1997 Ford F-150 Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 1%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Ford F-150, 1% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 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.
“Gas pedal is sticking wide open even if not pressed to full throttle when you tap brake pedal or the off switch for the cruise control it releases the accelerator. Does this no matter if cruise control is off or on. Truck has been in and repaired for the cruise control starting fires. But now cruise control is not deactivating. Has done this 11 times so far.”
NHTSA complaint #10344816, filed 2010-07, 308,854 miles“I had an electrical short under the dash caused by moister in the fuse box , which was caused by water leaking around the windshield. I was not to concerned until I took it to the shop and found out that there is 13 pages of service bulletin about moisture get into the fuse box. It does thing as wiper not working while in drive or reverse but will work any other time. Radio not turning off, blower motor not shutting off. Trying to engage the starter while the vehicle is running.”
NHTSA complaint #743768, filed 2001-04“The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While driving 30 MPH, the rear of the vehicle bounced off the ground for approximately three seconds. The contact pulled over and noticed that the spare tire detached from the vehicle. The dealer stated that the cable to the spare tire holder was corroded and caused the failure. The spare tire holder was replaced. There were no damages. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The failure mileage was 156,000 and current mileage was 176,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10220115, filed 2008-03, 156,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a loud, abnormal noise when driving at various speeds 5 MPH and above. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the spare tire was fractured from the harness and a cable was also fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and he current mileages were approximately 84,000. The consumer stated the cable holding the spare tire broke while driving. The spare tire fell to the ground. Updated 01/19/12”
NHTSA complaint #10434738, filed 2011-11, 84,000 miles“1997-F-150 super cab with factory installed rear sliding window. The window has flowed water/rain every time. It seems to be coming in around the seal where it meets the cab of the truck. I have talked with other 97 F-150 owners and the same thing was happening to their trucks. Isn't there something that can be done?”
NHTSA complaint #10193536, filed 2007-06Related recalls
- 96V161000Aug 29, 1996The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "tire…Covers: Ford F-150 1996–1997, F-250 1996–1997, Explorer 1996 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10058101Sep 9, 2014Ford/lincoln: safety recall regarding high corrosion areas for operating, for an extended time, vehicles where both or one strap of fuel tank can fracture, after contacting…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 1% |
| 2022 | 45 | 7% |
| 2021 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 4 | 0% |
| 2015 | 6 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3 | 0% |
| 2010 | 4 | 0% |
| 2009 | 5 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 7 | 1% |
| 2004 | 35 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% |
| 2001 | 12 | 1% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 20 | 2% |
| 1998 | 17 | 1% |
| 1997 | 40 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 5 | 1% |
| 1994 | 8 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 0% |
| 1992 | 2 | 0% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 1 | 1% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-150
529 complaintsTires
305 complaintsFuel system
246 complaintsBrakes
233 complaintsBody and structure
226 complaintsVehicle speed control
223 complaintsSuspension
204 complaintsSteering
202 complaintsElectrical system
198 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
151 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
148 complaintsWheels
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 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