1997 Ford F-350 Problems
- Complaints
- 155filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles, 30 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Ford F-350 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center on brakes that grab, lock or pull and on tires whose tread separated, many of them Firestone Steeltex radials. Engine stalling traced to a failed camshaft position sensor is the other repeated theme, and many of these trucks are diesel models. The reports spread from fairly low mileage up to well past 150,000 miles, so condition and service history matter more than age alone.
- Engine cooling
Engine stalls while driving (camshaft position sensor)
- 21 complaints (14%)
- median 104,500 mi at 9.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2017
Owners describe the engine quitting without warning at speed or while coasting down a slope, with loss of power steering and power brakes until the truck is restarted. Repeated complaints name the camshaft position sensor as the diagnosed cause, and some owners report replacing it more than once; others describe stalling where the dealership changed various sensors without resolving it. A coolant-related complaint also describes repeated overheating that led to engine replacement. Mostly reported between about 57,000 and 145,000 miles, with one report at 92,000 miles; some occurred at low speed, others at highway speed.
What to check: Ask whether the camshaft position sensor has been replaced and when, and whether stalling has been diagnosed or repaired. A scan for stored codes and a test drive covering coasting and downshifts can help.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have had two camshaft position sensor failures on my 97' f350 7.3l diesel in a matter of one year. This left me stranded on both occasions. I discovered on several Ford truck discussion forums that this is one the most common failures on these trucks through a variety of years. I could not find any person who owned a similar year truck and did not have this component fail on them. Please take action on this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10184751, filed 2007-03“Stopped at a stop signal and engine quit. Cranked okay, but would not start. Got it towed to my house. After lots of trouble shooting for not starting, noticed that the engine tachometer was not working when trying to start. Replaced the cam position sensor, f7tz-12k073-b. The truck started right up.”
NHTSA complaint #10191248, filed 2007-05, 235,362 miles - Brakes
Brakes lock, grab or pull; rusted brake lines
- 23 complaints (15%)
- median 121,000 mi at 11.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1997–2010
Owners report brakes that grab or lock intermittently, a truck that pulls hard to one side under normal braking, and pedals that go soft or sink. Several describe steel brake lines rusted through near the front fuel tank, and one owner reports cracks in the rotors with vibration and poor steering control. Complaints describe repeated dealer visits with the problem returning, and parking brake hardware that did not release and damaged the drums. Spread widely, from about 8,000 miles in some reports to past 100,000 miles; several of the rusted-line reports came at 82,000-117,000 miles.
What to check: Have the brake lines inspected along the frame and above the fuel tank for rust, and ask whether the master cylinder push rod retainer clip recall was completed. Road test and check for pulling, grabbing or a soft pedal.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A steel brake line on my truck rusted and ruptured causing a complete brake failure. This is the second occurrence of this problem on this vehicle. The brake line had rusted and had a partial failure, causing a leak. The rusted section was replaced about 5 years ago. The recent line failure caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10230411, filed 2008-06, 97,000 miles“Vehicle has been at dealer 7 times for brake problems. When applying brakes there was a grinding sound,like metal to metal. Also, extended braking distance. Dealer determined that emergency brake was not releasing properly, causing damage to brake drums. Drums have been replaced twice thus far. Dealer cannot remedy problem with emergency brake.”
NHTSA complaint #897934, filed 2001-10 - Tires
Tread separation and blowouts (Firestone Steeltex tires)
- 22 complaints (14%)
- median 52,910 mi at 11.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2015
Owners describe tire tread peeling away from the casing, sometimes with a loud bang and a sudden loss of control, often while towing or at highway speed. Several mention Firestone Steeltex R4S tires in sizes around LT235/85R16 and say the tire maker declined or prorated claims. Some reports note damage to brake lines or the vehicle body when the tread came apart. Reported from roughly 26,000 to 175,000 miles, with many in the 26,000-80,000 mile range and often at highway speed, including on warm days.
