1997 Ford F-250 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford F-250, 4% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,500 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“I was driving along on rt 295 during a rain storm and my windshield wipers stopped working along with other electrical componets in my truck. I drive a 97 Ford f250 4x4 xlt. Luckily I was not injured. I took my truck to be fixed where I was told that I needed to replace my gem module and fuse box. I thought that was odd. The mechanic said that the windshields on the model of my truck is known to leak and damage those componets. I could of got into a serious accident that day, resulting in death of me or other people on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10145770, filed 2005-12, 99,000 miles“The windshield washer operated spontaneously without being turned on, completely obscuring forward vision in the first incident. In the three subsequent incidents both the washers and wipers operated spontaneously without being turned on but visibility was ok because the wipers cleard the washer fluid away.”
NHTSA complaint #742773, filed 2001-03“In cold climate windshield wipers stick in upright position. When turning off, the wipers remain in an upright position which may cause visual difficulty. Dealer is aware of problem.the solution is to place hot water on the post of where the blade is attached to. Paul obaugh Ford had about 40 - 60 people with same problem in a week. .et.”
NHTSA complaint #833129, filed 1999-01“In cold climate the windows are not frozen. However, windshield wipers get stuck in upright position. When turning off the wipers, they are still stuck in a upright position. (same problem with his other f250). Paul obaugh Ford is aware of problem. The solution is to place hot water in the wiper post where the blade is attached to. .et.”
NHTSA complaint #833131, filed 1999-01Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 9 | 3% |
| 1999 | 22 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 12 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 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 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