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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
108,450 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 F-150 brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Ford F-150 Owner Comments

problem #8

Oct 282023

F-150

  • miles

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

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.

- Parkersburg, WV, USA

problem #7

Apr 012023

F-150 8-cyl

  • miles
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.

- San Antonio , TX, USA

problem #6

Oct 202020

F-150

  • 184,000 miles
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.

- Lumberton, MS, USA

problem #5

Nov 272019

F-150

  • 104,000 miles

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

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 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.

- Milton, FL, USA

problem #4

Jun 042014

F-150

  • 94,599 miles
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.

- Mayfield, NY, USA

problem #3

Feb 082013

F-150

  • 197,000 miles
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 NHTSA 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.

- Manhattan , KS, USA

problem #2

Jun 152012

F-150

  • 205,000 miles
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.

- Cumberland, OH, USA

problem #1

Jan 232009

F-150

  • 83,000 miles
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.

- Germantown, TN, USA

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