Ford F-150 1997–2003 problems by year and mileage
10th generation · PN96
NHTSA data through 18 October 20268,773 complaints, 4,313 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 1997 Ford F-150
Close- Median failure report
- 107,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,758
- Recalls naming this year
- 14
Most reported on the 1997
- Engine and its cooling system529 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Tyres305 reports
- Body structure226 reports · median 130,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Vehicle speed control · Steering — gear box
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1998 Ford F-150
Close- Median failure report
- 113,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,381
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 1998
- Fuel system177 reports · median 138,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system174 reports · median 93,000 mi
- Tyres152 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Vehicle speed control · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1999 Ford F-150
Close- Median failure report
- 100,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,044
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 1999
- Engine and its cooling system219 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Fuel system112 reports · median 135,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit97 reports · median 88,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Vehicle speed control · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2000 Ford F-150
Close- Median failure report
- 92,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,075
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2000
- Electrical system191 reports · median 81,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control188 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system135 reports · median 87,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control — cruise control
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2001 Ford F-150
Close- Median failure report
- 95,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,272
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2001
- Engine and its cooling system243 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control185 reports · median 104,000 mi
- Electrical system141 reports · median 88,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control — cruise control
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2002 Ford F-150
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 821
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2002
- Engine and its cooling system196 reports · median 82,000 mi
- Electrical system106 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control86 reports · median 118,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Vehicle speed control
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Ford F-150
Close- Median failure report
- 64,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 423
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2003
- Engine and its cooling system69 reports · median 93,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline62 reports · median 40,000 mi
- Electrical system47 reports · median 60,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — storage · Vehicle speed control · Steering — gear box
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1998; earliest: the 2003, and the 1998 is 5 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 1997–2003 Ford F-150 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 99,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 180,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 4,313
- Recalls
- 30
Most reported
- Engine and its cooling system17.8% of complaints · median 91,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control10.4% of complaints · median 104,000 mi
- Electrical system9.7% of complaints · median 92,000 mi
Owners filed 8,773 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997–2003 Ford F-150; the engine and its cooling system leads with 17.8% of them, and half of the 4,313 that record an odometer reading came by 99,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 64,000 to 140,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1997–2003 Ford F-150 last?
On the 1997–2003 Ford F-150, half of the 4,313 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 99,000 miles and 90% by 180,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
894 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 289 past 200,000 — each one proof that a F-150 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford F-150 1997–2003 · 4,313 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 289 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 289 complaints (6.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 36,000
- 25%
- 64,000
- Median
- 99,000
- 75%
- 140,000
- 90%
- 180,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 87 | 2.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 35 | 0.8% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 46 | 1.1% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 58 | 1.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 53 | 1.2% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 55 | 1.3% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 67 | 1.6% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 86 | 2.0% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 116 | 2.7% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 97 | 2.2% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 115 | 2.7% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 123 | 2.9% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 145 | 3.4% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 141 | 3.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 151 | 3.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 137 | 3.2% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 175 | 4.1% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 167 | 3.9% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 173 | 4.0% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 141 | 3.3% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 227 | 5.3% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 114 | 2.6% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 118 | 2.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 120 | 2.8% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 153 | 3.5% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 115 | 2.7% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 120 | 2.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 89 | 2.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 102 | 2.4% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 93 | 2.2% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 116 | 2.7% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 58 | 1.3% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 98 | 2.3% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 55 | 1.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 70 | 1.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 46 | 1.1% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 56 | 1.3% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 33 | 0.8% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 40 | 0.9% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 33 | 0.8% |