What to check: Check the tire brand, size and date codes on any truck still running older Steeltex tires and replace aged tires regardless of tread depth. Ask for the tire and wheel history and inspect the tread and sidewalls for separation or bulging.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were travelling 65 MPH on the 91 freeway toll road when my left rear tire tread completely separated from the casing causing my vehicle to swerve and jump and causing significant damage to my vehicle, including damaging the fuel fill line. Fortunately there was no fuel leakage. The tire did not deflate so there was no puncture or other externally caused damage to the tire or vehicle. I took the tire to a bf goodrich dealer on 10/19/14 for inspection, the tire was still fully inflated. The dealer deflated the tire out of safety concerns. …”
NHTSA complaint #10705988, filed 2015-04, 319,000 miles“I have had two of these firestone steel tex r4s tires blow out while driving on the interstate with my family. The first one was in august of 1999 in ohio on a warm, but not hot day. We were driving along and boom it went. Fortunately, it was one of the rear duel tires and not a front tire. I was able to control the vehicle and get it safely stopped. Firestone replaced this tire. The other was in march of 1999 on a cool day in indiana. We were driving and got a terrible shimmy and the vehicle became difficult to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #733301, filed 2000-10 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, hard shifts and internal failure
- 11 complaints (7%)
- median 117,000 mi at 7.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2004
Owners report the automatic transmission slipping, hanging in gear or failing to move the truck in either direction, with one report of a planetary gear breaking apart inside the unit. Others describe hard shifts between first and second gear and repeat rebuilds. Flywheel and clutch complaints include rattling and a two-piece flywheel that came apart and cracked the transmission housing. Reports cluster from about 51,000 to 136,000 miles, with several after a prior rebuild.
What to check: Check transmission fluid condition and ask for rebuild or replacement records with mileage. Drive the truck through all gears, including reverse when warm, and watch for delayed or harsh engagement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased this truck new from the dealer at 51,000 miles they had to rebuild the transmission truck then worked good for a while then they had to replace the trans computer at my expense now at 81,000 miles the transmission is doing the same thing as at 51,000 miles I was told by the dealer that the transmission is only covered for 12,000 miles I feel Ford should be responsible for this seeing as there must be some sort of defect in this unit as others are having the same problem with hard shifting in an automatic from 1st to second and …”
NHTSA complaint #753356, filed 2001-10“While driving between 55-60 MPH motor vibrated, followed by a loud bang. Consumer pulled off the road, and had vehicle towed to the dealership. The two piece flywheel came apart, which caused the transmission housing to crack where the transfer case (4-wheel drive was located. Dealership indicated that this was a common failure with this year trucks, and the two piece fly wheels were not installed in later model trucks. Transmission housing and the flywheel were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10103700, filed 2004-12, 117,000 miles - Steering
Power steering loss from loose fittings or hose
- 11 complaints (7%)
- median 118,500 mi at 10.2 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2007
Owners describe the steering becoming very hard to turn, sometimes after a power steering hose or seal let go and fluid was lost, with one report of a bolt coming loose and causing total loss of assist. Other complaints describe the steering wheel shaking or feeling as if it locked while driving, and repeated dealer visits without a lasting fix. One report ties the hose seal failure to engine vibration on the diesel. Reported from low mileage up to about 92,000 miles, often while turning or backing up at low speed.
What to check: Inspect power steering hoses, fittings and fluid level for leaks, and turn the wheel lock to lock while listening for noise or uneven assist. Ask whether any steering components have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving 35 MPH steering wheel shook, causing the steering wheel to lock. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The cause of the failure had not been determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10079520, filed 2004-06“When turning steering would lock up, and vehicle would continue its direction of turning. Have taken vehicle to dealership dozen of times. Mechanic would try to repair steering.”
