1997 Ford F-350 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 164,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Ford F-350, 5% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 164,000 miles. 2 a fire, 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 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 miles“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 miles“(1) vehicle randomly dying while driving in traffic (2) cam postion sensor, engine dies , loss of power steering, loss of power brakes (both a nessesity with a diesel pick up to be able to maintain control due to thier weight) (3) replace the cam position sensor at appoximately $140.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10140059, filed 2005-10, 78,000 miles“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“While the vehicle was being driven all electrical power and steering was lost without prior warning. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #896019, filed 2001-09Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 7% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 8% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 11% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2005 | 15 | 13% |
| 2004 | 19 | 12% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 10 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 6% |
| 1995 | 9 | 7% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 6% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 10% |
| 1989 | 7 | 17% |
| 1988 | 9 | 31% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-350
32 complaintsTires
29 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-350
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