| 200,000+ | 289 | 6.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common F-150 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford F-150 1997–2003
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Hydraulic brake circuit583 reportsmedian 68,000middle half 45,000–102,000
- Tyres642 reportsmedian 74,000middle half 41,000–119,000
- Body structure668 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 60,000–134,000
- Engine and its cooling system1,565 reportsmedian 91,000middle half 67,000–120,000
- Electrical system855 reportsmedian 92,000middle half 60,000–134,000
- Throttle and speed control909 reportsmedian 104,000middle half 76,000–144,000
- Fuel system822 reportsmedian 131,000middle half 103,000–166,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 1,565 | 17.8% | 91,000 | 67,000–120,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 909 | 10.4% | 104,000 | 76,000–144,000 |
| Electrical system | 855 | 9.7% | 92,000 | 60,000–134,000 |
| Fuel system | 822 | 9.4% | 131,000 | 103,000–166,000 |
| Body structure | 668 | 7.6% | 86,000 | 60,000–134,000 |
| Tyres | 642 | 7.3% | 74,000 | 41,000–119,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 583 | 6.6% | 68,000 | 45,000–102,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 546 | 6.2% | 65,000 | 40,000–100,000 |
| Steering | 491 | 5.6% | 81,000 | 55,000–120,000 |
| Suspension | 490 | 5.6% | 77,000 | 42,000–122,000 |
Known problems with the 1997–2003 F-150
Engine 1997–2003
Spark plug ejection from aluminum cylinder heads on 2-valve modular V8s (4.6L/5.4L). Only about four threads engage the plug in the head, so plugs back out under cylinder pressure and strip the head threads; failure is sudden and requires thread inserts to repair.
Engine 1997–2003
Cracked exhaust manifolds and broken manifold studs on Triton V8s producing a cold-start tick.
Fuel System 1999–2003
Fuel pump driver module (frame-mounted) corrodes and fails, causing stalling and no-start.
Before you buy a 1997–2003 F-150: the 3-minute check
Generated from 4,313 mileage-tagged complaints, 30 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 30 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 1997–2003 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check fuel system on 1999–2003 cars.
- Years differ here: from 423 to 2,758 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
F-150 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi22% below | At 90k mi43% below | At 120k mi64% below | At 150k mi79% below | At 200k mi93% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 67,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 76,000–144,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 60,000–134,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 103,000–166,000 | later | later | in window | in window | earlier |
| Body structure | 60,000–134,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Tyres | 41,000–119,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 45,000–102,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford F-150 1997–2003 · 4,313 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 22% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 43% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 64% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 79% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
1997–2003 Ford F-150 recalls (30)
NHTSA records 30 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around throttle and speed control (7), equipment (5), the seat belts (4) (why one area can repeat).
Jul 2011 · 1997–2003 · Fuel System, GasolineAs a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year Ford F-150, 2004 model year Ford F-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year F-250 less than 8,500 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 Lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from…
What can happen. As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. Either scenario may result in a…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. Early in this…
Aug 2007 · 2003 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis could result in an underhood fire.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. This could result in an underhood fire.
The free fix. 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…
Mar 2007 · 2003 · Vehicle Speed ControlOverheating could result in smoke, burn, or an underhood fire.
The defect. On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
What can happen. Overheating could result in smoke, burn, or an underhood fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on march 12, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. (Note: also see recalls…
Sep 2005 · 1997–2002 · Vehicle Speed ControlA fire at the switch could occur.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
What can happen. A fire at the switch could occur.
The free fix. 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…
Jan 2005 · 2000–2001 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis condition could lead to a fire.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
What can happen. This condition could lead to a fire. Fires have occurred while the vehicles were parked with the ignition 'off.'
The free fix. As an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available (early…
Sep 2003 · 2003 · SteeringIf the pitman arm to gearbox attachment nut loosens, a noise and a loose feel in the steering could occur.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, the pitman arm to steering gear retaining nut was not fully tightened to the required specification.
What can happen. If the pitman arm to gearbox attachment nut loosens, a noise and a loose feel in the steering could occur. If the condition progressed and service was not sought, the nut could back off completely…
The free fix. Dealers will tighten the pitman arm retaining nut to specifications. Owner notification began on october 1, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
May 2003 · 1997 · SteeringThis could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
What can happen. This could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required. If the yoke is…
Jan 2002 · 1999 · EquipmentIf the tires are inflated to the pressure indicated on the label, the customer will experience a harsher ride.