NHTSA complaint #889498, filed 2001-05
Buying note. On a truck this age, the brake lines, tires that may predate modern replacements, and steering and transmission service records are worth checking before purchase. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with these diesel trucks is worthwhile given the stalling and brake reports.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 155 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford F-350. 30 of the complaints include a mileage, and 10% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 110,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes32 21%
- Tires29 19%
- Engine cooling26 17%
- Steering12 7.7%
- Suspension9 5.8%
- Vehicle speed control8 5.2%
- Electrical system7 4.5%
- Fuel system7 4.5%
- Exterior lighting4 2.6%
Also reported: Engine (3), Body and structure (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Equipment (2), Seat belts (2), Air bags (1), Other or unknown (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “While braking, with no warning, brakes failed. Brake line running from diverter to rear axle rusted through behind front fuel tank at plastic bracket. There was no pedal resistance and no braking at all. All fluid was lost. The hole in the line is about 0.250 inch long and about 0.045 inch wide. There was never a problem or a soft pedal prior to this. Luckily this occurred in a valley in a driveway while turning around so there was no damage. This would have been potentially catastrophic had it occurred while driving on the road or while maneuvering on a steep grade. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100259, filed 2004-11, 82,000 milesTires: “When driving 65 MPH and without warning, the right rear tire tread separated causing a blowout. Dealer had been notified. Size#23585r16. The tread was wrapped around the axle, breaking the housing for the emergency brake. The rim was damaged in addition.”
NHTSA complaint #10034354, filed 2003-09, 26,820 milesEngine cooling: “While driving my 1997 Ford f350 diesel pickup, pulling a 36ft gooseneck horse trailer with my two teenage daughters and their four horses, the engine in my pickup spontaneously ignited. There was no check engine warning light, and the engine temperature gauge showed normal. The only warning I had was smoke coming up from the left wheel well upon speed decrease to turn a corner. I was traveling a short distance from home and at a low rate of speed (less than 40mph) during the travel from my home to the local fairgrounds for rodeo practice. As I turned the corner, the smoke billowed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586547, filed 2014-05, 173,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “On the passenger side of the engine pan the dipstick adapter was manufactured poorly. The oil from the crankcase has caused the oring to swell and leak oil. The oil leak is getting on the starter and clutch. The oil can cause a short in the electrical system. This can cause an accident or death while driving. The oil on the clutch can cause loss of control and cause an accident or death. The oring can swell and fall off the adaptor and become lodged in the oil pickup. This will starve the motor of oil and cause a catastrophic failure of the motor while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11270810, filed 2019-10, 155,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
10% of the 30 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,000 and 155,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-350 1994–2002, F-250 1994–2002, F-450 SD 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 97V187000Oct 29, 1997Tires › BeadCovers: Ford F-350 1997, F Super Duty 1997, F-250 1997
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and chassis. The tires on these vehicles were damaged during mounting onto the wheels. Only trucks produced at the cuautitlan, mexico plant between september 1, 1996, and july 17, 1997, were affected by the defect.
- 96V184000Sep 25, 1996Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Ford F-350 1997, F-150 1997, F-250 1997
The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.
Recall details for the 1997 Ford F-350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Other model years of the Ford F-350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 91 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | 9 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 76 | 79,000 | 1 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 149 | 90,000 | 4 | — | — | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 136 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | 92 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 28 | 104,000 | 2 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 131 | 67,532 | 9 | — | — | 90 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 36 | 54,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 145 | 60,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 114 | 81,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 159 | 50,047 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 90 | 42,044 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 116 | 65,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 160 | 72,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 304 | 81,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 413 | 106,925 | 12 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 12 | 75,158 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 155 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 130 | 103,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 134 | 130,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 95 | 145,900 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 101 | 111,330 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 52 | 87,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 89,450 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 44,470 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 42 | 116,250 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 29 | 150,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 8 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 14 | 106,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford F-350?
Complaints on this model year center on brakes that grab, lock or pull and on tires whose tread separated, many of them Firestone Steeltex radials. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls while driving (camshaft position sensor); Brakes lock, grab or pull; rusted brake lines; Tread separation and blowouts (Firestone Steeltex tires).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Ford F-350 have?
NHTSA recorded 155 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford F-350 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Ford F-350 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 32 complaints (21% of the total), followed by tires with 29.
Has the 1997 Ford F-350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Ford F-350 reported?
Among the 30 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 110,000 miles and the middle half falls between 80,000 and 155,000 miles; 10% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.