RoadVitals

1997 Ford F-250 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
304
Latest Aug 26, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
39

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Ford F-250, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

44
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F250 LD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VIBRATION OF THE SPARE TIRE RUBS AGAINST AND CREATES A HOLE IN THE REAR FUEL TANK. THE SPARE TIRE IS SECURELY MOUNTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED TO SEND ANYONE OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,300. UPDATED 11/17/08 *BF UPDATED 11/18/08. *JB

NHTSA ID 10246641 · filed Oct 24, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250 LD. THE VEHICLE HAS MILESTONE 1000R20, SIZE 265-75/16 TIRES. THE WIRES WERE EXPOSED FROM THE SIDES OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRES. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE TIRE BECAUSE THEY WERE DANGEROUS. THE DEALER WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES OF THE VEHICLE WERE 219,330. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

NHTSA ID 10197887 · filed Jul 30, 2007
All 44 reports naming tires & wheels

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE TRUCK WOULD STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, NOT START AFTER DRIVING, STOP SHUT OFF AND THEN WOULD NOT START. SOME TIMES IT MAY NOT START FOR SEVERAL DAYS THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD START UP AGAIN AND BE FINE FOR WEEKS THEN WOULD START THE WHOLE PROCESS OVER AGAIN. IT MAY STOP AT ANY TIME ANY WHERE WHETHER HIGHWAY OR CITY STREET. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER, ENGINE SHUTS OFF. I HAD MANY EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS, WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHER VEHICLES CAUSING THEM TO MAKE EVASIVE ACTIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAS A MANUFACTURES BUY BACK FROM ORIGINAL PURCHASER WHEN, NEW BUT NO EXPLANATION COULD BE FOUND. I SPOKE TO FORD AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF THE BUY BACK. IT IS ON THE TITLE ALSO.

NHTSA ID 10810623 · filed Dec 16, 2015

THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE SPARK PLUG SHOOTS OUT OF THE BLOCK AND SHORTLY AFTER YOU CAN SMELL GAS FUMES WITH IS AN OBVIOUS FIRE HAZARD. NOT ONLY IS IT EXPENSIVE TO FIND A MECHANIC WHO CAN COIL THE PLUG BACK INTO THE BLOCK, AFTER READING ABOUT IT THE SAME INCIDENT HAPPENS TO MANY OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME TRUCK AS I DO. YET, THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL.

NHTSA ID 10715974 · filed May 12, 2015
All 31 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER MULTIPLE USES, THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN PULLING AN RV IN TOWN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE BRAKE FLUID IS BOILING AND THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE FLUSHED, THEN A DIFFERENT TYPE OF BRAKE FLUID PUT IN TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT OF THE RV.

NHTSA ID 10151422 · filed Feb 28, 2006

WHIEL THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, A MECHANIC NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. AS THE BRAKE FLUID RESEVOIR MELTED BRAKE FLUID IT MADE THE FIRE BIGGER. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FIRE. NO AFTER MARKET EQUIPMENT. PHOTOS AND INVESTIGATION REPORT MAILED TO BRUCE YORK. *JB

NHTSA ID 10105010 · filed Dec 17, 2004
All 31 reports naming brakes

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 1997 FORD F250 4WD TRUCK HAS DEVELOPED A POPPING NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL HUB AREA. I FOUND THE DRIVE SHAFT FROM THE FRONT TRANSFER CASE COULD BE MOVED IN AND OUT OF THE WHEEL HUB WITH A POPPING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO BE REPAIRED AND NO ONE CAN FIND PARTS. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEARCHED LOCAL PARTS STORES AND CAN'T FINE THEM EITHER. ALL I FIND IS THAT EVERYONE ELSE HAS HAD SUSPENSION PROBLEMS ON THIS MODEL. HOW DO I GET IT REPAIRED? *TR

