1997 Ford F-250 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 8%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,800miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford F-250, 8% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,800 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, the seat reclined which left the driver laying completely down. The seat base assembly had broken on the driver's side front seat. The tie rods had to be replaced. The consumer was unable to shift gears, because the shifter bolts had broke loose from the dash mounts, the head gaskets failed and the check engine light never illuminated. The hub/axle seals were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10105420, filed 2005-09, 55,000 miles“My wife driving vehicle at approx. 35 MPH, after coming out of a slight curve in road and slowing for a stop sign, she lost all steering control of vehicle hitting a guardrail and going into a ditch. Inspection by an ase certified mechanic revealed that the output from the steering box broke between gear box and pitman arm causing a total loss of steering control. Truck is total. Vehicle is currently at lucas chevrolet, mt. Holly nj.”
NHTSA complaint #10165011, filed 2006-08, 99,400 miles“The consumer stated while at a stop sign, the steering wheel turned 360 degrees and the tires did not react. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, were it was determined this is the same problem as indicated in NHTSA recall # 03v196000, regarding the shaft sector. The vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. Updated 2/24/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacturer about the problem. They explained that the failure was just a coincidence.”
NHTSA complaint #10147690, filed 2006-01, 120,000 miles“While driving at low speed vehicle lost power steering. Consumer managed to drive home and repaired the power steering pump on his own. The dealership will be notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10115301, filed 2005-03, 90,200 miles“When driving steering wheel feels real loose. It moves very easily up or down without using the adjustment lever. Took vehicle to mechanic, and cause of problem has not been determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10044196, filed 2003-10, 74,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V196000May 27, 2003On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes…Covers: Ford F-250 1997, F-150 1997, Expedition 1997
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 74 | 52% |
| 2013 | 37 | 39% |
| 2012 | 112 | 42% |
| 2011 | 102 | 41% |
| 2010 | 30 | 41% |
| 2009 | 32 | 59% |
| 2008 | 80 | 41% |
| 2007 | 23 | 38% |
| 2006 | 78 | 35% |
| 2005 | 39 | 27% |
| 2004 | 10 | 6% |
| 2003 | 11 | 9% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 48 | 15% |
| 1999 | 49 | 8% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 23 | 8% |
| 1996 | 17 | 10% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 10 | 8% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 7 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 8% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-250
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsWheels
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 29, 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