FORD/MERCURY: TO PREVENT HARNESS DAMAGE, ON SOME VEHICLES, RESULTING IN CONTACT WITH TIRE OR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, PROPER ROUTING OF WIRING HARNESS FOR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR IS KEY. 2006-2010 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Ford Explorer brakes problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 11 brakes complaints filed for the 2007 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: IF THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER, SURGE, OR HESITATION WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES WILL OVERRIDE ACCELERATION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IMPROVED BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND FIRMNESS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners reported eight distinct brake system problems on 2007 Explorers. At 1,300 miles, one buyer's rotors glazed and warped so badly that Ford resurfaced them under warranty but refused replacement, removing over half the usable surface and forcing future expensive replacement at the owner's cost. Another owner experienced complete brake failure at a red light—hard pedal, ABS and traction lights, vehicle not stopping—caused by loose front wheel hub bearings; the dealer replaced both hubs and the problem resolved.
Power brake booster failures appear in multiple reports: one generating groaning noise and reduced effectiveness above 90°F (dealer replaced it after owner had same issue on a 2011 Mustang), another diaphragm failure at highway speed requiring shoulder use to stop, and one master cylinder degradation doubling stopping distance. A brake pedal that traveled to the floorboard at 18,000 miles left another owner unable to stop.
Three complaints involved acceleration during braking: one where the owner pressed both pedals simultaneously (operator error), one where the engine ran at 3,000 RPM while the right foot applied brakes (unexplained), and reports of transmission kicking or lunging during stops that a dealer fixed by reprogramming software—though the dealer warned the problem would likely return. One owner reported brakes bleeding down (losing pressure over time) and had the computer reset for an unrelated surging issue.
Same Ford Explorer brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Rotor warping and glazing
Rotors warped and glazed at extremely low mileage (1,300 miles). Ford resurfaced instead of replacing under warranty, removing over half the usable brake surface, which the owner predicted would necessitate costly replacement at the next service.
When: 1,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulling when braking; Steering wheel vibration when braking
Repairs/costs cited: Ford resurfaced rotors, did not replace pads or perform full brake service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford warranty policy covers resurfacing only, not replacement
Loose hub bearings affecting ABS
Front wheel hub bearings so loose that ABS sensor and speed ring lost proper proximity, triggering ABS and traction control lights and causing brake failure at a stop light. Vehicle unable to stop normally until brake pedal released and reapplied.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Hard brake pedal that won't depress; ABS light on; Traction control light on; Vehicle continued through red light without stopping
Codes mentioned: ABS sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced front hubs
Brake booster noise and reduced effectiveness in high heat
Power brake booster generates groaning noise and brake system effectiveness slightly compromised when ambient temperature exceeds 90°F. Owner reports same issue on 2011 Mustang GT. Problem does not occur below 90°F.
When: Unknown mileage, temperature dependent
Symptoms owners cite: Groaning noise from brake booster; Reduced brake effectiveness; Symptom only at temperatures above 90°F
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealer replaced brake booster under warranty on similar vehicle (2011 Mustang GT); Ford was redesigning the component
Brake pedal travel to floorboard
Brake pedal depressed and traveled to floorboard with no stopping. Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired per owner report.
When: 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels to floorboard; No braking
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; vehicle not diagnosed
Power brake booster diaphragm failure
Brake booster diaphragm failed suddenly while driving at highway speeds, creating hard braking effort. Owner had to use shoulder to gain extra stopping distance.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Hard braking effort; Loss of power assist; Sudden failure at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: No crash occurred
Master cylinder degradation
Master cylinder failed, requiring twice the normal stopping distance to bring vehicle to a stop.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Increased stopping distance; Requires double the space to stop
Brake bleeding down
Brakes bleeding down (loss of pressure over time). Owner stated the vehicle needed shop service but did not specify diagnosis or repair outcome.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lose pressure over time
Repairs/costs cited: Scheduled for shop service; computer reset performed for unrelated surging issue
Engine acceleration during braking (pedal confusion and transmission interaction)
Two reports of engine acceleration occurring when brakes applied. One involved operator pressing brake and gas simultaneously with same foot. Another involved unexplained engine running at 3,000 RPM while right foot applied brakes. Also related reports of transmission kicking or lunging during stops, which dealer attributed to software issue requiring reprogramming.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine acceleration during braking; Vehicle will not stop; Transmission kick or lunge when coming to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission reprogrammed and software replaced; dealer warned problem likely to return
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed software reprogramming; advised problem would likely reoccur
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford explorer. When he attempted to accelerate after fueling the fuel tank, the vehicle came to complete stop, without brake application. The vehicle did not stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. He was advised that the ABS braking gear had fractured. The vehicle was serviced at a local mechanic shop. The current and failure mileages were 36000.
Had brakes trouble with your 2007 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2007 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 20,000 and 101,840 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 101,840. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.