1997 Ford E-250
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 14 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 24 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1999 | 31 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 18 |
| 2002 | 17 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 24 total reports mention: tires.
3 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
COMPANY VAN. TWO COMPLETE OVERHAULS OF FRONT BRAKES PERFORMED TWICE, ROTORS RESURFACED TWICE. DEALER AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. EXCESSIVE BRAKE PROBLEMS, REPAIRS MADE. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981214
3 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
BLOWN SPARK PLUG RIGHT OUT OF THE HEAD, TOOK THE THREADS WITH IT COSTING OVER $3000.00 FORD WILL NOT EXCEPT RESPONSABILITY FOR THERE NEGLIGENCE IN THERE MACHINE SHOP CAN YOU HELP?
NHTSA ODI report, 20031230
THIS IS ONE OF 2 1997 VANS I OWN, THE OTHER VAN ENGINE BLEW AT 78000,THIS ONE DID AT 82000 ,AND IT IS THOUGHT TO BE DUE TO THE REAR SEAL LEAKING ON EXHAUST AND STARTING FIRE AT TANK. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010719
2 of 24 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 24 total reports mention: suspension.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SHIFT-LOCK
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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, S
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 DEACTIVATION
Campaign 07V336000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MERCUR
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.
Campaign 08V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
HVAC Switch Failures
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Ford E-250 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V051000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Ford E-250 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford E-250?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford E-250 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.