1997 Ford F Series (light)

○ Not enough data
1997 Ford F Series (light)
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:40:49.485Z

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

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 6 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1991: 9 complaints 1992: 9 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 15 complaints 1997 15 1998: 1 complaint 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 3 complaints 2001: 10 complaints 2001 2002: 13 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 8 complaints 1990 1991: 9 complaints 1992: 9 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 15 complaints 1997 15 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 6 complaints 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 10 complaints 2002: 13 complaints 2002
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1989 1990: 8 complaints 1990 1991: 9 complaints 1991 1992: 9 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1993 1994: 16 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 15 complaints 1997 15 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 10 complaints 2001 2002: 13 complaints 2002

1997: 15 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19861
19870
19886
19896
19908
19919
19929
199312
199416
19951
19962
199715
19981
19996
20003
200110
200213

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.

FIRE
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.

FIRE
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 →

  1. 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.