1997 Ford E-450
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 4 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 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.
10 of 18 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20010306
4 of 18 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20000927
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, 20000915
2 of 18 total reports mention: tires.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: tires.
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, 20040406
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, 20110713
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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 05
Campaign 06V286000 — 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-450 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
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:frame and members, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.