1997 Ford F-150 Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 1%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Ford F-150, 1% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I am sending in a full letter to explain the failures . It centers around TSB 99b29 and lack of owner notification of a bad front cover design that can lead to engine failure, which occurred in this case. Additionally, I had a tie rod failure that was not addressed under warranty, but later broke while driving. Also, my crank shaft pulley / dampener assembly fell off while highway driving (70 MPH). There are other issues including door lock / key sticking. Campaign id number : 03v196000 component: steering:gear box:shaft sector. The engine cover gasket failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100805, filed 2004-03, 71,000 miles“Consumer claimed that electrical light,windows, and locks were inoperable. Also, windshield wipers failed. Consumer will take the vehicle to dealer for inspection this week. The A/C unit, dome light, and no check engine light.”
NHTSA complaint #10073916, filed 2004-10, 105,000 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“This is only to alert you to my problem and the problem of the many others I have came across searching for background as to why my drivers door latches no longer works on my truck. This has got to be of some safty concern to someone other than me I hope.”
NHTSA complaint #716759, filed 2000-01“Concerned about me and others its pretty evident that these doors are weak structurly or they would not do this, and I dont have the money to pay have fixed even if I did it will happen again because of the structure I ca'nt aford a new door on fixed income. Complaint #2 when the bolts on the crank pulley sheared off loss of control making it very diffcult to stear ,thank god I was'nt on a sharp curve when the bolts broke. Thank you for taking time to read this NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #749103, filed 2001-07Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 | 5 | 1% |
| 2021 | 8 | 1% |
| 2020 | 11 | 1% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 57 | 2% |
| 2017 | 43 | 3% |
| 2016 | 52 | 2% |
| 2015 | 39 | 2% |
| 2014 | 9 | 1% |
| 2013 | 10 | 0% |
| 2012 | 7 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 7 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2005 | 7 | 1% |
| 2004 | 23 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 1% |
| 2000 | 7 | 1% |
| 1999 | 9 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 14 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 0% |
| 1992 | 11 | 2% |
| 1991 | 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 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