1997 Ford Crown Victoria Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 20%of 288 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, 20% of the 288 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I experienced the failure of both front hydraulic brake system and rear hydraulic brake system due to corroded(rusted) brake line (piping) within one year. I also experienced fuel tank failure due to rust at tank seam at approximately the same time. Tank failed 11/30/03, front brake system failure 03/16/04, rear brake system failure 12/04, both due to piping rust out.”
NHTSA complaint #10162169, filed 2006-07, 111,175 miles“Hydraulic line to rear brake failed (ruptured) causing immediate release of brake fluid underneath driver front floor pan at location of interest mentioned in recall/ safety improvement program . Owner was not contacted regarding notice which includes inspection of brake lines, replacement of clips (to avoid wear) and possible replacement of brake line and bleeding if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10851721, filed 2016-03, 75,000 miles“- the contact stated that while driving the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria at 45 MPH and coming to a stop light the brake pedal was almost to the floor slowing the vehicle down. , then the front brakes engaged and stopped the vehicle. The contact looked into the rearview mirror and noticed fluid on the ground behind the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle home and later took the vehicle in to be repaired. The mechanic stated that brake line rotted.”
NHTSA complaint #10180982, filed 2007-01, 64,000 miles“Steel brake line on 1997 Ford Crown Victoria rusted out. Brake fluid leaked out making the brakes inoperative. Had repairs done at local mechanic who said this is a frequent occurrence. This is definitely a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10237253, filed 2008-08, 105,000 miles“Brake failure- 97 Crown Victoria. Brake line rubbed through by transmission crossmember- causing brakes to fail during driving. Ford motor company would not stand behind faulty line or reimburse for the repairs. Vehicle only has 36,000 miles on and should not have worn through already.”
NHTSA complaint #10037390, filed 2003-09, 36,820 milesRelated recalls
- 05V086000Mar 14, 2005On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line may chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib…Covers: Ford Crown Victoria 1997, Mercury Marquis 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10012945Feb 28, 2005Abrasion of the rear brake tube near the floor pan stiffening rib and the #3 transmission cross member. Advance notice-customer satisfaction program 04b26.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 3% |
| 2002 | 7 | 12% |
| 2001 | 6 | 11% |
| 2000 | 6 | 7% |
| 1999 | 15 | 11% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 57 | 20% |
| 1996 | 31 | 11% |
| 1995 | 33 | 13% |
| 1994 | 24 | 13% |
| 1993 | 25 | 14% |
| 1992 | 74 | 24% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 5 | 12% |
| 1989 | 4 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
84 complaintsSuspension
45 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology