1997 Ford Ford Truck problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 47 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 23.5 times the median Ford Truck year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 37 Ford Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Tires & Wheels leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (26% of the total).
47
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Ford Truck years?
What are the most common 1997 Ford Ford Truck problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 12 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ATTORNEY IS WRITTING IN TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE (WORKHORSE LT245/75R16 TIRE) WHICH EXPERIENCED FAILURE RESULTING IN COLLISION IN WHICH FOUR INJURIES OCCURRED, THE VAN WAS USED AS A SCHOOL BUS WITH 11 TOTAL OCCUPANTS 8 CHILDREN AND THREE ADULTS. *MJS”
“THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING A FORD F-37 U-HAUL STRAIGHT TRUCK PULLING A TRAILER. WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK HE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT HE COULD NOT. THE VEHICLE BURNT OUT RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE CONSUMER, THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE…”
“MY CAR BURN BY IT SELF, IT WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY I HAVE TALK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIXED. *NM”
“THE VEHICLE'S DRIVESHAFT FELL OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STRUCK BY A FOLLOWING VEHICLE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS”
“BRAKES FAILED TO STOP CAR AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, THURSDAY CAR WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE, REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND DRUMS, DUE TO FAULTY CALIPER”
1997 Ford Ford Truck — common questions
Is the 1997 Ford Ford Truck reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 47 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 37 Ford Truck years. It is one of the Ford Truck years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Ford Truck problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (12 complaints), engine (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Does the 1997 Ford Ford Truck have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Ford Truck.
Which Ford Ford Truck years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ford Truck years to avoid are 2002, 1997, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Ford Truck years belongs to 1982.
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.