Owners have filed 348 complaints
about the 1997 Ford F-250 with NHTSA between 1996 and 2024.
The largest single group is the tires.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 71
Against the median year of the Ford F-250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 76
14.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 2
1% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
22.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1111.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2021.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4144.1%
150,000+ miles
1920.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 1996peak 25Aug 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Ford F-250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
EA05005Opened 22 Mar 2005Closed 2 Aug 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHIC...
EA02001Opened 6 Feb 2002Closed 29 May 2003STEERING
STEERING SHAFT SEPARATION
SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY FOR TECHNICAL DETAILS
Recalls on the 1997 Ford F-250
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2011281166,282 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250, and 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the fuel tank straps could corrode and fail. This could allow the fuel tank to contact the ground, which may compromise the tank's integrity and permit fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install fuel tank straps with improved corrosion protection.
Recall 2009292492,877 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.
Recall 2005028304,417 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch or fused wiring harness.
Recall 200314110,942 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft yoke may not have been properly seated onto the steering gear input shaft during installation. In this condition, the yoke may not be properly clamped to the input shaft. This may result in separation of the yoke from the steering gear input shaft and a loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealer will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke. If the yoke is not fully seated and the bolt groove and spline is visible, the intermediate shaft and bolt will be replaced as well as the bolt at the steering column connection.
Recall 200021131,540 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with a manual 4X4 transfer case shifter, fuel line abrasion could occur as the result of the fuel line rubbing against the dash panel or contacting the shifter linkage. This could result in fuel leakage and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur. Correction: Front fuel line assembly will be inspected and repositioned or replaced where necessary.
Recall 1998095141,580 units in Canada
Suspension
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. CORRECTION: WHEEL STUDS WILL BE INSPECTED AND WHEEL LUG NUTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH REVISED VERSIONS.
Recall 199718072,763 units in Canada
Structure
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITION INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK". THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET. CORRECTION: SHIFT CONTROL CABLE WILL BE PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET AND A TIE STRAP WILL BE ADDED TO THAT CONNECTION AS A REDUNDANT MEASURE TO SECURE THE ATTACHMENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 278,000 milesColfax, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE POINT OF IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND AN INJURY WAS SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 278,000.
NHTSA complaint #10618177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesButler, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250 HD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO SMELLED A SLIGHT BURNING ODOR. UPON REACHING THE DESTINATION THE CONTACT NOTICED BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE FRACTURED WHICH WERE SUPPORTING THE FRONT FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A DUAL FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT OF THE DRAGGING OF THE FRONT FUEL TANK, THERE WAS DAMAGE WHICH CAUSED A LARGE FUEL LEAK. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10425566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. THE CONTACT COULD SEE SPARKS FROM BEHIND THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PARTIALLY FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DRAGGING. HE WAS ABLE TO STRAP THE FUEL TANK BACK ONTO THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR EXAMINATION OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10355266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPayson, AZCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING ON ARIZONA STATE HWY 87 NORTH FROM PAYSON AS ENTERING INTO PINE ARIZONA I STRUCK A LARGE TRUCK FROM REAR. THIS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK ACTUALLY BREAKING THE FRAME, PUSHING THE FRAME THRU THE BUMPER AND REQUIRING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO UTILIZE THE JAWS OF LIVE AND RELEASING THE STEERING WHEN FROM MY CHEST. INJURIES INCLUDED SKULL FRACTURE, BROKEN FEMUR, CHEST AND HEART CONTUSION. AIRLIFTED TO NEAREST HOSPITAL. LATER FOUND THAT THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL APPEARED TO BE POPPED OFF AND WAS HANGING BY A CABLE YET AN AIRBAG WAS NOT PRESENT. TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THE TRUCK WAS ORIGINAL WITH AN AIRBAG. IT WAS A GOVERNMENT STATE OF ARIZONA VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10209183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWaterbury, CTFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2007, THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10202523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesHuntington Beach, CAFire1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
1997 FORD F25. THIS WAS THE SECOND SPARK PLUG TO BLOW OUT OF HEAD. FIRST REPAIR COST $450.00, THIS TIME IT COST ME MY TRUCK, 2 CAMERAS, GPS, LAPTOP COMPUTER AND SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS AS THE TRUCK COUGHT ON FIRE WHEN SPARK PLUG HIT FUEL INECTION RAIL AN STARTED A FUEL FIRE THAT BURNT THE TRUCK TO GROUND. TOTAL LOSS. BURNED MY HANDS TRYING TO SAVE ITEMS IN CAB. HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, BUT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES SPRAYED FIRE TO FAST. MY GIRL FRIEND, HER DOG, AND I HAD 30 SECONDS TO GET OUT. IN 2 MINUTES THE CAB WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I WILL BE DISMANTLING THIS ENGINE AS I AM A MECHANIC AND MACHINIST AND PLAN TO PROVE THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH THREADS SECURING SPARK PLUGS IN THEE ALUMIN UM HEADS. THERE WERE STANDARDS OUTLINED FOR MACHINING THREADS.