The defect. Certain light duty pickup trucks equipped with a heavy duty service package fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." A typographical error occurred resulting in an incorrect…
What can happen. If the tires are inflated to the pressure indicated on the label, the customer will experience a harsher ride.
The free fix. Owners will be sent a corrected tire information label and installation instructions. The customer may also have the dealer install the label on the vehicle, if they so desire. Owner notification…
Aug 2001 · 2000–2001 · VisibilityLoss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper…
What can happen. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. Owners…
Jul 2001 · 2001 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began july 25, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles…
Mar 2001 · 2001 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the hose is damaged, brake fluid could leak and stopping distances may be increased.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The left front brake hose was damaged during final assembly.
What can happen. If the hose is damaged, brake fluid could leak and stopping distances may be increased.
The free fix. Dealers will install a new left front brake hose assembly. Owner notification began march 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Mar 2001 · 2001 · Air BagsIn the event of a vehicle crash, the driver air bag may not deploy as intended, potentially resulting in…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles. The inflator canister in the driver air bag module may have an inadequate weld near the igniter.
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the driver air bag may not deploy as intended, potentially resulting in reduced occupant protection, or a burn injury.
The free fix. Dealers will install a driver air bag module. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Nov 2000 · 2001 · EquipmentIn the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the…
The defect. Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." The affected expedition/navigator owner guides do not identify the locations of…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with owner guide inserts revised to provide the required information, and instructions for affixing these inserts to their owner guides. Customers will also be advised that if…
Oct 2000 · 2001 · Seat BeltsThis could cause slack in the seat belt when worn, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat…
The defect. Vehicle description: regular cab pickup trucks. The driver side seat belt retractor may not fully retract the belt.
What can happen. This could cause slack in the seat belt when worn, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant, in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the driver's side seat belt assembly.
Sep 2000 · 1998–2000 · EquipmentThese vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
The defect. Vehicle description: bi-fuel cng pickup trucks and bi-fuel cng vans, modified by cfi control systems, inc., Fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 303, "Fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles." The label affixed to the fuel filler…
What can happen. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
The free fix. Owners will be provided a label with the required statement, along with instructions for affixing the label at the fuel filler door. Owner notification began november 2, 2000. Owners who take their…
Aug 2000 · 2000 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load…
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the date code on certain seat belt buckles of your vehicle and replace all seat belt buckles that fall within the suspect date code range. Owner notification began october 26…
Aug 2000 · 1997 · Fuel System, GasolineThis condition could result in fuel leakage.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks manufactured at the kansas city or norfolk assembly plants. The front fuel line assembly could have a hole rubbed through in one of two locations. The first location is below the fuel rail connection where the…
What can happen. This condition could result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect these lines and replace the front fuel line assembly if necessary. Owner notification began october 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed…
Jun 2000 · 1997–1998 · Exterior LightingThe light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.S.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.S. Standards.
The free fix. Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Mar 1999 · 1999 · EquipmentIf incorrect tire information is given, underrated tires could be placed on the truck causing excessive tire…
The defect. Vehicle description: 4x4 vehicles with off road and high fgawr option packages, and 4x2 vehicles with sport option package. The tire and rim identification information is incorrect on the certification labels for these vehicles. This does not meet the…
What can happen. If incorrect tire information is given, underrated tires could be placed on the truck causing excessive tire wear or, in extreme cases, possible tire blowouts.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with a revised label overlay.
Aug 1998 · 1999 · Vehicle Speed ControlA loose cable can result in the throttle not fully returning to idle and cause an increase in stopping…
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. A speed control cable may not have fully seated into the accelerator bracket at time of installation. If the cable is not fully seated into this bracket, the cable could separate from the bracket.
What can happen. A loose cable can result in the throttle not fully returning to idle and cause an increase in stopping distance.
The free fix. Dealers will add a retaining clip to the speed control cable fitting at the accelerator bracket.
Aug 1998 · 1999 · Fuel System, GasolineIf an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The fuel pressure regulator o-ring may have been damaged when the fuel pressure regulator was installed in the engine fuel rail. If the o-ring is damaged, fuel vapor or leakage could occur.
