Ford F-150 / 1997
1997 Ford F-150 problems
Owners have filed 3,285 complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 17.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of tires at 10.2%.
Complaints3,285
Crashes205
Fires296
Injuries180
Deaths18
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 17.1% · 563
Tires 10.2% · 334
Fuel system, gasoline 7.2% · 237
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.2% · 236
Structure 7.0% · 231
Vehicle speed control 6.9% · 227
Suspension 6.5% · 214
Steering 6.5% · 213
Severity
Of those complaints, 205 describe a crash, 296 describe a fire, 180 report an injury and 18 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 35 model years of the Ford F-150 in this data, 1997 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 108,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Dt: the contact stated vehicle was making a loud noise. He took it to a local mechanic, who informed him that all 1997 Ford f150 engines had to be replaced. He contacted Ford, and they told him there was no recall involving noise. The mechanic stated the water pump was defective which resulted in water leaking into the engine. The mechanic predicted that the engine might function for three more miles. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 70,000 miles
Email fm joey gansz (AR) inquiring if there is enough information & complaints to require Ford to recall the engine gasket on the 1997 Ford f150 pickup truck. *Mr the consumer experienced engine problems due to a faulty gasket which allowed coolant to leak into the cylinders. The manufacturer was contacted but refused to admit there was a problem even though a service bulletin (sb 99-20-7) was issued. *Nlm Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle started rough and ran poorly. Parked overnight, next morning engine was locked up. Would not turn over and felt like it was jammed. Finally got it to start, running poorly and white smoke poured out of the exhaust. Had vehicle taken to mechanic, who found out that the head gasket was the problem when he found the plugs were gunked up and white like vanilla pudding. Engine had to be sent out and rebuilt. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 68,253 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Ford F-150 years
1994 908 complaints · 19.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 788 complaints · 22.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1996 383 complaints · 14.9% electrical system 1998 1,624 complaints · 11.6% fuel system, gasoline 1999 1,323 complaints · 17.3% engine and engine cooling 2000 1,274 complaints · 15.4% electrical system