NHTSA ID 10367293 · filed Nov 23, 2010

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POP AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE FRONT LEFT SIDE DROPPED SEVERAL INCHES. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO INSPECT WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE, AND DISCOVERED THAT DRIVER SIDE TORSION BAR SNAPPED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10063187 · filed Mar 15, 2004
All 30 reports naming suspension

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the fuel strap failed and there was a hole in the fuel tank. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V385000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 00V231000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

NHTSA ID 11610939 · filed Aug 26, 2024

FUEL TANK 1 SEEMS TO PUMP FUEL INTO TANK 2. FUEL SWITCH ON "FRONT" SEEMS TO INDICATE PROPER AMOUNT OF FUEL. FUEL SWITCH ON "REAR" ALWAYS READS FULL. SOMETIMES FUEL WILL FLOW OUT OF REAR TANK AS SOON AS FUEL CAP IS REMOVED. I DROVE ABOUT 75 MILES WITH THE FUEL SWITCH ON "REAR". WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I UNSCREWED REAR TANK CAP AND FUEL SPEWED OUT.......MAYBE A GALLON OR SO.

NHTSA ID 11100615 · filed Jun 8, 2018
All 29 reports naming fuel system

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F250 THAT WONT GO INTO PARK. THEREFORE, YOU CAN'T START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL. THE TRUCK ROLLS WHEN TURNED OFF, BECAUSE IT'S NOT ENGAGED. I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THIS RECALL HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/1997/FORD/F250 . I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT DIDN'T PERTAIN TO MY TRUCK, CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW FORD DOESN'T TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10348112 · filed Aug 9, 2010

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 97V171000 CONCERNING THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE.*AK

NHTSA ID 10145294 · filed Dec 15, 2005
All 27 reports naming transmission

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F250. THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN SHAKING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND THEN LOCKED. THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK IT AND THE SHAFT BEARING FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRUST BEARING WAS ON BACK ORDER AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND FAILURE HE EXPERIENCED WITH THE STEERING. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

NHTSA ID 10215704 · filed Jan 22, 2008

POWER STEERING BRACKET BROKE. UNABLE TO GET PART THROUGH ANY DEALERSHIP OR JUNK YARD IN THE UNITED STATES. THROUGH NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET THIS PART I HAVE FOUND THAT SO MANY HAVE BEEN SOLD RECENTLY THAT THE SUPPLY HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED. THEREFORE, IT IS NOW ON BACK ORDER UNTIL JUNE. THE PART APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVE AFTER 10 YEARS, AND IS DANGEROUS AS IT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING AND BRAKES IF THE MOTOR IS A TURBO DIESEL.*AK

NHTSA ID 10190638 · filed May 14, 2007
All 23 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD F-250 FOR A FEW YEARS AND BESIDES AN ABI'S I'VEW PREVIOUS OWNER IT HASN'T GIVEN ANY ISSUE. THAT IS UP UNTIL A MONTH AGO WHEN MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER UP AND QUIT WORKING. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO FUSES OR RELAYS FAULTY EITHER, I SPOKE WITH FRIENDS OF MINE WHO OWN SIMILAR MODEL YEARS OF MY TRUCK AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11051871 · filed Dec 2, 2017

