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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,500 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

Dec 012004

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. He stated that in 2004 while the vehicle was parked he noticed transmission fluid leaking from the vehicle at 50,000 miles. A local mechanic stated that the brake lines were corroded. The mechanic replaced the brake line system for $880. In December of 2009, while driving the vehicle he noticed that the rear brakes were failing off of the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the rear brake line was corroded. The rear brake line was replaced for $135 00. The manufacturer took a report, but no assistance or call back was offered. The current and the failure mileage was 83,000. Updated 2/17/10

- Upper Saddle River , NJ, USA

problem #5

Aug 192006

Explorer 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
Brakes failed while backing up due to a hole rusted in the rear steel brake line that runs from the left rear wheel caliper to the right rear caliper. Lost all braking. Towed to Ford dealer for service where brake line was replaced. Told by service manager problem is not uncommon. This is on a 1997 Ford Explorer with only 60,000 miles. I have the old brake line, which has minimal surface rust except for the center area that is held by a retaining clip to the top of the differential housing. I feel this is not a normal event and is not acceptable and was surprised to be told this failure is not uncommon! I had to spend $283 plus a towing fee to have a problem corrected, that I feel is a premature failure. I at first expected to find a blown caliper or a brake hose split, not a rusted out brake line. I do have the old brake line in my possession.

- Stratford, NJ, USA

problem #4

May 012002

Explorer

  • miles
1997 Ford Explorer developed two failures of the brake line.** answer required***. the consumers wife experienced a loss of brakes due to the failure of the brake line above the rear axle. The incident happened a second time, but there was no accident, both failures were caused by corrosion.

- Leonardtown, MD, USA

problem #3

Aug 242005

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 116,000 miles

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

Brake failure leaving personnel residence (noted above). Rear steal brake line burst leaking brake fluid and de-mobilizing brake system (pedal went to the floor, stopped the vehicle with emergency brake). Leak was in the middle of the vehicle. Brake line between the rear axle and spare tire. Brake line was rusted away. Local repair shop replaced the line.

- Somers, NY, USA

problem #2

Jul 122001

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving down a canyon lost all brake power and fluid. Brake pedal went to floor. Also, vent hose came out of rear differential, laying on top of brake line, and wore a hole in line. Please add VIN. A worn hole in the rubber brake line caused the failure.

- Alpine, UT, USA

problem #1

Jul 271998

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Fuel line broke which is located near exaust system manifold. Consumer is very concerned for safety. The fuel line bracket broke at the bracket on the left hand side of the engine by the valve cover, this was found be the strong smell of gas while the A/C was on.

- Hampton, VA, USA

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