1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leaked from the switched and the harness. It is not apparent that the switch is leaking until the harness connector is removed from the switch. The integrity of the brake system is compromised and the previous recall was for fires because of brake fluid in the wire harness. UPDATE 5/11/23 BRAKE SWITCH HARMESS RECALL 05S28 WAS REPLACED WITH A MITORCRAFT PART SW6350 AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTUING REFUND FOR PARTS FROM FORD.
1997 Ford F-150 acceleration problems
221 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 120,000. 14 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 221
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 120,000
- crashes
- 14
- recalls
- 3
Which part fails
- Cruise control90
- Accelerator pedal27
- Linkages5
- Cables3
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ford F-150 acceleration problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford F-150 acceleration
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
- Risk
- A fire at the switch could occur.
- Remedy
- By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)
Recall number 05V388000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with a 4.2l engine and originally sold or currently registered in one of the following states: alaska, montana, north dakota, minnesota, wisconsin, new york, vermont, new hampshire, maine, michigan, idaho, wyoming, south dakota, colorado, nebraska, kansas, iowa, missouri, illinois, indiana, ohio, pennsylvania, and massachusetts. The throttle is unable to return to idle due to ice forming in the throttle body when the temperature ranges from -10 to -40 degrees fahrenheit.
- Risk
- Increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a revised pcv system on these vehicles.
Recall number 98V007000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, montana, north dakota, minnesota, wisconsin, michigan (upper peninsula), new york, maine, vermont, and new hampshire. Operation at highway speeds during extreme cold, northern climate winter conditions, can result in ice forming in the throttle body of the engine.
- Risk
- This ice can cause the throttle plate to remain in the highway cruising position after the accelerator is released or the speed control is deactivated. Under such conditions, the vehicle stopping distances would be increased possibly resulting in an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a foam insulating sleeve on the line from the pcv to the hose fitting on the throttle plate.
Recall number 96V251000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Alleged loss of throttle control
The details of information and data evaluated during this investigation are stated in the engineering analysis closing report, dated september 30, 1999.a safety-related defect trend resulting from interference by the floor mat with proper operation of the throttle in the subject vehicles was not identified during the course of the ea, and the invrestigation has been closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will continue to monitor future complaints on this issue to identify any increasing trend of occurrence, and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
EA98018
Loss of throttle control
There is no summary currently available
PE98021
Ice formation in the throttle body
There is no summary currently available
RQ98003
What 1997 Ford F-150 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My truck was turned off in my driveway for about an hour and it caught on fire under the hood. A neighbor came to tell us and the fire department had to come put out the fire.
On august 16, 2015, my 1997 ford f150 truck caught fire in my son's driveway while parked. The fire department was called and came out, however my son managed to put out the fire with a garden hose. One of the firemen said it appears to have started with the cruise control switch. The entire cab is burned up; operator and passenger side, dash, steering wheel, seats, windows blown out, etc. It is unrepairable. Since this is an older truck, I had liability insurance only, no comprehensive coverage. Research on the internet tells me this has happened to many ford owners. Ford should be held accountable, and I am seeking reimbursement for the truck. I have contacted ford corporation, and they have told me they forwarded the information to the ford's office of the general counsel. The "affected parts" are many more than is listed. The entire cab was affected by the fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly increased acceleration to 90 MPH. The gear lever was shifted into neutral and the engine began to rev as the vehicle suddenly fish-tailed. As a result, the rear of the vehicle crashed into a nearby median barrier. The vehicle continued to accelerate for another 5 miles. The contact shifted from drive to neutral repeatedly, and the vehicle reduced speed and was maneuvered to a safe location. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the technician informed the contact that the floor mat was trapped under the accelerator pedal, causing the abnormal acceleration failure. The contact stated that the floor mat was never positioned under the accelerator pedal when the failure occurred. The vehicle remained at the dealer for further investigation. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH the air bag warning light illuminated. Within a couple of weeks the cruise control was not operating while driving at approximately 65 MPH. The dealer was contact who stated that the vehicle was not under a recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 122,000. Updated 12/5/12 *cn the manufacturer was contacted but, did not offer any assistance.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked next to a residential garage. Later that night, the contact discovered the vehicle engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and they advised him that the fire could have been caused by the cruise control switch. The vehicle was towed to a garage. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no immediate assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH when the brakes were applied and the vehicle began to surge. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis on several occassions yet, the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was not made aware of the unintended acceleration failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
On january 8, 2011, 1997 ford f150 xlt lariat burned and totally destroyed our home and toyota tacoma in carport.fire marshall and firemen stated appeared to originate from f150 in carport. Forensic investigator from state farm (representatives from ford present after demand from state farm) stated fire started by defective cruise control component (confirmed by x-ray) after locating in debri under vehicle. Ford acted as if they could care less - guess not since not even an appology for our loss as much cannot be replaced. State farm now in the process of suing ford to recoop their loss. We were never notified by ford of this defect and nearly lost our lives.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the engine off when it caught on fire. The fire caused damage to the contact's home, garage, a second vehicle and other personal property. The fire department arrived tio extinguish the fire and a fire report was filed. The investigation concluded that the fire began within the cruise control safety switch. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the contact would receive a call back. The contact had not been contacted by the manufacturer. The VIN was unable. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. While driving 3 MPH in rainy weather, the vehicle suddenly began to accelerating. The rear wheel began spinning and the vehicle accelerated to 120 MPH. The contact shifted into neutral and the engine stopped revving. The contact called two dealers who advised him to take the vehicle in for diagnosis. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was 132,021. Updated 01/06/11 *bf updated 01/24/11
Questions about the 1997 Ford F-150 acceleration
Does the 1997 Ford F-150 have acceleration problems?
Owners have filed 221 complaints about the acceleration of the 1997 Ford F-150, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 acceleration problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 120,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford F-150 acceleration?
Yes, 3 recalls: 05V388000, 98V007000, 96V251000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford F-150 have the most acceleration problems?
The Ford F-150 model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2013 (304 complaints), 1997 (221 complaints) and 2011 (213 complaints).
Other 1997 Ford F-150 problems
Engine 544Tires 303Fuel system 246Brakes 231Body 224Suspension 203Steering 202Electrical 198Transmission 150Visibility 148Wheels 112Airbags 99Lights 56Seat belts 38Locks 14Seats 7Driver assistance 2
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