1997 Ford F-250 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 10%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford F-250, 10% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,500 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.
“The brake pedal had to be pumped in order to get the vehicle to stop. The front and rear rotors have been replaced 5 times. The parking brake cable failed and was replaced. The radiator failed 3 times and the heater core failed.”
NHTSA complaint #8022809, filed 2002-11, 103,000 miles“The contact stated after multiple uses, the brakes went to the floor when pulling an rv in town. The dealership determined the brake fluid is boiling and the system should be flushed, then a different type of brake fluid put in to handle the weight of the rv.”
NHTSA complaint #10151422, filed 2006-02, 110,000 miles“Whiel the vehicle was parked for a few days, a mechanic noticed smoke coming from under the truck. He opened the hood and the engine compartment was engulfed in flames. The flames were coming from the master cylinder. As the brake fluid resevoir melted brake fluid it made the fire bigger. No problems with the vehicle prior to the fire. No after market equipment. Photos and investigation report mailed to bruce york.”
NHTSA complaint #10105010, filed 2004-12“Rear brake failure on numerous occasions. Finally resulted in crash. Dealer could not find any problem. Self diagnosis of raising rear of vehicle while idling in drive with rear wheels spinning rear wheels could not be stopped with full brake pressed. No braking on rear wheels. Disconnecting wire to proportioning valve results in normal rear brake operation. Possible cause is ebcm or proportioning valve.”
NHTSA complaint #702291, filed 1999-01“While driving under wet or snowy road conditions the engine goes idle once taking foot off the gas pedal. Comsumer also stated that has loss of control of the vehicle once trying and putting on the brakes. Consumer contacted the dealer and was told that's how the engine was built into the fuel computer.”
NHTSA complaint #814610, filed 1997-07Related recalls
- 96V184000Sep 25, 1996The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.Covers: Ford F-250 1997, F-150 1997, F-350 1997
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 10 | 4% |
| 2011 | 7 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 19 | 10% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 11 | 8% |
| 2004 | 10 | 6% |
| 2003 | 15 | 13% |
| 2002 | 19 | 12% |
| 2001 | 26 | 12% |
| 2000 | 38 | 12% |
| 1999 | 108 | 19% |
| 1998 | 11 | 20% |
| 1997 | 31 | 10% |
| 1996 | 15 | 9% |
| 1995 | 41 | 22% |
| 1994 | 23 | 19% |
| 1993 | 25 | 19% |
| 1992 | 25 | 21% |
| 1991 | 27 | 25% |
| 1990 | 28 | 25% |
| 1989 | 24 | 21% |
| 1988 | 14 | 23% |
| 1987 | 9 | 24% |
| 1986 | 4 | 11% |
| 1985 | 4 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-250
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-250
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