1997 Ford E-Series
Only 10 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1998 | 13 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 10 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
12 of 16 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
At 70 m.p.h. On flat , dry road the tread seperated from the inflated firestone tire and caused damage to motorhome.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-23
While driving 70 MPH and without warning rear driver's outer tire blew out, which resulted in tread separation, firestone, model LT225/75R16E DOT: unknown. Ford and firestone were notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-19
A tire blew out and damaged the motor home. Firestone lt 225/75/16. Please provide details.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-30
Suspension
2 of 16 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
This vehicle was made by Ford as a partially complete vehicle and converted to 4 wheel drive by Quigley Motor Company Inc.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-28
Service brakes
2 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Wheels
1 of 16 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
We purchased a 1997 Ford E150 raised roof conversion van from jim o'neal Ford in sellersburg, Indiana just across the border from louisville, Kentucky. The conversion was by superior in louisville.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22
Steering
1 of 16 total reports mentions: steering.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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R
2007-12-29Engine and engine cooling07V553000 On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3L diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Ford E-Series — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V553000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Ford E-Series 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-Series?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Ford E-Series have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.