NHTSA complaint #10186117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 133,000 milesValdosta, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the fuel strap failed and there was a hole in the fuel tank. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V385000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 00V231000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11610939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,560 milesTorrance, CA
WHEELS
TIRE BLOW OUT ON FREEWAY CALIFORNIA I-5 AT 210 INTERCHANGE BFGOODRICH LT235/85 R16 LTR M+S 1655 MILES ON THE TIRES INSTALLED 05-20-2019 OF LAST YEAR
NHTSA complaint #11316921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT DISCONNECTS RANDOMLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN PARK, DRIVING AND WHILE REVERSING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON CITY STREETS AS WELL AS FREEWAY/HIGHWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, MAKING A U-TURN AS WELL AS DRIVING FORWARD. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE RADIO STATIONS. AS IT STANDS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE TRUCK THE SEATBELT WILL DISCONNECT AT LEAST 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11232638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,745 milesPalm Springs, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK 1 SEEMS TO PUMP FUEL INTO TANK 2. FUEL SWITCH ON "FRONT" SEEMS TO INDICATE PROPER AMOUNT OF FUEL. FUEL SWITCH ON "REAR" ALWAYS READS FULL. SOMETIMES FUEL WILL FLOW OUT OF REAR TANK AS SOON AS FUEL CAP IS REMOVED. I DROVE ABOUT 75 MILES WITH THE FUEL SWITCH ON "REAR". WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I UNSCREWED REAR TANK CAP AND FUEL SPEWED OUT.......MAYBE A GALLON OR SO.
NHTSA complaint #11100615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 253,400 milesTribune, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD F-250 FOR A FEW YEARS AND BESIDES AN ABI'S I'VEW PREVIOUS OWNER IT HASN'T GIVEN ANY ISSUE. THAT IS UP UNTIL A MONTH AGO WHEN MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER UP AND QUIT WORKING. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO FUSES OR RELAYS FAULTY EITHER, I SPOKE WITH FRIENDS OF MINE WHO OWN SIMILAR MODEL YEARS OF MY TRUCK AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11051871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesSpokane Valley, WA
ENGINE
THE TRUCK WOULD STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET, NOT START AFTER DRIVING, STOP SHUT OFF AND THEN WOULD NOT START. SOME TIMES IT MAY NOT START FOR SEVERAL DAYS THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD START UP AGAIN AND BE FINE FOR WEEKS THEN WOULD START THE WHOLE PROCESS OVER AGAIN. IT MAY STOP AT ANY TIME ANY WHERE WHETHER HIGHWAY OR CITY STREET. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER, ENGINE SHUTS OFF. I HAD MANY EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS, WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHER VEHICLES CAUSING THEM TO MAKE EVASIVE ACTIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAS A MANUFACTURES BUY BACK FROM ORIGINAL PURCHASER WHEN, NEW BUT NO EXPLANATION COULD BE FOUND. I SPOKE TO FORD AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF THE BUY BACK. IT IS ON THE TITLE ALSO.
