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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,386 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Econoline brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Ford Econoline Owner Comments

problem #14

Jun 102009

Econoline 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Econoline. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact had to apply the brakes several times before they would engage. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer, when called, stated that the master cylinder may have needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 89,400. Updated 01/04/11 the consumer stated the master cylinder was replaced. However, that did not resolve the problem. The consumer was then informed the anti-lock brake block was bad. Updated 01/11/11.

- Harrison, MI, USA

problem #13

Jun 161999

Econoline

  • miles
Consumer stated that when applying the anti lock brakes at 40 mph the brakes will lock up causing the consumer to have a vehicle rollover. Dealer notified.

- Farmville, VA, USA

problem #12

Aug 022000

Econoline

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Was driving vehicle when another vehicle stopped short suddenly. Applied brakes (ABS) & brakes failed. Rearended other vehicles. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic changed master cylinder, but it did not solve problem. Brake pedal goes to the floor when ABS are pumping.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #11

Jan 282000

Econoline

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While making a turn at low speeds and applying the brakes in icy conditions, rear brakes became inoperable, resulting in a minor collision. Dealer has been notified.

- Kniles, MI, USA

problem #10

Oct 151999

Econoline

  • miles
Since we've had the van. The brakes have given us problems, and the dealer worked on the vehicle multiple times. It is evident that they had no clue how to fix the problem! the first major repair was done on 1/28/98 and 12362 miles.. the dealer has now been bought out by classic, and they have been no help at all!!! I've talked to other people with E-150S who report similar problems! I've replaced the rotors/calipers, shoes, and continue to have problems getting the vehicle antilock system to work properly!

- Geneva, OH, USA

problem #9

Sep 011998

Econoline

  • miles
Brake pedal needs to be pressed hard to bring vehicle to a stop. This results in extended stopping distance. Dealer notified on three occasions, and informed consumer that was normal condition of that type of vehicle. Seeking answers in this matter from NHTSA.

- Fountain Hills, AZ, USA

problem #8

Jan 201998

Econoline

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Anti lock brake system failed.

- Laguna Nig, CA, USA

problem #7

Oct 081998

Econoline

  • miles
The anti-lock brakes do not function properly. I noted the fist occurrence only, there have been 4 addional occurrences of the same problem. The anti-lock system engages, clamps hard one time and then releases. This leaves you free rolling until it decides to continue or you take your foot up and reapply the brakes. When it does continue on its own the steering wheel shakes violently.

- Roseville, MI, USA

problem #6

Sep 251998

Econoline

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Anti lock brakes experienced continued failures, one incident resulting in vehicle collision.

- Utica, MI, USA

problem #5

Dec 121997

Econoline

  • miles
Was coming to a stop brake pedal went to floor. No brakes. Was towed to service station. Mechanic said ABS brakes were not working. Towed to dealership. Brake pads replaced & rotors turned. Problem returned. Back at dealershp & rotors replaced. Problem still existed. Back again to dealer & calipers replaced. Was told things were fine. Took vehicle around corner & no brakes at all.

- Westminster, SC, USA

problem #4

Oct 271997

Econoline

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Going about 45-50mph when brakes locked up going down hill after being applied. Took to dealer & applied brakes which started smoking. Mechanic noticed. Second time brakes have been checked & replaced.

- Riegelsville, PA, USA

problem #3

Jan 161997

Econoline

  • miles
Whenever ABS brakes are applied, either on dry/damp pavement, vehicle would not slow down. It would suddenly pick up speed. Happens at low speed (30mph or less). Have taken to dealer & told could not locate problem.

- Pontiac, MI, USA

problem #2

May 231997

(reported on)

Econoline

  • miles
When applying brakes the vehicle shakes. The disc hbrakes ave been changed 2 times.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #1

Oct 151996

Econoline

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving and applying brakes to stop, the steering wheel shakes and car wanders. Vehicle has been for repair five times and the problem still exists.

- Forest Park, GA, USA

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