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1997 Ford F-150 brakes problems

231 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 25 crashes reported.

owner complaints
231
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
25
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    110
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    22
  • Foundation components
    21
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    13
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    13
  • Foundation components: disc
    10
  • Pedals and linkages
    6
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    5

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 F-150 brakes problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford F-150 brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 53Brake failure 51Grinding brakes 21Premature wear 8

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported September 25, 1996 · 1,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.
Risk
A loss of service braking can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect to verify that the retainer clips are installed and if clips are missing will install clips.

Recall number 96V184000 · Recall details

What 1997 Ford F-150 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Brakes · WV

on two occasions now while traversing a slight downgrade (approx 8-10mph) applied brake (per pedal) and vehicle failed to stop! (felt as though it was sliding) which it wasn't. continued to roll! after re-gaining composer and control of the vehicle (avoiding any collision) brake system returned to normal !!!!!!!!! different circumstances could have resulted in collision damage,injury perhaps loss of life!! would appreciate any feedback your engineers have to offer in the matter!! i purchased the vehicle in 1998 and currently displays 87!!! k miles.

Filed Apr 17, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leaked from the switched and the harness. It is not apparent that the switch is leaking until the harness connector is removed from the switch. The integrity of the brake system is compromised and the previous recall was for fires because of brake fluid in the wire harness. UPDATE 5/11/23 BRAKE SWITCH HARMESS RECALL 05S28 WAS REPLACED WITH A MITORCRAFT PART SW6350 AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTUING REFUND FOR PARTS FROM FORD.

Filed Oct 25, 2020 · Brakes · 184,000 miles · MS

1. Spontaneous brake failure. Pedal went to floor. 10-20-2020 2. Spontaneous skidding on wet pavement and loss of braking control. 2nd incident 0n 10-23-20.

Filed Jan 6, 2020 · Airbags, Brakes · 104,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

I was on my way to work the morning before thanksgiving. I shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear and the back tires hit a patch of water and I started fishtailing. I went off the road and hit a patch of oak trees. One head on. On impact, the seatbelt did not retract and I hit the steering wheel, the dash broke apart and the entire steering column moved with me and I hit the windshield. After hitting the windshield, then the airbag deployed. When the dash broke apart from the steering column moving, it cut my shin which required stitches. My knee hit around the emergency brake release which drove my femur into my hip fracturing it in 3 places which required 3 titanium plates and screws. I had an open fracture on my arm which was the head of my radius (elbow) broken off which had to be replaced with more titanium plates and screws. I broke the orbit over my left eye and sinus cavities behind it. I had stitches and staples in my forehead that will now leave me a scar for life. I spent 15 days in the hospital, I've missed a month and a half from work and don't know when I can go back, accumulated over$80,000.00 in medical bills, and I'm still in a wheelchair. All of these injuries are due to faulty seatbelts and airbags in a ford motor company's vehicle. The vehicle was bought brand new by my father and has been garage kept since it was bought in 1997. I work as a receptionist and office manager for a doctor's office. My face is the first one seen when patients come through the door. Now, it's mangled and scarred for life.

Filed Jun 11, 2014 · Brakes · 94,599 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that the brakes failed while reversing from a driveway. The emergency brake was applied and the vehicle came to a stop. The failure was contributed to a defective brake booster. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 94,599.

Filed Feb 19, 2013 · Brakes, Fuel system · 197,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was found that the gas tank rear strap corroded and separated from the gas tank. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that the rear brake line also failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 197,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2012 · Body, Brakes · 205,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the front driver's side of the frame fractured. The brake lines were broken and the vehicle lost braking ability. The contact stated that there was rust and corrosion on the surface of the frame, but there were no signs of cracks prior to the failure. The contact was concerned since the driver was almost involved in a crash. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for a diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was made aware and no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 205,000.

Filed May 16, 2012 · Brakes · 83,000 miles · TN

While attempting to remove corrosion locked rear wheels (rims locked to hubs) for balancing and rotating, while vehicle was supported on hydraulic lift, the main rear brake line failed. Vehicle was operated in south central ny state for 10 years. Vehicle has been mechanically inoperative since that time, though numerous new parts have been installed. The visibly corroded brake line failed during attempts to "coax" the corrosion locked rims from the wheels by applying lateral (90 degree) pressure to the sides of the pickup's bed, while the tires were in contact with the garage floor but with the vehicle still supported by the lift. Point of failure was just in front and above the rear axle. This was vehicle's 2nd brake line in less than one year, the first having occurred on the right front brake line just behind the caliper/wheel cylinder.

Filed Mar 23, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 150,000 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that after receiving notification of the federal safety agency campaign I.d. 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting) the contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated that the fuel straps were corroded. The dealer was unable to perform the recall remedy due to the severity of the corrosion on the fuel tank straps. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the recall repair and was advised that the manufacturer the fuel tank mount would have to be repaired at the contact's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. The consumer stated the frame bracket had rotted and the recall could not be performed. The consumer stated the vehicle has a slight hesitation, there was a noise when the gear was in drive, the brakes felt spongy, the brake line had to be replaced, as well as the brakes, calipers and hoses. Updated 04/17/12 updated 04/25/12*lj updated 05/02/12

Filed Dec 23, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 220,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that the spare tire cable, exhaust system manifold, fuel tank strap, brake line, bolts, erg valve, and the frame were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied to buy the vehicle back or provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 220,000 and the current mileage was 322,000.

Questions about the 1997 Ford F-150 brakes

Does the 1997 Ford F-150 have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 231 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford F-150, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford F-150 brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 96V184000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford F-150 have bad brakes?

The Ford F-150 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2013 (363 complaints), 2014 (346 complaints) and 2016 (341 complaints).

Other 1997 Ford F-150 problems

Engine 544Tires 303Fuel system 246Body 224Acceleration 221Suspension 203Steering 202Electrical 198Transmission 150Visibility 148Wheels 112Airbags 99Lights 56Seat belts 38Locks 14Seats 7Driver assistance 2

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