1997 Ford F Series Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Ford F Series, 11% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 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 at highway speeds, the vehicle started surging up and down in speed erratically. I did not realize that it had to do with the speed control, but finally took it out of cruise for good. The speedometer still was surging up and down between 4 and 10 MPH difference from what my speed was. After the vehicle was shut off for a day, it ran fine until I ran it on the road for about 40 miles, then it did the same erratic speed changes.”
NHTSA complaint #10610880, filed 2014-07, 199,400 miles“I have a 1997 Ford f150 4x4 4.6 litre pickup. The cruise control system has been malfunctioning for the past 6 months. While driving for an extended period, the cruise control will deactivate on its own. When I press resume, it will pick back up and work fine for an undetermined period. It is a random deactivation problem. Due to the recent recall of Ford trucks regarding the cruise control deavtivation switch problem and my symptoms, I have disconnected my cruise control deactivation and contacted a dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114538, filed 2005-03, 165,000 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“Throttle hung three times: one under cruise, twice without. All instances started at highway speeds when temps where extremely cold. Pumping peddle to break acceleration only allowed for partial deceleration. Repeated attempts required to reduce speed. Could have caused fatality in second occurrence as icy conditions and stopped vehicles could have resulted in a major collision. Shifting into neutral and pumping breaks allowed for a controlled stop. Extremely high idle remained until multiple attempts to break acceleration prevailed. Note: floor mats are not involved in this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182482, filed 2007-02, 87,600 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 6 | 14% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 15% |
| 1997 | 5 | 11% |
| 1996 | 3 | 19% |
| 1995 | 5 | 31% |
| 1994 | 3 | 43% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F Series
21 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
6 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 31, 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