1997 Ford F-150 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 226about this part
- Share
- 8%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 226 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Ford F-150, 8% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 3rd door won't open and it's a serious safety issue. I have kids and it's the only vehicle I have to transport them around. I went to youtube and found that some cheap plastic retainers that's clipped to cables are broken. The retainers open the top and bottom of the door. Please help. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #11298962, filed 2020-01, 198,000 miles“I went to open my 3rd door on the left side of my f 150 and it would not open. I tried both latches on the outside and in inner door frame but no luck. I was parked at the time when I was trying to get some items out of my back seat. I have nothing to upload at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #11298839, filed 2020-01, 198,000 miles“After checking my vehicle over I noticed that the frame in the back passenger side is rusted thru. I researched online and found out this is a condition common with this year of truck and style. Is there going to be a recall since there are so many vehicles this year with the same problem? I have driven fords for years and have never experienced this extend of rust in any of my other vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10505142, filed 2013-03, 189,000 miles“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“Broken hood release. Many other people I've talked to had same problem with their '97 & '98 f150's. There is a recall on this for Ford SUV's, why not the f150? I was charged $173.46 for this to be corrected. The service advisor told me that he had just had another latch failure prior to my call to set up an appointment.”
NHTSA complaint #10041784, filed 2003-10, 50,469 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 24 | 6% |
| 2022 | 14 | 2% |
| 2021 | 36 | 3% |
| 2020 | 22 | 3% |
| 2019 | 32 | 2% |
| 2018 | 193 | 8% |
| 2017 | 112 | 8% |
| 2016 | 199 | 10% |
| 2015 | 148 | 8% |
| 2014 | 31 | 2% |
| 2013 | 48 | 2% |
| 2012 | 24 | 1% |
| 2011 | 33 | 2% |
| 2010 | 92 | 11% |
| 2009 | 34 | 10% |
| 2008 | 23 | 6% |
| 2007 | 31 | 6% |
| 2006 | 44 | 8% |
| 2005 | 77 | 7% |
| 2004 | 104 | 5% |
| 2003 | 32 | 8% |
| 2002 | 45 | 5% |
| 2001 | 65 | 5% |
| 2000 | 66 | 6% |
| 1999 | 95 | 9% |
| 1998 | 138 | 10% |
| 1997 | 226 | 8% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 18 | 3% |
| 1994 | 33 | 5% |
| 1993 | 13 | 2% |
| 1992 | 8 | 2% |
| 1991 | 8 | 3% |
| 1990 | 4 | 1% |
| 1989 | 8 | 4% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 5 | 5% |
| 1986 | 9 | 15% |
| 1985 | 3 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-150
529 complaintsTires
305 complaintsFuel system
246 complaintsBrakes
233 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 28, 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