Total Complaints
3285 filings
FORD F-150 · model year
3285 NHTSA complaints, 205 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1997FORDF-150 carries 3285 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 205 crashes, 296 fires, 180 injuries, and 18 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1997 F-150 is engine and engine cooling:engine with 198 filings, followed by tires (168) and structure:body:door (164). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 1997 F-150, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
3285 filings
Crashes Reported
205 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 198 |
| TIRES | 168 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 164 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 155 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 137 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 136 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 128 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 111 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 101 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL | 90 |
| WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS | 88 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 81 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 70 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 69 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 48 |
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission hesitated while shifting gears. The contact stated that when the gear changed, the vehicle would jerk. The contact replaced the control sensor however, the failure recurred. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.
Mileage: 245,000
on two occasions now while traversing a slight downgrade (approx 8-10mph) applied brake (per pedal) and vehicle failed to stop! (felt as though it was sliding) which it wasn't. continued to roll! after re-gaining composer and control of the vehicle (avoiding any collision) brake system returned to normal !!!!!!!!! different circumstances could have resulted in collision damage,injury perhaps loss of life!! would appreciate any feedback your engineers have to offer in the matter!! i purchased the vehicle in 1998 and currently displays 87!!! k miles.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into park(P). The contact stated that when he attempted to shift the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle shifted instead shifted into drive(D) and vice versa. Additionally, the contact stated that he had to turn the vehicle off and turn the steering wheel towards the direction of the curb in case the vehicle rolled away, increasing the risk of a crash or an injury. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable assembly had detached from the bracket and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V171000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotli
Mileage: 40,000
1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leaked from the switched and the harness. It is not apparent that the switch is leaking until the harness connector is removed from the switch. The integrity of the brake system is compromised and the previous recall was for fires because of brake fluid in the wire harness. UPDATE 5/11/23 BRAKE SWITCH HARMESS RECALL 05S28 WAS REPLACED WITH A MITORCRAFT PART SW6350 AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTUING REFUND FOR PARTS FROM FORD.
1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leaked from the switched and the harness. It is not apparent that the switch is leaking until the harness connector is removed from the switch. The integrity of the brake system is compromised and the previous recall was for fires because of brake fluid in the wire harness. UPDATE 5/11/23 BRAKE SWITCH HARMESS RECALL 05S28 WAS REPLACED WITH A MITORCRAFT PART SW6350 AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTUING REFUND FOR PARTS FROM FORD.
I filled the fuel tank and let the vehicle set in my drive over night. In the morning as I was approaching the vehicle in preparation to drive to work, I smelled a strong odor of gasoline. I looked under the vehicle and saw a wet spot about 3 feet in diameter. The wet spot was gasoline. As i was investigating the leak, I noticed the front fuel tank retaining band rusted in two and fuel tank hanging low. Further investigation revealed there was a leak from the fuel pump access seal and hose connecting the filler neck to the tank. I had just driven the vehicle 130 miles the day before filling the fuel tank. If it hadn't been for the leaking fuel, I would have not have discovered that the tank was only secured by one badly rusted retaining band and would have continued to operate the vehicle normally and probably ultimately the second band would have broken allowing the fuel tank to fall from the vehicle. Ford informed there was a recall and the vehicle had been repaired in 2011. I purcha
Mileage: 205,383
The contact owned a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact noticed smoke coming from the driver's side from the bottom of the front tire. The vehicle then caught on fire. The fire department came to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The cause of the fire was an electrical engine component. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. The vehicle remained at the residence and was not repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Mileage: 200,000
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear passengerâs side subframe near the axle of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,788.
Mileage: 134,788
MY INTERIOR AND BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROADS. THE LIGHT IN THE BACK ABOVE THE TRUCK BED IS BOTHERSOME BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE ATTENTION OF ANOTHER DRIVER CAUSING A ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER ALSO HAS A FORD F150 THAT DOES THE SAME, HOWEVER HER TRUCK ISN'T THE SAME YEAR.
Mileage: 84,980
MY INTERIOR AND BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROADS. THE LIGHT IN THE BACK ABOVE THE TRUCK BED IS BOTHERSOME BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE ATTENTION OF ANOTHER DRIVER CAUSING A ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER ALSO HAS A FORD F150 THAT DOES THE SAME, HOWEVER HER TRUCK ISN'T THE SAME YEAR.
