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1997 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1997 Ford F-250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank strap corrosion and tank leaks.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1997 Ford F-250.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank strap corrosion and tank leaks

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

23 NHTSA complaints · 2002-11 → 2024-08

“WAS DRIVING MY 1997 F-250 FROM HOME TO THE DUMP WHEN THE STRAP ON MY FRONT FUEL TANK BROKE/RUPTURED AND THE TANK FELL TO THE GROUND, STILL ATTACHED BY FUEL LINES TO THE TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10693561
“THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE RUSTED FUEL TANK STRAPS CAUSED FRICTION AND CREATED A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10426426
“AFTER FILLING GAS TANK AND PARKING THE VEHICLE AT HOME, A STRONG SMELL OF GAS WAS NOTED WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF GAS COMING FROM THE IN AREA OF THE GAS TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10399656

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spark plug ejected from cylinder head

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2004-10 → 2015-05

“ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS WAS EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE, THREADS AND ALL, WHICH ALSO DAMAGED THE IGNITION COIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10284548
“ATTEMPTING TO PASS ON A TWO LINE HIGHWAY WHEN SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10160383
“WHILE DRIVING ALONG A SPARK PLUG WAS BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER WITH THE INSUING LOUD BANGING SCARING THE DRIVER AND ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10120107

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering shaft, gear and tie rod failures

STEERING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2000-10 → 2008-03

“INSPECTION BY AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC REVEALED THAT THE OUTPUT FROM THE STEERING BOX BROKE BETWEEN GEAR BOX AND PITMAN ARM CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10165011
“DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED 360 DEGREES AND THE TIRES DID NOT REACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10147690
“WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. MECHANIC FOUND THAT TIE ROD HAD BROKEN OFF DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #567483

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cracks in outer door sheet metal

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2001-06 → 2003-09

“THE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS HAVE A HORIZONTAL STRESS CRACK IN THE METAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10016183
“THE SHEET METAL ON THE DOOR IS CRACKING ON THE EDGE AT THE WINDOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #750632
“CRACKS IN THE OUTER SHEET METAL OF BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT DOORS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10039244

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line rust, rubbing and breakage

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

4 NHTSA complaints · 2001-07 → 2005-06

“CONSUMER NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN HE STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR IN AUGUST 2004”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10127014
“BOTH REAR BRAKES LINE CONTACT WITH REAR SHOCK ABSORBER, CAUSE BRAK LINES TO WEAR AND LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #754881
“THE BRAKE LINE BROKE WHERE IT IS RETAINED BY A CLIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #749395

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cruise control switch fire and speed control recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 NHTSA complaints · 2005-02 → 2010-02

“WENT TO START MY TRUCK ONE MORNING AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH ON TOP OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER BURNED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10192214
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE BEGINNING OF 2008”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10218510
“THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10202523

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cam and crank position sensor stalling

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2006-02 → 2011-02

“MY CMP SENSOR STARTED GOING OUT WHEN ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH AND DIED AND LOST STEERING AND BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10188897
“IT MUST BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAN LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10380866
“FAILURE OF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR ON FORD F250 WITH 7.3 LITER NAVISTAR DIESEL WITH RESULT THAT TRUCK WOULD NOT START OR RUN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10151021

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and sidewall failure

TIRES

18 NHTSA complaints · 2000-10 → 2004-11

“CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WHILE STILL INFLATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #8019681
“NO WARNING, NO NOISE TO INDICATE A BLOWOUT, JUST SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL AS THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE FELL APART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #741862
“4 TIRES HAVE BUBBLES IN THE SIDEWALLS, INDICATING SEPARATION OF TREAD FROM BELTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #733620

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2,238 crashes 1990–2024

How the 2,238 occupant deaths break down

1,666

driver deaths

559

passenger deaths

13

not recorded by seat

2,238

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1996 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

21

complaints mentioning a crash

26

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 1997 Ford F-250 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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