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 Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
With no warning or hint of anything going wrong on the brake system, as traffic slowed to stop for a light, the brakes went completely out on my Ford Explorer. The pedal went to the floor and pumping had no effect. I was in mid day traffic and had almost 2 car lengths between myself and the SUV in front of me, which unfortunately, was what stopped me. Thankfully, I was only going 20 MPH and no one was hurt nor did air bags deploy. After the police arrived and had us pull into a parking lot, the pedal felt like it had the brakes back however, the brake pedal went to the floor after cranking up. I was able to stop from rolling out the other side of a parking space in the back of the lot by using the emergency brakes. Even though the truck has shows high mileage,most of which is highway miles, the truck as been maintained. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, the contact was unable to drive in 4 wheel drive. The contact stated the check gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the front drive shaft, the control arms, the front oxygen sensor, and the front and rear brakes needing to be replaced. The control arms were replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
My wife was driving our 1997 Ford Explorer when she saw white smoke come from under the hood. She was parked in mcdonald's parking lot. She called me telling me there was smoke coming from under the hood. I asked her if there was liquid running from the car and she said yes. It was clear and on the drives side. The next thing I heard was the truck was on fire. When I got to the body shop to see what the damages were I found the master cylinder completely melted away and the wire harness burnt. The vehicle is a total loss.
While driving the ABS engaged, which caused the truck to flip over. As a result the driver was ejected from the vehicle, then two seconds later, the vehicle caught fire. The consumer contacted the manufacturer about the failure but the responded with a letter which said " sorry there is nothing we can do for you at this time."
While driving on highway at 40 MPH brakes failed to stop vehicle when depressed. Vehicle stopped when it collided with another vehicle. Driver sustained bruises, cuts, and whip lash. Vehicle is currently with the insurance company awaiting a factory representative to investigate the brake failure.
Turned into parking space at low speed. When brakes were applied vehicle surged forward and struck building trapping a lady between vehicle and building, killing her. Gas was not applied at anytime, you could feel the anti-lock brakes trying to engage and the vehicle could not be stopped.
1997 Ford Explorer. With malfuction car would not stop fast idellig after afer using cruise control. Could not get it to stop caused the brakes to catch fire ad burn. Due to trying to keep the car at a slow speed. Till I was at asafe area were I could abtain help.
About a mile from an intersection I noticed the check engine light turned on. Approaching the traffic light my brake pedal had lost pressure and went to the floor. I had to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop. I noticed some smoke coming from the driver side of the hood but thought it might be from the old pickup truck next to me. The light turned green and the vehicle "sputtered" suffering a loss of horse power but I was able to drive the car about 150 yards and coasted into a gas station where I parked at the far end away from the pumps. At this time I noticed more smoke and flames coming from the driver side of the hood so I went inside to ask for a fire extinguisher but the cashier said he had none. I then asked to him dial 911 because my vehicle was on fire. I went back to my vehicle and removed some paperwork from the seat and waited for help to arrive. …
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 $283.00 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.
Tl 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 $880.00. 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
Brake complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 96 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 6% of the model year's 1,731 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (44 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Explorer brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Ford Explorer, 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 Explorer brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 21 crashes, 5 fires and 10 injuries and 1 death 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.