Recalls
14campaigns
3 vehicle speed control · 2 fuel system · 2 power train
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
2,758filed
Owner reports, 1993–2002 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
17mpg combined
$3,842/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
4.2 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic
10 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (14)
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford F-150. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FUEL TANK STRAP CORROSION
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · mounting
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence
- AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy
- FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
Repair progress not yet reported1,100,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V385000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence
- A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
Repair progress not yet reported4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V388000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/STEERING GEAR
Steering · gear box · shaft sector
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT YOKE SEPARATES FROM THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT, THE STEERING SYSTEM BECOMES DISCONNECTED.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT YOKE TO DETERMINE IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED ON THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT. IF THE YOKE IS FULLY SEATED NO SERVICE IS REQUIRED. IF THE YOKE IS NOT FULLY SEATED AND BOLT GROOVE AND SPLINE IS VISIBLE, THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND BOLT WILL BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BOLT AT THE STEERING COLUMN CONNECTION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Repair progress not yet reported171,446 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V196000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS MANUFACTURED AT THE KANSAS CITY OR NORFOLK ASSEMBLY PLANTS. THE FRONT FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY COULD HAVE A HOLE RUBBED THROUGH IN ONE OF TWO LOCATIONS. THE FIRST LOCATION IS BELOW THE FUEL RAIL CONNECTION WHERE THE FLEXIBLE HOSE IS CRIMPED TO THE STEEL TUBE. THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE FRONT FUEL LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION COULD HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY. THE SECOND LOCATION IS AT THE REAR STEEL TUBE SECTION FORWARD OF THE REAR BRACKET. DURING INSTALLATION THE REAR STEEL TUBES OF THE FRONT FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY COULD HAVE BEEN BENT DOWNWARD. IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL 4XZ4 TRANSFER CASE SHIFTER, THE SHIFTER LINKAGE MAY CONTACT THE STEEL TUBES AS IT IS BEING SHIFTED BETWEEN 4H, 4L, 2L AND NEUTRAL.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE LINES AND REPLACE THE FRONT FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 27, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Repair progress not yet reported670,509 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V231000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/FMVSS 108/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.
- Consequence
- THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.
Repair progress not yet reported20,637 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V168000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/REAR LEAF SPRINGS
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS. IF THE VEHICLE IS OVERLOADED, THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS CAN BE OVERSTRESSED. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE SPRING CAN OCCUR. THE CENTER LEAF OF THE SPRING CAN FRACTURE AT THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE SPRING SEAT AND, IN SOME CASES, CONTACT THE FUEL TANK.
- Consequence
- FUEL TANK CONTACT CAN DAMAGE THE TANK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SPRINGS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CLIP ON THE FORWARD END OF THE REAR SPRINGS TO PREVENT FUEL TANK CONTACT IN THE EVENT OF A LEAF FRACTURE. ANY FRACTURED SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.
Repair progress not yet reported202,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V161000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/LUG NUTS
Wheels · lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE.
- Consequence
- THIS CAN RESULT IN THE LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL SEPARATION FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy
- OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING TWO NOTIFICATIONS. THE FIRST NOTIFICATION, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY 1998, WILL PROVIDE AN INTERIM REPAIR PROCEDURE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THIS INTERIM PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED BY OWNERS OR THEIR DEALERS. IT SPECIFIES THAT THE LUG NUT TORQUE MUST BE VERIFIED TO BE 100 LBS. THEN THE LUG NUTS NEED TO BE TIGHTENED AN ADDITIONAL 1/8 TO 1/4 TURN MORE. THERE WILL BE A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 20, 1998, UNDER WHICH DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL STUDS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS.
Repair progress not yet reported1,520,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V095000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/THROTTLE ICING
Vehicle speed control · accelerator pedal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 4.2L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, NEW YORK, VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, MAINE, MICHIGAN, IDAHO, WYOMING, SOUTH DAKOTA, COLORADO, NEBRASKA, KANSAS, IOWA, MISSOURI, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, AND MASSACHUSETTS. THE THROTTLE IS UNABLE TO RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO ICE FORMING IN THE THROTTLE BODY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RANGES FROM -10 TO -40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.
- Consequence
- INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES.
