60 of the
3,285 complaints about the 1997 Ford F-150 are about the
lighting — 2% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
90,500 miles.
MY INTERIOR AND BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROADS. THE LIGHT IN THE BACK ABOVE THE TRUCK BED IS BOTHERSOME BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE ATTENTION OF ANOTHER DRIVER CAUSING A ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER ALSO HAS A FORD F150 THAT DOES THE SAME, HOWEVER HER TRUCK ISN'T THE SAME YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11389085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Acton, MACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LIGHTS DO NOT WORK
NHTSA complaint #11317307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesPahrump, NVFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AS THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE BULB HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE BULB HOLDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #10572878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plantation, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS HAVE LOST A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF THEIR INTENSITY DUE TO THE YELLOWING EFFECT OF THE PLASTIC LENS COVERS.
NHTSA complaint #10298805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesMarion, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE. AS A CONSEQUENCE, HE WAS UNABLE TO NOTIFY OTHER DRIVERS WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE WIRING ASSEMBLY IN THE BRAKE LAMP CONTROL AT AN EXPENSE OF $115.11. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED , BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 163,000. UPDATED 10/27/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHTS ONLY COME ON WITH EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. UPDATED 10/28/09.
NHTSA complaint #10285813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesPort Republic, MDFire
INTERIOR LIGHTING
PULL GEAR SHIFTER DOWN TO D1 AND SMOKE AND FIRE CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN: ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE TRUCK WAS UNABLE TO USE THE OVERDRIVE FUNCTION. REPLACED SEVERAL FUSES AND TRIED AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I DISMANTLED THE STEERING COLUMN AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IS TWO SHORT AND ROUTED AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING IT TO BREAK EVERYTIME THE TRUCK IS PUT INTO D1. FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOR ANY AUTO STORE HAVE ANY PARTS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE TRUCK IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY DID NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY RECOMMEND THAT I NOT USE D2/D1/OVERDRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10280108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Texarkana, TXFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
1997 FORD F-150 WITH RECALL ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER CHARGED HIM $68.00 FOR A DIAGNOSIS FEE FOR STATING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHARGED THE $68.00. *KB THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER TO REPAIR THE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE WIRING AND OTHER COMPONENTS THAT WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY SWITCH THAT WAS RECALLED. THE TURN SIGNAL DID NOT STAY ON WHEN MAKING A TURN .
NHTSA complaint #10233949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesGansevoort, NY9 injured
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DOORS HAVE STRESS CRACKS ON UPPER FRAME,I'VE PAID TO HAVE REPAIRED ONCE,WHEN I APPROACHED DEALER THEY SAID O RECALL ON THAT PROBLEM, WOULD NOT HELP,NOW DOOR SWITCHES KEEP INTERIOR LIGHTS ON TILL IT GOES OFF ON POWER SAVER,DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN MOISTURE CONDITION/RAIN,SNOW SLEET AND SO ON.
NHTSA complaint #10214637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 262,200 milesBenton Habor, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 262,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 262,264. UPDATED 12/12/07
NHTSA complaint #10209308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Salem, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
DT: CONTACT STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL ON HIS 1997 FORD F150 WENT OUT. THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS FIXED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. IT WAS SMOKING WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS. THIS HAPPENED ON 9-17-04. HE DISCONNECTED THE SWITCH. HE BOUGHT A NEW SWITCH AND INSTALLED IT, AND NEVER HAD ANY MORE TROUBLE. HE WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT SO NHTSA WOULD BE AWARE THAT THE 1997 FORD -F150 HAD A BAD CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH . HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL HE HAD HEARD IT ON THE NEWS THAT THE 2000 YEAR MODELS HAD A DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. *AK *JB UPDATED 03/29/06
NHTSA complaint #10131598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesAllentown, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
DT: TURN SIGNALS HAVE NEVER FUNCTIONED RIGHT SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT. YOU HAVE TO JIGGLE THE TURN SIGNAL STOCK TO GET THEM TO BLINK. AND YOU HAVE TO HOLD THEM A CERTAIN POSITION BEFORE THEY BLINK. THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. HAVE TALKED TO FORD AND THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD COST THE CONSUMER $800.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HAVE TALKED TO DEALER ALSO, AND THAT WAS NO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10120782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
HORN STOPPED WORKING, KEEPS BLOWING FUSES. TRAILER TOW LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. DEALER REPORTS THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH BAD AND REPLACED. ALSO FOUND A SHORT CIRCUIT AT THE STEERING COLUMN
NHTSA complaint #10095345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesO' Fallon, MO
INTERIOR LIGHTING
INTERIOR COURTESY LIGHT AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL STAY ON AFTER CLOSING THE VEHICLE DOORS. STAYS ON FROM 1 TO 30 MINUTES BEFORE TURNING ITSELF OFF, WHILE "DOOR OPEN" ALARM SOUNDS. DEALER NOT NOTIFIED. ORIGINAL DATE OF PROBLEM AUGUST 2000 (RANDOM OCCURRENCES). CURRENTLY EVERY TIME DOOR IS OPENED AND CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10013800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Creswell, NC
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE DOME LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAYED ON.
NHTSA complaint #10009220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, SD
INTERIOR LIGHTING
AFTER CLOSING DOOR, INTERIOR LIGHT, CARGO LIGHT ALONG WITH DOOR AJAR LIGHT SOMETIMES WILL NOT SHUT OFF AFTER GETTING INSIDE VEHICLE. THIS MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING WITH A LOT OF FORD PICKUPS.