NHTSA complaint #10810623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,000 milesSummerville, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE SPARK PLUG SHOOTS OUT OF THE BLOCK AND SHORTLY AFTER YOU CAN SMELL GAS FUMES WITH IS AN OBVIOUS FIRE HAZARD. NOT ONLY IS IT EXPENSIVE TO FIND A MECHANIC WHO CAN COIL THE PLUG BACK INTO THE BLOCK, AFTER READING ABOUT IT THE SAME INCIDENT HAPPENS TO MANY OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME TRUCK AS I DO. YET, THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10715974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,000 milesSummerville, SC
ENGINE
THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE SPARK PLUG SHOOTS OUT OF THE BLOCK AND SHORTLY AFTER YOU CAN SMELL GAS FUMES WITH IS AN OBVIOUS FIRE HAZARD. NOT ONLY IS IT EXPENSIVE TO FIND A MECHANIC WHO CAN COIL THE PLUG BACK INTO THE BLOCK, AFTER READING ABOUT IT THE SAME INCIDENT HAPPENS TO MANY OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME TRUCK AS I DO. YET, THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10715974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesSydney, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM LOW GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10679367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Carlisle, IN
SEAT BELTS
WHEN BUCKLING IN THE RETRACTOR FAILED. I AM NOT ABLE TO HAVE ANYONE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY TRUCK NOW. I SEE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SAME YEAR TRUCK BUT THE F150. I HAVE AN F250. ALL REPLACEMENT BELTS I HAVE FOUND HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10672305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 278,000 milesColfax, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE POINT OF IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND AN INJURY WAS SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 278,000.
NHTSA complaint #10618177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 248,000 milesJuneau, AK
SEAT BELTS
REF:EEN19-47774 (TO BE FWD BY MAIL) THE FRONT TANK STRAP ON THE VEHICLE FAILED AND THE TANK DROPPED UNTIL SUPPORTED BY SKID PLATE. SOME DIESEL FUEL SPILLED IN GARAGE, CREATING FIRE HAZARD BUT WAS CLEANED UP W/O INCIDENT. I CONTACTED DIEHL FORD IN BELLINGHAM WA AS NO FORD DEALER IN JUNEAU AK AT THAT TIME. I ORDERED AND THEY SENT 2 STRAPS (F72Z-9054-BA), BOLTS&NUTS WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER WERE NOT AUTHORIZED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21! I CONTACTED THE LOCAL (TEMPORARY) FORD REPAIR FACILITY--EVERGREEN MOTOR WORKS RELATIVE TO THIS REPAIR AND THEY DISCOVERED THE SAFETY RECALL 11S21 AND STATED THAT ALASKA VEHICLES WERE NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL.I COTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. BY EMAIL AND GOT THE SAME ANSWER. AS A SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I KNOW THIS IS TOTAL BS AS ALASKA HAS MUCH WORSE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAN ANY OF THE :SOUTH 48" STATES COVERED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21!! STANLEY FORD IS NOW THE LOCAL FORD DEALER BUT STILL COULD NOT FIX MY FORD F250 TANK STRAP UNDER THE RECALL BUT COULD FIX THE SAFETY RECALL 09S09 SPEED CONTROL MOD! IT SHOULD BE ALSO NOTED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED ABOUT THE SAME TIME!! FORD CO. DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN THIS PROBLEM. I REPLACED THIS IMMEDIATELY AS I FEEL SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT! SIGNED/ [XXX] SR. ENGINEER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10592574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 248,000 milesJuneau, AK
STRUCTURE:BODY
REF:EEN19-47774 (TO BE FWD BY MAIL) THE FRONT TANK STRAP ON THE VEHICLE FAILED AND THE TANK DROPPED UNTIL SUPPORTED BY SKID PLATE. SOME DIESEL FUEL SPILLED IN GARAGE, CREATING FIRE HAZARD BUT WAS CLEANED UP W/O INCIDENT. I CONTACTED DIEHL FORD IN BELLINGHAM WA AS NO FORD DEALER IN JUNEAU AK AT THAT TIME. I ORDERED AND THEY SENT 2 STRAPS (F72Z-9054-BA), BOLTS&NUTS WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER WERE NOT AUTHORIZED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21! I CONTACTED THE LOCAL (TEMPORARY) FORD REPAIR FACILITY--EVERGREEN MOTOR WORKS RELATIVE TO THIS REPAIR AND THEY DISCOVERED THE SAFETY RECALL 11S21 AND STATED THAT ALASKA VEHICLES WERE NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL.I COTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. BY EMAIL AND GOT THE SAME