Four problems related to brake master cylinder have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
With no warning or hint of anything going wrong on the brake system, as traffic slowed to stop for a light, the brakes went completely out on my Ford Explorer. The pedal went to the floor and pumping had no effect. I was in mid day traffic and had almost 2 car lengths between myself and the SUV in front of me, which unfortunately, was what stopped me. Thankfully, I was only going 20 mph and no one was hurt nor did air bags deploy. After the police arrived and had us pull into a parking lot, the pedal felt like it had the brakes back however, the brake pedal went to the floor after cranking up. I was able to stop from rolling out the other side of a parking space in the back of the lot by using the emergency brakes. Even though the truck has shows high mileage,most of which is highway miles, the truck as been maintained. I had the truck towed to the shop and two mechanics could find nothing wrong. I had the master cylinder and booster was changed even though I was assured it was fine. That seemed to help my peace of mind for about a week until I was stopped at a light and the brake pedal eased down to the floor. I ran an internet search to see if anyone else has had this problem and surprised to see it seems to be a common problem with Explorer. I'm sure everyone who mentioned having this problem has not reported it that should have.
My wife was driving our 1997 Ford Explorer when she saw white smoke come from under the hood. She was parked in mcdonald's parking lot. She called me telling me there was smoke coming from under the hood. I asked her if there was liquid running from the car and she said yes. It was clear and on the drives side. The next thing I heard was the truck was on fire. When I got to the body shop to see what the damages were I found the master cylinder completely melted away and the wire harness burnt. The vehicle is a total loss.
Vehicle was parked. Was checking the oil & noticed fluid leaked onto garage floor. Checked closely & leak was coming from master cylinder. Took vehicle to dealer & was advised not to drive vehicle. Problem with accelerator pedal sticking. Needed cable change (2/24/98). Consumer stated accelerator cable has been changed.
When the applying the abs brakes the pedal goes all the way to the floor and sometimes foot will catch the gas pedal. The master cylinder was replaced at (150) miles or less.