1998 Ford Explorer: brake failure

Filed Oct 10, 2008 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · NJ · crash

1998 ford explorer had brake failure due to the brake fluid eating through the metal. *nj when the brakes failed, the consumer hit another vehicle. The brake line was made of metal and had a hole in it.

Filed Dec 10, 2007 · Brakes · 162,550 miles · CA · crash

I put on the brakes and the pedal simply chattered like the anti lock brake mechanism was working. However, even when I let off and lightly hit the pedal again for 3 separate times the brakes did not work and only chattered. I ran into a tree to avoid a hitting another car and some pedestrians which wrecked my front end, right fender, right door, hood and other parts on the right.

Filed Apr 29, 2004 · Brakes · 23,500 miles · WA · crash

While driving down a hill, the driver applied the brakes. The pedal went to the floor and continued to pick up speed. The driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. Both frontal air bags did deploy. The driver was not hurt. The vehicle was totaled. *nm the hill was approximately 2 1/2 blocks and the consumer would normally drive down the hill with the brakes applied. *sc

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 71,000 miles · GA · crash · 3 injuries

While driving at night the interior and exterior lighting shut off which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The rear end of the vehicle began to fish-tail and the vehicle rolled over twice. *nm all systems including the antilock brakes failed. The accident was a result of multiple system failures.

Filed May 1, 2001 · Brakes · WI

Master cylinder failed, causing loss of brakes, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Brakes · IL · crash

Was braking to slow down to come to a stop, and a semi trailer had slammed on brakes suddenly. Driver of explorer slammed on brakes, pedal was hard, and would not move. Had no brakes, and rearended semi trailer. Brakes returned to normal after vehicle was moved to side of road.

Filed Nov 20, 2000 · Brakes · PA

Brakes failed while in parking lot without warning due to failure of brake master cylinder. *ak consumer states that vehicle is serviced every 3500 miles.

Filed Oct 18, 2000 · Brakes · AZ

I have already reported the tire failure that I will refer to, and would like to report the behavior of the brakes. When driving at 65 to 70 MPH, the cruise control was set, and we were going down a moderate grade when the left front tire blew out. I maintained directional control and attempted to apply moderate braking. The brake pedal remained firm, but I got no brake effectivness (not reduced brakeing -- zero brakes!) so I stepped harder on the brakes and still there was no deceleration -- no brakes at all, in fact, because we were going down hill, I cannot even be certian that the cruise control switched off. Assuming that the lack of brakes had to be related to the ABS malfunctioning, I took all pressure off the brake pedal and switched off the ignition switch, then I reapplied gentle pressure to the brakes and the brakes worked normally. To recap: after the tire blew, I had no brakes with the engine running, after switching off the ignition switch the brakes worked normally. I estimate that 3 to 5 seconds elapsed from when the blow out occured to when I switched off the ignition. When I got the vehicke stopped on the shoulded of the road there was very little left of the tire and there was substantial damage to the outer bead of the wheel rim. No other damage to the vehicle was evident, and after installing the spare tire the brakes functioned normally. Several days later the local ford dealer checked the brakes and ABS and found it to be normal. I told the service representative about the brake problem, and he told me that the problem I described couldn't have happened. I assure you -- it happened as I have described. (dot number: vdlhip4447 tiresize: p235/75r15)

Filed Aug 22, 2000 · Brakes, Tires · FL

Consumer was traveling on highway on march 29, there was an intermittent problem with ABS brake system. She was approaching red light, and when she went to apply brakes, brake pedal went all the way to the floor. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership, and problem couldn't be duplicated. Brakes felt like a sponge, and consumer was forced to put vehicle in park, and use emergency brake to stop.*ak consumer states firestone tires dot w2hl, tires make thumping noises and firestone dealer will not replace tires because they are not on recall.

Filed Dec 27, 1999 · Brakes · SC

While driving on the highway came up on a red light, went to apply brakes and brakes failed to respond. Contacted dealer and manufacturer, out of warranty.

Filed Sep 17, 1999 · Brakes · PA

When applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor and vehicle went part of the way into an intersection. Dealer has not seen vehicle.

Filed Sep 9, 1999 · Acceleration · TX · 1 injury

Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration resulting in collision due to locked steering and loss of braking ability during acceleration.