1997 Ford F-250 SD
This year had at least 30% fewer 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 39 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 233 |
| 2001 | 288 |
| 2002 | 245 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 254 |
| 2005 | 295 |
| 2006 | 274 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 141 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 122 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON DECEMBER 4, 2004, I TOOK MY TRUCK ON ABOUT A 600 MILE TRIP. DURING THE TRIP I TRIED THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH WORKED ABOUT 5 MONTHS EARLIER & FOUND IT TO BE NONFUNCTIONAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050308
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL FOUR FIRESTONE STEEL TEC RADIAL AT LT 235-85R16 TIRES WERE REPLACED DUE TO DRY ROT ON THE EXTERIOR TIRE WALLS. *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20001219
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ENGINE STALLING
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.
Campaign 07V553000 — 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V553000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford F-250 SD is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford F-250 SD?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control:cruise control, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F-250 SD 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.