1997 Ford E Series: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: the contact stated while putting fuel in the vehicle it was leaking. The first time this happened he thought the pump did not cut itself off. The next time he pumped fuel it continued to leak. The contact took the vehicle to a dealership, and they found the hose that connected to the tank was dry rotted. At that time, he had the hose replaced.*ak uodated 12/27/05. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2005
“I was aware of a problem with the ford brake pressure switch starting fires in explores and rangers I believe. Our company owns 17 econoline chassis vehicles at this division. I was just concerned when I found a blown fuse in the 4-way flasher circuit of our 97 e-super duty van. Which this circuit also contains the brake pressure switch. When reinstalling the fuse the brake pressure switch started to smoke and get hot enough to get the brake fluid to its flash point. The brake fluid proceeded to smoke and push its way past the switch. No damage was done other than a new switch. Iwas just concerned that the fuse did not blow and if I was not the the vehicle would have caught fire.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2005
“Dt: ford expedition. Nothing was apparent before the failure. Two minutes after arriving home there was an explosion in the engine compartment. Contacted ford, the police, and the fire department. The fire department put the fire out, and said it was in the engine area with electrical arcing. Ford said they were going to send an inspector on 3 different occasions, but now said the case was closed and will not be send an inspector. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving 70 mph and without warning rear driver's outer tire blew out, which resulted in tread separation, firestone, model lt225/75r16e dot: unknown. Ford and firestone were notified. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2003
“While driving 60 mph and without warning, the rear passenger outer tire blewout, which resulted in tread separation, within the next 24 hours, the driver's side inner tire also blewout. Firestone had been notified.*ak *ts *jb”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2002
“Firestone steel ex radial lt225/75r16 dot #vn1l1xa436 - inside right rear tire tread separated and the left outside tire blewout at 50 mph, causing damage to the vehicle. Firestone has been notified. *ak *tt”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2002
“Firestone steel ex radial lt225/75r16 dot #vn1l1xa436 - inside right dual tire separated while going 50mph. No warning signs, just a loud bang and rubber seen flapping in rear view mirror. Firestone contacted. *ak *tt”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2002
“While driving about 60mph right front tire tread separated, causing tire to blowout and damage to fender well and nut guard. Dealer can not make a determination on ruined tire.*ak tire was a firestone steeltex radial, size p225/75r16, dot number vd7lxa196, consumer states they are having problems with the other front tire, consumer feels he should be compensated for all seven tires. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2001
“This firestone tires lt225/75r16 dot:vd1l1xd227. Tire was on a motorhome when tread began to separate. Tread caused damage to the motorhome itself. Firestone has been contacted.*ak 3 other tires had bulges on them. When brake pedal is pushed, nothing happens. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2000
“Pe00020; the firestone steeltex tire experienced tread separation: while driving at 65 mph tread on the outside driver's side rear tire came off. Driver was able to correct the problem. Vehicle was a 1997, ford, f350. Tire size p22575r16, dot # vd1l406. Original tire equipment. Tire mileage 21 685. *ak vehicle experienced property damage, on the second tread separation, the tire remained inflated on vehicle, at this time tires had 195000 miles. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
How other years compare
Check your exact E Series 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 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Ford E Series. The most complained-about area is tires.
Does the 1997 Ford E Series have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel. 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.