1997 Ford E-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 137,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Ford E-150, 8% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 137,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My van has been in the shop 3 times and they tell me I need to clean the injectors. Well it has been starting sluggish from day one. Today it will not start. Same symptoms as everybody else. Weak battery and smoke still will not start. I'm afraid to drive it again. I think it's going to catch on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10183415, filed 2007-02, 98,000 miles“The vehicle had been parked for about 1 hour when an explosion incurred which resulted in the truck burning up. The motor area, front wheels and completed cab were destroyed. Gas tank did not blow up.”
NHTSA complaint #10509987, filed 2013-04, 220,000 miles“Dt: contact states because of his disability the vehicle is hard to put into gear, also it is hard to start the engine. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10126801, filed 2005-07“Tail light went out. Upon trying to replace the light found out that housing structure for bulb had been reconstructed. Called dealer. Problem was not remedied. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8005636, filed 2002-03“Vehicle stalls intermittently and unexpectedly while driving in hot weather, slowing or stopped for traffic , consumer believes the stalling is caused by a faulty ignition. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #556231, filed 2000-10Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 19% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 7 | 19% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 8 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 17% |
| 1995 | 3 | 4% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 4 | 27% |
| 1989 | 11 | 35% |
| 1988 | 7 | 50% |
| 1987 | 8 | 47% |
| 1986 | 4 | 44% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford E-150
22 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsTires
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology