MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford F Series

○ Not enough data
1997 Ford F Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:44.714Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
47
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

45% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 0 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 16 complaints 1996: 16 complaints 1997: 47 complaints 1997 47 1998: 20 complaints 1999: 36 complaints 2000: 41 complaints 2001: 44 complaints 2002: 34 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2004: 7 complaints 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 4 complaints 2007: 4 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 0 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 7 complaints 1994 1995: 16 complaints 1996: 16 complaints 1997: 47 complaints 1997 47 1998: 20 complaints 1999: 36 complaints 2000: 41 complaints 2000 2001: 44 complaints 2002: 34 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2006: 4 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 2 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1994 1995: 16 complaints 1995 1996: 16 complaints 1996 1997: 47 complaints 1997 47 1998: 20 complaints 1998 1999: 36 complaints 1999 2000: 41 complaints 2000 2001: 44 complaints 2001 2002: 34 complaints 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 7 complaints 2004 2005: 9 complaints 2005 2006: 4 complaints 2006 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008

1997: 47 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19830
19841
19850
19860
19872
19884
19892
19902
19916
19922
19935
19947
199516
199616
199747
199820
199936
200041
200144
200234
20031
20047
20059
20064
20074
20081

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

45% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Fire started in engine area after being parked for approximately 2 hours. Vehicle at a complete loss. Firefighters could not determine cause of fire other than it originating in middle of engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-18

Vehicle engine fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-24

When I first bought the truck in 2001, the engine had approximately 82K miles. I was having a hard time starting and sometimes it would not start. At first the dealer thought it was the starter and they replaced it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-24

Electrical system

15% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and fuses and circuit breakers.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Truck started; however, would not go into drive. Connector for cruise control shut off on brake master cylindar was burnt. Occured while in parking lot with engine shut off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-23

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Vehicle speed control

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle started surging up and down in speed erratically. I did not realize that it had to do with the speed control, but finally took it out of cruise for good.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-16

Fuel system, gasoline

9% · 4 reports

Suspension

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing torsion bar.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1997-01-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-05-12 Undercarriage fires
  2. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford F Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford F Series 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?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F Series have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.