1997 Ford Crown Victoria Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, 18% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 90,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “brake line” (60% of reports).
- 52service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- 90,000median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 21%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brake line: mentioned in 31 of 52 complaints (60%)
- Referenced RQ03: mentioned in 8 of 52 complaints (15%)
- Rubbed through: mentioned in 6 of 52 complaints (12%)
- Rear brakes: mentioned in 6 of 52 complaints (12%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 11 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 52 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury.
Ford Crown Victoria service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Crown Victoria | 1 | 8% | 7,000 |
| 2008 Crown Victoria | 1 | 2% | 11,000 |
| 2007 Crown Victoria | 1 | 2% | 90,000 |
| 2006 Crown Victoria | 1 | 2% | 12,022 |
| 2005 Crown Victoria | 3 | 2% | 3,500 |
| 2003 Crown Victoria | 6 | 2% | 40,000 |
| 2002 Crown Victoria | 5 | 9% | 20,000 |
| 2001 Crown Victoria | 6 | 11% | — |
| 2000 Crown Victoria | 3 | 4% | — |
| 1999 Crown Victoria | 14 | 10% | 22,003 |
| 1998 Crown Victoria | 4 | 3% | — |
| 1997 Crown Victoria | 52 | 18% | 90,000 |
| 1996 Crown Victoria | 29 | 11% | 73,666 |
| 1995 Crown Victoria | 28 | 11% | 105,301 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line may chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak may occur.
Risk: The brake pedal may develop a "spongy" feel and drops of brake fluid may be observed beneath the vehicle. Over time brake performance may be compromised and stopping distances could be extended which could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the subject vehicles for contact between the brake tube and floor pan stiffening rib. If contact is evident, but no abrasion or leaks exist, the brake tube will be repositioned to preclude further contact and potential abrasion. If indication of abrasion or a leak is evident, dealers will repair the brake line. This campaign began on july 15, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford crown victoria that is equipped with a police interceptor. While driving approximately 2-3 mph the brakes failed. She applied pressure to the brakes in order to stop the vehicle but it did not stop. When the vehicle did stop in the middle of the street it had to be…
Steel brake line on 1997 ford crown victoria rusted out. Brake fluid leaked out making the brakes inoperative. Had repairs done at local mechanic who said this is a frequent occurrence. This is definitely a safety issue. *tr
Tl*the contact's son owns a 1997 ford crown victoria. The vehicle caught on fire under the hood while parked. The owner of the vehicle noticed smoke filling up inside of the vehicle, then lifted the hood and flames began to rise. The wires to the master cylinder and brakes were damaged. The contact…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1997 Ford Crown Victorias have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria (18% of the 288 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 1 safety recall list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems start?
The median reported mileage is 90,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
The most frequent phrase is “brake line”, in 31 of 52 complaints, followed by “referenced rq03” (8).
Other 1997 Ford Crown Victoria problems
See all 1997 Ford Crown Victoria problems or service brakes, hydraulic problems across all Crown Victoria years.