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 Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While coming to a stop and the intersection of longstreet and highway 82. I pressed on the brake peddle and the brakes locked up and I sled through the intersection into a ditch. I was traveling the speed limit of 50 MPH. The passenger air bag deployed but the drivers did not deploy. I have a broken nose from hitting steering wheel. Seat belts were on front seat driver and passenger.
In driveway upon depressing the brake pedal, to put car in gear, brake pedal went to the floor. No brakes at all. No warning. No lights indicating failure ahead of time. Both brake lines that go from master cyl, to ABS unit rusted through. Upon for dealer replacing both lines on a test drive frt driverside brake line failed due to rust. Cost $976 for those rusted out lines and still 3 ore badly rusted, to go. Hardly safe with severely rusted lines. When those two lines burst,(at same time) no backup brake system in affect.
Dt: my wife was driving about 1/2 mile, came home and parked the truck. Within 30 minutes the truck was on fire and burned completely. Consumer put out the fire before the fire department arrived on the scene. The fire dept came out to make sure the fire was completely out, and they cut the hood open and noticed that the fire started in the master cylinder area. The truck was still sitting in front of the consumer's house.
1997 Ford Expedition was parked in driveway. Under hood fire and smoke erupted. Cruise control disconnect switch had burst into flames and set brake fluid on fire. Significant damage. Parts replaced, old parts available.
This vehicle has had "no brakes" on numerous occasions. When we took it in to our local Ford dealership for the first time on 10-7-98, we were told because they cannot duplicate the problem, we have no problem. When it was taken in on 1-27-99 to our local Ford dealership they called the manufacture this time to find out if any other expeditions might of had this same sort of problem and was advised "no". They decided because it had the same brake system as another Ford vehicle to change the front sensors. When I went to pick the vehicle up from them, I was told by the service manager that I should drive with the anticipation that the brakes could go out at any given time. They were not sure that this fixed the problem. Well low and behold the brakes went out again, this time a solo accident with this vehicle with "no brakes". …
I have had a total of three bolts back out that secure the passenger side front brake assembly. This has occurred on two different occasions. One bolt on one occasion was subsequently replaced. The second occasion resulted in two bolts backing out and allowing the brake assembly to fall against the inside of the wheel. This resulted in the brake assembly binding against the wheel and fracturing the wheel. Once the wheel was cracked the tire whent flat instantly, thus ruining the tire as well. I had been traveling at 75 MPH shortly before the failure occurred. Had I not heard the brake assembly scratching against the wheel and stopped, this could have resulted in a very serious accident. I feel like if it is happening to mine, it is probably happening with other Ford expeditions and trucks as well. If this is not corrected I believe fatalities May result. …
Initially, while applying the brakes on dry pavement, the ABS would engage intermittently. The front brakes were replaced after this happened. Unfortunately, it continued to occur intermittently. After which, the ABS light would light up. The rear ABS sensor was replaced and it still continued to happen, but the brake pedal would be hard initially but could be pushed through. A bearing was replaced on the frontend. The ABS would continue to engage randomly. Now, after the vehicle has been driven, then sat for 15-30 minutes, and then driven again, the ABS will engage--but then the brake pedal is very hard and difficult to push. The ABS light comes on. Our mechanic is now using his "tech hotline" to learn how to fix this.
While driving on a expressway traveling at 55mph, my wife felt a thumping and heard noise coming from under the truck. When I looked underneath, I noticed 2 holes punched through the backing plate of the rear brakes on the drivers side. I pulled the wheel and the rotor off and the parking brake shoes and hardware fell out onto the ground. After talking to a Ford dealership I learned that this is a common problem with expeditions. I researched it on line and found other reports of the same issue including some instances of wheels locking up. This could cause serious accidents. Why has Ford not issued a recall? I have also had 2 leaking exhaust manifold gaskets that I am told is also common.
While approaching a utility crew flaman I applied the brakes. It slowed and then almost immediately thereafter the brakes were no longer available. I ran past the flagman flashing my lights, pumping the brakes as well as the emergency brakes and honking the horn. After running three cars off the road and checking on my four year old in the backseat we came to a stop. The drivers side brake line had rusted in two at the metal/rubber hose junction. I replaced both left and right hoses. The passenger side on visual inspection looked o.k. Did I mention we were pulling a flat bed trailer and going down hill with no shoulders, only drop offs!
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 MPH on a dry road during normal braking conditions, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor which resulting in an extended stopping distance. This was accompanied by a groaning noise in the brakes. The vehicle stopped after driving up over a roadside curb. The vehicle was not immediately taken in for service. Updated 9/13/2006 - the vehicle was taken to a Ford dealer who determined that the driver's side front hub assembly was bad. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for repair.
Brake complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 110 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Expedition, 13% of the model year's 853 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (46 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Expedition brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Ford Expedition, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Expedition brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 2 fires 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.