1997 Ford E-450: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford e-450. The contact stated the heater control switch failed to function; therefore, only cold air emits from the heater system. The contact believed the failure was related to the failure described in a manufactures recall . The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2011
“The 1997 tires with 18,000 miles on them have large cracks around the entire sidewall of all 6 tires (motorhome). Now afraid to drive because of all the firestone re-calls. Was wondering if these tires had a re-call (firestone steeltex radial r4s, lt225/75r16 m/s). No "incident" as of yet... *la”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2004
“Had 2 blowouts.1at 22000mi and 1 at 26000.threw all the tread on the 1st one tire cool to touch and outside temp 58deg.looks like tread had never been glued on to carcus.the 2nd tire blew at 55mph outside temp56deg.looked as if part of the tread was glued.I know of 2 other class c motorhomes who have experienced the same problem.between the 3 mh we have had 7 blowouts. *ak (dot number: vd1l 1xd tiresize: 225/75/16)”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tire failed while responding on an emergency ambulance call. Tread peeled off and broke the left front break line. Did body damage to the left front fender, door and running board. All firestone tires have been replaced on two ambulances since this accident.( dot number: vdil tire size: 225/75r16 )”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
“Pe #00020; firestone, steeltex, p225/75r16. Right inside rear tire tread separated from tire. Vehicle is a ambulance and moving approximately 60 mph. Dot # begins with vd. Tires were the production tires of the vehicle with 27000 mileage. Vehicle is a ford, e450, chassis.*ak the ambulance corp. Requests reimbursment for 12 tires that were replaced for tread separation. *yh”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“While traveling heard a loud noise. Pulled vehicle over and noticed tread separation. Lt225/75r16. *ak consumer has experienced blow out twice, also has experienced blow outs due to sidewall cracks.*jb”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2000
“The front crossmember cracking at main frame, ford has issued a service bulletin #991411 to address this condition. *mjs”Owner report · Structure · Mar 1997
“The front crossmember cracking at main frame, ford has issued a service bulletin #991411 to address this condition. Rewelding of crossmember has not corrected problem, was still cracking, redone with support added. *mjs”Owner report · Structure · Feb 1997
“The front crossmember cracking at main frame, ford has issued a service bulletin #991411 to address this condition. Rewelding of crossmember has not corrected problem, was still cracking, redone with support added. *mjs”Owner report · Structure · Feb 1997
“The front crossmember cracking at main frame, ford has issued a service bulletin #991411 to address this condition. Rewelding of crossmember has not corrected problem, was still cracking, redone with support added. *mjs”Owner report · Structure · Feb 1997
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact E-450 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Ford E-450 reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Ford E-450. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1997 Ford E-450 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.