What can happen. If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator.
Jul 1998 · 1997–1998 · SuspensionFuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. If the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. A fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. The center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat…
What can happen. Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a leaf fracture. Any fractured springs will be…
May 1998 · 1997–1998 · WheelsThis can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation…
The defect. Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The lug nuts on these vehicles may not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
What can happen. This can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in may 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available. This interim…
Jan 1998 · 1997–1998 · Vehicle Speed ControlIncreased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance could result.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Increased brake pedal efforts or some increase in stopping distance could result.
The free fix. Dealers will install a revised pcv system on these vehicles.
Oct 1997 · 1997–1998 · Power TrainThe condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper…
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. If the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. The vehicle…
What can happen. The condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. Unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake…
The free fix. Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
Sep 1997 · 1997 · Power TrainThis condition can result in unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake is not set.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The transmission bracket end fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly resulting in operator inability to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position.
What can happen. This condition can result in unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake is not set.
The free fix. Dealers will install a new transmission shift control cable.
Dec 1996 · 1997 · Seat BeltsA loose fastener can eventually detach and would not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a vehicle…
The defect. The seat elt anchorage attachments are missing or misinstalled on these vehicles.
What can happen. A loose fastener can eventually detach and would not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a vehicle accident.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the seat belt anchorage attachments.
Dec 1996 · 1997 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis ice can cause the throttle plate to remain in the highway cruising position after the accelerator is…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will install a foam insulating sleeve on the line from the pcv to the hose fitting on the throttle plate.
Sep 1996 · 1997 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA loss of service braking can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The defect. The retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm is missing.
What can happen. A loss of service braking can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect to verify that the retainer clips are installed and if clips are missing will install clips.
Aug 1996 · 1997 · EquipmentIncorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires.
The defect. The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
What can happen. Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .
The free fix. Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. Dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 8,773 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 601 (6.9%)
- Fires
- 1,153
- Injury reports
- 384
- Fatality reports
- 17
F-150 problems by model year
The 1997 drew the most complaints of this generation, 2,758, most of them about the engine and its cooling system, and the 2003 the fewest, 423. A typical year drew about 1,075.
That makes the 1997 stand out at roughly 2.6 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 2,758 | 854 | 107,000 | Engine and its cooling system (529) | 14 |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 551 | 113,000 | Fuel system (177) | 8 |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 491 | 100,000 | Engine and its cooling system (219) | 7 |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 661 | 92,000 | Electrical system (191) | 6 |
| 2001 | 1,272 | 791 | 95,000 | Engine and its cooling system (243) | 9 |
| 2002 | 821 | 639 | 90,000 | Engine and its cooling system (196) | 2 |
| 2003 | 423 | 326 | 64,000 | Engine and its cooling system (69) | 4 |
What F-150 owners reported
The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-150 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Firestone, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, there was a burning rubber odor coming from the outside of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the…
2003 · 277,000 miles · Tyres
The contact owns a 1998 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while The vehicle was park in the son's driveway the neighbor alerted the son that the vehicle on fire. The son rushed to the vehicle and discovered flames coming from the cabin of the vehicle. The Fire Department was called to the scene and extinguished the…
2000 · 190,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 1991 N/A Ford F-150. The contact stated that after parking, turning the vehicle off, and exiting, the vehicle suddenly began to roll backwards. The contact was able to get back into the moving vehicle, press the brake pedal to stop the vehicle from moving. During the incident, the contact sustained…
2000 · 250 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owned a 1996 N/A Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the firewall located on the driver's side had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided. The origin of the fire was…
2001 · 249,000 miles · Engine
Built from 4,313 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other F-150 generations
- F-150 1992–1996 506 reports with mileage, most about the fuel system
- F-150 2004–2008 3,963 reports with mileage, most about visibility equipment
- F-150 2009–2014 7,521 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- F-150 2015–2020 4,604 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- F-150 2021–2025 558 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline