1997 Ford F Series Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 15%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 151,000miles
- 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 Series, 15% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 151,000 miles. 6 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.
“June 5, 2005- about 1:30am, my wife and I were awaken by the neighbors and the fire dept. They informed us that our truck was on fire in the driveway. The hood was melted away and the front half of the truck was engulfed in flames. The fire dept. Deemed the source in the area of the master cylinder switch and or relay box. Normally we park in the garage, but thank god I didn't that night. Prior to this, the cruise control had been acting funny and my park brake switch blew a fuse. The tech at duthler Ford here in gr told me to just replace the fuse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127274, filed 2005-07, 145,000 miles“Truck started; however, would not go into drive. Connector for cruise control shut off on brake master cylindar was burnt. Occured while in parking lot with engine shut off. Appears that the brake relay leaked brake fluid into connector causing short. Ford did not replace connector. Cruise control no longer functions. Ford only replaced brake relay at my cost. Did not replace fried connector.”
NHTSA complaint #10114563, filed 2005-03, 160,000 miles“Dealership informed consumer that sealer holding windshield in place was leaking. This caused a short in fuse and radio. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #883075, filed 2001-03Related service bulletins
- 10029029Dec 29, 2008Jerr-dan: anti stall feature for ford f series light duty chassis with v10 gas engine and an engine drive clutch pump. Model years unknown.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 11% |
| 2004 | 1 | 14% |
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 7 | 16% |
| 2000 | 4 | 10% |
| 1999 | 4 | 11% |
| 1998 | 3 | 15% |
| 1997 | 7 | 15% |
| 1996 | 4 | 25% |
| 1995 | 4 | 25% |
| 1994 | 2 | 29% |
| 1993 | 1 | 20% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F Series
21 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F Series
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