MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford F-350

● Typical for this model
1997 Ford F-350
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:08.759Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
155
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 2 complaints 1989 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 52 complaints 1993: 101 complaints 1994: 96 complaints 1995: 134 complaints 1996: 130 complaints 1997: 155 complaints 1997 155 1998: 12 complaints 1999: 413 complaints 2000: 304 complaints 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 159 complaints 2005: 114 complaints 2006: 145 complaints 2006 2007: 36 complaints 2008: 131 complaints 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 136 complaints 2012: 149 complaints 2013: 76 complaints 2014: 91 complaints 2014 2015: 190 complaints 2016: 187 complaints 2017: 480 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 452 complaints 2020: 182 complaints 2021: 88 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 52 complaints 1992 1993: 101 complaints 1994: 96 complaints 1994 1995: 134 complaints 1996: 130 complaints 1997: 155 complaints 1997 155 1998: 12 complaints 1999: 413 complaints 2000: 304 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 159 complaints 2004 2005: 114 complaints 2006: 145 complaints 2006 2007: 36 complaints 2008: 131 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 136 complaints 2012: 149 complaints 2012 2013: 76 complaints 2014: 91 complaints 2014 2015: 190 complaints 2016: 187 complaints 2016 2017: 480 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 452 complaints 2020: 182 complaints 2020 2021: 88 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 52 complaints 1992 1993: 101 complaints 1994: 96 complaints 1994 1995: 134 complaints 1996: 130 complaints 1997: 155 complaints 1997 155 1998: 12 complaints 1999: 413 complaints 2000: 304 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 159 complaints 2004 2005: 114 complaints 2006: 145 complaints 2006 2007: 36 complaints 2008: 131 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 136 complaints 2012: 149 complaints 2012 2013: 76 complaints 2014: 91 complaints 2014 2015: 190 complaints 2016: 187 complaints 2016 2017: 480 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 452 complaints 2020: 182 complaints 2020 2021: 88 complaints

1997: 155 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19892
199131
199252
1993101
199496
1995134
1996130
1997155
199812
1999413
2000304
2001160
2002116
200390
2004159
2005114
2006145
200736
2008131
200928
20100
2011136
2012149
201376
201491
2015190
2016187
2017480
2018194
2019452
2020182
202188

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

24% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIRE

Tires

19% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and diesel.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving my 1997 Ford F350 diesel pickup, pulling a 36FT gooseneck horse trailer with my two teenage daughters and their four horses, the engine in my pickup spontaneously ignited.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-05

Also filed under Electrical system

Power train

14% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

On the passenger side of the engine pan the dipstick adapter was manufactured poorly. The oil from the crankcase has caused the oring to swell and leak oil. The oil leak is getting on the starter and clutch.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-24

Also filed under Electrical system and engine

Steering

8% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and rack and pinion.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1996-09-30Service brakes, hydraulic96V184000 The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect to verify that the retainer clips are installed and if clips are missing will install clips.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1997-12-01Tires97V187000 Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and chassis. The tires on these vehicles were damaged during mounting onto the wheels. Only trucks produced at the cuautitlan, mexico plant between…

    Remedy: Due to the age of the vehicles and this recall affecting original equipment tires only, Ford will no longer accept claims for this campaign.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2001-06-04Tires01X001000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone…

    Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
  5. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  6. R
    2006-08-07Vehicle speed control06V286000 On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (Note: also see recalls…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford F-350 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 37 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V184000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 97V187000 · Tires
  • Recall 01X001000 · Tires
  • Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford F-350 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford F-350 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford F-350?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F-350 have?
4 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.