1997 Ford E-150 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 18%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,432miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford E-150, 18% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,432 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Approximately every 15,000 to 20,000 miles I need to replace the front rotors and pads. The rotors are badly warpped. The dealer replaced the calipers, but that did not help. The rear drums are original equipment and has little wear. I have paid to have the rear drums adjusted regularly, in an attempt to improve the longevity of the front breaks. I have about 140,000 miles on the car and replace the front brakes 7 or 8 times. I did have one accident due to poor breaking, and the next day needed to replace the front pads and rotors.”
NHTSA complaint #10105866, filed 2005-01, 15,000 miles“The brake lines have failed in three separate locations over the past 6 months. Fortunately, it has not resulted in any accidents. No confidence in the brake lines on this van.”
NHTSA complaint #10293283, filed 2009-11, 58,163 miles“While backing up into parking space,when I stepped on brake pedal, the brakes did not grab. It seemed like the van started to accelerate. I squeezed brake pedal very hard and I heard ABS clicking. I still didn't stop so I had to shift car into park. This happened twice to me. The first time was about 3 months earlier.”
NHTSA complaint #749847, filed 2001-08“This is to report a continual problem I have had with this van. It is not uncommon. I have talked to over 30 Ford van owners with similar complaints. Front brakes develop an incurable shimmy and premature wear causing minor drivability problems and also excessive rear brake wear. In my case, rear brakes were prematurely worn to the point that ABS engaged and created further pulsing . This has been explained as Ford problem with calipers to Ford problem with ABS on late model vans. Ford refuses to acknowledge possibility of a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #746565, filed 2001-06“The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150. The contact was driving 5 MPH when the brakes were depressed and the vehicle failed to stop properly, causing the contact to crash into another vehicle. The vehicle was not destroyed and the crash caused no injuries. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic. The mechanic confirmed that the ABS controller failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 172,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10454528, filed 2012-04, 172,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022675Sep 19, 2007Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 38% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 3 | 50% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 20% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 25% |
| 2004 | 8 | 24% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 5 | 18% |
| 2001 | 11 | 30% |
| 2000 | 7 | 14% |
| 1999 | 14 | 17% |
| 1998 | 8 | 13% |
| 1997 | 18 | 18% |
| 1996 | 14 | 24% |
| 1995 | 20 | 28% |
| 1994 | 26 | 21% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 8 | 13% |
| 1990 | 2 | 12% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford E-150
22 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford E-150
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