1997 Ford E-150 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 22%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,950miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Ford E-150, 22% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,950 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“While driving my vehicle caught on fire in the rear end of the vehicle. We pulled over and immediately got the children out of the car. Less than a minute later, the entire vehicle was blazing.”
NHTSA complaint #10422897, filed 2011-09, 89,900 miles“This is the exact same situation others have experienced on NHTSA recall campaign number 01v114000 relating to cracks/leaks to the 'mid ship' style fuel tank. My van is a 1997 E-150 conversion van. Unfortunately, I am in the same situation as many others in the fact that Ford motor company does not acknowledge my particular VIN number is affected in this recall. There have been a number of other incidents reported with vehicles mysteriously catching on fire for unknown reasons. Very disturbing that a manufacturer would not agree to replace a leaking/damaged fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10502516, filed 2013-03, 90,000 miles“Ford's recall number is 01s14. My e150 fills the requirements of near the gross vehicle weight with ... Rough road... The 35 gallon mid-ship fuel tank ... Crack ... Ford tells me that my VIN is outside the range of covered vans. The recall covers 1997 through 2001 models. I see no way that Ford would know which vans are used in the above mentioned manner. This problem appeared from the beginning of my ownership. Any filling of more than 3/4 tank, resulted in strong gasoline smell and leakage. This was a very serious problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152210, filed 2006-03, 45,000 miles“I had a fuel tank leak on my Ford e150 conversion van in 2001. The van had 85000 miles on it. Had the tank replaced at a dealer; originally he ordered the wrong tank, thinking I had the smaller one, but I have the 35 gal. Midship tank listed in 01v114000. They replace the tank about the time this recall was issued. Then, 85000 miles later, I have the same leak, exact same problem. I have visited two dealerships, even spoken to the original service manager who handled the repair in 2001; all deny that the recall applies to this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10143874, filed 2005-11, 170,000 milesRelated recalls
- 01V114000Apr 5, 2001Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight…Covers: Ford E-150 1997–2001, E-350 1997–2001
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 13% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2007 | 1 | 8% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 4 | 25% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 4 | 11% |
| 2000 | 5 | 10% |
| 1999 | 20 | 24% |
| 1998 | 11 | 18% |
| 1997 | 22 | 22% |
| 1996 | 5 | 8% |
| 1995 | 9 | 13% |
| 1994 | 17 | 14% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 8 | 13% |
| 1991 | 3 | 20% |
| 1990 | 8 | 47% |
| 1989 | 8 | 26% |
| 1988 | 2 | 14% |
| 1987 | 3 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford E-150
20 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsElectrical system
8 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 30, 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