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Air bagsPart report

1997 Ford F-150 Air bags Problems

Complaints
99about this part
Share
4%of 2,758 total for the year
Median mileage
142,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Ford F-150, 4% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 142,000 miles. 82 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was in a wreck traveling 25 mo making a turn to head west and I collided with a simi and my air bags did not deploy at all I was told but emts that the were shock that the air bags did not deply they told me that they should have.”

NHTSA complaint #11103487, filed 2018-06, 158,608 miles

“I was on my way to work the morning before thanksgiving. I shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear and the back tires hit a patch of water and I started fishtailing. I went off the road and hit a patch of oak trees. One head on. On impact, the seatbelt did not retract and I hit the steering wheel, the dash broke apart and the entire steering column moved with me and I hit the windshield. After hitting the windshield, then the airbag deployed. When the dash broke apart from the steering column moving, it cut my shin which required stitches. …”

NHTSA complaint #11297409, filed 2020-01, 104,000 miles

“I was driving about 55 MPH on 15-501 highway on route to unc hospital. When all of a sudden, my truck went totally out of control for no reason and my then 4 yr old and I had a terrible accident. The truck was totaled. We were both in seat belts. She was belted in her car seat in the back and I in the front drivers side upside down the airbags never deployed! We were thought to be dead at first until my daughter started crying. We were rushed to unc hospital in chapel hill for cuts and contusions. …”

NHTSA complaint #10161617, filed 2006-07, 67,000 miles

“While driving 65 MPH consumer's hit a fence pole to avoid hitting a deer. Upon impact, neither frontal air bags deployed. No injuries were reported, and the dealer was not notified.”

NHTSA complaint #10105161, filed 2004-12, 214,000 miles

“Hood pops unlocked while driving.seat belts on front seats do not retract fully when unbuckled, hang on floor between seat and door. Upon opening of door, the loose belt loop falls past the door seal area and upon door closure becomes lodged between door and jamb. When vehicle re-entry is made by driver or passenger, and belt is put on, a false tension is achieved by door jamb seal. This leaves up to 10 to 14 inches of loose belt that feels like it is actually tensioned as to protect the occupant. …”

NHTSA complaint #10025664, filed 2003-07, 98,000 miles

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202511%
202442%
202310%
202241%
202150%
2020101%
2019242%
2018382%
2017232%
2016362%
2015352%
2014312%
2013391%
2012372%
2011141%
2010192%
2009124%
2008298%
2007276%
2006488%
20051019%
2004854%
2003297%
2002354%
2001665%
2000696%
1999697%
1998423%
1997994%
1996237%
1995356%
19949414%
199310%
199141%
199010%
198910%

Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-150

Engine cooling
529 complaints
Tires
305 complaints
Fuel system
246 complaints
Brakes
233 complaints
Body and structure
226 complaints
Vehicle speed control
223 complaints
Suspension
204 complaints
Steering
202 complaints
Electrical system
198 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
151 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
148 complaints
Wheels
115 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-150

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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