1997 Ford E-150
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 102
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 102 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 15 |
| 1992 | 64 |
| 1993 | 71 |
| 1994 | 121 |
| 1995 | 71 |
| 1996 | 59 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 60 |
| 1999 | 83 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 37 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 16 |
| 2007 | 12 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, gasoline
22% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Engine and engine cooling
21% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine noise coming from vehicle is very loud.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-02-20
Service brakes
18% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Tires
8% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150 equipped with Milestar Tires, Tire Line: Grantland, Tire Size: 235/75/R15, DOT number: TB20R028. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the tires were bouncing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-06
Electrical system
8% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle had been parked for about 1 hour when an explosion incurred which resulted in the truck burning up. The motor area, front wheels and completed cab were destroyed. Gas tank did not blow up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-29
1997 Ford F150 caught on fire will it was parked at my sons work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-07-12
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1997Complaint volume 102 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2001-04-19Fuel system, gasoline01V114000 Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and, if cracked, will replace the tank. Insulator pads will be installed on all vehicles to reduce the stress levels in the fuel tank. Owner notification began…
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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R
2007-08-13Vehicle speed control07V336000 On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat…
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control…
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R
2008-02-18Vehicle speed control08V051000 Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 Econoline, my 1993-1995 Taurus SHO, my 1992-1998 Crown Victoria, my 1993 Bronco, F-Series, my 1995-1997 F-Series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…
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…
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R
2010-06-22Equipment adaptive/mobility10V271000 All in one mobility is recalling certain model year 1997 through 2008 conversion vans equipped with vmi/ricon 6-way power seat bases. There is a possibility of a defective weld at the joint between…
Remedy: All in one mobility will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on June 22, 2010. Owners may contact all in one mobility at 1-503-255-5005.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Ford E-150 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 18 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 01V114000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07V336000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 08V051000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 10V271000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Ford E-150 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford E-150 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford E-150?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Ford E-150 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.