1997 Ford F-250 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Ford F-250, 1% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 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 f-250ld rear window leaks. You guys have already looked into the problem but I think it really needs to be taken care of. I and many others that I have talked to with the sliding rear window have had this problem and it is destroying the head lights in these trucks plus other damage to the truck and what's in it. This happens anytime it rains hard or soft and when I wash the truck. I have a friend that works as a mechanic for Ford and he said he has seen a lot of these problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043481, filed 2003-10, 70,000 miles“Turn signals would fail to stay on if road bears opposite of signal. Left turn road bearing right slightly, would turn signal off. The signal can turn itself off. Turn signal was replaced by dealership. But, problem was not solved, unable to be fixed, dealership states that is the function of the signal, consumer most hold signal on with one hand and steer with the other.”
NHTSA complaint #857352, filed 2000-02“Head light switch will turn on and off intermittently during operation , and at times, it is diffcult to turn it on. Switch was replaced once under warrany, and only lasted for 1 year. Defect has reoccurred. When dome light is turned on the head light goes off because the switch is the same for both.”
NHTSA complaint #871389, filed 2000-09Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 7 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
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