1997 Ford Econoline Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 25%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,400miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford Econoline, 25% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,400 miles. 4 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.
“This vehicle has had multiple brake failures. Before the warranty ran out at 36k, the dealer replaced the front brakes two times. Since then I have had the pads replaced and/or rotors turned at least three times more. Now, only 2k miles after the last rotor replacement, the brakes are failing again - I.e., the steering wheel vibrates when the brakes are applied, particularly from speeds greater than 45 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #725553, filed 2000-07“Since we've had the van. The brakes have given us problems, and the dealer worked on the vehicle multiple times. It is evident that they had no clue how to fix the problem! The first major repair was done on 1/28/98 and 12362 miles.. The dealer has now been bought out by classic, and they have been no help at all!!! I've talked to other people with e-150s who report similar problems! I've replaced the rotors/calipers, shoes ,and continue to have problems getting the vehicle antilock system to work properly!”
NHTSA complaint #714854, filed 1999-11“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Econoline. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact had to apply the brakes several times before they would engage. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer, when called, stated that the master cylinder may have needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 89,400. Updated 01/04/11 the consumer stated the master cylinder was replaced. However, that did not resolve the problem. The consumer was then informed the anti-lock brake block was bad. Updated 01/11/11.”
NHTSA complaint #10362297, filed 2010-10, 89,400 miles“The anti-lock brakes do not function properly. I noted the fist occurrence only, there have been 4 addional occurrences of the same problem. The anti-lock system engages, clamps hard one time and then releases. This leaves you free rolling until it decides to continue or you take your foot up and reapply the brakes. When it does continue on its own the steering wheel shakes violently.”
NHTSA complaint #707407, filed 1999-06“Was coming to a stop brake pedal went to floor. No brakes. Was towed to service station. Mechanic said ABS brakes were not working. Towed to dealership. Brake pads replaced & rotors turned. Problem returned. Back at dealershp & rotors replaced. Problem still existed. Back again to dealer & calipers replaced. Was told things were fine. Took vehicle around corner & no brakes at all.”
NHTSA complaint #824103, filed 1998-06Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 2 | 9% |
| 2000 | 3 | 8% |
| 1999 | 17 | 20% |
| 1998 | 7 | 15% |
| 1997 | 20 | 25% |
| 1996 | 20 | 25% |
| 1995 | 28 | 38% |
| 1994 | 29 | 23% |
| 1993 | 7 | 11% |
| 1992 | 10 | 12% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 14 | 47% |
| 1989 | 5 | 16% |
| 1988 | 2 | 9% |
| 1987 | 5 | 33% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
| 1984 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Econoline
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Econoline
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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