Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Crown Victoria owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving, driver applied the brakes. They did not hold, which resulted in the vehicle having an extended stopping distance. This almost caused an accident. Upon inspection of vehicle, the driver noticed that the brake fluid had leaked out because of a hole in the brake line. Mr a recall was issued, but has not been extended to the general public. Referenced in rq03-004
Hydraulic line to rear brake failed (ruptured) causing immediate release of brake fluid underneath driver front floor pan at location of interest mentioned in recall/"safety improvement program". Owner was not contacted regarding notice which includes inspection of brake lines, replacement of clips (to avoid wear) and possible replacement of brake line and bleeding if needed.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria that is equipped with a police interceptor. While driving approximately 2-3 MPH the brakes failed. She applied pressure to the brakes in order to stop the vehicle but it did not stop. When the vehicle did stop in the middle of the street it had to be pushed onto the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised her of recall 98i001000, service brakes, hydraulic foundation, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. She called the manufacturer and the dealer who advised her that her vehicle was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. The pre-owned vehicle was purchased in January 2005. The failure and current mileages were approximately 167,000.
Tl contact's son owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle caught on fire under the hood while parked. The owner of the vehicle noticed smoke filling up inside of the vehicle, then lifted the hood and flames began to rise. The wires to the master cylinder and brakes were damaged. The contact notified Ford and they stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle and that it was out of warranty. However, there were recalls for trucks of that line. The vehicle is currently at the Ford dealer. The power train and mileage information were unknown.
While driving 20-25 MPH, the consumer depressed the brake pedal, and the brake pedal descended to the floorboard. Afterwards, extended stopping distance was required to stop the vehicle. Once the vehicle was serviced technician determined that the brake line wore out, causing the master cylinder to lose brake fluid. Recall#98i001000. The consumer's vehicle wasn't included in the recall. Both brake lines of the rear wheels were replaced, one was worn completely through and the other was worn but not completely through.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria at 45 MPH and coming to a stop light the brake pedal was almost to the floor slowing the vehicle down. , then the front brakes engaged and stopped the vehicle. The contact looked into the rearview mirror and noticed fluid on the ground behind the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle home and later took the vehicle in to be repaired. The mechanic stated that brake line rotted.
I experienced the failure of both front hydraulic brake system and rear hydraulic brake system due to corroded(rusted) brake line (piping) within one year. I also experienced fuel tank failure due to rust at tank seam at approximately the same time. Tank failed 11/30/03, front brake system failure 03/16/04, rear brake system failure 12/04, both due to piping rust out.
Brake failure- 97 Crown Victoria. Brake line rubbed through by transmission crossmember- causing brakes to fail during driving. Ford motor company would not stand behind faulty line or reimburse for the repairs. Vehicle only has 36,000 miles on and should not have worn through already.
Steel brake line on 1997 Ford Crown Victoria rusted out. Brake fluid leaked out making the brakes inoperative. Had repairs done at local mechanic who said this is a frequent occurrence. This is definitely a safety issue.
While driving the emergency brake pad flew off, lodging itself into the right rear braking system , causing the rear brakes to lock up. Consumer got into an accident. Dealer has been contacted.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line May chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak May occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the subject vehicles for contact between the brake tube and floor pan stiffening rib. If contact is evident, but no abrasion or leaks exist, the brake tube will be repositioned to preclude further…
NHTSA investigations
Rear brake line failure
Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from Ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles…
Rear brake line failure
In a letter dated February 25, 2005, Ford motor company (Ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (Ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 Ford crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after March 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear…
Brake complaints in other Crown Victoria years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, 20% of the model year's 288 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Crown Victoria brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-086 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 14, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Crown Victoria brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.