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EnginePart report

1997 Ford F-350 Engine Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
2%of 155 total for the year
Median mileage
120,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Ford F-350, 2% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 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.

“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

“The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-350. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and it stalled a second time. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive home. Gladian repair shop of pittsburg, virginia was made aware of the failure and suggested a list of unknown repairs. Camel brothers repair shop of prince george, virginia replaced the accelerator pedal position switch sensor, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11013699, filed 2017-08, 120,000 miles

“The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-350. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the cam shaft position sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07v553000 (engine). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. …”

NHTSA complaint #10711900, filed 2015-04, 92,000 miles

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201467%
20131520%
20122517%
20112115%
2009414%
20081814%
2007411%
2006128%
20051816%
20041610%
200378%
200233%
200153%
200021%
199920%
199732%
199511%
198912%

Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-350

Brakes
32 complaints
Tires
29 complaints
Engine cooling
26 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
21 complaints
Steering
12 complaints
Suspension
9 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Electrical system
7 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Visibility (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 27, 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