1997 Ford F-150 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 233about this part
- Share
- 8%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 233 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford F-150, 8% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,250 miles. 24 of these say a crash was involved and 13 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 was on my way to work the morning before thanksgiving. I shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear and the back tires hit a patch of water and I started fishtailing. I went off the road and hit a patch of oak trees. One head on. On impact, the seatbelt did not retract and I hit the steering wheel, the dash broke apart and the entire steering column moved with me and I hit the windshield. After hitting the windshield, then the airbag deployed. When the dash broke apart from the steering column moving, it cut my shin which required stitches. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297409, filed 2020-01, 104,000 miles“I last drove my truck on 06/20/2011. When I woke up to feed my animals I heard a sound like a bird caught under my truck. I looked under the drivers side fender and saw flames. I popped the hood and saw the master cylinder was on fire. I grabbed my fire extinguisher from my barn and put the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #10409688, filed 2011-06, 197,690 miles“In feb./ 05 cruise control quite, mechanic couldn't find problem, aug 15/05 ABS light comes on. Thinking brake fluid is low, I pop the hood and notice plug on master cylinder is burned/melted. Car wont shift out of park, and no brake lights. I get a new plug and harness from dealer and replace blown fuse. I still have no cruise light on on dash but brakes and cruise work. Dealer said no recall but plenty of service bulletins. $15.00 part”
NHTSA complaint #10133685, filed 2005-08, 94,200 miles“There was an electrical fire in the wiring harness connected to the master cylinder (brakes). No damage was done due to quick reaction but it left the brakes without power and the truck without brake lights. The problem is believed to be related to the switch fire problem that resulted in a wide-spread Ford recall. The vehicle in question is a 1997 Ford F-150 4x4. Truck was purchased from lease-holder and full warranty was transferred to me. I have received several recall notices but not the one associated with this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10219342, filed 2008-02, 96,500 miles“I had purchased this truck on dec 19, 2002. The next day I drove it to tampa fl. While on the way there and while in tampa I had a few brake failures. When I was coming to a stop the pedal seemed to get soft, then they would get really hard and start pulsating and the vehicle would not stop. I would have to let off the brakes, and try again. I was lucky that it was early in the morning and most of the time I was not in a lot of traffic, I was able to stop the vehicle. On dec 29,02. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014034, filed 2003-04, 45,336 milesRelated recalls
- 96V184000Sep 25, 1996The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.Covers: Ford F-150 1997, F-250 1997, F-350 1997
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 33% |
| 2025 | 20 | 18% |
| 2024 | 14 | 7% |
| 2023 | 52 | 12% |
| 2022 | 41 | 7% |
| 2021 | 77 | 7% |
| 2020 | 23 | 3% |
| 2019 | 23 | 2% |
| 2018 | 92 | 4% |
| 2017 | 116 | 8% |
| 2016 | 340 | 16% |
| 2015 | 317 | 18% |
| 2014 | 346 | 22% |
| 2013 | 363 | 12% |
| 2012 | 137 | 8% |
| 2011 | 184 | 8% |
| 2010 | 58 | 7% |
| 2009 | 39 | 12% |
| 2008 | 39 | 11% |
| 2007 | 44 | 9% |
| 2006 | 94 | 16% |
| 2005 | 120 | 11% |
| 2004 | 139 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 7% |
| 2002 | 42 | 5% |
| 2001 | 69 | 6% |
| 2000 | 80 | 7% |
| 1999 | 107 | 10% |
| 1998 | 114 | 8% |
| 1997 | 233 | 8% |
| 1996 | 34 | 10% |
| 1995 | 145 | 23% |
| 1994 | 148 | 22% |
| 1993 | 90 | 15% |
| 1992 | 51 | 11% |
| 1991 | 26 | 9% |
| 1990 | 18 | 7% |
| 1989 | 16 | 7% |
| 1988 | 8 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 3% |
| 1986 | 5 | 8% |
| 1985 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-150
529 complaintsTires
305 complaintsFuel system
246 complaintsBody and structure
226 complaintsVehicle speed control
223 complaintsSuspension
204 complaintsSteering
202 complaintsElectrical system
198 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
151 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
148 complaintsWheels
115 complaintsAir bags
99 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-150
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