1997 Ford F-150 Problems and Recalls (2,582 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 1997 Ford F-150 is Engine (19% of 2,582 owner reports). There are 25 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Engine — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-15 2,582 complaints · 25 recalls

What problems show up on the 1997 Ford F-150?

489 of 2,582 filings named Engine (19% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Fuel system (226 reports).

There are 25 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Fuel system, Steering, Lights, Brakes, Seat belts, Transmission / driveline, Cruise / speed control, and Wheels. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 1996 has 313 reports on file; this year has 2,582. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 1997 Ford F-150

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 25 campaigns on file below.
  2. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  3. Fuel system. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly.
  4. Body / frame. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Engine. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Engine 489 complaints · 18.9% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 159
  • Fires 261
  • Injuries 121
  • Deaths 14
All Ford F-150 years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Engine (ENGINE) appears in 489 of 2,582 owner complaints (18.9%) in this vehicle snapshot. Engine (ENGINE): 489 complaints, 18.9% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 2 crash reports 40 fire reports 489 · 18.9% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 226 complaints, 8.8% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 4 crash reports 10 fire reports 226 · 8.8% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 212 complaints, 8.2% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 1 crash reports 2 fire reports 212 · 8.2% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 201 complaints, 7.8% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 12 crash reports 84 fire reports 201 · 7.8% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 194 complaints, 7.5% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 17 crash reports 10 fire reports 194 · 7.5% Steering (STEERING): 176 complaints, 6.8% of reports Steering (STEERING) 11 crash reports 176 · 6.8% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 175 complaints, 6.8% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 175 · 6.8% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 168 complaints, 6.5% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 109 fire reports 168 · 6.5% Tires (TIRES): 144 complaints, 5.6% of reports Tires (TIRES) 10 crash reports 144 · 5.6% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 1,848 complaints, 71.6% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 117 crash reports 156 fire reports 1,848 · 71.6% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Engine (ENGINE) 489 18.9% 2 crashes · 40 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 226 8.8% 4 crashes · 10 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 212 8.2% 1 crashes · 2 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 201 7.8% 12 crashes · 84 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 194 7.5% 17 crashes · 10 fires
Steering (STEERING) 176 6.8% 11 crashes · 0 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 175 6.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 168 6.5% 1 crashes · 109 fires
Tires (TIRES) 144 5.6% 10 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 1,848 71.6% 117 crashes · 156 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Apr 1995; the first recall shown was reported in Aug 1996. 1995-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 1996-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 1996-Q2: 7 owner reports 7 1996-Q3: 21 owner reports 21 1996-Q4: 28 owner reports 28 1997-Q1: 40 owner reports 40 1997-Q2: 33 owner reports 33 1997-Q3: 35 owner reports 35 1997-Q4: 47 owner reports 47 1998-Q1: 48 owner reports 48 1998-Q2: 38 owner reports 38 1998-Q3: 73 owner reports 73 1998-Q4: 89 owner reports 89 1999-Q1: 60 owner reports 60 1999-Q2: 55 owner reports 55 1999-Q3: 70 owner reports 70 1999-Q4: 75 owner reports 75 2000-Q1: 93 owner reports 93 2000-Q2: 65 owner reports 65 2000-Q3: 114 owner reports 114 2000-Q4: 90 owner reports 90 2001-Q1: 94 owner reports 94 2001-Q2: 60 owner reports 60 2001-Q3: 54 owner reports 54 2001-Q4: 37 owner reports 37 2002-Q1: 48 owner reports 48 2002-Q2: 59 owner reports 59 2002-Q3: 33 owner reports 33 2002-Q4: 52 owner reports 52 2003-Q1: 43 owner reports 43 2003-Q2: 51 owner reports 51 2003-Q3: 40 owner reports 40 2003-Q4: 36 owner reports 36 2004-Q1: 35 owner reports 35 2004-Q2: 22 owner reports 22 2004-Q3: 27 owner reports 27 2004-Q4: 24 owner reports 24 2005-Q1: 85 owner reports 85 2005-Q2: 73 owner reports 73 2005-Q3: 67 owner reports 67 2005-Q4: 36 owner reports 36 2006-Q1: 36 owner reports 36 2006-Q2: 21 owner reports 21 