1997 Ford F Series problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 55 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 18.3 times the median F Series year — the 1997 model ranks #1 of 35 F Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (22 of 55), far ahead of electrical system at 8.
55
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
13
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other F Series years?
What are the most common 1997 Ford F Series problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 11% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. A FEW MINUTES LATER SOMEONE SAID THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL IN 10 MINUTES. FOUR OFF DUTY FIREMEN WERE THERE AND COULD NOT PUT THE FLAMES OUT. NEAR BY FIRE STATION WAS CALLED. ITS RESPONSE WAS WITH IN A FEW…”
“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…”
“ON AUGUST 1, 2010, OUR FORD F150 (VIN [XXX]) STARTED ON FIRE AND BURNED FROM THE ENGINE ON OUT. THE HOOD IS TOTALLY BURNED THROUGH AND THE WINDSHIELD ALSO BURNED. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS RUINED. THE TRUCK WAS IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME AND WE WERE ALERTED MY NEIGHBORS WHO SAW FLAMES…”
“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…”
“BROKEN FRONT TORSION BAR (RS) ON A 1997 FORD F150 4WD. NO CRASH, NO PROPERTY DAMAGE . SAW PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION WHILE SEARCHING FOR RECALLS. ALSO SPOKE TO FORD DEALER WHO STATED THIS WAS NOT UNCOMMON.I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY THIS INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED SO QUICKLY. ”
1997 Ford F Series — common questions
Is the 1997 Ford F Series reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 55 complaints put the 1997 model at #1 of 35 F Series years. It is one of the F Series years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 F Series problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).
Does the 1997 Ford F Series have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford F Series.
Is the 1997 Ford F Series under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford F Series years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.
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.