P050F Not enough vacuum for the brake booster

P050F brake assist vacuum too low

P050F in short

P050F means the computer sees too little vacuum for the brake booster, which helps you push the brake pedal. A leaking hose or booster is common, and on some GM and Ford models it is a software issue. A hard pedal or red brake lamp is unsafe, so do not ignore it; get it checked soon.

Many engines make vacuum that a brake booster uses to give power assist. The computer watches that vacuum, and if it stays too low it sets P050F. With low vacuum the pedal can feel firm and the car can take more effort to stop.

A leaking hose or booster is the first thing the sources check. If the vacuum system is sound, several makers have found software causes: GM updates the engine or brake control module calibration on some 2016-2018 models, and Ford has bulletins for the 2021-2022 Bronco 2.3L and for Transit ABS software.

This is a braking-related code, so this page explains but does not give repair steps. A shop should test the vacuum system and brakes.

Most likely causes

  1. Leaking or contaminated brake booster vacuum hose

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Reference pages list faulty vacuum hoses first, and the Ford Bronco bulletin names contamination in a booster vacuum line and a hose replacement.
    What would change this
    Rises if a leak test finds a leak or the hose is contaminated. Falls if the vacuum holds.
    How to test the vacuum hoses and intake leaks

  2. Leaking brake booster

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Reference pages list a leaking booster, and GM PIT5610 says to replace the booster on 2018 Enclave and Traverse if the vacuum system is working properly.
    What would change this
    Rises if the vacuum system holds but the booster leaks. Falls if the booster tests normal.

  3. Engine or brake control module calibration (GM 2016-2018, Ford Transit)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM 17NA401 (2016-2017 Malibu ECM) and 17-NA-342 (2018 Enclave and Traverse EBCM) cover software fixes, and the Chevy Vacuum page says to reprogram the ECM if no leak is found. Ford TSB 25-2268 ties the Transit code to ABS software. Summaries and one page were read.
    What would change this
    Rises if no leak is found on an affected vehicle. Falls if a leak is found.

  4. Booster internal diaphragm sealing (2021-2022 Ford Bronco 2.3L)

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Ford SSM 51201 mentions improper sealing of an internal diaphragm, but the summary is cut off so the repair is not confirmed.
    What would change this
    Rises on a Bronco with an intermittent firm pedal after long highway drives. Falls if the booster tests good.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Have the brakes and pedal feel checked, and note whether a red brake warning lamp is on.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:A hard brake pedal is a safety issue. Do not test it in traffic.

    • IfThe pedal is hard, the red brake lamp is on, or the car is slow to stop

      It meansDo not keep driving; have the car towed to a shop.

    • IfThe pedal feels normal and only the engine light is on

      It meansHave the vacuum system tested.

      Go to step 2

  2. A shop tests the brake vacuum supply and the booster for leaks.

    Best left to a shopTool: vacuum gauge

    Warning:Braking work is safety-critical; leave it to a shop.

  3. Ask a dealer whether the vehicle has an engine or brake module update for P050F.

    Low risk

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, sometimes with a brake assist or service brake message
  • Brake pedal feels firm or hard Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Red brake warning lamp (reported on Ford Bronco) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Vacuum hoses and intake leaks:The hose is often the cheaper repair; a shop should test first. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2021–2022 · Bronco

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 50314 and SSM 51201 pair P050F in the ABS module with a red brake lamp and a firm pedal on the 2.3L Bronco. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2022–2025 · Transit

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 25-2268 ties a brake warning lamp with P050F at high altitude to the ABS software level. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • SSM 50314Status unverified

    Red brake lamp with P050F and a firm pedal (2.3L)

    2021bronco · issued · NHTSA 10204041

    May be due to contamination in a booster vacuum line; replace the vacuum hose.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 51201Status unverified

    Red brake lamp with P050F, intermittent firm pedal after long highway drives (2.3L)

    2021–2022bronco · issued · NHTSA 10226759

    May be due to improper sealing of an internal diaphragm; the summary is cut off.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB 25-2268Status unverified

    Brake warning lamp at high altitude with P050F in the ABS module

    2022–2025transit · issued · NHTSA 11019661

    May be due to the ABS software level.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2018 · Traverse

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIT5610 and 17-NA-342 cover P050F on the 2018 Traverse and Enclave (check vacuum and replace the booster, or reprogram the EBCM). Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2016–2017 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM 17NA401 updates the ECM for P050F on the 2016-2017 Malibu. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • PIT5607Status unverified

    Service engine soon with P050F low vacuum

    2018equinox · issued · NHTSA 10129086

    Engineering is investigating; preliminary information only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5610 (CHEVROLET)Status unverified

    P050F, check the vacuum system and replace the booster if it is fine

    2018traverse · issued · NHTSA 10137498

    Check the vacuum system; if it works properly, replace the brake booster.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 17-NA-342 (CHEVROLET)Status unverified

    Service Brake Assist message at startup with P050F

    2018traverse · issued · NHTSA 10190319

    The EBCM calibration may not give the engine enough time to build vacuum; reprogram the EBCM.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 17NA401Status unverified

    ECM update for P050F weak brake booster vacuum

    2016–2017malibu · issued · NHTSA 10139240

    Update the ECM if P050F is set or in history.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P050F yet.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

P050F questions

Is it safe to drive with P050F?

Not if the brake pedal is hard or a red brake lamp is on. If only the engine light is on and the pedal feels normal, have it tested soon.

Is this a software problem?

Sometimes. GM and Ford have bulletins, but a shop should check the vacuum system and booster first.

Sources and review

  1. Ford bulletin SSM 50314: Red brake warning lamp with P050F in the ABS module and a firm pedal (2021 Bronco 2.3L) — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  2. GM bulletin PIT5610: Service engine soon lamp with P050F (2018 Enclave, Traverse) — GM (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  3. P050F fault code: Brake Assist Vacuum Too Low — TAT scan data code reference
  4. Chevy Vacuum (TSB summary) — Vehicle Service Pros ,
  5. GM bulletin 17NA401: ECM update for P050F weak brake booster vacuum (2016-2017 Malibu) — GM (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  6. GM bulletin 17-NA-342: Service Brake Assist message at startup with P050F (2018 Enclave, Traverse) — GM (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  7. Ford bulletin TSB 25-2268: Brake warning lamp at high altitude with P050F in the ABS module (2022-2025 Transit) — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  8. Ford bulletin SSM 51201: Red brake warning lamp with P050F and intermittent firm pedal after long highway drives (2021-2022 Bronco 2.3L) — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  9. GM bulletin PIT5607: Service engine soon with P050F low vacuum (2018 Equinox, Terrain) — GM (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.