1997 Ford F Series (light)
Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 8 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1993 | 12 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 15 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
5 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Fuel system, gasoline
3 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Electrical system
3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Own a 1997 Ford F150 that caught fire as a result of a defective cruise control switch
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-19
Service brakes
2 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
My 1997 Ford f-150 truck was parked in the drive way in front of my house.the keys were not in the vehicle, and no lights were on. I steped out the front door of my house, and smelled something burning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-26
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Ford F Series (light) — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Ford F Series (light) 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 Series (light)?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F Series (light) have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.