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SteeringPart report

1997 Ford F-250 SD Steering Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
10%of 39 total for the year
Median mileage
150,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford F-250 SD, 10% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles.

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.

“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 miles

“The contact owns a 1997 Ford f250 hd. The steering mechanism becomes loose and makes random noises. The contact took the vehicle to a shop and was informed that the steering linkage was coming apart. The mechanic placed a temporary makeshift to hold the linkage together, but it has not been replaced. He then learned that there was a recall on the year, make, and model of his vehicle for the same failure. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included and they refused to repair the defect. …”

NHTSA complaint #10221202, filed 2008-03, 150,000 miles

“High pressure power steering hose failed at the quick connector on the discharge of the power steering pump. The connector came apart and caused a rapid loss of fluid and loss of steering assistance.”

NHTSA complaint #737086, filed 2000-11

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025424%
2024410%
2023511%
202286%
2021159%
20204617%
201977667%
201825263%
201771762%
201611841%
201512643%
2014727%
2013314%
20121832%
20114739%
20101341%
2009730%
20083928%
20072343%
200610237%
20056723%
2004156%
2003158%
2002125%
2001217%
200083%
1999146%
1997410%

Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-250 SD

Engine cooling
11 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Electrical system
6 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Wheels
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 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