1997 Ford F-Super Duty: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires; the 1995 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-530 super duty. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). The dealer stated that the parts were unavailable and could not provide an estimated date of arrival. The contact felt that the wait time for the recalled part was unacceptable. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 40,000. Updated 01-10-08. *kb updated 12/31/07 *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f super duty. The vehicle has firestone steeltex radial tires. While driving 50 mph, the contact heard a loud pounding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. He noticed the tread had separated on the rear passenger side tire. A tire shop inspected the tire and stated that they were unable to determine the reason for the failure. Approximately one week later, while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began vibrating. The contact noticed the tread on the rear driver side tire had separated. The tire has not been inspected. The current mileage is 38,000 and failure mileage was 37,000.”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2007
“While decellerating, brake pedal went soft, brake warning light activated, and vehicle was stopped with front brakes only, nearly causing an accident. Inspection revealed left rear brake hose (flexible) had been abraded by aftermarket modification by the motorhome manufacturer, fleetwood enterprises. Tag axle linkage added by fleetwood adjacent to brake hose caused hose to be abraded in two locations, one of which wore through causing brake fluid loss and failure.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Entire tread separation. Tire was the outside of rear dual tire configuration. *ak (dot number: vd1l 1xa tiresize: lt22575r16)”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2001
“Tread separation discovered before pealing. Tire is out of round and causes vehicle to shake. Problem diagnosed by reputable mechanic. Tire size is lt225/75 r16 m/s. Failure discerned already at purchase of vehile at 27000 miles. I still have the tire. I contacted a firestone dealer in the milwaukee, wi area but he offered no reimbursement or warranty. *ak (dot number: vn1l1xa346 tiresize: lt225/75r1)”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2000
“The brakes failed while driving. The consumer found the brakes reservoir empty, then inspected the brake lines and saw a hole in the rear brake line. *nm consumer lost control of vehicle when brakes went out and went over a curb, over parking lots, into a parking lot, and caused fuel tank and strap damage, front end and rear tad axle out of the alignment. Consumer found wear hole in rear brake line, egr tube corroded, burnt engine cover, and carpet. *sb *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2000
“The tread came completely off and tore out a section of the lp line to the refrigerator. (dot number: vn1l1xa386 tiresize: lt22575r16)”Owner report · Tires · May 2000
“One tire blew out last year on the right rear. The outer tread seperated. I replaced it with another just like it. I had another blew this year the same way. After blowing the second tire I then replaced all four rear tires with another brand. (tiresize: lt22575r16)( dot number: tire size: lt22575r16 )”Owner report · Tires · Jul 1999
“Two out of six original tire had failure with tread seperation both while driving on highway. *ak (tiresize: lt225 r16)( dot number: tire size: lt225 r16 )”Owner report · Tires · Mar 1999
“Two out of six original tire had failure with tread seperation both while driving on highway. *ak (tiresize: lt225 r16)( dot number: tire size: lt225 r16 )”Owner report · Tires · Mar 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
A PLASTIC COATED STEEL SUPPORT STRAP FOR THE BATTERY CABLE WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT WAS CRIMPED ONTO THE CABLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CABLE INSULATION AND REPLACE THE SUPPORT STRAP WITH A REVISED, UNCRIMPED STRAP ATTACHED WITH TAPE. IN ADDITION, CONVOLUTE WILL BE ADDED BETWEEN THE CABLE AND THE SUPPORT STRAP. DAMAGED BATTERY CABLES WILL BE REPLACED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND CHASSIS. THE TIRES ON THESE VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED DURING MOUNTING ONTO THE WHEELS. ONLY TRUCKS PRODUCED AT THE CUAUTITLAN, MEXICO PLANT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 1996, AND JULY 17, 1997, WERE AFFECTED BY THE DEFECT.
Remedy: DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES AND THIS RECALL AFFECTING ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES ONLY, FORD WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT CLAIMS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOME CHASSIS. HOT EXHAUST GASSES CAN LEAK FROM THE EXHAUST GAS RETURN (EGR) TUBE ON THE ENGINE. A HOLE CAN DEVELOP IN THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE TUBE. HEAT DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR AND FLOOR COVERING CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EGR TUBE.
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 F-Super Duty 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 F-Super Duty reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Ford F-Super Duty. The most complained-about area is tires.
Does the 1997 Ford F-Super Duty have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. 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.