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 Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Idle speed rises to 3,000 RPM in between shifts and while coasting with clutch pedal depressed. Does not drop to normal idle speed until vehicle comes to a complete stop. This causes braking to be less effective.
Reporting numerous serious safety problems with vehicle since purchased used ---original occurrence date not certain but over a number of years mechanical failures occurred that could have resulted in serious injury or fatalities. The failures include but not exclusive to entire brake system failure due to brake lines corroded and leaked all hydraulic fluid --rear body support system gave out during driving and rear wheels and axles not attached to body ---vehicle lost control and went off into shoulder--radial axial arm rusted away and steering system failed while driving. Gas leaks from top of tank if filled to full --leaks on to ground and could result in gas fire and explosion --do not fill tank more than 3/4 ! All brake lines should be replaced and frequent checks of steering and suspension. I am reporting this to make owners aware and take precaution to prevent injury or death..
Multiple failures of front rotors- stepped on brakes- and pulses and shakes, removed tire to check rotors- rotor cracked- same scenario each time- pass side 1st time 30K (August 1999), 2nd time 48K(April 2001) , 3rd time 58K, pads failed- replaced nov 2001, and jan 2002- replaced caliper and pads.- now has 84K and so far OK. 1st time changed by Ford under warranty- 2nd time 18 months later- Ford dealer charged $600 + for new rotors- 3rd and 4th time I changed - along with caliper -each time dealer asked to check to make sure that whatever is causing the rotor to fail- please correct- each time they say - just a bad rotor----and when the 48K failure occured- Ford claimed to not have a record of the repair- though it was done under warranty-finally after the 3rd failure- figured it made more sense to fix it myself- rather than pay a dealer $650, and have it fail again in 18000 miles.
I own a 1997 Ford Ranger xlt 4x4 4.0ltr.many shops have work on the front axel wheel bearings and seals and retainer nut this nut takes a socket 2.3/8 r-6 most shops don't have it so they use what ever they have,chisell,locking plyers ect...creating front end damage to wheel bearings,seals, brakes,calipers,brake drums, most of al the tires..I have spent thousands of dollars because they did not use the right tool for the job also did not remove lcking pin from spindel.
Wheel bearings keep going out on front tires becoming a real issue and hazard and safety they lock up on road and have gotten slides off road. Afraid it will be worse next time. They have gone out three times and been replaced. They are going out again and fear for our safety but this is our only vehicle for work an appointment need this truck. Please help. I don't have the money to keep replacing but love this truck.
Drove my 1997 Ford Ranger truck to lunch at work upon returning sitting down for 10 minutes a coworker ran into the plant saying my truck was on fire my master cylinder for my brakes was on fire and was put out there is alot of damage. I believe was caused by defective ABS break sensor don't know if there is a recall on them or not hope you can help.
Sudden brake failure --two instances first in sept 2009 and today --severe corrosion on rear brake lines and lose of brake fluid and no brakes ---need to check all 1997 Ford rangers xlt for similar problems as can result in a crash. I have had repairs made as afraid of repeat also notice corrosion at front brake lines.
Rear brakes pulled, serviced, reported unverifiable, began locking up in short bursts when stopping, reported, found faulty , replaced complete rear assembly. Windshield cracked across center while driving freeway at 65 MPH, started at top strip passenger side spreading across to drivers side in just minutes. Door ajar switches failed causing dome light to remain on making night time visibility imposible. Transmission began shifting rough in second gear hard to downshift, verified, repaired bearings in shifter. Reoccured a few months later, service claimed unverifiable, worsened stuck in fourth gear in traffic, had to be pushed to shoulder , and disengaged. …
1997 Ford Ranger xlt extended cab. When I applied my brakes, instead of stopping at this "t" hwy intersection, I ran past it, and hit a 12" diameter tree head on. Ice on the road. I was wearing my seat belt. Neither the driver's side nor the passenger side air bags deployed. The indentation on the front bumper was over two feet deep. My head and right side of my body smashed against the steering wheel, and my I broke my left collar bone, fractured and bruised several ribs on my right side, broke my right foot heel bone, cut my nose, plus numerous other minor cuts, bruises and abrasions. After about 45 seconds, a huge ball of fire erupted from under the crumpled hood. I felt the sudden heat on my face, since the windshield was gone and there was a huge gap between the hood and the trucks body. A lady, an angel of god really, helped me out of the truck and into the back seat of her car. …
Brakes lock up and truck will skid no matter what speed, truck becomes uncontrollable. Windshield wipers will come on and spray during some left turns, for no apparant reason. This causes the inability to see. When brakes are applied(and truck goes nuts)the passenger front seat launches forward even though it is locked into position. One incident was I was making a left turn onto a busy street when my wipers came on and sprayed fluid all over, I tried to apply my brakes and the tires locked up and truck started to skid, and the seat holding my infant son's car seat was thrown forward into the dash. I was traveling maybe 4-6 MPH. Some one is going to get killed in this vehicle. I contacted Ford and they say I have no recourse and have never heard of such things happening with thier vehicles. …
Brake complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 11% of the model year's 411 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Ranger brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Ford Ranger, though it has 1 recall 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 Ranger brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 145,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 2 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.