1997 Ford F-350 SD
Only 3 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 3 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 |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 142 |
| 2000 | 157 |
| 2001 | 158 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 132 |
| 2004 | 130 |
| 2005 | 217 |
| 2006 | 127 |
| 2007 | 25 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 50 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 20 |
| 2017 | 88 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 105 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350 SUPERDUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL BROKE IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO STATED THAT THE WHEEL WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110131
1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD FOR DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. LOCAL DEALERSHIPS HAVE NO PARTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20071013
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FORD F-350 DIESEL DUALLY CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST FINISHED BEING DRIVEN. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE FIRE DEPT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080911
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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-350 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 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-350 SD 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 F-350 SD?
The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F-350 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.