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1997 Ford F-150 lights problems

56 complaints (2% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 92,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
56
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
92,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Brake lights
    8
  • Turn signal: switch
    7
  • Turn signal
    5
  • Headlights
    3
  • Tail lights
    2
  • Headlights: switch
    2
  • Headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch
    2
  • Turn signal: flasher unit
    1

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 lights problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford F-150 lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 13

Related recalls

Exterior lightingReported June 19, 2000 · 20,637 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Risk
The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy
Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

Recall number 00V168000 · Recall details

What 1997 Ford F-150 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 20, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · 84,980 miles · AL

My interior and back exterior lights come on and go off randomly sometimes while driving on the roads. The light in the back above the truck bed is bothersome because it could cause attention of another driver causing a accident. My mother also has a ford f150 that does the same, however her truck isn't the same year.

Filed Mar 10, 2020 · Lights · MA · crash

Lights do not work

Filed Mar 17, 2014 · Lights · 118,000 miles · NV · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, a burning odor was emitted into the vehicle as the driver's side headlight started to flicker. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the bulb had overheated and melted the bulb holder. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 118,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2010 · Lights · FL

Headlights have lost a considerable amount of their intensity due to the yellowing effect of the plastic lens covers.

Filed Sep 30, 2009 · Lights · 163,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact stated that the brake lights are inoperative. As a consequence, he was unable to notify other drivers when he attempted to stop. An authorized technician replaced the wiring assembly in the brake lamp control at an expense of $115.11. The manufacturer was notified , but no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 163,000. Updated 10/27/09 *cn the consumer stated the lights only come on with extreme pressure on the brake pedal. Updated 10/28/09.

Filed Aug 11, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 72,000 miles · MD · fire

Pull gear shifter down to d1 and smoke and fire came out of the steering column: all of the instrument lights went out and the truck was unable to use the overdrive function. Replaced several fuses and tried again with the same results. I dismantled the steering column and noticed that the wiring harness is two short and routed around the steering column causing it to break everytime the truck is put into d1. Ford motor company nor any auto store have any parts to repair the problem. The truck is still available for inspection. I took my truck to a ford dealer and they did not have a fix for the problem. They recommend that I not use d2/d1/overdrive.

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Acceleration, Lights · TX · fire

1997 ford f-150 with recall on the speed control system. Consumer states that the dealer charged him $68.00 for a diagnosis fee for stating there was a recall for the speed control. Consumer states that he should not have been charged the $68.00. *kb the dealer wanted to charge the consumer to repair the fire damage to the wiring and other components that was done to the vehicle as a result of a faulty switch that was recalled. The turn signal did not stay on when making a turn .

Filed Jan 13, 2008 · Body, Lights · 89,000 miles · NY · 9 injuries

Doors have stress cracks on upper frame,I've paid to have repaired once,when I approached dealer they said o recall on that problem, would not help,now door switches keep interior lights on till it goes off on power saver,door ajar light stays on when moisture condition/rain,snow sleet and so on.

Filed Nov 19, 2007 · Lights · 262,200 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that the brake lights would not illuminate when she depressed the brake pedal. As of november 19, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 262,200 and current mileage was 262,264. Updated 12/12/07

Filed Aug 26, 2005 · Acceleration, Lights · PA

Dt: contact stated the cruise control on his 1997 ford f150 went out. Then the brake lights failed. When the consumer took it to the dealer to get the brake lights fixed there was smoke coming from under the hood. It was smoking where the cruise control switch was. This happened on 9-17-04. He disconnected the switch. He bought a new switch and installed it, and never had any more trouble. He wanted to file a complaint so the federal safety agency would be aware that the 1997 ford -f150 had a bad cruise control switch . He was not aware of any problems until he had heard it on the news that the 2000 year models had a defective cruise control switch. *ak *jb updated 03/29/06

Questions about the 1997 Ford F-150 lights

Does the 1997 Ford F-150 have lights problems?

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Ford F-150, 2% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 92,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford F-150 lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V168000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford F-150 have the most lights problems?

The Ford F-150 model years with the most lights complaints are 2021 (120 complaints), 2022 (67 complaints) and 1997 (56 complaints).

Other 1997 Ford F-150 problems

Engine 544Tires 303Fuel system 246Brakes 231Body 224Acceleration 221Suspension 203Steering 202Electrical 198Transmission 150Visibility 148Wheels 112Airbags 99Seat belts 38Locks 14Seats 7Driver assistance 2

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