ANSWER. AS A SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I KNOW THIS IS TOTAL BS AS ALASKA HAS MUCH WORSE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAN ANY OF THE :SOUTH 48" STATES COVERED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21!! STANLEY FORD IS NOW THE LOCAL FORD DEALER BUT STILL COULD NOT FIX MY FORD F250 TANK STRAP UNDER THE RECALL BUT COULD FIX THE SAFETY RECALL 09S09 SPEED CONTROL MOD! IT SHOULD BE ALSO NOTED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED ABOUT THE SAME TIME!! FORD CO. DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN THIS PROBLEM. I REPLACED THIS IMMEDIATELY AS I FEEL SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT! SIGNED/ [XXX] SR. ENGINEER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10592574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 248,000 milesJuneau, AK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
REF:EEN19-47774 (TO BE FWD BY MAIL) THE FRONT TANK STRAP ON THE VEHICLE FAILED AND THE TANK DROPPED UNTIL SUPPORTED BY SKID PLATE. SOME DIESEL FUEL SPILLED IN GARAGE, CREATING FIRE HAZARD BUT WAS CLEANED UP W/O INCIDENT. I CONTACTED DIEHL FORD IN BELLINGHAM WA AS NO FORD DEALER IN JUNEAU AK AT THAT TIME. I ORDERED AND THEY SENT 2 STRAPS (F72Z-9054-BA), BOLTS&NUTS WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER WERE NOT AUTHORIZED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21! I CONTACTED THE LOCAL (TEMPORARY) FORD REPAIR FACILITY--EVERGREEN MOTOR WORKS RELATIVE TO THIS REPAIR AND THEY DISCOVERED THE SAFETY RECALL 11S21 AND STATED THAT ALASKA VEHICLES WERE NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL.I COTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. BY EMAIL AND GOT THE SAME ANSWER. AS A SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I KNOW THIS IS TOTAL BS AS ALASKA HAS MUCH WORSE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAN ANY OF THE :SOUTH 48" STATES COVERED BY SAFETY RECALL 11S21!! STANLEY FORD IS NOW THE LOCAL FORD DEALER BUT STILL COULD NOT FIX MY FORD F250 TANK STRAP UNDER THE RECALL BUT COULD FIX THE SAFETY RECALL 09S09 SPEED CONTROL MOD! IT SHOULD BE ALSO NOTED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED ABOUT THE SAME TIME!! FORD CO. DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN THIS PROBLEM. I REPLACED THIS IMMEDIATELY AS I FEEL SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT! SIGNED/ [XXX] SR. ENGINEER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10592574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesNorwich, VT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT A SLOW SPEED OVER A GRAVEL ROAD, THE STRAPS AND/OR THEIR ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE FRAME FAILED, ALLOWING THE TANK TO DROP AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD. THIS WAS PRIOR TO FORD'S RECALL REGARDING THE STRAPS AND A REPAIR WAS MADE AT THE LOCAL SHOP. REPAIRS CONSISTED OF A NEW TANK, SENDING UNIT AND STRAPS. THE SHOP INDICATED THAT THE STRAPS HAD FAILED BUT NEW STRAPS COULD NOT BE FITTED BECAUSE, EITHER BECAUSE OF THE MECHANICAL ACTION OF TEARING AWAY THE TANK OR BECAUSE OF DETERIORATION, THE MOUNTING POINTS WERE NOT IN SUFFICIENTLY GOOD SHAPE TO REATTACH THE STRAPS. THE SHOP FASHIONED AN ATTACHMENT CONSISTING OF CHAINS SUSPENDING THE TANK FROM THE FRAME. SUBSEQUENTLY, ON RECEIVING FORD'S RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE STRAPS, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER WHO, AFTER AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR, INDICATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED MORE WORK TO IMPLEMENT THE CORRECTION. THE DEALER (AND I) SPOKE TO A FORD REPRESENTATIVE WHO INITIALLY AUTHORIZED THE REPAIR BUT, WHEN THE EXTEND OF THE REQUIRED REPAIR WAS SOMEWHAT GREATER THAN ANTICIPATED, WAS OVERRULED BY SOMEONE ELSE AT FORD AND FORD DENIED THE REPAIR. THE TRUCK EFFECTIVELY COULD NOT BE INSPECTED IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT AND IT USE WAS LOST OTHER THAN OCCASIONAL USE ON THE PROPERTY. FOLLOW-UPS WITH FORD RESULTED IN THEIR CLAIM THAT FORD WAS ONLY LIABLE FOR THE STRAPS AND NOT ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR RELATED DAMAGE AND NO OTHER RECOURSE WAS AVAILABLE. I WOULD LIKE THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSOCIATION TO LOOK INTO THE RAMIFICATIONS OF LIMITING A SAFETY RECALL OF THIS NATURE TO THE DEFECTIVE STRAPS ONLY AND NOT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFECT.I AM ALSO REQUESTING AND EXAMINATION OF FORD'S WILLINGNESS TO SEND A VEHICLE BACK ONTO THE STREETS WITH AN UNCORRECTED KNOW SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10584297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesNorwich, VT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED ON MY TRUCK CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I HAD THE TANK AND RELATED PARTS REPLACED AT A LOCAL SHOP. