1997 Ford E-250 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 8%of 24 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 236,092miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Ford E-250, 8% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 236,092 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.
“The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-250. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the fan switch that controls the fan speed melted and burned. The contact coasted to the side of the road, pulled the cover for the dashboard, and removed the wires that were connected to the switch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the burned wires switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 236,092.”
NHTSA complaint #10732449, filed 2015-07, 236,092 miles“Ford econoline ( 25v) 1997, engine burst into flames while driving. Prior to the fire the consumer had other work performed on the vehicle. The alternator was replaced, the overdrive light was on and it was difficult to shift into 2nd gear. The consumer wanted to know if the fire had anything to do with the faulty cruise control switch that are in Ford vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10115614, filed 2005-03Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | 25% |
| 2010 | 2 | 22% |
| 2007 | 1 | 17% |
| 2006 | 2 | 17% |
| 2004 | 3 | 38% |
| 2003 | 4 | 24% |
| 2002 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 1 | 6% |
| 2000 | 2 | 11% |
| 1999 | 4 | 13% |
| 1998 | 1 | 6% |
| 1997 | 2 | 8% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
| 1992 | 2 | 14% |
| 1989 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford E-250
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford E-250
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