1997 Ford F-250 SD Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 28%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Ford F-250 SD, 28% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My cmp sensor started going out when on the freeway at 65 MPH and died and lost steering and brakes. It was a close call and went to Ford and they wanted 200.00 for a sensor so I called international it was 114.00 same part. I am not happy about Ford and there prices.”
NHTSA complaint #10188897, filed 2007-04, 152,175 miles“I have a 1997 Ford f-250 pu with a turbo diesel. The turbo started leaking oil around an o-ring. Leak was severe. Took to dealer, and a technical service bulletin had been issued for this problem. I now have been told that my turbo is failing. I believe it is for the o-ring failure, which very well may be a design flaw and a very dangerous condition for an engine to experience. I believe a recall is in order and replacement of the turbo a necessary action for Ford to undertake.”
NHTSA complaint #10039470, filed 2003-09, 92,000 miles“I have a 1997 Ford f250hd with the 5.8l engine and 78,000 miles. I noticed an exhaust leak and decided to install exhaust manifold gaskets to cure the problem. However, when I started the job I noticed that there were broken exhaust studs that had broken flush with the head. After removing the manifolds from the heads I also found multiple cracks in the manifolds, one almost completely around the right manifold. After contacting the local Ford dealership I was told that the problem was a common one for my year and engine but was only taken care of while there was warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047069, filed 2003-11, 78,000 miles“Consumer stated that the oil pan rusted right through. Also, it a ignited a fire under the base of the vehicle. Consumer contacted dealer and manufacturer, and neither were willing to assist the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10090011, filed 2004-08, 45,000 miles“1997 Ford f250hd mileage of 40,036 and garage kept exhaust manifold rusted, corroded and cracked-bolts rusted to the manifold, can't get spark plugs out because rusted to the head - motor mount steel is rusted along with the bolts, valve cover has rust holes and corrosion, coil that bolts onto the valve cover is swollen from rust and corrosion- bolts have popped out and are rusted, all emissions tubes are rusted through and rusted together, oil pan bolts are all rusted and disintegrated, transmission lines are rusted into the radiator, steering gearbox is severely corroded and bolts are…”
NHTSA complaint #10043318, filed 2003-10, 40,036 milesRelated recalls
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently…Covers: Ford F-250 SD 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 1997–2003 +3 more
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% |
| 2016 | 7 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 7 | 12% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 11 | 34% |
| 2009 | 5 | 22% |
| 2008 | 33 | 23% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 18 | 7% |
| 2005 | 37 | 13% |
| 2004 | 101 | 40% |
| 2003 | 72 | 40% |
| 2002 | 101 | 41% |
| 2001 | 91 | 32% |
| 2000 | 69 | 30% |
| 1999 | 95 | 38% |
| 1997 | 11 | 28% |
| 1996 | 4 | 36% |
| 1995 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-250 SD
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-250 SD
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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