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK STRAPS WERE ALSO RUSTED AND NEW STRAPS COULD NOT BE INSTALLED IN THE NORMAL MANNER. WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER THAT ATTEMPTED AN OFFICIAL REPAIR OF THE STRAPS BUT CONCLUDED THE MOUNTING BRACKETS WERE TOO DAMAGED TO INSTALL NEW STRAPS. WHETHER THE DEFECT WAS ALL CORROSION OR A COMBINATION OF CORROSION AND THE EFFECTS OF THE TANK BEING RIPPED FROM THE REMAINING MOUNTS WHEN THE STRAPS FAILED WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND I CALLED A FORD COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE WHO INITIALLY AGREED TO HAVE FORD COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE BUT THIS WAS LATER RESCINDED BY A SUPERIOR AND I LEFT WITH AN UNSAFE, INCOMPLETE REPAIR. I WOULD LIKE THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSOCIATION TO EXAMINE THE INCIDENCE OF STRUCTURAL AND MOUNTING BRACKET FAILURES DUE TO PREMATURE CORROSION NOT LIMITED TO THE STRAPS THEMSELVES. SEVERAL LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE COMMENTED THAT THEY SEE THIS VERY, VERY FREQUENTLY ON FORD TRUCKS OF THAT VINTAGE. MY TRUCK WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE BRACKETS RUSTED AS THEY ARE. GIVEN THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ISSUE, I BELIEVE THIS BEARS VERY CLOSE EXAMINATION. FORD SAYS IT HAS NOT PROCESS TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS CONCERN. I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES BUT THEY ARE USELESS SINCE FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE RELATED DAMAGE, DAMAGED CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE STRAPS AND/OR ADDITIONAL ISSUES THAT VERY LIKELY EXIST WITH THE CORROSION RESISTANCE OF SOME FORD TRUCK FRAMES. THIS TRUCK'S FRAME HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT FRAME BASED RUST DETERIORATION WHILE OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE SEEM TO FOLLOW A MUCH MORE NORMAL AGING PATTERN.
NHTSA complaint #10584323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesNorwich, VT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED ON MY TRUCK CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE GROUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I HAD THE TANK AND RELATED PARTS REPLACED AT A LOCAL SHOP. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK STRAPS WERE ALSO RUSTED AND NEW STRAPS COULD NOT BE INSTALLED IN THE NORMAL MANNER. WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER THAT ATTEMPTED AN OFFICIAL REPAIR OF THE STRAPS BUT CONCLUDED THE MOUNTING BRACKETS WERE TOO DAMAGED TO INSTALL NEW STRAPS. WHETHER THE DEFECT WAS ALL CORROSION OR A COMBINATION OF CORROSION AND THE EFFECTS OF THE TANK BEING RIPPED FROM THE REMAINING MOUNTS WHEN THE STRAPS FAILED WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND I CALLED A FORD COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE WHO INITIALLY AGREED TO HAVE FORD COVER THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE BUT THIS WAS LATER RESCINDED BY A SUPERIOR AND I LEFT WITH AN UNSAFE, INCOMPLETE REPAIR. I WOULD LIKE THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ASSOCIATION TO EXAMINE THE INCIDENCE OF STRUCTURAL AND MOUNTING BRACKET FAILURES DUE TO PREMATURE CORROSION NOT LIMITED TO THE STRAPS THEMSELVES. SEVERAL LOCAL MECHANICS HAVE COMMENTED THAT THEY SEE THIS VERY, VERY FREQUENTLY ON FORD TRUCKS OF THAT VINTAGE. MY TRUCK WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE BRACKETS RUSTED AS THEY ARE. GIVEN THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ISSUE, I BELIEVE THIS BEARS VERY CLOSE EXAMINATION. FORD SAYS IT HAS NOT PROCESS TO FOLLOW UP ON THIS CONCERN. I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES BUT THEY ARE USELESS SINCE FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE RELATED DAMAGE, DAMAGED CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE STRAPS AND/OR ADDITIONAL ISSUES THAT VERY LIKELY EXIST WITH THE CORROSION RESISTANCE OF SOME FORD TRUCK FRAMES. THIS TRUCK'S FRAME HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT FRAME BASED RUST DETERIORATION WHILE OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE SEEM TO FOLLOW A MUCH MORE NORMAL AGING PATTERN.
