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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 72
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
80,352 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 5 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #14

Jan 312005

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

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

Vehicle was parked in front of the residence for 3 1/2 hours. Owner discovered that the vehicle was on fire. The flames were coming out from the center of the hood. The fire department was notified and extinguished the flames.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

problem #13

Jan 032005

F-150

  • 90,000 miles
While vehicle was parked a fire started in the steering column. Dealership will be notified.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #12

Jan 012005

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles
My 1997 Ford F150 caught fire in my driveway 15 minutes after the engine was turned off. I drove home (approximately 10 miles) the morning of January 1, 2005 and parked in my driveway. After 15 minutes my truck security alarm sounded and I went outside to investigate. Flames were coming out from underneath the hood of the truck mainly on the driver's side. I called the fire department and they put the fire out. My mechanic, george watson, inspected the truck and declared it a total loss. I feel the fire could have been caused by the cruise control switch that Ford has identified as a hazard in the 2000 F150 models.

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #11

May 032004

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

My Ford 1997 F-150 caught fire outside a coffee shop. It had been off for at least 30 minutes. Someone came around and told me the truck was on fire. The cause of the fire is reported to be the cruise control switch and led to the brake master cylinder. I have not fixed the truck yet.

- Cookeville, TN, USA

problem #10

Dec 242004

F-150 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While being parked vehicle caught on fire. When vehicle was inspected it was determined to be due to the cruise control.

- Jennerstown, PA, USA

problem #9

Sep 012003

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles
The vehicle caught on fire while parked in the garage. The consumer was able to pull the burning vehicle out of the garage before the house caught on fire. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire was unknown.

- Oliver Springs, TN, USA

problem #8

May 152004

F-150 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

Vehicle experienced problems with the cruise control deactivation switch. Consumer replaced this switch back in may,2004. Currently, the replaced cruise control switch was beginning to leak again. Consumer saw smoke coming from under the hood and found the master cylinder switch was leaking brake fluid again.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #7

Jan 152005

F-150

  • 100,000 miles
After being parked 45 min. My 97 Ford F-150 was seen by a friend to be on fire. The fire was extinguished. It is very evident that the cruise control deactivation switch (the same one used on 2000 and 2001 models that Ford is voluntarilty recalling) was the culprit. The truck was extinguished relatively quick and it is very easy to see where the fire started. The cruise control had quit working prior to this fire and the truck was sometimes difficult to get out of park. Vehicle was insured. But not reported. Photos will be sent to bruce york.

- Fayetteville, TN, USA

problem #6

Jan 252005

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The consumer activated the cruise control and with out warning the vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle by turning the cruise control off. Afterwards the incident happened repeatedly. The consumer tried to reset the cruise control, however the problem still continued. The consumer drove to the dealer for an inspection. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem. Please provide additional information.

- Howell, MI, USA

problem #5

Mar 252004

F-150

  • 100,000 miles
Picked up 1 yard of mulch and was unloading, smelled burning rubber, and saw flames in wheel well. Put out fire with fire extinguisher and called fire department. Opened hood, and saw fender burned, plastic brake near master cylinder burned, and fuse box and wiring burned. Fire department said it was bad wiring. Mechanic felt it involved the brakes. Also, cruise control had not worked for nearly six months before fire.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #4

Jul 012004

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Complaint regarding vehicle speed control on 1997 Ford F150.

- Nederland, TX, USA

problem #3

May 312002

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles
Vehicle caught fire while parked for five hours. Consumer also stated that cruise control, tail light failed. Cause of fire was unknown, however, consumer had a tell tale indication that cruise control de-activation switch could be the cause. Since the switch when it catches fire it ignites the brake fluid thus causing vehicle to burn. Ford is aware of the problem but refused to acknowledge responsibility of the incident.

- Tiki Island, TX, USA

problem #2

May 152002

F-150

  • miles
While at a complete stop or reversing vehicle has a roughor uneven idle.

- Pine Bluff, AK, USA

problem #1

Mar 111997

(reported on)

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When at a stop or parked the vehicle has a ruffled idle and vibrates like its ready to stall out. While driving between 40mph and up, the vehicle sways from one side to another side.

- Stoughton, MA, USA

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