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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
15 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 1
Average Mileage:
6,319 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 Explorer brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

Jul 222000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

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

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Passaic, NJ, USA

problem #23

Jul 122000

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving about 70 mph vehicle start vibrating. Then, felt a pop on the tire where the ABS light come on, and consumer kept control of vehicle with Firestone tires. Firestone Wilderness AT P235/75/R15

- Pearl River, LA, USA

problem #22

May 152000

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
While applying the brakes to the floorboard vehicle continued to travel. As result of brake failure, consumer was in an accident. Air bags did not deploy, and driver sustained injuries.

- Whitestone, NY, USA

problem #21

Feb 112000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

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

Rear brakes are shot and the seat handle is broken. My dealer says that vehicle is not cover under my extended warranty. But, there is a tsb # 98-25-15 for the seat handle, and I can't believe that my brakes or rear rotors are warped. Already they did replacethe front ones and they should have done the rear at the same time but they did not. Now I am the one who has to suffer because of them. This should be a warranty item taht all there is to it. Hope I here from some one but I dought it.

- Owosso, IA, USA

problem #20

Nov 201999

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The brakes system failed to stop the truck going at only 30 mph as I approched a stop sign. I went right through the stop sign.immediatly after pulling over I applied the brakes again to check them and they worked fine.the dealer could not find anything wrong with the brake system.,other than to have the pads and shoes replaced because they were getting worn low.however I dont believe the problem of not being able to stop the vehicle was due to the brake pads or shoes but possible with the ABS system or its components because the brakes all of a sudden didn't work and then worked again immediatly thereafter.the brake pedal did not go all the way to the floor as if fluid was lost and there was no grinding from the pads or shoes because they were not that low.the brakes just failed temporarily and luckly I was not in an accident but am afraid that if happens again I may not be so luck next time.

- Spencer, MA, USA

problem #19

Oct 261999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Emergency parking brake doesn't engage when pushing all the way to the floor. The brakes are hard, but will slip out. Dealership has been notified.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #18

Oct 051999

Explorer

  • miles

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

When brakes were applied the pedal collapsed, causing an extended stopping distance. Dealer has repaired the vehicle.

- Lake, MI, USA

problem #17

Sep 021999

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
While consumer was driving and another vechicle hit him from the right side. Consumer lost control because the brakes wouldn't hold. The car took him onto front steps of someone's house.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #16

Jan 011999

Explorer

  • miles
Ongoing / intermittent problem with front brakes locking up whenever vehicle makes a turn, and on three occasions vehicle would suddenly accelerate while at a stop position. Vehicle been inspected by dealer, and nothing could be founded. Can NHTSA help in this matter.

- Louisville, TX, USA

problem #15

Jun 211999

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was traveling at 40 mph and upon depressing brake pedal vehicle continued to accelerate to 70 mph, causing extended stopping distance and unwanted speed. Consumer therefore had to place the vehicle in park to stop the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, consumer awaiting service from manufacturer.

- Deer Park, IL, USA

problem #14

Nov 011998

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

While drving at 35mph and coming to a light consumer tried to stop. Vehicle had enough time to stop, the pedal was normal and gave no signs of a problem. However, consumer hit vehicle in front. Dealer has been contacted.

- Peewee Valley, KY, USA

problem #13

Jun 111998

Explorer

  • miles
The ABS light continues to go on and off, and from time to time driver feels a small vibration.

- Martinsville, VA, USA

problem #12

Nov 121996

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes: Brakes make squeaky noise, pads and rotors are wearing excessively. Had pads and rotors replaced within a years time.

- Flushing, NY, USA

problem #11

Nov 151998

Explorer

  • miles
Consumer has been experiencing some problems with anti-lock brakes. When applying brakes, vehicle accelerated. The manufacturer has been contacted.

- Decatur, IL, USA

problem #10

Aug 111998

Explorer

  • miles
When brakes were applied in a panic stop the pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, causing a collision. Driver sustained minor injuries.

- Fountain Valley, CA, USA

problem #9

Jul 181998

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Vehicle does not stop when the ABS brakes are applied. Also, there is extended stopping distance. The dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #8

Mar 131998

Explorer

  • miles
Started applying brakes after going 30mph. Vehicle did not slow down or stop. Rearended several vehicles. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy. Left front wheel came off. Prior to impact, cv joint made knocking noise when turning. Took to dealer twice for knocking noise.

- Plantation, FL, USA

problem #7

Jan 091998

Explorer

  • miles
Consumer experienced brake failure when he began to apply brakes, the throttle will go up and the brakes will go flat, consumer was then sitting with his foot on the brakes doing 2000 RPM's, after coming to a complete stop. When he moves his foot the throttle goes down. Consumer has had a number of close calls, he has taken vehicle to dealer six recorded times, and many times unrecorded. Dealership--neill sandler--Ford, Lincoln, Mercury--of 3699 airport highway, alcoa, tn.--423-970-2500.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #6

Sep 241997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes failed intermittently.

- White City, OR, USA

problem #5

Aug 011997

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving applied the brakes and the vehicle would not stop, causing the vehicle to hit another vehicle.

- Houston, TX, USA

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