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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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

problem #6

Aug 222001

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

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

Brakes would make a groaning sound and pedal would vibrate when applying brakes. Vehicle was taken to dealer shop, and had both front caliper and pads replaced. But, still making noise. Vehicle was returned to dealer shop. Dealer informed consumer that ABS sensor needed to be replaced. Seeking assistance from NHTSA, is it normal wear for this part to go out under 40,000 miles.

- Holland, MI, USA

problem #5

Jul 172001

Explorer

  • miles
Failed annual veh.inspection due to defective front brakes. Cause of failure extremely heavy rust in hub area that spread onto the outside rotor surface heavily damaging the rotor surface and brake pad. This was not a wear & tear situation as the inside pad and rotor were not damaged & showed no abnormal wear. Mechanic reported seing this problem on a number of low-mileage Ford Explorer. He felt that this amount of rust was due to a defective casting.

- Glen Rock, PA, USA

problem #4

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 #3

Mar 271999

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Vehicle experienced front end vibration. Problem occurred at take off or slow down speed. Been inspected by three different dealers, and informed that nothing could be found. Also resurfaced front brake rotors and pads.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #2

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 #1

Dec 231998

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
The brake pedal is too close to the accelerator pedal. In a panic stop situation, the drivers foot will depress the brake pedal fully and at the same time open the throttle over halfway, engine revs to nearly 3,000 RPM. I have nearly wrecked this truck on five different occasions. If one is a right foot heel and toe brake operator with a normal size adult shoe, this serious problem will happen. This has occurred since the vehicle was brand new.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

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