MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford F-250 SD

▲ Better than typical
1997 Ford F-250 SD
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:29.107Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F-250 SD Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1991: 1 complaints 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 4 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 9 complaints 1996: 11 complaints 1996 1997: 39 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 249 complaints 2000: 233 complaints 2001: 288 complaints 2001 2002: 245 complaints 2003: 178 complaints 2004: 254 complaints 2005: 295 complaints 2006: 274 complaints 2006 2007: 54 complaints 2008: 141 complaints 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 32 complaints 2011: 122 complaints 2011 2012: 57 complaints 2013: 21 complaints 2014: 26 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 13 complaints 2016 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 15 complaints 2019: 11 complaints 2020: 9 complaints 2021: 5 complaints 2021 2022: 7 complaints 2023: 43 complaints 2024: 37 complaints 2025: 15 complaints 2026: 7 complaints 2026
1997: 39 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19911
19923
19934
19942
19959
199611
199739
19981
1999249
2000233
2001288
2002245
2003178
2004254
2005295
2006274
200754
2008141
200923
201032
2011122
201257
201321
201426
201523
201613
201773
201815
201911
20209
20215
20227
202343
202437
202515
20267

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 33%

33% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and diesel.

FIRE
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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040830

POWER TRAIN 23%

23% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

FIRE
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, 20050308

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 18%

18% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE
STEERING 10%

10% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file, most 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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20001213

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20050322 — EA (closed 20060802)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

I 20060622 — EA (closed 20071207)

ENGINE STALLING

R 20071229 — engine and engine cooling

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

R 20091027 — vehicle speed control

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 engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2001 ■ 2006

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.