I purchased new, a 1999, Ford Ranger, 4-wheel drive truck on November 16, 1998, [xxx]. today, I only have approximately 40,000 miles on this vehicle although I will be replacing the rear brakes a second time in nearly 3 years. In January of 2003, in rush-hour traffic on a snowy morning, I applied my brakes and knew something was wrong. I didn't feel the brakes catch and hold the way they should. Consequently, it took a longer distance for me to stop. Brakes are an extremely important component to my safety as well as the safety of all other drivers on the road. I took my truck to hanks garage, Inc. (5928 ackley road, cleveland, Ohio 44105, 216-883-0345). I was told that my rear drum brakes had not been working at all. In fact, the rear brakes had not been working at all for some time as was evident by them being completely frozen and rusted through. Also, the rear wheel cylinders were not working. My mechanic showed me how the springs and shoes were rusted and crumbled, felling in to pieces. That discovery was unsettling to say the least for a vehicle that only had 29,611 miles at that time. I am lucky that no one has been killed because of this obvious safety issue concerning rear brakes on these vehicles. At that time the trucks odometer read only 29,611 miles. Clearly there is a safety defect in this vehicles rear drum braking system. That defect is clearly a safety issue that should be addressed by Ford. Safety for the driver, passenger and others on the roadways should be a priority. Ford should stand behind their designs and safety quality. Today, again, I am having a trouble with the rear brakes. It seems to be taking me a longer distance to stop safely. This is the same problem that led me to take the truck into the repair shop in 2003. I have only put slightly more than 10,000 additional miles on my truck. My current mileage is 39,973. It is low mileage to have all the components rust and deteriorate a second time. Updated 07/18/2012 information redacted pursuant to the freedo

- North Royalton, OH, USA

While driving at 30 mph consumer depressed the brake pedal and pedal went to the floor without slowing down the vehicle. The vehicle eventually came to a halt, and consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer. The brakes were replaced twice. The dealer informed the consumer that all the brake hardware in the rear wheels rusted out, causing the rear cylinder to blowout.

- Ironwood, MI, USA

While driving wheel cylinders were leaking, right rear cylinder bursted. Dealer replaced the cylinders.

- Syracuse, NY, USA