NHTSA complaint #10008054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zanesville, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHORTED OUT AND STARTED TO SMOKE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8013592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ormond Beach, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
MUTIFUNCTION SWITCH CUT HEADLAMPS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT APPOXIMATELY 45 MPH. NO PRIOR WARNING, NO FLICKERING JUST INSTANTANIOUS DARKNESS. SIDE MARKER LIGHTS AND TAILLIGHT S CONTINUED TO OPERATE. WAS IN A WELL LIGHT AREA OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS IF AT HIGHER SPEED ON AN UNLIGHTED ROAD. THE SQUEAL ON THE PITMAN ARM IS A NUISANCE. NOTE WHEN I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED, DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DENIED ANY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM E WITH EITHER COMPONENT - WHAT A JOKE I NOW FIND BOTH ITEMS APPEAR ON YOUR WEBSITE. THERE SHOULD BE SOME ACCOUNTABILITY OR PENALTY FOR THE DEALER FOR NOT BEING HONEST ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THESE COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #763515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ormond Beach, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
MUTIFUNCTION SWITCH CUT HEADLAMPS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT APPOXIMATELY 45 MPH. NO PRIOR WARNING, NO FLICKERING JUST INSTANTANIOUS DARKNESS. SIDE MARKER LIGHTS AND TAILLIGHT S CONTINUED TO OPERATE. WAS IN A WELL LIGHT AREA OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS IF AT HIGHER SPEED ON AN UNLIGHTED ROAD. THE SQUEAL ON THE PITMAN ARM IS A NUISANCE. NOTE WHEN I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED, DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DENIED ANY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM E WITH EITHER COMPONENT - WHAT A JOKE I NOW FIND BOTH ITEMS APPEAR ON YOUR WEBSITE. THERE SHOULD BE SOME ACCOUNTABILITY OR PENALTY FOR THE DEALER FOR NOT BEING HONEST ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THESE COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #763515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cyle, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8011747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
INTERIOR LIGHTING
INTERIOR PANEL INSTRUCTION LIGHTS COME OFF EVERY OTHER DAY, WITHOUT WARNING. UNABLE TO READ PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #8011065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jasper, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS WORKED POORLY CONFUSE THE ONCOMING DRIVERS, AND SCARES THE HELL OUT OF THE DRIVER OF THE MENTIONED VEHICLE. OUTSIDE MIRRORS------OUTSIDE MIRRORS ( RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE) FAIL TO OPERATE WITH THE ADJUSTING SWITCH LOCATED IN THE INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE ARM REST. MIRRORS FAIL TO ADJUST. THIS IS A PROBLEM WHEN DIFFERENT DRIVERS USE THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #761743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #761750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rohnert Park, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. THERE WAS NO WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, DEALER STATED THAT BRAKE LIGHT LOCATED ABOVE WINDOW, HAS A BROKEN WIRE INSIDE THAT CAUSED GEAR TO BE STUCK IN PARK.
NHTSA complaint #8004080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS NOW, I HAVE HAD THE MULTI SWWITCH FAIL AND NEED REPLACEMENT. BOTH TIMES FORD DEALERSHIP IN MUSKEGON HAVE REPLACED THE PART.
NHTSA complaint #754209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Boston, MA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
PASSENGER'S AREA DOME LIGHT WILL COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING A DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED OR REPAIRED VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE HAS REPLACED THE PART THAT HOLDS THE PLUGS TWICE AND IT COSTS 450 DOLLARS EACH TIME, CONSUMER STATES HE THINKS HE MAY HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN, THE INTERIOR LIGHT ALSO COMES ON AT TIMES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #894248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middleburg, FL
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOOR WILL NOT ALIGN CORRECTLY WHEN CLOSING IT. THIS RESULTS IN DOOR REMAINING OPEN, WHICH KEEPS DOME LIGHT ON, DRAINING BATTERY. *AK THE DOOR SWITCHES FOR BOTH DOORS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #884842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE MULTISWITCH TWICE NOW. I AM NOW ON THE THIRD ONE ALREADY. AS FAR AS THE FRONT WHEEL HUBS, THE CLEARANCE IS INSUFFICIENT TO ALLOW FOR NORMAL CORROSION. ANY FRONT BRAKE JOB REQUIRES THAT THE HUBS ALSO BE REPLACED AS THEY ARE DAMAGED WHEN REMOVED. ALL OF MY WORK WAS DONE AT A FORD DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #742715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND REAR CARGO LIGHT WOULD MOMENTARILY STAY ON AFTER CLOSING THE VEHICLE DOORS FROM 1/2 HOURS UP 2 HOURS BEFORE TURNING ITSELF OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #881054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roll, AZ
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THERE ARE TWO LIGHTS THAT CONTROL DOME AND REAR LIGHTS. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT INSIDE OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #880588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, KY
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DASHLIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT EVER SINCE THIS VEHICLE WAS NEW. HEADLIDHTS HAVE GONE OUT TWICE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER SAID HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM UNTIL I COULD BRING IT IN WITH THE LIGHTS OUT. WELL THEY DON'T WORK AT ALL NOW! I USE A FLASHLIGH TO CHECK MY SPEED AND GAUGES AT NIGHT. THE DEALER SAY THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF ELECTICAL PROBLEMS. I KNOW OF TWO OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #738292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.