Repair progress not yet reported45,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 98V007000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/AUTO TRANSMISSION CABLE ASSEMBLY
Power train · automatic transmission · gear position indication (prndl)
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS NOT FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY CAN COME OUT OF THE BRACKET. THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD THEN NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK."
- Consequence
- THE CONDITION WOULD NOT ALLOW A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE PARK POSITION OR AFFECT PROPER NEUTRAL START SWITCH OPERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL MAKE THE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET AND ADD A TIE STRAP TO THAT CONNECTION.
Repair progress not yet reported866,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V171000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE
Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET END FITTING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN OPERATOR INABILITY TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE.
Repair progress not yet reported15,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V147000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE
Seat belts · front · anchorage
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- THE SEAT ELT ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS ARE MISSING OR MISINSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES.
- Consequence
- A LOOSE FASTENER CAN EVENTUALLY DETACH AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS NECESSARY, REPAIR THE SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS.
Repair progress not yet reported133,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 96V256000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/THROTTLE ICING
Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, MICHIGAN (UPPER PENINSULA), NEW YORK, MAINE, VERMONT, AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. OPERATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING EXTREME COLD, NORTHERN CLIMATE WINTER CONDITIONS, CAN RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE THROTTLE BODY OF THE ENGINE.
- Consequence
- THIS ICE CAN CAUSE THE THROTTLE PLATE TO REMAIN IN THE HIGHWAY CRUISING POSITION AFTER THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED OR THE SPEED CONTROL IS DEACTIVATED. UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES WOULD BE INCREASED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FOAM INSULATING SLEEVE ON THE LINE FROM THE PCV TO THE HOSE FITTING ON THE THROTTLE PLATE.
Repair progress not yet reported22,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 96V251000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/MASTER CYLINDER RETAINER CLIP
Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · master cylinder
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- THE RETAINER CLIP THAT HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING.
- Consequence
- A LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO VERIFY THAT THE RETAINER CLIPS ARE INSTALLED AND IF CLIPS ARE MISSING WILL INSTALL CLIPS.
Repair progress not yet reported1,200 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 96V184000
Listed for 1997 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
FORD/EQUIPMENT; CERTIFICATION LABEL
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
- Consequence
- INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
- Remedy
- OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.
Repair progress not yet reported134,770 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 96V161000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (2,758)
2,758 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.
165involved a crash
262involved a fire
127injuries reported
14deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 2,758 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 529 | 19.2% |
| Tires | 305 | 11.1% |
| Fuel system | 231 | 8.4% |
| Service brakes | 229 | 8.3% |
| Structure | 226 | 8.2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 223 | 8.1% |
| Suspension | 204 | 7.4% |
| Steering | 202 | 7.3% |
| Electrical system | 198 | 7.2% |
| Power train | 151 | 5.5% |
How 1997 compares with other F-150 years
Best and worst F-150 years →1993586
1994676
1995626
1996324
19972,758
19981,381
19991,044
20001,075
20011,236
2002821
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 586 | 7 |
| 1994 | 676 | 6 |
| 1995 | 626 | 2 |
| 1996 | 324 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 14 |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 8 |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 7 |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 6 |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 8 |
| 2002 | 821 | 2 |
This year (1997)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 17 mpg combined
17
mpg combined
15
city
20
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,950
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 523 g/mi
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks
What it costs you to run
$3,842per year
$320per month
882gallons a year
Miles ÷ 17 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl · 5-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 18 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 17 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl · 5-speed manual | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 17 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | $5,150 | 684 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1997 F-150 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1997 Ford F-150 FAQ
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns: 11V385000 (fuel system), 05V388000 (vehicle speed control), 03V196000 (steering), 00V231000 (fuel system), 00V168000 (lighting), 98V161000 (suspension), 98V095000 (wheel), 98V007000 (vehicle speed control), 97V171000 (power train), 97V147000 (power train), 96V256000 (seat belt), 96V251000 (vehicle speed control), 96V184000 (brake), 96V161000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1997 Ford F-150 problems?
Owners filed 2,758 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (529), Tires (305), Fuel system (231) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1997 Ford F-150 get?
EPA rates the 4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 15 city, 20 highway and 17 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1997 F-150 compare with other years?
Among the 1993–2002 Ford F-150 model years at least five years old, the 1996 drew the fewest complaints (324) and the 1997 the most (2,758). The 1997 drew 2,758. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Was this report useful?Report a data error