1997 Ford F-150 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 151about this part
- Share
- 5%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,904miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 151 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Ford F-150, 5% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,904 miles. 16 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 2 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.
“Was unable to shift to park from to other gears. I noticed that there is a campaign already for this issue, 97v171000, but Ford does not have my truck listed for this recall. Is there a Ford issued recall # and how can I get my truck added to this recall so it can be addressed. I just purchased this vehicle, used.”
NHTSA complaint #10141103, filed 2005-10, 72,850 miles“After stopping in driveway my 1997 f150, 4.6 l would not shift into park and the gear shift seemed to be looser than normal. As I tried several times to shift into park a 1 inch, brass, star head machined screw fell out from under the steering column. Also, the gear shift indicator came to rest between park and reverse. The engine would not start in this position, but did start in neutral. I had a difficult time finding reverse and drive, but once in gear the transmission sounds and runs normally. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197246, filed 2007-07, 112,500 miles“Transmission failure, truck has 112000 miles and the tranny would not shift to 3rd gear, the fluid and filter has been change 5 times more than recommended by manufacturer, I also had aamco install a larger transmission cooler. What happened to the tranny is the c clamp that locks the main drive in the transmission came off, and destroyed the od drum and gears I have always kept my vehicles well maintained and at a cost of $1,900.56 I feel that Ford should re imburse me for this , the truck has never hauled any heavy loads or pulling a trailer with anything heavier than a riding lawnmower. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390227, filed 2011-03, 112,000 miles“My non-commercial two wheel drive, 1997 F-150 with 59747 miles with 4.2 v-6 engine blew its 4r70w automatic transmission . I was not able to go forward but could go in reverse. There was no sign of failure and the tranny filter and fluid had been serviced two times. It cost $ 2121.52 to rebuild the tranny at a transmission repair shop. Ford's customer service center said there is nothing they can do and did not want to discuss anything with me or the tranny shop to find out more. Also the timing case cover gasket,brake calipers and speedometer have been replaced also.”
NHTSA complaint #10187052, filed 2007-04, 59,747 miles“Driving vehicle it hard shifts from 1 - 2 and sometimes from 2 - 3 at speed less than 30 MPH and when down shifting from 2 - 1, brought vehicle to dick parker Ford dealer and had transmission flushed on recomendations. This did not solve the problem. Brought vehicle back and asked for it to be repaired at my cost. Was told that problem I stated was not what the mechanic was looking for. Restated the problem and took the mechanic for a test ride where he acknowledged there was a hard shift. Left vehicle with mechanic to be repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052440, filed 2004-01, 68,400 milesRelated recalls
- 97V171000Oct 7, 1997Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached…Covers: Ford F-150 1997–1998, Expedition 1997–1998, F-250 1997–1998 +1 more
- 97V147000Sep 9, 1997Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The transmission bracket end fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly resulting in operator inability…Covers: Ford F-150 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10017892Apr 1, 2005Rear axle noise repair.
- 10014659Mar 1, 2005Axle whine howl. This includes 1997-05 ford vehicles.
- 10014275Jan 1, 2005A driveline clunk or bump when starting from a stop.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 24% |
| 2024 | 58 | 30% |
| 2023 | 159 | 38% |
| 2022 | 162 | 27% |
| 2021 | 322 | 31% |
| 2020 | 360 | 49% |
| 2019 | 741 | 55% |
| 2018 | 1,019 | 44% |
| 2017 | 557 | 38% |
| 2016 | 615 | 29% |
| 2015 | 434 | 25% |
| 2014 | 426 | 28% |
| 2013 | 1,346 | 45% |
| 2012 | 682 | 38% |
| 2011 | 829 | 38% |
| 2010 | 121 | 14% |
| 2009 | 33 | 10% |
| 2008 | 50 | 14% |
| 2007 | 57 | 12% |
| 2006 | 46 | 8% |
| 2005 | 112 | 10% |
| 2004 | 232 | 11% |
| 2003 | 62 | 15% |
| 2002 | 53 | 6% |
| 2001 | 74 | 6% |
| 2000 | 47 | 4% |
| 1999 | 75 | 7% |
| 1998 | 83 | 6% |
| 1997 | 151 | 5% |
| 1996 | 26 | 8% |
| 1995 | 75 | 12% |
| 1994 | 56 | 8% |
| 1993 | 40 | 7% |
| 1992 | 28 | 6% |
| 1991 | 13 | 4% |
| 1990 | 13 | 5% |
| 1989 | 9 | 4% |
| 1988 | 8 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 3% |
| 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 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 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