1997 Ford F-150 engine and engine cooling problems
529 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1997 Ford F-150 — 19% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Truck has a 4.2 liter, v-6 engine. A week prior to incident the truck was driven then parked in a my garage. On the incident day I tried to start the truck but heard only a loud, hard knock when the starter engaged. The engine would not turn over. The battery voltage checked out ok. I had the truck…”
filed Apr 17, 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he heard the horn sounding off. The vehicle engulfed into flames soon thereafter. The fire department was notified and extinguished the flames. The fire chief stated that the frontal area on the driver's side…”
filed Mar 26, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10…
07212 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2007Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt
041601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 14, 2005Use of stainless steel exhaust studs in service for 5.4l 2v engine. *tt
0554 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 21, 2005Intermittent rough idle - non-commanded egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) flow. *tt
05417 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 7, 2005
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other F-150 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 F-150 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 F-150 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 F-150 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 F-150 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 F-150 | 18 | 2% |
| 2020 F-150 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 F-150 | 62 | 5% |
| 2018 F-150 | 87 | 4% |
| 2017 F-150 | 69 | 5% |
| 2016 F-150 | 30 | 2% |
| 2015 F-150 | 23 | 1% |
| 2014 F-150 | 10 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Ford F-150
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.