1997 Ford F-250 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 204,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Ford F-250, 2% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 204,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“While traveling on arizona state hwy 87 north from payson as entering into pine arizona I struck a large truck from rear. This caused significant damage to the driver side of the truck actually breaking the frame, pushing the frame thru the bumper and requiring the fire department to utilize the jaws of live and releasing the steering when from my chest. Injuries included skull fracture, broken femur, chest and heart contusion. Airlifted to nearest hospital. Later found that the inside of the steering wheel appeared to be popped off and was hanging by a cable yet an airbag was not present. …”
NHTSA complaint #10209183, filed 2007-11, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-250. The contact stated that he was involved in a crash where the airbags did not deploy at the point of impact. A police report was filed and an injury was sustained that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 278,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10618177, filed 2014-08, 278,000 miles“Vehicle was involved in an accident when another vehicle rolled over in front and on top of consumer's vehicle, damageing the front bumper,/hood an d/left fender. Upon impact, both air bags failed to deploy. Dealer / manufacturer notified. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #850518, filed 1999-10“Vehicle involved in crash, engine was still running and the seat belts did not hold. . The consumer stated the owners manual stated there was an air bag in the vehicle, however no air deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10042642, filed 2003-10“When involved in a crash, impact speed around 30-35 MPH, front end driver's side. The bumper was pushed back, which caused the left front tire to bust. Damages totalling $6,000 dollars. In this crash there was no deployment of air bags. The truck is being repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #817147, filed 1997-10Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 15 | 5% |
| 1999 | 40 | 7% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-250
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-250
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