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1997 Ford E-150 problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Ford E-150 is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 89,900 miles. It has 8.5 times the complaints of a typical E-150 model year.

Typical year8.5x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
102
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
36
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
13-15mpg

The worst 1997 Ford E-150 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Fuel system
    22
  • Engine
    21
  • Brakes
    18
  • Electrical
    8
  • Tires
    8
  • Steering
    6
  • Suspension
    6
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Visibility
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Body
    3
  • Lights
    2
  • Seats
    2

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford E-150

Fuel leak 7ABS 6Fire or smoke 5Tire blowout 5

Recalls 6

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported June 15, 2010 · 13 vehicles affected
What is wrong
All in one mobility is recalling certain model year 1997 through 2008 conversion vans equipped with vmi/ricon 6-way power seat bases. There is a possibility of a defective weld at the joint between the pivoting plate and the pivoting plate pin.
Risk
The seat occupant may be injured if the seat base pin were to break.
Remedy
All in one mobility will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on june 22, 2010. Owners may contact all in one mobility at 1‑503‑255‑5005.

Recall number 10V271000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported October 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1‑888‑222‑2751.

Recall number 09V399000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cruise controlReported February 4, 2008 · 225,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.
Risk
As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on february 18, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 08V051000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported August 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1‑888‑222‑2751.

Recall number 07V336000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported November 26, 2004 · 1,660 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1‑908‑231‑1804 or mobilityworks at 1‑800‑769‑8267.

Recall number 04V562000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported April 5, 2001 · 151,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle body, such as off-road, rough road or speed bump events, the 35 gallon mid-ship fuel tank could develop a crack where it contacts the frame cross member. If the fuel tank cracks, fuel leakage could occur.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and, if cracked, will replace the tank. Insulator pads will be installed on all vehicles to reduce the stress levels in the fuel tank. Owner notification began april 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 01V114000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 1997 Ford E-150

Defect investigations

Spark plug ejection from cylinder headOpened September 22, 2005, closed January 4, 2006

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi is aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it is possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect is very low.in view of the foregoing, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition is denied.

DP05005

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Ford E-150 36

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 36 bulletins for the 1997 Ford E-150

1997 Ford E-150 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.2L 6‑cylRWD12-1417-1814-15
4.6L 8‑cylRWD12-1417-1814-15
5.4L 8‑cylRWD1116-1713

What 1997 Ford E-150 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 19, 2024 · Airbags · TX · 1 injury

The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, the contact leaned over to the passenger’s side to pick up the cell phone. The contact stated that after sitting back straight in the seat, the air bag deployed unintendedly and without impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s eyes and jaw were injured and required medical attention. The contact’s vision became blurry but has since started to improve. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 6, 2021 · Tires · 150,258 miles · TX

The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150 equipped with Milestar Tires, Tire Line: Grantland, Tire Size: 235/75/R15, DOT number: TB20R028. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the tires were bouncing. The contact stated upon checking the tires, his son noticed that the tires were cracked and had holes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the tires were defective. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate vehicle mileage was 150,258. The approximate tire failure mileage was 800.

Filed Feb 11, 2019 · Airbags · 200,000 miles · TX · 1 injury

My husband had just started up his e150 econoline van pulling out of the driveway and the airbag just deployed. There was no reason he was not in any accident he did not run over anything he didn't hit anything. And no one can tell me why this happened. If he had been on the interstate that he drives every day he could have died or killed someone.

Filed Sep 7, 2017 · Steering · 150,000 miles · MN

While backing out of tight parking spot 9/1/17, with multiple turns of the wheel, turned wheel one last time to pull forward into parking spot drive area but at that point, heard a clunk and all steering control was gone. Called for a tow. Tow truck drive assisted in the diagnosis noting that the steering box had disconnected from van frame rendering steering wheel connection lines useless. Had van towed home. After online read, looked at frame through left front tire access and saw the 3 bolts we read about. Grabbed the top bolt and it came right out. Same with second bolt. Last (third) bolt was a bit jammed due to the steering box drop, but all 3 bolts had sheared and all steering was lost. Had we not stopped at a store for labor day holiday supplies on our way to campsite, would have lost steering somewhere else, like on the freeway, possibly during a similar turn situation. We could have killed others or ourselves. Found that this ford e150 steering bolt issue has already been documented. Why when we had the van serviced and said the steering had felt "loose", why didn't any mechanic find this potential?? Un-excusable situation. Our parents, children and grandchildren are currently dependent on us. Had we died due to loss of steering, what a nightmare that would have been. Granted, the 20-yr-old van is rusty, but we didn't know to look under the left front tire area and apparently, multiple (non-ford dealerships) mechanics didn't either !!

Filed Dec 8, 2016 · Body, Steering · 167,380 miles · NJ

Driving on bestbuy parking lot, went over a speed bumper heard a loud clunk coming from driver side front tire. Drove home, stopped van, got help, while turning the steering to left, loud metal clunk from that driver side, helper on floor noticed that bottom bolt holding power steering box is going in and out, rusted on front and back of frame, this box should be mounted on reinforced brackets front and back of frame then welded to frame to protect occupants from possible separation of box and frame with consequent loss of control and possible accident (could be fatal when driving the vehicle). So, with the engine on, in park, if the steering is turn to the left, driver will feel and hear the clunk.

Filed Mar 2, 2015 · Steering, Transmission · OH

Gearbox bolts broke away from frame causing loss of steering.

Filed Jan 9, 2015 · Suspension · 163,000 miles · OH

I have just recently lost the rear shock mount due to too extreme rust of the frame, ford does not make a replacement part for this. And the frame is now cracking in two. Contacted the dealer and was told to buy a new frame really. Well it will not be long till the other side goes. Or my frame breaks in two and causes serious injury to me or others. This is a common problem with this year truck and ford don't seem to care. If the frame needs replaced it should be at their expense not mine recall time. Their are hundreds of thousands still on the road I am not the only one.

Filed Nov 20, 2013 · Transmission · 280,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford e150 van. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the spark plug became disengaged from the engine. The vehicle started making a loud noise without warning. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 280,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Electrical · 220,000 miles · KY · fire

The vehicle had been parked for about 1 hour when an explosion incurred which resulted in the truck burning up. The motor area, front wheels and completed cab were destroyed. Gas tank did not blow up.

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · TN

This is the exact same situation others have experienced on the federal safety agency recall campaign number 01v114000 relating to cracks/leaks to the 'mid ship' style fuel tank. My van is a 1997 e-150 conversion van. Unfortunately, I am in the same situation as many others in the fact that ford motor company does not acknowledge my particular VIN number is affected in this recall. There have been a number of other incidents reported with vehicles mysteriously catching on fire for unknown reasons. Very disturbing that a manufacturer would not agree to replace a leaking/damaged fuel tank.

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Questions about the 1997 Ford E-150

Is the 1997 Ford E-150 reliable?

Owners have filed 102 complaints about the 1997 Ford E-150, 8.5 times a typical E-150 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford E-150?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 22 complaints, typically around 89,900 miles. Next is engine (21).

How many recalls does the 1997 Ford E-150 have?

6 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility, vehicle speed control and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford E-150 fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 01V114000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford E-150 have the most fuel system problems?

The Ford E-150 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 1997 (22 complaints), 1999 (20 complaints) and 1994 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford E-150 get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Ford E-150 range from 13 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 12-14 city and 17-18 highway.

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