10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,037 miles

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problem #31

Oct 012019

F-150

  • 134,788 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear passenger-??s side subframe near the axle of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,788.

- West Portsmouth, OH, USA

problem #30

Dec 032020

F-150

  • miles
December 3, 2020...my husband drove the truck over to a friends house. After being there for approximately 2 hours his friend walked in the building where he was and said, 'hey man, your truck is on fire!' everyone rushed outside to see the truck was in fact on fire. They called the fire department who came and finished extinguishing the fire. It appears the fire started on the drivers side near the tire, or behind the dash. I did not even think to check for a recall, but a friend told me to check because he was aware there was a recall. Sure enough, there is a recall and it describes what happened to my truck exactly. NHTSA recall number: 05V017000 date: Jan 27, 2005 Ford recall number: 05528

- Laurens, SC, USA

problem #29

Dec 102019

F-150

  • 198,000 miles
My 3rd door won't open and it's a serious safety issue. I have kids and it's the only vehicle I have to Transport them around. I went to youtube and found that some cheap plastic retainers that's clipped to cables are broken. The retainers open the top and bottom of the door. Please help. Thanks

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #28

Dec 102019

F-150

  • 198,000 miles
I went to open my 3rd door on the left side of my F 150 and it would not open. I tried both latches on the outside and in inner door frame but no luck. I was parked at the time when I was trying to get some items out of my back seat. I have nothing to upload at this time.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #27

Mar 012016

F-150

  • miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the front to rear fuel straps fractured on the driver's side without warning. The failure caused the fuel lines and fuel tank to fracture. The contact replaced the fuel straps, fuel lines, and fuel tank due to the failure. The contact was not notified of NHTSA campaign number: 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was included. The dealer (reineke Ford Lincoln of lima, 419-223-3673, 1360 greely chapel rd, lima, oh 45804) was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle needed to be restored to its original condition to perform the recall repair. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle, indicating that the contact welded the driver's side rear fuel strap. The recall repair was not performed. The manufacturer also indicated that the vehicle needed to be restored to its original condition to perform the recall repair. The failure mileage was not available.

- Lima, OH, USA

problem #26

May 012016

F-150

  • 177,582 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While looking underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed sections that were rusted all the way through. The bumper and steps near the doors were also rusted and slightly detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,582.

- Hickory, NC, USA

problem #25

Oct 102013

F-150 6-cyl

  • 97,789 miles
I noticed extreme rust that has eaten away parts of frame and suspension.

- Rosedale, MD, USA

problem #24

Mar 312013

F-150 6-cyl

  • 189,000 miles
After checking my vehicle over I noticed that the frame in the back passenger side is rusted thru. I researched online and found out this is a condition common with this year of truck and style. Is there going to be a recall since there are so many vehicles this year with the same problem? I have driven Ford for years and have never experienced this extend of rust in any of my other vehicles.

- Paxtonville, PA, USA

problem #23

Jun 152012

F-150

  • 205,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the front driver's side of the frame fractured. The brake lines were broken and the vehicle lost braking ability. The contact stated that there was rust and corrosion on the surface of the frame, but there were no signs of cracks prior to the failure. The contact was concerned since the driver was almost involved in a crash. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for a diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was made aware and no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 205,000.

- Cumberland, OH, USA

problem #22

Jul 152011

F-150

  • 314,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The driver was traveling approximately 10 mph when the contact, who was standing outside of the vehicle, heard a loud bang and noticed that the spare tire cable fractured and caused the spare tire to fall from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic replaced the spare tire cable. The approximate failure mileage was 314,000.

- Copperas Cove, TX, USA

problem #21

Aug 012011

F-150

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While parked, the contact noticed that the rear frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

- Glendale, WV, USA

problem #20

Nov 042011

F-150 8-cyl

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a loud, abnormal noise when driving at various speeds 5 mph and above. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the spare tire was fractured from the harness and a cable was also fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and he current mileages were approximately 84,000. The consumer stated the cable holding the spare tire broke while driving. The spare tire fell to the ground. Updated 01/19/12

- North Richland, TX, USA

problem #19

Sep 132006

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1997-F-150 super cab with factory installed rear sliding window. The window has flowed water/rain every time. It seems to be coming in around the seal where it meets the cab of the truck. I have talked with other 97 F-150 owners and the same thing was happening to their trucks. Isn't there something that can be done?

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #18

Mar 272002

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
While washing the vehicle she saw a dark spot she thought it was dirt. There are cracks in the metal of the vehicle. The cracks are going toward the window and door. Nlm

- Cedar Spring, MI, USA

problem #17

Dec 011999

F-150

  • miles
Sheet metal has a crack consistent with other 97-98 F150 models.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #16

Feb 181999

(reported on)

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Arm rest in the center of the bench seat does not lock in the down position, as it does in the up and locked position. This arm rest also has a recessed cup holder. Passengers gaining entry into the back seat via the third door, place their hand on the back of the arm rest for support, the arm rest folds upward and anything in the cup holder is catapulted into the back seat. Ford corrected this problem in the 98 and newer models, but won't correct it for this 97 truck.

- Suisun City, CA, USA

problem #15

Nov 131999

F-150 4WD

  • miles
I'm not sure when these cracks started, but looking at Ford web site I see that this common occurrence on this model. And athe small crack just gets bigger. Contacted a Ford dealer they said they prbeble wiil not cover under warrenty. And this cracking is normal" pay $29000 for vehicle and cracking body parts are normal"

- Lakeville, MN, USA

problem #14

Jan 011997

F-150

  • miles
Problem: The center console armrest in the front bench seat does not lock when it is in the down position for use. This armrest contains a single, recessed cup holder located in the front of the armrest when it is in the down position. Any cup containing a liquid, such as hot coffee, can be propelled into the back seat and cause potential severe injury to a passenger.

- Suisun City, CA, USA

problem #13

Nov 011998

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
Center arm rest malfucntioned.

- Peoria, IL, USA

problem #12

Jul 251998

F-150 4WD

  • miles
Center console/arm holder/cup holder does not lock in down position which causes any drink which might be in the cupholder to be thrown into the back seat with minimal effort. Also, while climbing into the truck via the 3rd door it is not uncommon for this armrest to be used as a hand hold which at a critical moment gives way, and causes a person entering the cab to fall in between the seats.

- Groveland, IL, USA

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