1997 Ford F-150: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford F-150: 14 recalls, 2758 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
14 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 12 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #96V161000 · 1996 · 134,770 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .
The fix: Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. Dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V184000 · 1996 · 1,200 vehicles
What's wrong: The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.
Why it matters: A loss of service braking can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect to verify that the retainer clips are installed and if clips are missing will install clips.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #96V251000 · 1996 · 22,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a foam insulating sleeve on the line from the pcv to the hose fitting on the throttle plate.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #96V256000 · 1996 · 133,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat elt anchorage attachments are missing or misinstalled on these vehicles.
Why it matters: A loose fastener can eventually detach and would not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the seat belt anchorage attachments.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V147000 · 1997 · 15,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition can result in unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake is not set.
The fix: Dealers will install a new transmission shift control cable.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #97V171000 · 1997 · 866,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #98V007000 · 1998 · 45,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance could result.
The fix: Dealers will install a revised pcv system on these vehicles.
Wheels Vehicle recall #98V095000 · 1998 · 1,520,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The lug nuts on these vehicles May not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Fuel system, Suspension Vehicle recall #98V161000 · 1998 · 202,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V168000 · 2000 · 20,637 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
The fix: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V231000 · 2000 · 670,509 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This condition could result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect these lines and replace the front fuel line assembly if necessary. Owner notification began October 27, 2000.
Steering Vehicle recall #03V196000 · 2003 · 171,446 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: 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…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V388000 · 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A fire at the switch could occur.
The fix: 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…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #11V385000 · 2011 · 1,100,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
12 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Tires Recall #01X001000 · 2001 · 13,000,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on Ford trucks and suvs. Ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between…
Why it matters: Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
The fix: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E025000 · 2006 · 1,450 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain poli-auto combination headlamp assemblies, p/nos. 11-728, 11-728d, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708p, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (p&c), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, and 11-732, sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps,…
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Poli-auto will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps at its original purchase price. The recall is expected to begin during April 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E052000 · 2006 · 14,616 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain Eagle eyes headlamps, p/nos. Fr208-b101r, fr208-b101l, fr208-b001r, and fr208-b001l, sold for use as replacement equipment for the passenger vehicles listed above. These headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabry lee will notify owners and offer full credit for any noncompliant headlamp. The recall is expected to begin on June 14, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E067000 · 2006 · 19,413 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 331-1129l-asn and 331-1129r-asn, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on July 28, 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E066000 · 2007 · 175 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights May not operate properly.
Why it matters: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 262 mention a fire, 127 injuries and 14 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (529): the most common themes are leaks (173), noise or vibration (97), fire / smoke (73).
- Tires (303): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (299).
- Body & structure (226): the most common themes are door / lock issues (168), rust / corrosion (23), noise or vibration (11).
- Speed control / throttle (223): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Ford F-150 has 2758 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 37 F-150 model years for complaints (2.7× the average F-150 year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (456 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 107,360 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (324 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (1381 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Ford F-150.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Ford F-150, plus 12 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Ford F-150 problems?
Owners have filed 2758 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (529), tires (303), body & structure (226).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford F-150 get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Ford F-150 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.