrectly. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $1,200 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of C0071
- •Faulty or misadjusted brake light switch
- •Damaged wiring or connector at the brake switch
- •Corroded or loose connector terminals
- •Blown brake light fuse
- •Open or short in the brake switch circuit
- •Poor ground for the switch circuit
- •Faulty ABS/control module input (less common)
C0071 on Ford by Model
Ford Fusion(1 issue)
- Electric Power Steering Rack Failure (Recall 15V340)2011-2013
NHTSA recall 15V340 covers 2011-2013 Ford Fusion (and Lincoln MKZ) without the 3.5L engine. An intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear can cause sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving. Owners notice heavier steering effort especially at low speeds, increasing crash risk. Dealers check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for DTCs; if any loss-of-assist codes are stored, the steering gear is replaced free. Note: 2010 Fusions had the same parts but were excluded from the recall — feds closed the probe without expanding scope. 2010-owner symptoms are real but uncovered by recall.
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View C0071 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does C0071 mean on Ford?▼
C0071 stands for "Brake Switch Circuit." C0071 is a chassis code indicating a fault in the brake switch (brake light/brake pedal switch) circuit, as seen by the ABS or stability control module. The brake switch tells modules when the brake pedal is pressed, which the ABS/traction/stability systems use to coordinate their operation. The code sets when the brake switch signal is implausible, missing, or electrically inconsistent. Symptoms can include an ABS or traction control warning light, disabled stability features, cruise control that won't engage, or brake lights that behave incorrectly. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes C0071 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Faulty or misadjusted brake light switch, Damaged wiring or connector at the brake switch, Corroded or loose connector terminals, Blown brake light fuse, Open or short in the brake switch circuit. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix C0071 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $1,200 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have C0071 documented?▼
Au7o has documented C0071 on 1 Ford model: Fusion.