2006-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2006-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2007-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 2007-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2007-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2007-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2008-Q1: 22 owner reports 22 2008-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2008-Q3: 6 owner reports 6 2008-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2009-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2009-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2009-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2009-Q4: 8 owner reports 8 2010-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2010-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2010-Q3: 19 owner reports 19 2010-Q4: 20 owner reports 20 2011-Q1: 14 owner reports 14 2011-Q2: 77 owner reports 77 2011-Q3: 34 owner reports 34 2011-Q4: 37 owner reports 37 2012-Q1: 16 owner reports 16 2012-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2012-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2012-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2013-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2013-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2013-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2014-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2014-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2014-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2015-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2015-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2015-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2015-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2016-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2016-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2017-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2020-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2020-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2021-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2021-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2024-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Apr 1995 Apr 2024 Recall campaign 96V161000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V161000 Recall campaign 96V184000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V184000 Recall campaign 96V251000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V251000 Recall campaign 96V256000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V256000 Recall campaign 97V147000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V147000 Recall campaign 97V171000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V171000 Recall campaign 98V007000 ◆ Recall campaign 98V007000 Recall campaign 98V095000 ◆ Recall campaign 98V095000 Recall campaign 98V161000 ◆ Recall campaign 98V161000 Recall campaign 00V168000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V168000 Recall campaign 00V231000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V231000 Recall campaign 03V196000 ◆ Recall campaign 03V196000 Recall campaign 05V388000 ◆ Recall campaign 05V388000 Recall campaign 06E023000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E023000 Recall campaign 06E025000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E025000 Recall campaign 06E052000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E052000 Recall campaign 06E060000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E060000 Recall campaign 06E064000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E064000 Recall campaign 06E065000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E065000 Recall campaign 06E067000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E067000 Recall campaign 07E066000 ◆ Recall campaign 07E066000 Recall campaign 08E050000 ◆ Recall campaign 08E050000 Recall campaign 09E012000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E012000 Recall campaign 09E025000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E025000 Recall campaign 11V385000 ◆ Recall campaign 11V385000 Investigation PE96030 ● Investigation PE96030 Investigation EA96020 ● Investigation EA96020 Investigation PE97019 ● Investigation PE97019 Investigation PE97033 ● Investigation PE97033 Investigation EA97027 ● Investigation EA97027 Investigation PE98009 ● Investigation PE98009 Investigation RQ98003 ● Investigation RQ98003 Investigation RQ98005 ● Investigation RQ98005 Investigation PE98021 ● Investigation PE98021 Investigation PE98024 ● Investigation PE98024 Investigation EA98018 ● Investigation EA98018 Investigation RQ98022 ● Investigation RQ98022 Investigation PE01033 ● Investigation PE01033 Investigation EA02001 ● Investigation EA02001 Investigation EA05005 ● Investigation EA05005 Investigation DP05005 ● Investigation DP05005 Investigation PE10036 ● Investigation PE10036 Investigation EA11006 ● Investigation EA11006
