VehicleVerdict

1997 Ford F-250 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1997 Ford F-250 Sd sits mid-pack among F-250 Sd years: 52 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (25% of the total).

52

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other F-250 Sd years?

F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted381 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 52 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 304 complaints2000: 277 complaints2001: 331 complaints2002: 282 complaints2003: 229 complaints2004: 345 complaints2005: 381 complaints2006: 353 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 189 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 37 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 119 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 4 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 13 complaints
F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Ford F-250 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1325%
Transmission917%
Speed Control713%
Electrical System612%
Steering48%
Tires & Wheels48%
Brakes36%
Fuel System36%
Other12%
Airbags12%
Suspension12%

Does the 1997 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V399000Speed ControlOctober 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

07V553000EngineDecember 5, 2007 · 1,176,000 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER STATED THAT THE OIL PAN RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH. ALSO, IT A IGNITED A FIRE UNDER THE BASE OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND NEITHER WERE WILLING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 30, 2004 · fire

“ON DECEMBER 4, 2004, I TOOK MY TRUCK ON ABOUT A 600 MILE TRIP. DURING THE TRIP I TRIED THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH WORKED ABOUT 5 MONTHS EARLIER & FOUND IT TO BE NONFUNCTIONAL. THE NEXT DAY, I FOUND MYSELF IN A POSITION THAT REQUIRED ENGAGING THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE, HOWEVER IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 26, 2005 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE BEGINNING OF 2008. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 6, 2008 · fire

“ON MARCH 2ND,2007 MY F250 DIESEL PICKUP, THAT WAS IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT MELTED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND BURNT UP THE AREA SURROUNDING IT. MY 11 YEAR OLD SON NOTICED THE BLAZE AND SHUT OFF THE TRUCK AND POPPED THE HOOD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 2, 2007 · fire

“IN ORDER TO GET WHEELS OFF RIM, CONSUMER HAD TO USE A SLEDGE HAMMER, TOOK TO DEALER. *AK ALUMINIUM WHEELS STICK TO TRUCK HUBS. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 11, 2000

1997 Ford F-250 Sd — common questions

Is the 1997 Ford F-250 Sd reliable?

It is close to typical for the F-250 Sd: 52 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 F-250 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), transmission (9 complaints), speed control (7 complaints).

Does the 1997 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Ford F-250 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Ford F-250 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-250 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2008, 2017, 2012, 2007, 2023, 2015, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among F-250 Sd years belongs to 1998.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.