1997 FORD F-350 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

188

Owner Complaints

14 Crashes 15 Fires

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

12

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 FORD F-350

The 1997 FORD F-350 has received a total of 188 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, TIRES:TREAD/BELT, TIRES:BEAD. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (16 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (14 complaints), and Tirestreadbelt (14 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 FORD F-350

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1997 FORD F-350, potentially affecting up to 14,232,800 vehicles.

Recall 06V286000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 1,200,000 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)

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Recall 01X001000 — TIRES:TREAD/BELT

| 13,000,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: 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.

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Recall 97V187000 — TIRES:BEAD

| 31,600 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND CHASSIS. 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES AND THIS RECALL AFFECTING ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES ONLY, FORD WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT CLAIMS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN.

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Recall 96V184000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

| 1,200 vehicles affected

Defect: THE RETAINER CLIP THAT HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING.

Consequence: A LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO VERIFY THAT THE RETAINER CLIPS ARE INSTALLED AND IF CLIPS ARE MISSING WILL INSTALL CLIPS.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1997 FORD F-350

188 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 FORD F-350. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 16 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 14 1 Crash
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 14
Tires
Complaints: 13
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 11
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6 3 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 5 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel
Complaints: 5
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 4
Engine
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentotherlabels
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tankselector Devices
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulic
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsleaf Spring Assemblyhangerbracket
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Wheels
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11270810 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 155,000 miles
ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE PAN THE DIPSTICK ADAPTER WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY. THE OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE HAS CAUSED THE ORING TO SWELL AND LEAK OIL. THE OIL LEAK IS GETTING ON THE STARTER AND CLUTCH. THE OIL CAN CAUSE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH WHILE DRIVING. THE OIL ON THE CLUTCH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THE ORING CAN SWELL AND FALL OFF THE ADAPTOR AND BECOME LODGED IN THE OIL PICKUP. THIS WILL STARVE THE MOTOR OF OIL AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE MOTOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. DUE TO THE INHERENT POOR DESIGN THE ORING THAT IS SUBMERGED IN OIL SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH OIL OR BE ABLE TO BE REPLACED. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE ORING DUE TO DUE TO THE TERRIBLE DESIGN OF THE DIPSTICK ASSEMBLY. TO REPLACE THIS ORING WITH A PROPER OIL COMPATIBLE ONE REQUIRES THE DISASSEMBLY OF THE MOTOR AND THE REMOVAL OF THE MOTOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL FROM 1988-2006.
#11270810 | ENGINE | | 155,000 miles
ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE PAN THE DIPSTICK ADAPTER WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY. THE OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE HAS CAUSED THE ORING TO SWELL AND LEAK OIL. THE OIL LEAK IS GETTING ON THE STARTER AND CLUTCH. THE OIL CAN CAUSE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH WHILE DRIVING. THE OIL ON THE CLUTCH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THE ORING CAN SWELL AND FALL OFF THE ADAPTOR AND BECOME LODGED IN THE OIL PICKUP. THIS WILL STARVE THE MOTOR OF OIL AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE MOTOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. DUE TO THE INHERENT POOR DESIGN THE ORING THAT IS SUBMERGED IN OIL SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH OIL OR BE ABLE TO BE REPLACED. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE ORING DUE TO DUE TO THE TERRIBLE DESIGN OF THE DIPSTICK ASSEMBLY. TO REPLACE THIS ORING WITH A PROPER OIL COMPATIBLE ONE REQUIRES THE DISASSEMBLY OF THE MOTOR AND THE REMOVAL OF THE MOTOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL FROM 1988-2006.
#11270810 | POWER TRAIN | | 155,000 miles
ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE PAN THE DIPSTICK ADAPTER WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY. THE OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE HAS CAUSED THE ORING TO SWELL AND LEAK OIL. THE OIL LEAK IS GETTING ON THE STARTER AND CLUTCH. THE OIL CAN CAUSE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH WHILE DRIVING. THE OIL ON THE CLUTCH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THE ORING CAN SWELL AND FALL OFF THE ADAPTOR AND BECOME LODGED IN THE OIL PICKUP. THIS WILL STARVE THE MOTOR OF OIL AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE MOTOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. DUE TO THE INHERENT POOR DESIGN THE ORING THAT IS SUBMERGED IN OIL SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH OIL OR BE ABLE TO BE REPLACED. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE ORING DUE TO DUE TO THE TERRIBLE DESIGN OF THE DIPSTICK ASSEMBLY. TO REPLACE THIS ORING WITH A PROPER OIL COMPATIBLE ONE REQUIRES THE DISASSEMBLY OF THE MOTOR AND THE REMOVAL OF THE MOTOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL FROM 1988-2006.
#11013699 | ENGINE | | 120,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE HOME. GLADIAN REPAIR SHOP OF PITTSBURG, VIRGINIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED A LIST OF UNKNOWN REPAIRS. CAMEL BROTHERS REPAIR SHOP OF PRINCE GEORGE, VIRGINIA REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SWITCH SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
#10711900 | ENGINE | | 92,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V553000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 FORD F-350

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 FORD F-350 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 FORD F-350

Ford Motor Company has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 FORD F-350. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

00254 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE BUCK, SURGE, OR JERK (ALSO KNOWN AS HITCHING / HESITATION) WHILE THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVE THROUGH ALL ENGINE TEMPERATURES. *TT

99236 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT REGARDING 4R100 TRANSMISSION FLEXPLATE REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINE. *TT

5316 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SOME SUPER DUTY 7.3L E4OD AND 7.3L 4R100 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS TRANSMISSION CONCERNS, INCLUDING STALL ON TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AND / OR A BUZZ NOISE ON ENGAGEMENT. *TT

5046 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

REPEAT MESSAGE REGARDING VEHICLES EXHIBITING A LACK OF POWER. *TT

98151 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP FAILED. YD

98156 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXHAUST LEAK AT EXHAUST MANIFOLDS--VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 7.0L 0R 7.5L ENGINE. *AK

985A27 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL

LUBRICANT LEAKING FROM REAR AXLE SEAL CONTAMINATING BRAKE SHOES. *YC

98414 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXPERIENCING AN ENGINE STALL CONDITION ON 1997 CALIFORNIA F SERIES 7.3L DIESEL E40D VEHICLES AFTER A LONG DECEL WHEN USING M1 GEAR FOR ENGINE BRAKING. *YC

9811346 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT STALL CONDITION AFTER A LONG DECELERATION WHEN USING THE M1 OR M2 GEAR ON THE E40D OR WHEN USING A LOWER GEAR WITH THE M50D FOR ENGINE BRAKING. *TT

BC1020897230 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AVAILABLITY OF THE SBDS "RED DISC" WITH IMPROVMENTS TO 7.3L/E40D 2-3 SHIFT QUALITY AND ENHANCED APCM FUNTIONING HAS BEEN DELAYED TO LATE FEBRUARY FORM THE ORIGINAL JANUARY 1997 DATE. *JD

Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 FORD F-350

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD F-350

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Other FORD Models

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