1997 Ford F-450 SD
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 66 |
| 2000 | 43 |
| 2001 | 23 |
| 2002 | 14 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 35 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
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
2 of 4 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.
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
1 of 4 total reports mentions: parking brake.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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-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
WORST YEARS
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.