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 F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leaked from the switched and the harness. It is not apparent that the switch is leaking until the harness connector is removed from the switch. The integrity of the brake system is compromised and the previous recall was for fires because of brake fluid in the wire harness. UPDATE 5/11/23 BRAKE SWITCH HARMESS RECALL 05S28 WAS REPLACED WITH A MITORCRAFT PART SW6350 AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTUING REFUND FOR PARTS FROM FORD.
on two occasions now while traversing a slight downgrade (approx 8-10mph) applied brake (per pedal) and vehicle failed to stop! (felt as though it was sliding) which it wasn't. continued to roll! after re-gaining composer and control of the vehicle (avoiding any collision) brake system returned to normal !!!!!!!!! different circumstances could have resulted in collision damage,injury perhaps loss of life!! would appreciate any feedback your engineers have to offer in the matter!! i purchased the vehicle in 1998 and currently displays 87!!! k miles.
I was on my way to work the morning before thanksgiving. I shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear and the back tires hit a patch of water and I started fishtailing. I went off the road and hit a patch of oak trees. One head on. On impact, the seatbelt did not retract and I hit the steering wheel, the dash broke apart and the entire steering column moved with me and I hit the windshield. After hitting the windshield, then the airbag deployed. When the dash broke apart from the steering column moving, it cut my shin which required stitches. My knee hit around the emergency brake release which drove my femur into my hip fracturing it in 3 places which required 3 titanium plates and screws. I had an open fracture on my arm which was the head of my radius (elbow) broken off which had to be replaced with more titanium plates and screws. I broke the orbit over my left eye and sinus cavities behind it. …
The engine developed a severe knock when started one morning. The problem was a complete failure at the main crankshaft, severe wear at valve assembly, and corrosion throughout cooling chambers. Ford did a recall on the head gasket the year before, changing head gasket, hoses, & coolant. The truck is uses by house wife driving the children to school. Even though others have reported of same engine failure on 4.2l, Ford denies any problem. 5 months later while the truck while the truck was sitting in the driveway, the engine wiring caught on fire, melting the plastic master cylinder, fueling the flames to melt all circuities and plastic. The ABS lamp had lit earlier in the week, added brake fluid to reservoir, and the lamp went out. Independent fire investigator says evidence points to a defect in the ABS/master cylinder wiring in the engine compartment. …
Dt: consumer parked truck Wednesday night, when he got back into truck the next morning it would start once but not move out of gear. It would not come out of park. The engine was barely running and missing. There was a smell of smoke. Turned engine off due to the odd smell. Inspected under hood. There had been a fire that evidently burned out itself. Cruise control quit earlier. The truck could not be driven due to this problem. Afraid to move or attempt to repair anything for fear it May catch on fire again. Consumer called Ford, no recall on that particular model, but they were having a problem with those vehicles, but will not do anything until there was a recall. The most fire damage was seen on the master cylinder, suspected that the brake fluid May have had a hand in the fire along with the sensor. Was missing brake fluid upon inspection.
There was an electrical fire in the wiring harness connected to the master cylinder (brakes). No damage was done due to quick reaction but it left the brakes without power and the truck without brake lights. The problem is believed to be related to the "switch fire" problem that resulted in a wide-spread Ford recall. The vehicle in question is a 1997 Ford f-150 4x4. Truck was purchased from lease-holder and full warranty was transferred to me. I have received several recall notices but not the one associated with this problem.
In feb./ 05 cruise control quite, mechanic couldn't find problem, aug 15/05 ABS light comes on. Thinking brake fluid is low, I pop the hood and notice plug on master cylinder is burned/melted. Car wont shift out of park, and no brake lights. I get a new plug and harness from dealer and replace blown fuse. I still have no cruise light on on dash but brakes and cruise work. Dealer said no recall but plenty of service bulletins. $15.00 part
Dt: after sitting for 2 days, the truck starting smoking. The consumer opened the hood and the smoke was coming from the master cylinder. A plug in front of the master cylinder had a short. The consumer had to use a fire extinguisher in order to put out the fire. The wiring is burned. The vehicle was taken to dealer and it was still there.
While driving 50 MPH, the consumer noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Then, vehicle caught on fire. Consumer extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The part that was on fire was the deactach switch on the master cylinder for the cruse control.
I last drove my truck on 06/20/2011. When I woke up to feed my animals I heard a sound like a bird caught under my truck. I looked under the drivers side fender and saw flames. I popped the hood and saw the master cylinder was on fire. I grabbed my fire extinguisher from my barn and put the fire out.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect to verify that the retainer clips are installed and if clips are missing will install clips.
Brake complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 233 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford F-150, 8% of the model year's 2,758 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (111 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-150 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-184 (master cylinder, Sep 25, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 24 crashes, 13 fires and 12 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.