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-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f-350 with a diesel engine. The contact stated that when he stopped at a traffic light, stop, the brake pedal felt unusually weak and there was a strong odor of brake fluid in the vehicle. The contact then accelerated to speeds of 10 MPH and made a turn. In doing so, he noticed flames from underneath the hood near the master cylinder. The engine was shut off and the fire department was called to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. A fire report was filed accordingly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer did not want the vehicle on the property and the contact to remove it immediately. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle was sold to a local junkyard. The approximate failure mileage was 275,404 and the current mileage was 275,404.
A steel brake line on my truck rusted and ruptured causing a complete brake failure. This is the second occurrence of this problem on this vehicle. The brake line had rusted and had a partial failure, causing a leak. The rusted section was replaced about 5 years ago. The recent line failure caused an accident.
While braking, with no warning, brakes failed. Brake line running from diverter to rear axle rusted through behind front fuel tank at plastic bracket. There was no pedal resistance and no braking at all. All fluid was lost. The hole in the line is about 0.250 inch long and about 0.045 inch wide. There was never a problem or a soft pedal prior to this. Luckily this occurred in a valley in a driveway while turning around so there was no damage. This would have been potentially catastrophic had it occurred while driving on the road or while maneuvering on a steep grade. The truck is clean with no body rust. I am replacing the brake line. This should never have happened on a 7 year old vehicle.
When traveling at 20 to 35 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal to make a sudden stop, brake pedal traveled to the floorboard, resulting in extended stopping distance. Consumer also has experienced a problem when traveling, fire shot out of the exhaust system, causing objects in the road to catch on fire. Consumer has contacted the dealer.
Braking system malfunctioned, causing no braking abilty which resulted in a crash. Dealer replaced rotors twice, and had rotors turned twice. Also, replaced brake master cylinder, and broken rear brakes twice. However, problem reoccurred. Please provide further information and VIN#.
The brakes on this f350 truck lock up intermittently, front and rear, and has done this since about 8,000 miles. The dealer has made many, many unsuccessful attempts to fix the problem. Since the problem is intermittent, when the Ford rep was called and came to investigate the brakes were working fine at that time. We have tried to get them to take the vehicle and drive it for more than 5 mins. To check it and he said he did not have time. We have worked with the dealer until we feel we can no longer drive this vehicle. It is unsafe. Several people at the dealership have driven it and have had the brakes lock up but not the person in "authority" to report to Ford. Even an outside service person has driven it and experienced the locking up of the brakes. We are seeking legal counsel at this point since we are getting no help. …
Consumer was slowing down for sharp curb & applied brakes, front wheel locked up. Vehicle went over bank of hill, heading toward a lake & eventually stopped sliding. Dealer and certified mechanic stated that nothing was wrong with it. Rotors seem to be warped. Front wheels squeal and grab when brakes are applied, excess dust was found in rear brake drums. Dealer stated that front end could not be aligned, after market comber bushings were installed on vehicle which was able to be aligned.
Vehicle has been at dealer 7 times for brake problems. When applying brakes there was a grinding sound,like metal to metal. Also, extended braking distance. Dealer determined that emergency brake was not releasing properly, causing damage to brake drums. Drums have been replaced twice thus far. Dealer cannot remedy problem with emergency brake.
Both factory front brake rotors were found to have a large crack in them, extending from the center to the outer edge. Dealer replaced both. Now rotors last for approx. 15,000 miles before they become so warped that the truck shudders terribly when brakes are applied. Rotors have since had to be turned twice. Calipers do not seem to be dragging.
While driving approximately 60 MPH brake light started to flicker on/off. Consumer attempted to slow down by pressing brakes, but automobile was not able to stop. Consumer had to use both feet to push the brake pedal down. Effect of this was that consumer was unable to stop w/o warning, and was prone to a serious accident.
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-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford F-350, 21% of the model year's 155 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-350 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-350 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 3 fires and 0 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.