1997 Ford Ranger service brakes, hydraulic problems
36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes, hydraulic on the 1997 Ford Ranger — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I own a 1997 ford ranger xlt 4x4 4.0ltr.many shops have work on the front axel wheel bearings and seals and retainer nut this nut takes a socket 2.3/8 r-6 most shops don't have it so they use what ever they have,chisell,locking plyers ect...creating front end damage to wheel bearings,seals…”
filed Apr 20, 2010
“Sudden brake failure --two instances first in sept 2009 and today --severe corrosion on rear brake lines and lose of brake fluid and no brakes ---need to check all 1997 ford rangers xlt for similar problems as can result in a crash. I have had repairs made as afraid of repeat also notice corrosion…”
filed Nov 24, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems in other Ranger years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ranger | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 Ranger | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 Ranger | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Ranger | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 Ranger | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 Ranger | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 Ranger | 19 | 5% |
| 2003 Ranger | 29 | 12% |
| 2002 Ranger | 20 | 6% |
| 2001 Ranger | 49 | 10% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Ford Ranger
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.