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-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Whiel the vehicle was parked for a few days, a mechanic noticed smoke coming from under the truck. He opened the hood and the engine compartment was engulfed in flames. The flames were coming from the master cylinder. As the brake fluid resevoir melted brake fluid it made the fire bigger. No problems with the vehicle prior to the fire. No after market equipment. Photos and investigation report mailed to bruce york.
Rear brake failure on numerous occasions. Finally resulted in crash. Dealer could not find any problem. Self diagnosis of raising rear of vehicle while idling in drive with rear wheels spinning rear wheels could not be stopped with full brake pressed. No braking on rear wheels. Disconnecting wire to proportioning valve results in normal rear brake operation. Possible cause is ebcm or proportioning valve.
Dt*: the contact stated after multiple uses, the brakes went to the floor when pulling an rv in town. The dealership determined the brake fluid is boiling and the system should be flushed, then a different type of brake fluid put in to handle the weight of the rv.
The brake pedal had to be pumped in order to get the vehicle to stop. The front and rear rotors have been replaced 5 times. The parking brake cable failed and was replaced. The radiator failed 3 times and the heater core failed.
Mileage is 113,086. Have ABS. Brake lines to both rear wheel have rubbed against moving part of shock absorbers. The rubber covering of brake lines is worn off completely and part of metal is worn. Ford double insulated the brake lines so it is clear they know the lines were rubbing agains the shock absorbers. If these lines were to wear through and fluid sprayed out, I dread to think what would happen. To repeat: rear brake lines are rubbing agains part of shock absorbers, thus wearing away all the insulation on line.
Very intermittent incidents of false ABS cycles when braking to a stop from a low speed. This severely extends the stopping distance which could result in a collision into stopped vehicles. Most of the incidents have occurred on dry pavement. The ABS warning light does not come on during the incidents. This same problem is described in NHTSA item numbers sb604767 and sb606515. Will be taking to Ford dealer, but it will be highly unlikely that they will be able to duplicate the problem.
While driving under wet or snowy road conditions the engine goes idle once taking foot off the gas pedal. Comsumer also stated that has loss of control of the vehicle once trying and putting on the brakes. Consumer contacted the dealer and was told that's how the engine was built into the fuel computer.
Brakes: driving approximately 10mph preparing to make left turn and vehicle would not stop. Ice was on highway, applied brakes and pedal went completely to the floor, cause of failure unknown , vehicle not taken in for repairs. Manufacturer insists that there is no recall.
When driving on normal road conditions the back brakes do not grab at all or slow the vehicle down. The vehicle has to be taken out of drive and put in neutral in order to stop. On 3/14/97 brakes adjusted by dealership, problem still occurring.
Intermittently ABS light will illuminate while vehicle is in motion. Dealer has inspected vehicle and has not been able to duplicate the problem, thus the problem cannot be confirmed or corrected. The manufacturer will be notified.
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-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford F-250, 10% of the model year's 304 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-250 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-250 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 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.