Hydraulic line to rear brake failed (ruptured) causing immediate release of brake fluid underneath driver front floor pan at location of interest mentioned in recall/"safety improvement program". Owner was not contacted regarding notice which includes inspection of brake lines, replacement of clips (to avoid wear) and possible replacement of brake line and bleeding if needed.
1997 Ford Crown Victoria brakes problems
57 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 57
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings34
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip5
- Power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
- Foundation components: master cylinder2
- Foundation components: disc2
- Foundation components2
- Conventional2
- Power assist1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ford Crown Victoria brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line may chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak may occur.
- Risk
- The brake pedal may develop a "spongy" feel and drops of brake fluid may be observed beneath the vehicle. Over time brake performance may be compromised and stopping distances could be extended which could lead to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the subject vehicles for contact between the brake tube and floor pan stiffening rib. If contact is evident, but no abrasion or leaks exist, the brake tube will be repositioned to preclude further contact and potential abrasion. If indication of abrasion or a leak is evident, dealers will repair the brake line. This campaign began on july 15, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 05V086000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Rear brake line failure
In a letter dated february 25, 2005, ford motor company (ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 ford crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after march 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear brake line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi?s analysis showed higher complaint and warranty rates related to rear brake line failures in this population than in other subject vehicles and peer mid-sized passenger cars that were evaluated during the investigation.vehicles involved in ford?s program will have the rear brake lines inspected for contact with the floor pan stiffing rib.if there is contact, but no abrasion or leakage, the brake lines will be repositioned.if there is abrasion or a leak is evident the brake line will be repaired.if necessary, both of the rear brake lines will be replaced. Though ford does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise because the insufficient clearance in the routing of those brake lines may result in leaks in those lines that may result in increased stopping distances.odi is designating the campaign a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall no. 05v‑086).because of the low rates of brake line failures in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA03012
Rear brake line failure
Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.
RQ03004
What 1997 Ford Crown Victoria owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford crown victoria that is equipped with a police interceptor. While driving approximately 2-3 MPH the brakes failed. She applied pressure to the brakes in order to stop the vehicle but it did not stop. When the vehicle did stop in the middle of the street it had to be pushed onto the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised her of recall 98i001000, service brakes, hydraulic foundation, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. She called the manufacturer and the dealer who advised her that her vehicle was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. The pre-owned vehicle was purchased in january 2005. The failure and current mileages were approximately 167,000.
Steel brake line on 1997 ford crown victoria rusted out. Brake fluid leaked out making the brakes inoperative. Had repairs done at local mechanic who said this is a frequent occurrence. This is definitely a safety issue.
Tl*the contact's son owns a 1997 ford crown victoria. The vehicle caught on fire under the hood while parked. The owner of the vehicle noticed smoke filling up inside of the vehicle, then lifted the hood and flames began to rise. The wires to the master cylinder and brakes were damaged. The contact notified ford and they stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle and that it was out of warranty. However, there were recalls for trucks of that line. The vehicle is currently at the ford dealer. The power train and mileage information were unknown.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 1997 ford crown victoria at 45 MPH and coming to a stop light the brake pedal was almost to the floor slowing the vehicle down. , then the front brakes engaged and stopped the vehicle. The contact looked into the rearview mirror and noticed fluid on the ground behind the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle home and later took the vehicle in to be repaired. The mechanic stated that brake line rotted.
Metal hydraulic brake lines corroded and leaking to loss of brake lines to be replaced.
I experienced the failure of both front hydraulic brake system and rear hydraulic brake system due to corroded(rusted) brake line (piping) within one year. I also experienced fuel tank failure due to rust at tank seam at approximately the same time. Tank failed 11/30/03, front brake system failure 03/16/04, rear brake system failure 12/04, both due to piping rust out.
Your agency has contacted me twice, concerning a brake failure on my 1997 ford crown victoria. I have located the defective brake line that you inquired about, the piece that was cut out for the repairs. This number may be associated with my compliant ea03012. I just can not remember the gentlemans name that first called me. Later an attorney called representing herself as being with your agency. Please contact me again.
On 10-24-04 our vehicle had this problem as descriped on your website. Ford refuses to cover. Make: ford model: crown victoria type: any year: 1997 recall number: 98i001000 summary: this is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Ford is initiating an owner notification program for owners of certain 1995-1997 crown victoria model vehicles with police, taxi, and commercial fleet packages and town car vehicles with the livery package. These vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the brake line and the underbody front floor pan assembly which could cause wear of the brake lines. Consequence: this could lead to brake fluid loss for the rear brakes and, potentially, increased stopping distances. Remedy: dealers will inspect the brake lines for wear, install two new tube bundle clips, and check the brake lines for proper clearances. If the brake lines are worn, the damaged section of the brake line will be replaced. Notes: note: ford has decided to conduct a safety improvement service campaign to inspect the brake lines without charge. Owners can contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Http://www-sa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm.
While driving 20-25 MPH consumer depressed the brake pedal and it descended to the floorboard, resulting in extended stopping distance. Once the vehicle was serviced, and technician determined that the brake line wore out, causing master cylinder to lose brake fluid.
Questions about the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria brakes
Does the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 57 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, 20% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Crown Victoria brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 05V086000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Crown Victoria have bad brakes?
The Ford Crown Victoria model years with the most brakes complaints are 1992 (74 complaints), 1997 (57 complaints) and 1995 (33 complaints).
Other 1997 Ford Crown Victoria problems
Engine 85Suspension 45Fuel system 29Acceleration 23Electrical 14Steering 11Visibility 11Lights 10Body 8Transmission 7Locks 3Seats 3Tires 3Airbags 2Seat belts 2Wheels 2
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