1997 Ford F-250: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford F-250: 10 recalls, 304 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
10 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 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.
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.
Tires Vehicle recall #97V187000 · 1997 · 31,600 vehicles
What's wrong: The tires on these vehicles were damaged during mounting onto the wheels. Only trucks produced at the cuautitlan, mexico plant between September 1, 1996, and July 17, 1997, were affected by the defect.
Why it matters: The bead area of the tire was cut which could result in air loss. Sudden air loss could occur resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Due to the age of the vehicles and this recall affecting original equipment tires only, Ford will no longer accept claims for this campaign.
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 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…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #06V286000 · 2006 · 1,200,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat.
Why it matters: Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006.
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…
4 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 #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 #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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 19 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Tires (42): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (42).
- Transmission & drivetrain (34): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (11), stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (3).
- Suspension (30): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (30): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5).
The 1997 Ford F-250 has 304 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 22 F-250 model years for complaints (1.7× the average F-250 year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (59 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 115,603 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (176 complaints, 4 recalls), 1998 (56 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | 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 | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 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-250.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Ford F-250, plus 4 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-250 problems?
Owners have filed 304 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (42), transmission & drivetrain (34), suspension (30).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford F-250 get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Ford F-250 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.