  • Campaign 96V161000 was reported 484 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 96V184000 was reported 111 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 96V256000 was reported 262 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 97V147000 was reported 350 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 97V171000 was reported 378 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 98V007000 was reported 643 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 98V095000 was reported 694 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 98V161000 was reported 484 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 00V231000 was reported 1,248 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 03V196000 was reported 2,511 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E023000 was reported 2,937 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E025000 was reported 2,945 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E052000 was reported 3,028 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E067000 was reported 3,078 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 07E066000 was reported 4,500 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 08E050000 was reported 3,819 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 09E025000 was reported 4,092 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 11V385000 was reported 5,246 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1995-Q2 Owner reports 1
1996-Q1 Owner reports 2
1996-Q2 Owner reports 7
1996-Q3 Owner reports 21
1996-Q4 Owner reports 28
1997-Q1 Owner reports 40
1997-Q2 Owner reports 33
1997-Q3 Owner reports 35
1997-Q4 Owner reports 47
1998-Q1 Owner reports 48
1998-Q2 Owner reports 38
1998-Q3 Owner reports 73
1998-Q4 Owner reports 89
1999-Q1 Owner reports 60
1999-Q2 Owner reports 55
1999-Q3 Owner reports 70
1999-Q4 Owner reports 75
2000-Q1 Owner reports 93
2000-Q2 Owner reports 65
2000-Q3 Owner reports 114
2000-Q4 Owner reports 90
2001-Q1 Owner reports 94
2001-Q2 Owner reports 60
2001-Q3 Owner reports 54
2001-Q4 Owner reports 37
2002-Q1 Owner reports 48
2002-Q2 Owner reports 59
2002-Q3 Owner reports 33
2002-Q4 Owner reports 52
2003-Q1 Owner reports 43
2003-Q2 Owner reports 51
2003-Q3 Owner reports 40
2003-Q4 Owner reports 36
2004-Q1 Owner reports 35
2004-Q2 Owner reports 22
2004-Q3 Owner reports 27
2004-Q4 Owner reports 24
2005-Q1 Owner reports 85
2005-Q2 Owner reports 73
2005-Q3 Owner reports 67
2005-Q4 Owner reports 36
2006-Q1 Owner reports 36
2006-Q2 Owner reports 21
2006-Q3 Owner reports 17
2006-Q4 Owner reports 8
2007-Q1 Owner reports 11
2007-Q2 Owner reports 16
2007-Q3 Owner reports 14
2007-Q4 Owner reports 11
2008-Q1 Owner reports 22
2008-Q2 Owner reports 13
2008-Q3 Owner reports 6
2008-Q4 Owner reports 9
2009-Q1 Owner reports 6
2009-Q2 Owner reports 3
2009-Q3 Owner reports 5
2009-Q4 Owner reports 8
2010-Q1 Owner reports 6
2010-Q2 Owner reports 5
2010-Q3 Owner reports 19
2010-Q4 Owner reports 20
2011-Q1 Owner reports 14
2011-Q2 Owner reports 77
2011-Q3 Owner reports 34
2011-Q4 Owner reports 37
2012-Q1 Owner reports 16
2012-Q2 Owner reports 9
2012-Q3 Owner reports 4
2012-Q4 Owner reports 4
2013-Q1 Owner reports 4
2013-Q3 Owner reports 4
2013-Q4 Owner reports 3
2014-Q1 Owner reports 4
2014-Q2 Owner reports 1
2014-Q3 Owner reports 2
2014-Q4 Owner reports 6
2015-Q1 Owner reports 5
2015-Q2 Owner reports 3
2015-Q3 Owner reports 5
2015-Q4 Owner reports 3
2016-Q1 Owner reports 2
2016-Q2 Owner reports 2
2016-Q3 Owner reports 4
2016-Q4 Owner reports 1
2017-Q1 Owner reports 3
2017-Q2 Owner reports 1
2018-Q2 Owner reports 1
2018-Q3 Owner reports 1
2020-Q1 Owner reports 4
2020-Q2 Owner reports 1
2020-Q3 Owner reports 1
2020-Q4 Owner reports 1
2021-Q1 Owner reports 2
2021-Q4 Owner reports 1
2022-Q2 Owner reports 1
2023-Q1 Owner reports 1
2023-Q2 Owner reports 1
2023-Q3 Owner reports 1
2023-Q4 Owner reports 1
2024-Q2 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 96V161000
Recall campaign 1 96V184000
Recall campaign 1 96V251000
Recall campaign 1 96V256000
Recall campaign 1 97V147000
Recall campaign 1 97V171000
Recall campaign 1 98V007000
Recall campaign 1 98V095000
Recall campaign 1 98V161000
Recall campaign 1 00V168000
Recall campaign 1 00V231000
Recall campaign 1 03V196000
Recall campaign 1 05V388000
Recall campaign 1 06E023000
Recall campaign 1 06E025000
Recall campaign 1 06E052000
Recall campaign 1 06E060000
Recall campaign 1 06E064000
Recall campaign 1 06E065000
Recall campaign 1 06E067000
Recall campaign 1 07E066000
Recall campaign 1 08E050000
Recall campaign 1 09E012000
Recall campaign 1 09E025000
Recall campaign 1 11V385000
Defect investigation 1 PE96030
Defect investigation 1 EA96020
Defect investigation 1 PE97019
Defect investigation 1 PE97033
Defect investigation 1 EA97027
Defect investigation 1 PE98009
Defect investigation 1 RQ98003
Defect investigation 1 RQ98005
Defect investigation 1 PE98021
Defect investigation 1 PE98024
Defect investigation 1 EA98018
Defect investigation 1 RQ98022
Defect investigation 1 PE01033
Defect investigation 1 EA02001
Defect investigation 1 EA05005
Defect investigation 1 DP05005
Defect investigation 1 PE10036
Defect investigation 1 EA11006
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-15 Open source record

