1997 Ford F-150 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 246about this part
- Share
- 9%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 246 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Ford F-150, 9% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 11 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Fuel tank straps broke and fuel tank fell to the ground while in motion at slow speed. Fuel filler neck cracked and fuel connection and fuel pump do not work. Vehicle is drivable and temporarily supported by straps. On my own I discovered there was a recall for 1997-2004 Ford trucks and contacted Ford who informed, to my disbelief, that my vehicle was not included in the recall. Ford could offer me no help.”
NHTSA complaint #10853916, filed 2016-04, 120,000 miles“I filled the fuel tank and let the vehicle set in my drive over night. In the morning as I was approaching the vehicle in preparation to drive to work, I smelled a strong odor of gasoline. I looked under the vehicle and saw a wet spot about 3 feet in diameter. The wet spot was gasoline. As i was investigating the leak, I noticed the front fuel tank retaining band rusted in two and fuel tank hanging low. Further investigation revealed there was a leak from the fuel pump access seal and hose connecting the filler neck to the tank. …”
NHTSA complaint #11512219, filed 2023-03, 205,383 miles“While driving at 65mph, our Ford f150 truck dropped its gas tank on the interstate. The straps had rusted through. The dealership replaced the straps. The gas tank was half-full and we were on a smooth road when the tank dropped. We pulled over immediately so there was no fire, but the tank was dragging on the ground and we had to be towed off the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10403616, filed 2011-05, 109,968 miles“Contacted recall hotline and they stated multiple letters were sent out for this program so they are not eligible for related damages. I received safety recall notice october 2014 and took truck to get recall fixed within 2 months from when I got a notice of recall .”
NHTSA complaint #10703793, filed 2015-04, 140,523 miles“I was driving on route 250 south of norwalk, ohio when both straps holding the gas tanks broke causing the gas tank to fall out of the truck to the ground. The filler neck broke at the tank. The gas lines held to the tank and kept the tank dragging until I stopped the truck. The reason I am now reporting this is I have heard from news reports about this incident is happening to other trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #10400494, filed 2011-05, 160,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V385000Jul 29, 2011Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500…Covers: Ford F-150 1997–2004, F-250 1997–1999, Lincoln Blackwood 2002–2003
- 00V231000Aug 17, 2000Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks manufactured at the kansas city or norfolk assembly plants. The front fuel line assembly could have a hole…Covers: Ford F-150 1997, F-250 1997
- 98V161000Jul 15, 1998Vehicle description: light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. If the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. A fatigue fracture of…Covers: Ford F-150 1997–1998
Related service bulletins
- 10205038Apr 21, 2016Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action
- 10183774Apr 21, 2016For 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250 Light Duty, or 2002-2003 Blackwood vehicles Safety Recall 11S21 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high…
- 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…
- 10056624Aug 11, 2014Ford/lincoln: safety recall issued due to one or both fuel tank straps fracturing due to being in high corrosion areas for an extended period and dislodging fuel tank. Model…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 6 | 3% |
| 2023 | 10 | 2% |
| 2022 | 91 | 15% |
| 2021 | 93 | 9% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 24 | 2% |
| 2018 | 64 | 3% |
| 2017 | 28 | 2% |
| 2016 | 95 | 5% |
| 2015 | 81 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 5% |
| 2013 | 159 | 5% |
| 2012 | 119 | 7% |
| 2011 | 117 | 5% |
| 2010 | 58 | 7% |
| 2009 | 22 | 7% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 54 | 11% |
| 2006 | 59 | 10% |
| 2005 | 82 | 7% |
| 2004 | 74 | 4% |
| 2003 | 46 | 11% |
| 2002 | 86 | 10% |
| 2001 | 132 | 11% |
| 2000 | 152 | 14% |
| 1999 | 132 | 13% |
| 1998 | 201 | 15% |
| 1997 | 246 | 9% |
| 1996 | 53 | 16% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 113 | 17% |
| 1993 | 288 | 49% |
| 1992 | 245 | 52% |
| 1991 | 154 | 51% |
| 1990 | 146 | 53% |
| 1989 | 95 | 42% |
| 1988 | 28 | 20% |
| 1987 | 23 | 25% |
| 1986 | 10 | 16% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-150
529 complaintsTires
305 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 complaintsAir bags
99 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