Is the 1997 Ford E-450 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-450?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Ford E-450 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1997 Ford E-450

○ Not enough data

1997 Ford E-450
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:55.556Z

Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 18
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1997: 18 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1992	0
1993	4
1994	0
1995	0
1996	1
1997	18
1998	5
1999	73
2000	42
2001	16
2002	13
2003	18
2004	27
2005	34
2006	20
2007	12
2008	6
2009	2
2010	5
2011	7
2012	4
2013	12
2014	5
2015	6
2016	17
2017	11
2018	5
2019	5
2021	27
2022	13
2023	2
2024	4
2025	2
2026	2
2027	0

Known problem areas

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Structure

10 of 18 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

The front crossmember cracking at main frame, Ford has issued a service bulletin #991411 to address this condition.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-03-06

Tires

7 of 18 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

Show complaint excerpts

The 1997 tires with 18,000 miles on them have large cracks around the entire sidewall of all 6 tires (Motorhome). Now afraid to drive because of all the firestone re-calls.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-06

Tire failed while responding on an emergency ambulance call. Tread peeled off and broke the left front break line. Did body damage to the left front fender, door and running board.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-27

Pe #00020; firestone, steeltex, P225/75R16. Right inside rear tire tread separated from tire. Vehicle is a ambulance and moving approximately 60 MPH. DOT # begins with vd. Tires were the production tires of the vehicle with 27000 mileage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-15

Electrical system

1 of 18 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford E-450. The contact stated the heater control switch failed to function; therefore, only cold air emits from the heater system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-13

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
R

2006-08-07Vehicle speed control06V286000 On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (Note: also see recalls…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2009-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-04-21 HVAC Switch Failures

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford E-450 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Structure: 10 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 7 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford E-450 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-450?: The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford E-450 have?: 2 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.