1997 Ford F-150 Interior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 1%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1997 Ford F-150, 1% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Doors have stress cracks on upper frame,I've paid to have repaired once,when I approached dealer they said o recall on that problem, would not help,now door switches keep interior lights on till it goes off on power saver,door ajar light stays on when moisture condition/rain,snow sleet and so on.”
NHTSA complaint #10214637, filed 2008-01, 89,000 miles“Interior courtesy light and door ajar light will stay on after closing the vehicle doors. Stays on from 1 to 30 minutes before turning itself off, while door open alarm sounds. Dealer not notified. Original date of problem august 2000 (random occurrences). Currently every time door is opened and closed.”
NHTSA complaint #10013800, filed 2003-04, 92,000 miles“Pull gear shifter down to d1 and smoke and fire came out of the steering column: all of the instrument lights went out and the truck was unable to use the overdrive function. Replaced several fuses and tried again with the same results. I dismantled the steering column and noticed that the wiring harness is two short and routed around the steering column causing it to break everytime the truck is put into d1. Ford motor company nor any auto store have any parts to repair the problem. The truck is still available for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10280108, filed 2009-08, 72,000 miles“Dashlights go out while driving at night ever since this vehicle was new. Headlidhts have gone out twice while on the highway. The dealer said he would not be able to find the problem until I could bring it in with the lights out. Well they don't work at all now! I use a flashligh to check my speed and gauges at night. The dealer say there are no reports of electical problems. I know of two other owners with the same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #738292, filed 2000-12“1st, transmission, when at the speeds of 40 and 45, hesitates and wants to upshift and downshift, the behaivor is not normal at all, and I am making an appt. To get it fixed. 2nd, the high beam/ low beam switch must be faulty, at times the lights will totally shut off. 3rd when refeuling, usually on a quarter tank and less when taking off the gas cap there is alot of pressure built up in the tank. 4th the interior lights will sometimes come on when either door is opened, I have to shut the door and reopen it.”
NHTSA complaint #717010, filed 2000-01Interior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 4 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 2 | 0% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 0% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 17 | 1% |
| 1997 | 23 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 0% |
| 1993 | 1 | 0% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
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 29, 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