NHTSA complaint #10584323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,967 milesRockford, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NOVEMBER,2005 WOKE UP TO HEAVY ODOR OF GAS COMING FROM MY ATTACHED GARAGE FOUND MY 1997 F-250 TRUCK HAD LOST GALLONS OVERNITE TOOK TO LOCAL FORD DEALER TOLD ME TANK RUSTY,UNDER SKID PLATE& SPARE TIRE. COST ME $734.27 I SAID IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THESE TANKS,WAS ASKED ABOUT RECALL WAS TOLD NO RECALL-WENT HOME CALLED FORD MOTOR CO.TOLD THEM MY SITUATION &COSTS FOR A GARAGE KEPT,RARELY SAW SNOW & METICULOUSLY KEPT UP INSIDE & OUT TRUCK ,THEY WERE NO HELP AT ALL. SOLD THIS TRUCK APPROX 2006 TO MY FRIEND WHO OWNS A LOCAL HARLEY DAVIDSON BUSINESS,IT IS STILL RUNNING AND LOOKING GREAT. THEN BOUGHT 1997 F-150 AT LOCAL FORD DEALER 5/14/12 THAT I GOT A RECALL ON FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, HAD WORK DONE FOR THEFUEL TANK/STRAP ASY TOOK IT IN DONE AT NO COST,I BELIEVE I AM OWED A REFUND & INTEREST ON THE $734.27 ON THE 1997 F250 IN MY GARAGE ALSO WERE 2 HARLEYS ONE BEING A COLLECTIBLE I FEEL FORD CHOSE TO KEEP THIS MATTER HUSHED AND I COULD HAVE LOST EVERYTHING. I BELIEVE I AM DUE A REFUND ASAP I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S MISTAKES AND ATTEMPTED COVER UP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME & ATTENTION TO MY LONG OVERDUE MATTER, ANY HELP TO RIGHT THIS WRONG WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
NHTSA complaint #10563491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesST. Louis, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
REAR GAS TANK LEAKING GAS.STRAPS APPEAR TO HAVE RUBBED HOLE IN TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10550552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesCandia, NH
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE BRACKET AND THE SPARE TIRE WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10496285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesCody, WY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED HE SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000. UPDATED 09/19/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 09/19/2012
NHTSA complaint #10470119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,318 milesWarsaw, OH
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR FACILITY FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHEN THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT FIVE OF THE SEVEN SPOKES ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE OTHER THREE WHEELS EXHIBITED RUST HOLES AND CRACKS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,318. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND AFTER THE AXLE, HUB AND ROTOR WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 1000.00. UPDATED 09/10/12
NHTSA complaint #10466989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,318 milesWarsaw, OH
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR FACILITY FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHEN THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT FIVE OF THE SEVEN SPOKES ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE OTHER THREE WHEELS EXHIBITED RUST HOLES AND CRACKS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,318. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND AFTER THE AXLE, HUB AND ROTOR WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 1000.00. UPDATED 09/10/12
NHTSA complaint #10466989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesDadham, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE SMELL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING NEXT TO THE FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:11V385000 APPLIED TO HIS VEHICLE AND THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #10450463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesChardon, OH
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE WHEEL DETACHED COMPLETELY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SALT WAS LODGED INSIDE OF THE RIM, CAUSING THE RIM TO RUST. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000. UPDATED 04/13/12 *BF UPDATED 05/12/2012
NHTSA complaint #10447885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.