AFTER SEVERAL INCHES OF RAIN MY 1997 FORD F250 LIGHT DUTY BEGAN TRYING TO START WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT WAS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE. THE BATTERY CABLE WAS RED HOT AND SMOKING. LUCKILY MY NEIGHBOR NOTICED OR IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. BOTH FOLLOWED HEAVY RAINS. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE INCLUDED SPONTANEOUS STARTING, INTERIOR LIGHTS COMING ON, LEFT SIDE WINDOW FAILURE, SPEEDOMETER FAILURE, AND CONTINUED OPERATION OF FAN, WINDOWS AND RADIO WITH IGNITION OFF. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE HAS MADE ME AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AND SEEPING INTO THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE AND FUSE BOX CAUSING MULTIPLE SYMPTOMS INCLUDING THE ONES STATED ABOVE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10336557 · filed Jun 16, 2010
All 18 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REF:EEN19-47774 (TO BE FWD BY MAIL) THE FRONT TANK STRAP ON THE VEHICLE FAILED AND THE TANK DROPPED UNTIL SUPPORTED BY SKID PLATE. SOME DIESEL FUEL SPILLED IN GARAGE, CREATING FIRE HAZARD BUT WAS CLEANED UP W/O INCIDENT. I CONTACTED DIEHL FORD IN BELLINGHAM WA AS NO FORD DEALER IN JUNEAU AK AT THAT TIME. I ORDERED AND THEY SENT 2 STRAPS (F72Z-9054-BA), BOLTS&NUTS WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER WERE NOT AUTHORIZED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21! I CONTACTED THE LOCAL (TEMPORARY) FORD REPAIR FACILITY--EVERGREEN MOTOR WORKS RELATIVE TO THIS REPAIR AND THEY DISCOVERED THE SAFETY RECALL 11S21 AND STATED THAT ALASKA VEHICLES WERE NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL.I COTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. BY EMAIL AND GOT THE SAME ANSWER. AS A SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I KNOW THIS IS TOTAL BS AS ALASKA HAS MUCH WORSE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAN ANY OF THE :SOUTH 48" STATES COVERED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21!! STANLEY FORD IS NOW THE LOCAL FORD DEALER BUT STILL COULD NOT FIX MY FORD F250 TANK STRAP UNDER THE RECALL BUT COULD FIX THE SAFETY RECALL 09S09 SPEED CONTROL MOD! IT SHOULD BE ALSO NOTED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED ABOUT THE SAME TIME!! FORD CO. DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN THIS PROBLEM. I REPLACED THIS IMMEDIATELY AS I FEEL SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT! SIGNED/ [XXX] SR. ENGINEER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS

NHTSA ID 10592574 · filed May 19, 2014

THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED ON MY TRUCK CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I HAD THE TANK AND RELATED PARTS REPLACED AT A LOCAL SHOP. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK STRAPS WERE ALSO RUSTED AND NEW STRAPS COULD NOT BE INSTALLED IN THE NORMAL MANNER. WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER THAT ATTEMPTED AN OFFICIAL REPAIR OF THE STRAPS BUT CONCLUDED THE MOUNTING BRACKETS WERE TOO DAMAGED TO INSTALL NEW STRAPS. WHETHER THE DEFECT WAS ALL CORROSION OR A COMBINATION OF CORROSION AND THE EFFECTS OF THE TANK BEING RIPPED FROM THE REMAINING MOUNTS WHEN THE STRAPS FAILED WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND I CALLED A FORD COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE WHO INITIALLY AGREED TO HAVE FORD COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE BUT THIS WAS LATER RESCINDED BY A SUPERIOR AND I LEFT WITH AN UNSAFE, INCOMPLETE REPAIR. I WOULD LIKE THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSOCIATION TO EXAMINE THE INCIDENCE OF STRUCTURAL AND MOUNTING BRACKET FAILURES DUE TO PREMATURE CORROSION NOT LIMITED TO THE STRAPS THEMSELVES. SEVERAL LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE COMMENTED THAT THEY SEE THIS VERY, VERY FREQUENTLY ON FORD TRUCKS OF THAT VINTAGE. MY TRUCK WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE BRACKETS RUSTED AS THEY ARE. GIVEN THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ISSUE, I BELIEVE THIS BEARS VERY CLOSE EXAMINATION. FORD SAYS IT HAS NOT PROCESS TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS CONCERN. I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES BUT THEY ARE USELESS SINCE FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE RELATED DAMAGE, DAMAGED CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE STRAPS AND/OR ADDITIONAL ISSUES THAT VERY LIKELY EXIST WITH THE CORROSION RESISTANCE OF SOME FORD TRUCK FRAMES. THIS TRUCK'S FRAME HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT FRAME BASED RUST DETERIORATION WHILE OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE SEEM TO FOLLOW A MUCH MORE NORMAL AGING PATTERN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10584323 · filed Apr 22, 2014
All 18 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN JANUARY OF 2008 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HEARD FROM FORD, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM WHEN THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID 10226627 · filed May 5, 2008

