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8.4

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,692 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 Ranger brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Ford Ranger Owner Comments

problem #13

Apr 162001

Ranger 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

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

Multiple failures of front rotors- stepped on brakes- and pulses and shakes, removed tire to check rotors- rotor cracked- same scenario each time- pass side 1st time 30K (August 1999), 2nd time 48K(April 2001), 3rd time 58K, pads failed- replaced Nov 2001, and Jan 2002- replaced caliper and pads.- now has 84K and so far ok. 1st time changed by Ford under warranty- 2nd time 18 months later- Ford dealer charged $600 + for new rotors- 3rd and 4th time I changed - along with caliper -each time dealer asked to check to make sure that whatever is causing the rotor to fail- please correct- each time they say - just a bad rotor----and when the 48K failure occured- Ford claimed to not have a record of the repair- though it was done under warranty-finally after the 3rd failure- figured it made more sense to fix it myself- rather than pay a dealer $650, and have it fail again in 18000 miles.

- Parker, CO, USA

problem #12

Sep 012001

Ranger

  • miles
When applying brakes vehicle will start to shake and make noise, has had rotors replaced once already. Contacted dealer.

- Bostan, MA, USA

problem #11

Oct 222000

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles
Consumer would hear a thumping noise when braking, a mechanic found that the outer disc of the right front rotor had a large crack which caused rubbing against the brake pads.

- Wolfeboro, NH, USA

problem #10

Oct 222000

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles

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

Consumer would hear a thumping noise when braking, a mechanic found that the outer disc of the right front rotor had a large crack which caused rubbing against the brake pads.

- Wolfeboro, NH, USA

problem #9

Sep 012000

Ranger 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
After wheels were taken off for tire recall with Firestone, a crack was discovered in the right front brake rotor. About six weeks ago driver did hear a thumping sounds coming from under the truck due to the brake rotor. Brake rotor was replaced at owner experienced.

- Wolfeboro, NH, USA

problem #8

Jul 032000

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles
Truck was taken to a brake shop for inspection. Upon inspection, mechanic noticed that brake rotors were disintegrating. But, brakes pads were fine. Truck mileage was 36,000.

- Monson, MA, USA

problem #7

Sep 051999

Ranger

  • miles

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

Left front rotor. Cracked all the way through. With numerous other partial thickness cracks. Rotor in good shape

- Running Springs, CA, USA

problem #6

Sep 011999

Ranger 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving and applying the brakes, pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Also, front left brake rotor cracked, causing brakes to pulsate.

- South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA

problem #5

Jun 061999

Ranger

  • miles
Within 36,000 miles the left front brake rotor cracked, less than 3,000 miles later the right front brake rotor cracked. The first rotor was replaced by the dealership under warranty. The second one was replaced at owner's expense.

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #4

May 011999

Ranger 4WD

  • miles
Front, left rotors cracked all the way through. Never been turned before. Still in really good shape per Firestone repair. Sent letter to Ford. No response. Also had to payed for anti-lock brake rotors ever though no anti-lock brakes because that is how it was built. Out of warranty but this is clearly a defect that could has caused accident. Firestone quoted that they never saw this happen.

- Charlton, MA, USA

problem #3

Jul 011997

Ranger 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Vehicle pulling due to failed of the pads and rotors.

- Evanston, IL, USA

problem #2

Aug 171998

Ranger

  • miles
Vehicle experiences vibration/pulsation coming from the brakes due to rotors consistently warping. Dealer contacted twice, and cannot duplicate the problem which still occurs.

- Williamsburg, OH, USA

problem #1

Aug 061998

Ranger

  • miles
When consummer steps on the brakes pedal to stop vehicle he can feel a vibration on entire vehicle. Dealer had explained to consumer that there was a problem with the rotors. Consumer said the first time it happened was at 15000 miles, and the second time at 24000.

- Cambria, CA, USA

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