Safety Recalls (25)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Fuel system, Steering, Lights, Brakes, Seat belts, Transmission / driveline, Cruise / speed control, and Wheels.

  1. Recall campaign 00V168000

    Safety recall 00V168000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 00V231000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE LINES AND REPLACE THE FRONT FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 27, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 03V196000

    Steering

    Report date
    Component:
    Steering (STEERING)
    Consequence:
    THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT YOKE TO DETERMINE IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT. IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED NO SERVICE IS REQUIRED. IF THE YOKE IS NOT FULLY SEATED AND BOLT GROOVE AND SPLINE IS VISIBLE, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND BOLT WILL BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BOLT AT THE STEERING COLUMN CONNECTION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 05V388000

    Safety recall 05V388000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
    Remedy:
    BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 06E023000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 06E025000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
    Remedy:
    POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 06E052000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 06E060000

    Safety recall 06E060000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
    Remedy:
    AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 06E064000

    Safety recall 06E064000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 06E065000

    Safety recall 06E065000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 06E067000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 07E066000

    Safety recall 07E066000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
    Remedy:
    ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 08E050000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 09E012000

    Safety recall 09E012000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 09E025000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Recall campaign 11V385000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
    Remedy:
    FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  17. Recall campaign 96V161000

    Safety recall 96V161000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
    Remedy:
    OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  18. Recall campaign 96V184000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    Consequence:
    A LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO VERIFY THAT THE RETAINER CLIPS ARE INSTALLED AND IF CLIPS ARE MISSING WILL INSTALL CLIPS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  19. Recall campaign 96V251000

    Safety recall 96V251000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    THIS ICE CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE PLATE TO REMAIN IN THE HIGHWAY CRUISING POSITION AFTER THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED OR THE SPEED CONTROL IS DEACTIVATED. UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES WOULD BE INCREASED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FOAM INSULATING SLEEVE ON THE LINE FROM THE PCV TO THE HOSE FITTING ON THE THROTTLE PLATE.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  20. Recall campaign 96V256000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    A LOOSE FASTENER CAN EVENTUALLY DETACH AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS NECESSARY, REPAIR THE SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  21. Recall campaign 97V147000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  22. Recall campaign 97V171000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    THE CONDITION WOULD NOT ALLOW A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE PARK POSITION OR AFFECT PROPER NEUTRAL START SWITCH OPERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL MAKE THE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET AND ADD A TIE STRAP TO THAT CONNECTION.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  23. Recall campaign 98V007000

    Cruise / speed control

    Report date
    Component:
    Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
    Consequence:
    INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  24. Recall campaign 98V095000