1997 FORD F-250 RECALL FOR SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT TWO DEALERS HAVE STATED THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. HE WOULD LIKE THE DEALER TO INFORM HIM WHEN THE PARTS COME IN. HE STATES HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CALL TO FIND OUT. *KB

NHTSA ID 10219432 · filed Feb 20, 2008
All 15 reports naming driver assistance

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TIRE BLOW OUT ON FREEWAY CALIFORNIA I-5 AT 210 INTERCHANGE BFGOODRICH LT235/85 R16 LTR M+S 1655 MILES ON THE TIRES INSTALLED 05-20-2019 OF LAST YEAR

NHTSA ID 11316921 · filed Mar 8, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE BRACKET AND THE SPARE TIRE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ID 10496285 · filed Feb 4, 2013
All 12 reports naming other / unspecified

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON RT 295 DURING A RAIN STORM AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONETS IN MY TRUCK. I DRIVE A 97 FORD F250 4X4 XLT. LUCKILY I WAS NOT INJURED. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO BE FIXED WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX. I THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE WINDSHIELDS ON THE MODEL OF MY TRUCK IS KNOWN TO LEAK AND DAMAGE THOSE COMPONETS. I COULD OF GOT INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT THAT DAY, RESULTING IN DEATH OF ME OR OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. *JB

NHTSA ID 10145770 · filed Dec 21, 2005

1997 FORD F-250LD REAR WINDOW LEAKS. YOU GUYS HAVE ALREADY LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM BUT I THINK IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. I AND MANY OTHERS THAT I HAVE TALKED TO WITH THE SLIDING REAR WINDOW HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS DESTROYING THE HEAD LIGHTS IN THESE TRUCKS PLUS OTHER DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND WHAT'S IN IT. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME IT RAINS HARD OR SOFT AND WHEN I WASH THE TRUCK. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT WORKS AS A MECHANIC FOR FORD AND HE SAID HE HAS SEEN A LOT OF THESE PROBLEMS. FORD DOES NOT REALLY HAVE A GOOD ANSWER FOR THE PROBLEM AND WHEN THEY DO FIX IT, IT DOES NOT LAST FOR LONG. I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH FORD TRUCKS AND WOULD BUY THEM AGAIN AND I THINK THAT THEY NEED TO FIND HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FIX ALL THE TRUCKS THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEMS. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP. *LA

NHTSA ID 10043481 · filed Oct 23, 2003
All 12 reports naming visibility

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR FACILITY FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHEN THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT FIVE OF THE SEVEN SPOKES ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE OTHER THREE WHEELS EXHIBITED RUST HOLES AND CRACKS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,318. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND AFTER THE AXLE, HUB AND ROTOR WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 1000.00. UPDATED 09/10/12

NHTSA ID 10466989 · filed Jul 23, 2012

WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT RECLINED WHICH LEFT THE DRIVER LAYING COMPLETELY DOWN. *JB THE SEAT BASE ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT. *SC THE TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS, BECAUSE THE SHIFTER BOLTS HAD BROKE LOOSE FROM THE DASH MOUNTS, THE HEAD GASKETS FAILED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED. THE HUB/AXLE SEALS WERE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10105420 · filed Sep 2, 2005
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT DISCONNECTS RANDOMLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN PARK, DRIVING AND WHILE REVERSING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON CITY STREETS AS WELL AS FREEWAY/HIGHWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, MAKING A U-TURN AS WELL AS DRIVING FORWARD. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE RADIO STATIONS. AS IT STANDS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE TRUCK THE SEATBELT WILL DISCONNECT AT LEAST 3 TIMES.

