1997 Ford F-450 SD

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1997 Ford F-450 SD
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:54:39.529Z

Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F-450 SD Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 2 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 66 complaints 2000: 43 complaints 2001: 23 complaints 2001 2002: 14 complaints 2003: 16 complaints 2004: 33 complaints 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 35 complaints 2006 2007: 16 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 3 complaints 2010: 3 complaints 2011: 6 complaints 2011 2012: 3 complaints 2013: 2 complaints 2014: 1 complaints 2015: 1 complaints 2016: 1 complaints 2016 2017: 1 complaints 2018: 0 complaints 2019: 3 complaints 2020: 0 complaints 2021: 17 complaints 2021 2022: 24 complaints 2023: 5 complaints 2024: 7 complaints 2025: 2 complaints 2026: 1 complaints 2026
1997: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19916
19923
19935
19943
19952
19962
19974
19981
199966
200043
200123
200214
200316
200433
200540
200635
200716
200868
20093
20103
20116
20123
20132
20141
20151
20161
20171
20180
20193
20200
202117
202224
20235
20247
20252
20261

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

2 of 4 total reports mention: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

OWNER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END, OIL LEAKS, AND TRANSMISSIONS ON THREE OF VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980505

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 4 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

TIRES

1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.

POWER TRAIN

1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

OWNER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR END, OIL LEAKS, AND TRANSMISSIONS ON THREE OF VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980505

PARKING BRAKE

1 of 4 total reports mentions: parking brake.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20010604 — tires

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

I 20050322 — EA (closed 20060802)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 20060807 — vehicle speed control

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

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-450 SD — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 01X001000 (tires) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • 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

● 2004 ● 2006 ● 2005

WORST YEARS

◆ 2008 ◆ 1999 ● 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford F-450 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-450 SD?

The most-reported component is suspension:rear, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F-450 SD 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.