Mileage: 84,980
DECEMBER 3, 2020...MY HUSBAND DROVE THE TRUCK OVER TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. AFTER BEING THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS HIS FRIEND WALKED IN THE BUILDING WHERE HE WAS AND SAID, 'HEY MAN, YOUR TRUCK IS ON FIRE!' EVERYONE RUSHED OUTSIDE TO SEE THE TRUCK WAS IN FACT ON FIRE. THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME AND FINISHED EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. IT APPEARS THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NEAR THE TIRE, OR BEHIND THE DASH. I DID NOT EVEN THINK TO CHECK FOR A RECALL, BUT A FRIEND TOLD ME TO CHECK BECAUSE HE WAS AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL. SURE ENOUGH, THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK EXACTLY. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 05V017000 DATE: JAN 27, 2005 FORD RECALL NUMBER: 05528
DECEMBER 3, 2020...MY HUSBAND DROVE THE TRUCK OVER TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. AFTER BEING THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS HIS FRIEND WALKED IN THE BUILDING WHERE HE WAS AND SAID, 'HEY MAN, YOUR TRUCK IS ON FIRE!' EVERYONE RUSHED OUTSIDE TO SEE THE TRUCK WAS IN FACT ON FIRE. THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME AND FINISHED EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. IT APPEARS THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NEAR THE TIRE, OR BEHIND THE DASH. I DID NOT EVEN THINK TO CHECK FOR A RECALL, BUT A FRIEND TOLD ME TO CHECK BECAUSE HE WAS AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL. SURE ENOUGH, THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK EXACTLY. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 05V017000 DATE: JAN 27, 2005 FORD RECALL NUMBER: 05528
DECEMBER 3, 2020...MY HUSBAND DROVE THE TRUCK OVER TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. AFTER BEING THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS HIS FRIEND WALKED IN THE BUILDING WHERE HE WAS AND SAID, 'HEY MAN, YOUR TRUCK IS ON FIRE!' EVERYONE RUSHED OUTSIDE TO SEE THE TRUCK WAS IN FACT ON FIRE. THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME AND FINISHED EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. IT APPEARS THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NEAR THE TIRE, OR BEHIND THE DASH. I DID NOT EVEN THINK TO CHECK FOR A RECALL, BUT A FRIEND TOLD ME TO CHECK BECAUSE HE WAS AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL. SURE ENOUGH, THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK EXACTLY. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 05V017000 DATE: JAN 27, 2005 FORD RECALL NUMBER: 05528
1. SPONTANEOUS BRAKE FAILURE. PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. 10-20-2020 2. SPONTANEOUS SKIDDING ON WET PAVEMENT AND LOSS OF BRAKING CONTROL. 2ND INCIDENT 0N 10-23-20.
Mileage: 184,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE HIS BRAKES SERVICED. WHILE THERE, HE WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V231000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VANCOUVER FORD, INC. (6801 NE 40TH ST, VANCOUVER, WA 98661) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE RECALL REQUIRED FOR HIM TO CHECK THE PVC VALVE AND THE FUEL LINE. AS PER THE MECHANIC, THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL WAS THEN REMOVED FROM HIS VIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE PCV VALVE AND THE PCV HOSE HIMSELF HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE PREVIOUS RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFA
Mileage: 154,000
STEERING WHEEL FRAME IS CRACKED AND ALLOWS FOR LARGE MOVEMENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE MAY RESPOND. ALUMINUM APPEARS TO HAVE SEVERAL HAIRLINE CRACKS AND WARPING AROUND THE COLLAR HOLDING THE STEERING COLUMN AND YOU MAY LOOSE CONTROL WHILE TURNING OR WHEN THE ROAD SURFACE IS UNEVEN AT MID TO HIGH SPEEDS. LOST CONTROL WHILE TRAVELING ON AN S SHAPED CURVE DUE TO LACK OF STEERING AND THEN OVER-STEERING. THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY IN NIGHT CONDITIONS, NO RAIN. VIDEO FOOTAGE IS AVAILABLE VIA A DASHCAM. *TR
Mileage: 157,000
LIGHTS DO NOT WORK
MY 3RD DOOR WON'T OPEN AND IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE KIDS AND IT'S THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE TO TRANSPORT THEM AROUND. I WENT TO YOUTUBE AND FOUND THAT SOME CHEAP PLASTIC RETAINERS THAT'S CLIPPED TO CABLES ARE BROKEN. THE RETAINERS OPEN THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. PLEASE HELP. THANKS
Mileage: 198,000
I WENT TO OPEN MY 3RD DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY F 150 AND IT WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED BOTH LATCHES ON THE OUTSIDE AND IN INNER DOOR FRAME BUT NO LUCK. I WAS PARKED AT THE TIME WHEN I WAS TRYING TO GET SOME ITEMS OUT OF MY BACK SEAT. I HAVE NOTHING TO UPLOAD AT THIS TIME.
Mileage: 198,000
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK THE MORNING BEFORE THANKSGIVING. I SHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AND THE BACK TIRES HIT A PATCH OF WATER AND I STARTED FISHTAILING. I WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A PATCH OF OAK TREES. ONE HEAD ON. ON IMPACT, THE SEATBELT DID NOT RETRACT AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, THE DASH BROKE APART AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MOVED WITH ME AND I HIT THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER HITTING THE WINDSHIELD, THEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. WHEN THE DASH BROKE APART FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MOVING, IT CUT MY SHIN WHICH REQUIRED STITCHES. MY KNEE HIT AROUND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE WHICH DROVE MY FEMUR INTO MY HIP FRACTURING IT IN 3 PLACES WHICH REQUIRED 3 TITANIUM PLATES AND SCREWS. I HAD AN OPEN FRACTURE ON MY ARM WHICH WAS THE HEAD OF MY RADIUS (ELBOW) BROKEN OFF WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH MORE TITANIUM PLATES AND SCREWS. I BROKE THE ORBIT OVER MY LEFT EYE AND SINUS CAVITIES BEHIND IT. I HAD STITCHES AND STAPLES IN MY FOREHEAD THAT WILL NOW LEAVE ME A SCAR FOR LIFE. I SPENT 15 DAYS IN T
Mileage: 104,000
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Unintended Transmission Downshift
Seatbelt Pretensioner Fire
Brake Master Cylinder Failure
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.