1997 Ford F-350
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 52 |
| 1993 | 101 |
| 1994 | 95 |
| 1995 | 134 |
| 1996 | 130 |
| 1997 | 155 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 413 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 88 |
| 2004 | 159 |
| 2005 | 114 |
| 2006 | 145 |
| 2007 | 36 |
| 2008 | 131 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 136 |
| 2012 | 149 |
| 2013 | 76 |
| 2014 | 91 |
| 2015 | 190 |
| 2016 | 187 |
| 2017 | 480 |
| 2018 | 194 |
| 2019 | 452 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 88 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
ABS BRAKES FAILED, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971230
9% of complaints: tires — 14 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: tires — 11 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 96V184000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SEP
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.
Campaign 97V187000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WILDERN
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.
Campaign 01X001000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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 05
Campaign 06V286000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Ford F-350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V184000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V187000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01X001000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F-350 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.