1997 Ford F-350 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 21%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Ford F-350, 21% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 3 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.
“A steel brake line on my truck rusted and ruptured causing a complete brake failure. This is the second occurrence of this problem on this vehicle. The brake line had rusted and had a partial failure, causing a leak. The rusted section was replaced about 5 years ago. The recent line failure caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10230411, filed 2008-06, 97,000 miles“While braking, with no warning, brakes failed. Brake line running from diverter to rear axle rusted through behind front fuel tank at plastic bracket. There was no pedal resistance and no braking at all. All fluid was lost. The hole in the line is about 0.250 inch long and about 0.045 inch wide. There was never a problem or a soft pedal prior to this. Luckily this occurred in a valley in a driveway while turning around so there was no damage. This would have been potentially catastrophic had it occurred while driving on the road or while maneuvering on a steep grade. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100259, filed 2004-11, 82,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-350 with a diesel engine. The contact stated that when he stopped at a traffic light, stop, the brake pedal felt unusually weak and there was a strong odor of brake fluid in the vehicle. The contact then accelerated to speeds of 10 MPH and made a turn. In doing so, he noticed flames from underneath the hood near the master cylinder. The engine was shut off and the fire department was called to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. A fire report was filed accordingly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10322892, filed 2010-03, 280,000 miles“Both factory front brake rotors were found to have a large crack in them, extending from the center to the outer edge. Dealer replaced both. Now rotors last for approx. 15,000 miles before they become so warped that the truck shudders terribly when brakes are applied. Rotors have since had to be turned twice. Calipers do not seem to be dragging.”
NHTSA complaint #10025949, filed 2003-07“Vehicle has been at dealer 7 times for brake problems. When applying brakes there was a grinding sound,like metal to metal. Also, extended braking distance. Dealer determined that emergency brake was not releasing properly, causing damage to brake drums. Drums have been replaced twice thus far. Dealer cannot remedy problem with emergency brake.”
NHTSA complaint #897934, filed 2001-10Related recalls
- 96V184000Sep 25, 1996The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.Covers: Ford F-350 1997, F-150 1997, F-250 1997
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 4 | 4% |
| 2012 | 8 | 5% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 13 | 10% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 8 | 6% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 10 | 6% |
| 2003 | 8 | 9% |
| 2002 | 11 | 9% |
| 2001 | 25 | 16% |
| 2000 | 42 | 14% |
| 1999 | 78 | 19% |
| 1998 | 1 | 8% |
| 1997 | 32 | 21% |
| 1996 | 28 | 22% |
| 1995 | 41 | 31% |
| 1994 | 33 | 35% |
| 1993 | 28 | 28% |
| 1992 | 12 | 23% |
| 1991 | 8 | 26% |
| 1990 | 15 | 38% |
| 1989 | 8 | 19% |
| 1988 | 6 | 21% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-350
29 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-350
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