NHTSA ID 11232638 · filed Jul 17, 2019

WHEN BUCKLING IN THE RETRACTOR FAILED. I AM NOT ABLE TO HAVE ANYONE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY TRUCK NOW. I SEE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SAME YEAR TRUCK BUT THE F150. I HAVE AN F250. ALL REPLACEMENT BELTS I HAVE FOUND HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10672305 · filed Jan 13, 2015
All 8 reports naming seat belts

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE POINT OF IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND AN INJURY WAS SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 278,000.

NHTSA ID 10618177 · filed Aug 1, 2014

WHILE TRAVELING ON ARIZONA STATE HWY 87 NORTH FROM PAYSON AS ENTERING INTO PINE ARIZONA I STRUCK A LARGE TRUCK FROM REAR. THIS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK ACTUALLY BREAKING THE FRAME, PUSHING THE FRAME THRU THE BUMPER AND REQUIRING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO UTILIZE THE JAWS OF LIVE AND RELEASING THE STEERING WHEN FROM MY CHEST. INJURIES INCLUDED SKULL FRACTURE, BROKEN FEMUR, CHEST AND HEART CONTUSION. AIRLIFTED TO NEAREST HOSPITAL. LATER FOUND THAT THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL APPEARED TO BE POPPED OFF AND WAS HANGING BY A CABLE YET AN AIRBAG WAS NOT PRESENT. TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THE TRUCK WAS ORIGINAL WITH AN AIRBAG. IT WAS A GOVERNMENT STATE OF ARIZONA VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10209183 · filed Nov 16, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON RT 295 DURING A RAIN STORM AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONETS IN MY TRUCK. I DRIVE A 97 FORD F250 4X4 XLT. LUCKILY I WAS NOT INJURED. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO BE FIXED WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX. I THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE WINDSHIELDS ON THE MODEL OF MY TRUCK IS KNOWN TO LEAK AND DAMAGE THOSE COMPONETS. I COULD OF GOT INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT THAT DAY, RESULTING IN DEATH OF ME OR OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. *JB

NHTSA ID 10145770 · filed Dec 21, 2005

WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT RECLINED WHICH LEFT THE DRIVER LAYING COMPLETELY DOWN. *JB THE SEAT BASE ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT. *SC THE TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS, BECAUSE THE SHIFTER BOLTS HAD BROKE LOOSE FROM THE DASH MOUNTS, THE HEAD GASKETS FAILED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER ILLUMINATED. THE HUB/AXLE SEALS WERE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10105420 · filed Sep 2, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1997 FORD F-250LD REAR WINDOW LEAKS. YOU GUYS HAVE ALREADY LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM BUT I THINK IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. I AND MANY OTHERS THAT I HAVE TALKED TO WITH THE SLIDING REAR WINDOW HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS DESTROYING THE HEAD LIGHTS IN THESE TRUCKS PLUS OTHER DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND WHAT'S IN IT. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME IT RAINS HARD OR SOFT AND WHEN I WASH THE TRUCK. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT WORKS AS A MECHANIC FOR FORD AND HE SAID HE HAS SEEN A LOT OF THESE PROBLEMS. FORD DOES NOT REALLY HAVE A GOOD ANSWER FOR THE PROBLEM AND WHEN THEY DO FIX IT, IT DOES NOT LAST FOR LONG. I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH FORD TRUCKS AND WOULD BUY THEM AGAIN AND I THINK THAT THEY NEED TO FIND HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FIX ALL THE TRUCKS THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEMS. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP. *LA

NHTSA ID 10043481 · filed Oct 23, 2003

HEAD LIGHT SWITCH WILL TURN ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY DURING OPERATION , AND AT TIMES, IT IS DIFFCULT TO TURN IT ON. SWITCH WAS REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANY, AND ONLY LASTED FOR 1 YEAR. DEFECT HAS REOCCURRED. *AK WHEN DOME LIGHT IS TURNED ON THE HEAD LIGHT GOES OFF BECAUSE THE SWITCH IS THE SAME FOR BOTH. *YH

NHTSA ID 871389 · filed Sep 25, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .