1997 Ford F-250 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 21%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,560miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Ford F-250 SD, 21% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,560 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“There's a recall on my 1997 f250 7.3 diesel. The recall is for the automatic transmission gear selector. I took it to Ford to have it fixed cause I was experiencing the problem and he told me that my VIN did not qualify.”
NHTSA complaint #10349721, filed 2010-08, 250,000 miles“On december 4, 2004, I took my truck on about a 600 mile trip. During the trip I tried the cruise control, which worked about 5 months earlier & found it to be nonfunctional. The next day, I found myself in a position that required engaging the four-wheel drive, however it would not engage. I parked the truck that evening & had not touched it in the following month and a half. On december 10, 2004 my wife canceled the insurance since my plan was to leave it parked until spring or I could afford to get it fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112749, filed 2005-03, 109,000 miles“Cruise won't shut off- has happened 3-4 times now and have come close to causing wrecks. Dealership claims they can't find any problem with it. Also, vehicle is smoking an appears to have transmission problems- again nothing wrong”
NHTSA complaint #10000603, filed 2002-12, 33,219 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 miles“Problems with oil pan, brakes, transmission and exhaust manifold. The front end casing cracked. The oil pan, brake and transmission lines rusted out. The bolt heads rotted off from the exhaust manifolds, and the heads cracked as a result. The rear end cap rusted along with the pollution control valves. The left front tire tilted as a result in a cracked front end housing leaving a 1 gap. A front tire alignment was needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10038300, filed 2003-09Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2024 | 7 | 18% |
| 2023 | 7 | 16% |
| 2022 | 22 | 17% |
| 2021 | 25 | 15% |
| 2020 | 77 | 29% |
| 2019 | 46 | 4% |
| 2018 | 16 | 4% |
| 2017 | 25 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 5% |
| 2015 | 19 | 6% |
| 2014 | 2 | 8% |
| 2013 | 2 | 10% |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% |
| 2011 | 10 | 8% |
| 2010 | 3 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 16 | 5% |
| 2004 | 21 | 8% |
| 2003 | 20 | 11% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 45 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 9% |
| 1999 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 8 | 21% |
| 1995 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-250 SD
11 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 30, 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