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
- 39
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 39 complaints
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 | 23 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
33% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer stated that the oil pan rusted right through. Also, it a ignited a fire under the base of the vehicle. Consumer contacted dealer and manufacturer, and neither were willing to assist the consumer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-30
Power train
23% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show 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, 2005-03-08
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Vehicle speed control
18% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Electrical system
15% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
Steering
10% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing shaft sector and hose, piping, and connections.
Show complaint excerpts
High pressure power steering hose failed at the quick connector on the discharge of the power steering pump. The connector came apart and caused a rapid loss of fluid and loss of steering assistance.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-12-13
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 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
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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I
2006-06-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-12-07 Engine stalling
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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.
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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…
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V553000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.