    Wheels

    Report date
    Component:
    Wheels (WHEELS)
    Consequence:
    THIS CAN RESULT IN THE LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL SEPARATION FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING TWO NOTIFICATIONS. THE FIRST NOTIFICATION, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY 1998, WILL PROVIDE AN INTERIM REPAIR PROCEDURE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THIS INTERIM PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED BY OWNERS OR THEIR DEALERS. IT SPECIFIES THAT THE LUG NUT TORQUE MUST BE VERIFIED TO BE 100 LBS. THEN THE LUG NUTS NEED TO BE TIGHTENED AN ADDITIONAL 1/8 TO 1/4 TURN MORE. THERE WILL BE A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 20, 1998, UNDER WHICH DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL STUDS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  25. Recall campaign 98V161000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    Consequence:
    FUEL TANK CONTACT CAN DAMAGE THE TANK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SPRINGS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CLIP ON THE FORWARD END OF THE REAR SPRINGS TO PREVENT FUEL TANK CONTACT IN THE EVENT OF A LEAF FRACTURE. ANY FRACTURED SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-14
Safety incident filters
Showing 8 of 2,582 complaints · page 1 of 104
2024-04-11POWER TRAIN
NHTSA ODI 11582405
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission hesitated while shifting gears. The contact stated that when the gear changed, the vehicle would jerk. The contact replaced the control sensor however, the failure recurred. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.
2023-10-30Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
NHTSA ODI 11552635
CrashFireInjuryDeath
on two occasions now while traversing a slight downgrade (approx 8-10mph) applied brake (per pedal) and vehicle failed to stop! (felt as though it was sliding) which it wasn't. continued to roll! after re-gaining composer and control of the vehicle (avoiding any collision) brake system returned to normal !!!!!!!!! different circumstances could have resulted in collision damage,injury perhaps loss of life!! would appreciate any feedback your engineers have to offer in the matter!! i purchased the vehicle in 1998 and currently displays 87!!! k miles.
2023-08-30POWER TRAIN
NHTSA ODI 11541608
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into park(P). The contact stated that when he attempted to shift the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle shifted instead shifted into drive(D) and vice versa. Additionally, the contact stated that he had to turn the vehicle off and turn the steering wheel towards the direction of the curb in case the vehicle rolled away, increasing the risk of a crash or an injury. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable assembly had detached from the bracket and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V171000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
2023-04-17Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
NHTSA ODI 11517479
CrashFireInjuryDeath
1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leaked from the switched and the harness. It is not apparent that the switch is leaking until the harness connector is removed from the switch. The integrity of the brake system is compromised and the previous recall was for fires because of brake fluid in the wire harness. UPDATE 5/11/23 BRAKE SWITCH HARMESS RECALL 05S28 WAS REPLACED WITH A MITORCRAFT PART SW6350 AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTUING REFUND FOR PARTS FROM FORD.
2023-03-16Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11512219
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I filled the fuel tank and let the vehicle set in my drive over night. In the morning as I was approaching the vehicle in preparation to drive to work, I smelled a strong odor of gasoline. I looked under the vehicle and saw a wet spot about 3 feet in diameter. The wet spot was gasoline. As i was investigating the leak, I noticed the front fuel tank retaining band rusted in two and fuel tank hanging low. Further investigation revealed there was a leak from the fuel pump access seal and hose connecting the filler neck to the tank. I had just driven the vehicle 130 miles the day before filling the fuel tank. If it hadn't been for the leaking fuel, I would have not have discovered that the tank was only secured by one badly rusted retaining band and would have continued to operate the vehicle normally and probably ultimately the second band would have broken allowing the fuel tank to fall from the vehicle. Ford informed there was a recall and the vehicle had been repaired in 2011. I purchased the vehicle in Jan. 30, 2012 and drive it daily.
2022-06-03Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11467315
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owned a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact noticed smoke coming from the driver's side from the bottom of the front tire. The vehicle then caught on fire. The fire department came to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The cause of the fire was an electrical engine component. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. The vehicle remained at the residence and was not repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
2021-10-01Body / frame (STRUCTURE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11435115
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side subframe near the axle of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,788.
2021-01-20EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NHTSA ODI 11389085
CrashFireInjuryDeath
MY INTERIOR AND BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROADS. THE LIGHT IN THE BACK ABOVE THE TRUCK BED IS BOTHERSOME BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE ATTENTION OF ANOTHER DRIVER CAUSING A ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER ALSO HAS A FORD F150 THAT DOES THE SAME, HOWEVER HER TRUCK ISN'T THE SAME YEAR.

Ford F-150 Years With the Most NHTSA Complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 1997 Ford F-150?

Owners named Engine most often — 489 of 2,582 reports (19%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 1997 Ford F-150?

NHTSA lists 25 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Fuel system, Steering, Lights, Brakes, Seat belts, Transmission / driveline, Cruise / speed control, and Wheels. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 1997 Ford F-150?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-14 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-14. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources