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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,393 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford F-150 engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 10 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Mar 242001

F-150

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Upon start up engine was making a knocking sound. Problem was diagnosed as a bent rod for the number one piston. Blown intake gasket caused a leak.

- Middleburg, FL, USA

problem #25

Mar 302001

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
Timing cover gasket is leaking which can cause anti-freeze to leak onto engine and seize up.

- Mastic, NY, USA

problem #24

Mar 012001

(reported on)

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle was leaking anti-freeze. Prior to leakage, vehicle was overheating. Took to mechanic, and informed consumer that could not locate where leakage was located after checking pressure. Drove vehicle second time, and problem was discovered in timing chain cover gasket. Mechanic finally repaired problem. Consumer was informed by a parts manager that this was a recall, however this vehicle was not included because it was built at the end of the year.

- Marshfield, MA, USA

problem #23

Feb 152001

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Seal failed on timing gear cover and allowed anti freeeze to mix with engine oil, crankshaft and rod bearings had to be replaced.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #22

Feb 122001

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
Engine idles high and then drops down low. Mechanic stated that engine was getting ready to throw a rod.

- Ashburn, GA, USA

problem #21

Jan 262001

F-150

  • miles
Timing cover gasket is leaking. I have seen dozens of posts on the internet that Ford fixed this for free as a recall, but Ford denies any recall. This is a premature failure that is happening often enough for a full recall of all 97 F150 with the 4.2liter engine.

- Sugar Hill, GA, USA

problem #20

Nov 142000

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer was traveling about 40 mph on highway and heat level line stayed in red zone. He added coolant into engine. Vehicle was okay. The vehicle was leaking due to timing chain cover failure.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #19

Nov 272000

F-150 4WD

  • miles
I have spent over $1,000 on miss-fire problems in 1.5 years and it was finally found that one of the cylinder heads had a factory defect that caused a coolant leak. Even though the warranty has expired, I have a hard time paying $2,000 to fix a problem that existed the day the vehicle was made.

- Buffalo, MN, USA

problem #18

Jul 102000

F-150

  • miles
Complete loss of coolant.head gasket was originally replaced under tsb#99131, relating to coolant leaking through the head into the oil.the problem however has continued with a complete loss of coolant through the head gasket approx every 6-8 months.

- Mpls, MN, USA

problem #17

Sep 012000

F-150

  • miles
Apparent engine failure due to timing cover gasket recall 'fix'-coolant in oil?

- Amherst, OH, USA

problem #16

Mar 142000

F-150 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The front cover seals and intake gaskets failed causing anti freeze to leak into the oil.

- Center Har, NH, USA

problem #15

Mar 092000

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle was leaking fluid & overheating. Consumer had to pay $600 for repairs. Consumer found out vehicle was not recalled due to VIN. Manufacturer would not make an exception although this vehicle had the same exact problem. Water pump failed. The customer requests the manufacturer to pay the cost of timing cover gasket replacement and the cost of new water pump installed.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #14

Apr 102000

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
Owner was notified of recall 99B29 of the leaky front cover gasket therefore paid for repair. Nlm

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #13

Apr 102000

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
Owner was notified of recall 99B29 of the leaky front cover gasket therefore paid for repair. Nlm

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #12

Apr 122000

F-150

  • miles
While driving at approx 30mph heard a noise coming from engine compartment I then heard a loud bang, when I looked out rearview mirror I seen a engine part rolling down road. Veh lost power steering ability. Veh towed to dealership (roy O'brien Ford) dealer stated crankshaft pulley &dampner snapped off engine damaging belt tension bar and fan. Dealer and Ford motor refusing to assist!!! total bill approx 600.00.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #11

Jan 262000

F-150

  • miles
Consumer is not happy with dealership, as they will not repair recall during time specified on the recall letter repair incomplete. (99B29)

- Gasquet, CA, USA

problem #10

Sep 171998

F-150

  • miles
Head gasket failed (cracked) causing other component failures.

- Blue Sprin, MO, USA

problem #9

Jun 201998

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Oil pump failed.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #8

Oct 311997

F-150

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Steering is very hard to control while driving. The vehicle would drift without warning. The engine needs oil every month. Had been to dealership numerous times to have problems repaired. They still exist.

- Clayton, IN, USA

problem #7

Apr 011999

F-150

  • miles
Engine crank wore out at 35000 mi service rep would not replace engine. Only rebuilt lower engine. Now the upper part of engine going bad had to pay $1000 for extended warrenty because when you rebuild the one part of an engine the other tends go bad within a few months. I offered to pay extra for the new engine they would no let me get one now my truck will be back in the shop once more for a upper rebuild befor long.

- Nicholasville, KY, USA

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