1997 Ford F-350 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1997 Ford F-350.

19961998
Complaints
191
Crashes
14
Fires
16
Injuries
3
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1997 Ford F-350 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#116 complaints

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#214 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Avg mileage:57,770 mi
Crash-related:1
#314 complaints

Tires:Tread/Belt

Avg mileage:52,910 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Ford F-350.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
16
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
14
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
57,770
Tires:Tread/Belt
14
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
52,910
Tire Defects
13
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
319,000
Automatic Transmission
11
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
117,000
Unintended Acceleration
7
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
3
Avg Miles
140,074
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
139,683
Electrical Faults
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Avg Miles
163,256
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tires:Sidewall
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine & Cooling
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal:Flasher Unit
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Parking Brake:Conventional
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum:Drum
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brake Master Cylinder
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1997 Ford F-350. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Ford F-350 Years

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1997 Ford F-350 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1997 Ford F-350 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1997 Ford F-350 has 191 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip with 16 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1997 Ford F-350?
Top reported problems: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip (16 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline (14 complaints, avg 57,770 mi); Tires:Tread/Belt (14 complaints, avg 52,910 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1997 Ford F-350?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 137,406 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1997 Ford F-350?
NHTSA complaints for the 1997 Ford F-350 include 14 crash-related reports, 16 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1997 Ford F-350 have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1997 Ford F-350 as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1997 Ford F-350?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Ford F-350 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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