VehicleVerdict

1997 Ford F-350 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1997 Ford F-350 Sd — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other F-350 Sd years?

F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted269 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 5 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 169 complaints2000: 188 complaints2001: 188 complaints2002: 145 complaints2003: 164 complaints2004: 159 complaints2005: 269 complaints2006: 192 complaints2007: 35 complaints2008: 146 complaints2009: 25 complaints2010: 79 complaints2011: 63 complaints2012: 50 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 12 complaints2015: 26 complaints2016: 26 complaints2017: 118 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 158 complaints2023: 54 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 12 complaints
F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Ford F-350 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine133%
Speed Control133%
Tires & Wheels133%

Does the 1997 Ford F-350 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350 SUPERDUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO STATED THAT THE WHEEL WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 21, 2011

“FORD F-350 DIESEL DUALLY CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST FINISHED BEING DRIVEN. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE FIRE DEPT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 10, 2008 · fire

“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD FOR DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. LOCAL DEALERSHIPS HAVE NO PARTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 5, 2007

1997 Ford F-350 Sd — common questions

Is the 1997 Ford F-350 Sd reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Ford F-350 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Ford F-350 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-350 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-350 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2008, 2002, 2017, 2010, 2011, 2024, 2023, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2018, 2020. The cleanest record among F-350 Sd years belongs to 1996.

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.