1997 Ford Explorer: brake failure

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 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.

Filed Sep 15, 2005 · Brakes · MD · crash

1997 ford explorer developed two failures of the brake line.***no answer required***. *mr the consumers wife experienced a loss of brakes due to the failure of the brake line above the rear axle. The incident happened a second time, but there was no accident, both failures were caused by corrosion.

Filed Sep 3, 2005 · Brakes · 116,000 miles · NY

Brake failure leaving personnel residence (noted above). Rear steal brake line burst leaking brake fluid and de-mobilizing brake system (pedal went to the floor, stopped the vehicle with emergency brake). Leak was in the middle of the vehicle. Brake line between the rear axle and spare tire. Brake line was rusted away. Local repair shop replaced the line.

Filed Oct 8, 2004 · Brakes · IL · crash · 2 injuries

While driving brake failed completely. *bf there was no warning. *sc

Filed Sep 17, 2004 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

While driving on highway at 40 MPH brakes failed to stop vehicle when depressed. Vehicle stopped when it collided with another vehicle. Driver sustained bruises, cuts, and whip lash. Vehicle is currently with the insurance company awaiting a factory representative to investigate the brake failure.

Filed May 13, 2003 · Acceleration · 177,524 miles · CA

Safety complaint involving a stuck accelerator on a 97 ford explorer. The incident occurred on a county road, while traveling a 50 MPH, when a attempt was made to slow down the vehicle as it approached an intersection. After several attempts to apply brakes failed, I was able to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder and stop it by switching off the engine. Searching to find the source of the problem, I reached for the accelerator pedal, which was loose and subsequently dangled in my hand. The vehicle was towed to north county ford, vista ca., where it was revealed that"broken accelerator bracket welds" were the source of the problem. The car was then repaired at a cost of $132.89. On monday may 12 and again on tuesday may 13, I called ford motor co. Consumer service (800) 392-3673, to report what I believe is a safety defect in the vehicle and to request a reimbursement for the repair. I was told by the ford representatives that the "incident" would be reported to their engineering division, but since there were not any recalls on cases such as this, they would not cover the cost of repair. I certainly take exceptional to their finding and expressed my disagreement. Therefore, I request your agency to look into this incident as I feel there is a potential hazard to public safety and to help determine whether or not I am due reimbursement for the cost of the repair of this defect.

Filed Feb 1, 2001 · Brakes · MN

While driving about 20 MPH stepped on brakes pedal to stop, but brakes did not work, resulting in extended stoping distanc. This problem happened twice the same day.

Filed Sep 24, 2000 · Brakes · GA · crash

Was driving approximately 20mph through a construction zone. Applied brakes (ABS), and brake pedal went to the floor. Vehicle failed to stop. Rearended another vehicle. Air bags deployed.

Filed May 15, 2000 · Brakes · NY · crash · 1 injury

While applying the brakes to the floorboard vehicle continued to travel. As result of brake failure, consumer was in an accident. Air bags did not deploy, and driver sustained injuries. Please provide further information.

Filed Jun 30, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · KS

While driving at 45 MPH, applied brakes, and they went straight to the floorboard. Also, emergency brake didn't work at all, and consumer is having problems with the drive train.

Filed Jun 30, 1999 · Electrical · WI

While driving at 70 MPH computer shut down, causing the consumer to have no power/no steering and no brakes. Consumer had no prior warning.