1998 Ford Ranger: brake failure

Filed Jul 15, 2015 · Brakes · 214,299 miles · GA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford ranger. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brakes failed while depressing the pedal multiple times. The vehicle finally came to a stop. The failure recurred and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 214,299.

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Brakes · 83,000 miles · NY

My 1998 ford ranger xlt so far had 2 complete brake failures due to corroded brake lines. This is a systemic problem caused by the spiral protection of the brake lines which keeps the humidity trapped and thus corrodes the lines. When this happens, brake fluid is leaking out when the pedal is pushed down yet no brake function is experienced. As this problem has a clear technical reason in the form of the brake lines, it is systemic in all such vehicles. This has been confirmed by my car mechanic shop which is frequently repairing ford vehicles with this problem. The problem has no early warning indication and is not detected by the yearly inspection.

Filed Mar 25, 2009 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · CA

Everytime I press my brake pedal, there is a grinding/pulsating and the vehicle slowly "skids" to a stop, usually only 10-15 feet after I intended on stopping. Less than one (1) year ago, the brakes went out on my 1998 ford ranger. The mechanic told me that the ABS on the vehicle is where the problem was occurring, yet he didn't know how to fix it. He said the unnecessary pressure being applied by the ABS system caused my master cylinder's seals to crack. I paid over $400 for all brake repairs. Ten (10) months later, I'm driving on a freeway at 60 m.p.h. And my exit is approaching. When attempting to stop, I was again left with no brakes. I narrowly avoided a major accident. Thankfully I had the sense of mind to push my emergency brake (which is awkwardly located on a pick-up truck) and avoid a numerous car pile-up on a busy los angeles freeway. I took the vehicle to a new mechanic as well as a pep boys auto center, and was told that the master cylinder's seals were again cracked, and charged over $400 for the same repairs as before. I've searched numerous online forums, and spoken to numerous mechanics and ford ranger owners and every single one of them is very familiar with the problem and has faced near-death situations due to this manufacturing error. I would really appreciate a recall as it's the only one to assure the problem is fixed and the safety of others on the road (as the brakes will no longer work without any warning).

Filed Sep 25, 2002 · Acceleration · KS

Consumer was pulling into a parking space and attempted to depress brake pedal. Due to the accelerator pedal's position and proximity to the brake pedal, the consumer depressed the accelerator pedal also, resulting in a collision. *ak consumer stated that while attempting to depress brake, the pedal goes to the floor and there is foot contact with the accelerator pedal at the same time.

Filed Feb 17, 2000 · Brakes · CA

When traveling at 5-10 MPH and upon depressing brake pedal to make a normal stop, brake pedal went to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jul 8, 1999 · Brakes · GA

When the brakes are applied in a panic stop brake pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

Filed Mar 11, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · NE

Load 'squeal' heard when releasing clutch pedal between 1st-2nd, 2nd-3rd, 2wd & 4x4 high. Will be serviced for the 3rd time march 1999. First two inspections resulted in replacement of pressure plate(2) and flywheel (1).rear drum brakes failed to release after emergency lever pulled. Owner had to apply unacceptable gas pedal pressure to move vehilce, resulting in a loud 'clunk' when drum brakes finally released.

Filed Jan 21, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · IL

When applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor ,the driver tried to pump the brakes, but vehicle kept going. Owner had to use emergency brakes to stop the vehicle. Dealer said the axle bent, causing the brakes to go out.

Filed Nov 10, 1998 · Airbags, Brakes · CA · crash

The consumer experienced problems with anti- lock brakes and airbag. During an accidentanti-lock brakes failed to work. When the consumer applied their brakes, the pedal went to the floorboard. In addition, driver's and passenger's side airbags failed to deploy. The manufacturer has been contacted.

Filed Jul 1, 1998 · WA

Wrong wrench supplied with the vehicle, using improper torque wrench to tighten lug nuts could lead to warping of the rotor/pads in the front wheel thus resulting in brake failure.