Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 1997 Ford E Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
20
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 13 | 65% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 10% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 10% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 5% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, CAUSING TIRE TO BLOWOUT AND DAMAGE TO FENDER WELL AND NUT GUARD. DEALER CAN NOT MAKE A DETERMINATION ON RUINED TIRE.*AK TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE STEELTEX RADIAL, SIZE P225/75R16, DOT NUMBER VD7LXA196, CONSUMER STATES THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS…”
“THIS FIRESTONE TIRES LT225/75R16 DOT:VD1L1XD227. TIRE WAS ON A MOTORHOME WHEN TREAD BEGAN TO SEPARATE. TREAD CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE MOTORHOME ITSELF. FIRESTONE HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK 3 OTHER TIRES HAD BULGES ON THEM. WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED, NOTHING HAPPENS. *SLC ”
“This vehicle was made by Ford as a partially complete vehicle and converted to 4 wheel drive by Quigley Motor Company Inc. The Quigley torque arms installed appear to commonly fail from some of the earlier years and a design change has been made (from C-channel arms to tubular). The design and…”
“DT: FORD EXPEDITION. NOTHING WAS APPARENT BEFORE THE FAILURE. TWO MINUTES AFTER ARRIVING HOME THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONTACTED FORD, THE POLICE, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT, AND SAID IT WAS IN THE ENGINE AREA WITH ELECTRICAL ARCING. FORD…”
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PUTTING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE IT WAS LEAKING. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED HE THOUGHT THE PUMP DID NOT CUT ITSELF OFF. THE NEXT TIME HE PUMPED FUEL IT CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY FOUND THE HOSE THAT CONNECTED TO THE TANK WAS…”
The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (13 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Ford E Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.