2000 Ford Explorer: brake failure

Filed Feb 10, 2012 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · NJ

We have a 2000 ford explorer bought new from holman ford. The rear metal brake line that is mounted on the rear axle, connecting both rear brakes failed while driving on rte 42 in new jersey. The SUV was slowed down by driving on the median strip of the highway. This incident occurred at the height of morning rush hour. Upon inspection of the brake line, it was found that the line "rusted" through, letting brake fluid to rapidly spray out when the brakes were applied. The brake line is mounted to the rear axle by metal clips attached to the rear axle. At the center of the rear axle, the brake line failed, where it is fastened to the clip. The brake line is mounted this way by ford. After many attempts to buy a new oem brake line from ford, ford informed me that the part was discontinued. And for holman ford, I will never by a car or anything from this dealership!! This is a major safety hazard.

Filed Sep 10, 2010 · Brakes · 78,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. While driving approximately 15-20 MPH he engaged the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of him and the brake pedal went to the floor. He engaged the brakes a second time and there were no brakes. He shifted into first gear in order to avoid a crash. He stated that using the shifter slowed the vehicle down in time for the other vehicle to move out of the way. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and he was advised that the brake line was damaged by rust. The approximate failure and current mileages were 78,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2004 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · NY

My brakes failed at a low rate of speed. I was driving my infant to day care at about 45 miles an hour. A car in front of me made a stop so I hit my brakes to slow down and nothing happened. The explorer would not slow down. No ABS light, ,no loss of pedal,no vibration,nothing. I pumped the brake pedal and still nothing. I had to go into oncoming traffic and make a very sharp turn onto a side rd to avoid hitting the car in front of me. Because of this I almost hit an on coming car. After a few minutes the brake seemed fine again. I have heard of people having this problem before and to my knowledge, no cause has yet been found. Please look into this.

Filed Jul 9, 2002 · Brakes · MI

The brake booster fails intermittently and causes an approximate 90% loss of braking power. The pedal is high and firm but no braking power. The effect is the same as when the brakes are pumped with the engine off causing a loss of vacuum and power assist. It does no occur when the dealer service tested the vehicle so no fix as yet.

Filed May 31, 2002 · Brakes · PA · crash · 1 injury

On 12/4/01 traveling approximately 55 MPH when I had to suddenly brake for a suddenly stopped car in front of me. I pressed the brake and no ABS deployed thus causing me to hit the car in front of me at near full speed. Upon impact of my front end with rearend of other car, my truck sustained major damage to the entire front end, including fender, punctured radiator, compressed both side panels, folded hood. It was not driveable at the time of the accident and had to be towed. The anti-lock brakes did not work and no air bag was deployed. I have sustained physical injuries related to failure of these two safety devices. The mechanic states the airbag sensor was smashed in accident. The dealer states my brakes were fully functioning. After I received my repaired truck, the anti-lock brakes did not work. I brought it back to the dealer they said they did work, I must be mistaken. I picked the truck up and I suddenly had anti-lock brakes.

Filed Sep 28, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · IN

Front end shakes and the vehicle floats. Vehicle wanders in between lanes. Dealer replaced front shocks, but the loose feeling is still there.*ak the vehicle was vibrating due to bent rim. The brake failed at 6000 miles. There was engine noise and the cause was not known. The tires were on recall and were replaced by firestone. The shcock absorbers also failed.

Filed Dec 26, 2000 · Brakes · AL

While traveling 70 MPH vehicles in front of consumer stopped suddenly. When consumer stepped on brake pedal it responded normally, but ABS brakes locked up, vehicle skidded, and eventually came to a stop. No accident or injuries occurred. 5 passengers were in vehicle at time of incident.no prior warnings. *ak after the first incident, the brakes failed but worked properly when applied again.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Electrical · CA

While driving at normal speed vehicle died, no steering/ no brakes. Consumer was almost killed.

Filed Oct 17, 2000 · Brakes · NJ · crash

When applying brakes brake light came on indicating a malfunction within the system ,pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision due to a defect in the front left brake caliper. Please give any further details.

Filed Sep 6, 2000 · Brakes, Visibility · GA

Brakes failed on more than one occasion. Took to dealer on sep.4 told on the 5th that nothing was wrong with them. I beg to differ because I didn't stop when I applied my brakes. Rear windshield wiper moter is already out and had to be replaced. The front seat tracks also need to be replaced because they don't stay latched or they will not come up when you try to get them to. I was told the tires on my truck were fine, but I have a piece of the tire missing. I went on a trip to tenn. And it was 100+ degrees. We were stuck in traffic for over an hour. When we started traveling on the interstate again I had a horrible vibration in my truck while driving at 60 MPH.( dot number: 8hxl tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Nov 26, 1999 · Brakes · GA · crash

When the brakes were applied in a panic stop the pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping which caused a minor collision. Dealer has inspected and will repair the vehicle. 8ak