1997 Model Year

Ford F-150

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
2,854
Recalls
9
Crashes
168
Severe
551

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

06E025000 Mar 2006

Other

No consequence data available

03V196000 May 2003

Other

No consequence data available

01X001000 May 2001

Other

No consequence data available

00V231000 Aug 2000

Other

No consequence data available

97V147000 Sep 1997

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Power Train
Nov 2024

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission hesitated while shifting gears. The...

Brakes
Oct 2023

on two occasions now while traversing a slight downgrade (approx 8-10mph) applied brake (per pedal) and vehicle failed to stop! (felt as though it wa...

Power Train
Aug 2023

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into park(P). The contac...

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 2023

1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leake...

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 2023

I filled the fuel tank and let the vehicle set in my drive over night. In the morning as I was approaching the vehicle in preparation to drive to work...

Electrical System Fire
Mar 2022

The contact owned a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact noticed smoke coming from the...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE Fire
Sep 2021

DECEMBER 3, 2020...MY HUSBAND DROVE THE TRUCK OVER TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. AFTER BEING THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS HIS FRIEND WALKED IN THE BUILDING W...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 2021

MY INTERIOR AND BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROADS. THE LIGHT IN THE BACK ABOVE THE TRUCK BED IS BO...

Structure
Jan 2021

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side subframe near the axle of the vehicle was severely corroded. The...

Structure
Dec 2020

I WENT TO OPEN MY 3RD DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY F 150 AND IT WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED BOTH LATCHES ON THE OUTSIDE AND IN INNER DOOR FRAME BUT NO LUCK...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 1997 Ford F-150 has 2854 complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 168 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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