1997 Ford Explorer brakes problems

Filed May 3, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 147,000 miles · WY

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, the contact was unable to drive in 4 wheel drive. The contact stated the check gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the front drive shaft, the control arms, the front oxygen sensor, and the front and rear brakes needing to be replaced. The control arms were replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2015 · Brakes · 228,226 miles · SC · crash

With no warning or hint of anything going wrong on the brake system, as traffic slowed to stop for a light, the brakes went completely out on my ford explorer. The pedal went to the floor and pumping had no effect. I was in mid day traffic and had almost 2 car lengths between myself and the SUV in front of me, which unfortunately, was what stopped me. Thankfully, I was only going 20 MPH and no one was hurt nor did air bags deploy. After the police arrived and had us pull into a parking lot, the pedal felt like it had the brakes back however, the brake pedal went to the floor after cranking up. I was able to stop from rolling out the other side of a parking space in the back of the lot by using the emergency brakes. Even though the truck has shows high mileage,most of which is highway miles, the truck as been maintained. I had the truck towed to the shop and two mechanics could find nothing wrong. I had the master cylinder and booster was changed even though I was assured it was fine. That seemed to help my peace of mind for about a week until I was stopped at a light and the brake pedal eased down to the floor. I ran an internet search to see if anyone else has had this problem and surprised to see it seems to be a common problem with explorer. I'm sure everyone who mentioned having this problem has not reported it that should have.

Filed Feb 19, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · WI · fire

We were lucky this time, we had the explorer in the shop and I got a call from the lead tech that stated while the were servicing the brakes no less than 3 lines rotted through, but*** the antilock controller sprung a leak and sprayed fluid all over the hot engine causing a small fire!!! No damage but we were lucky...

Filed Mar 27, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 158,143 miles · TX · fire

About a mile from an intersection I noticed the check engine light turned on. Approaching the traffic light my brake pedal had lost pressure and went to the floor. I had to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop. I noticed some smoke coming from the driver side of the hood but thought it might be from the old pickup truck next to me. The light turned green and the vehicle "sputtered" suffering a loss of horse power but I was able to drive the car about 150 yards and coasted into a gas station where I parked at the far end away from the pumps. At this time I noticed more smoke and flames coming from the driver side of the hood so I went inside to ask for a fire extinguisher but the cashier said he had none. I then asked to him dial 911 because my vehicle was on fire. I went back to my vehicle and removed some paperwork from the seat and waited for help to arrive. I just had the vehicle serviced by covert ford on march 16, 2011 for the factory recall of the speed control deactivation switch, (brake pressure switch) which is what I believe cause the fire. I believe that when I had to pump my brakes to stop the vehicle the brake fluid was leaking onto the exhaust manifold. According to the fire officials at the scene there was no way to determine the point of origin of the fire but the damaged area is right below the brake master cylinder. (I have pictures and video). Thank god there was no other damage to property or lives. I only had liability coverage so I signed the title over to the tow truck driver and lost my transportation. I bought the vehicle on april 19, 1999, took care of it for almost 12 years without incident and a week after having it serviced for a fire safety issue, it caught fire and burned. I put about 100 miles on it after it was serviced by the dealer before the fire began.

Filed Sep 11, 2010 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · NJ

Ford 1997 explorer brake line failed. On my car last year and my friends this year. Dangerous.

Filed Jan 21, 2010 · Brakes · 13,500 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. While driving 25 MPH she heard grinding and clicking noise when she applied the brakes. Her mechanic replaced the brake pads and stated that they were worn. The failure mileage was 13,500 and the current mileage was 137,002.

Filed Jan 5, 2010 · Brakes · 67,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. He stated that in 2004 while the vehicle was parked he noticed transmission fluid leaking from the vehicle at 50,000 miles. A local mechanic stated that the brake lines were corroded. The mechanic replaced the brake line system for $880.00. In december of 2009, while driving the vehicle he noticed that the rear brakes were failing off of the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the rear brake line was corroded. The rear brake line was replaced for $135 00. The manufacturer took a report, but no assistance or call back was offered. The current and the failure mileage was 83,000. Updated 2/17/10

Filed May 5, 2008 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · GA · fire

My wife was driving our 1997 ford explorer when she saw white smoke come from under the hood. She was parked in mcdonald's parking lot. She called me telling me there was smoke coming from under the hood. I asked her if there was liquid running from the car and she said yes. It was clear and on the drives side. The next thing I heard was the truck was on fire. When I got to the body shop to see what the damages were I found the master cylinder completely melted away and the wire harness burnt. The vehicle is a total loss.

Filed Aug 2, 2007 · Brakes · 69,304 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. While driving 40 MPH, the contact lifted the emergency brake and the handle failed. No warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that release it would cost $280 to repair the handle. The current mileage was 83,000 and failure mileage was 69,304. Updated 02-01-08. *kb updated 02/01/08

Filed Aug 23, 2006 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · NJ

Brakes failed while backing up due to a hole rusted in the rear steel brake line that runs from the left rear wheel caliper to the right rear caliper. Lost all braking. Towed to ford dealer for service where brake line was replaced. Told by service manager problem is not uncommon. This is on a 1997 ford explorer with only 60,000 miles. I have the old brake line ,which has minimal surface rust except for the center area that is held by a retaining clip to the top of the differential housing. I feel this is not a normal event and is not acceptable and was surprised to be told this failure is not uncommon! I had to spend $283.00 plus a towing fee to have a problem corrected, that I feel is a premature failure. I at first expected to find a blown caliper or a brake hose split, not a rusted out brake line. I do have the old brake line in my possession.