1997 Ford E-150 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Ford E-150, 5% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 miles.
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 Ford 150 was purchased with the 504 liter engine and although it is a 1997 model has only 19000 miles on it. The problem is an engine oil leak that has been roughly diagnosed as the mail seals both front and rear. I have spent $300.00 to replace the front seal and the rear seal has been quoted to me as another $600.00. I feel Ford should step up to the plate and fix this problem for me as I doubt mine is the only occurance of this type.”
NHTSA complaint #10128951, filed 2005-07, 17,000 miles“In my 1997 Ford f-150 4.6 ltr. Auto transmission I have been having some issues in the past couple of months with selecting drive or reverse with my gear shift. Also the vehicle was not starting on occasion because the shifter wasn't all the way in park. When you shove it in park it would work, I figured I was going to be replacing the transmission soon. Tonight the truck will not go in park and I am having to start the engine in neutral and keep the emergency break on. This can be a very dangerous problem because if the emergency break is not on or fails then it could cause damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227399, filed 2008-05, 175,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford e150 van. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the spark plug became disengaged from the engine. The vehicle started making a loud noise without warning. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 280,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10553069, filed 2013-11, 280,000 miles“While vehicle was parked it jumped out of gear and into reverse, also when vehicle is parked on a slight incline with t emergency parking brake engaged it rolls backwards. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #898249, filed 2001-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 7 | 37% |
| 2012 | 3 | 25% |
| 2011 | 5 | 22% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 4 | 12% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1995 | 5 | 7% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 2 | 13% |
| 1989 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford E-150
22 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
6 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