Owners have filed 188 complaints
about the 1997 Ford F-350 with NHTSA between 1997 and 2019.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 21 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 — 53
Against the median year of the Ford F-350. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 9
5% 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
38.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
25.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1027.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1027.0%
150,000+ miles
1232.4%
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.
Jan 1997peak 14Oct 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Ford F-350
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...
Recalls on the 1997 Ford F-350
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 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 173,000 milesPocatello, IDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F350 DIESEL PICKUP, PULLING A 36FT GOOSENECK HORSE TRAILER WITH MY TWO TEENAGE DAUGHTERS AND THEIR FOUR HORSES, THE ENGINE IN MY PICKUP SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED. THERE WAS NO "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT, AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED NORMAL. THE ONLY WARNING I HAD WAS SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL UPON SPEED DECREASE TO TURN A CORNER. I WAS TRAVELING A SHORT DISTANCE FROM HOME AND AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (LESS THAN 40MPH) DURING THE TRAVEL FROM MY HOME TO THE LOCAL FAIRGROUNDS FOR RODEO PRACTICE. AS I TURNED THE CORNER, THE SMOKE BILLOWED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SMOKE FILLED THE CAB OF THE PICKUP. MY TWO DAUGHTERS AND I QUICKLY EVACUATED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. WE QUICKLY UNLOADED THE LIVESTOCK FROM THE TRAILER AND GOT FAR AWAY FROM THE SCENE. MY FIANCE, WHO WAS TRAVELING BEHIND US IN ANOTHER VEHICLE, TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER I CARRIED IN MY PICKUP, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AS AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER HIMSELF, HE HAD THE PRESENCE OF MIND TO UNHOOK THE PICKUP FROM THE HORSE TRAILER AND PUSH IT AWAY AS IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND A TOTAL LOSS. FROM THE TIME I NOTICED THE SMOKE UNTIL THE FIRE CONSUMED THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 15 MINUTES. MY DAUGHTERS HAVE BEEN TRAUMATIZED BY THIS INCIDENT. WE HAVE SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSS AS A RESULT OF THIS SPONTANEOUS FIRE. I NEED TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THIS TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM SUFFERING SIMILAR LOSS, INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NO RECALL NOTICES FROM FORD, OR WARNING OF ANY KIND THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY PART (WHICH IS WHAT WE BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THIS FIRE).
NHTSA complaint #10586547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesPocatello, IDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F350 DIESEL PICKUP, PULLING A 36FT GOOSENECK HORSE TRAILER WITH MY TWO TEENAGE DAUGHTERS AND THEIR FOUR HORSES, THE ENGINE IN MY PICKUP SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED. THERE WAS NO "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT, AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED NORMAL. THE ONLY WARNING I HAD WAS SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL UPON SPEED DECREASE TO TURN A CORNER. I WAS TRAVELING A SHORT DISTANCE FROM HOME AND AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (LESS THAN 40MPH) DURING THE TRAVEL FROM MY HOME TO THE LOCAL FAIRGROUNDS FOR RODEO PRACTICE. AS I TURNED THE CORNER, THE SMOKE BILLOWED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SMOKE FILLED THE CAB OF THE PICKUP. MY TWO DAUGHTERS AND I QUICKLY EVACUATED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. WE QUICKLY UNLOADED THE LIVESTOCK FROM THE TRAILER AND GOT FAR AWAY FROM THE SCENE. MY FIANCE, WHO WAS TRAVELING BEHIND US IN ANOTHER VEHICLE, TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER I CARRIED IN MY PICKUP, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AS AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER HIMSELF, HE HAD THE PRESENCE OF MIND TO UNHOOK THE PICKUP FROM THE HORSE TRAILER AND PUSH IT AWAY AS IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND A TOTAL LOSS. FROM THE TIME I NOTICED THE SMOKE UNTIL THE FIRE CONSUMED THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 15 MINUTES. MY DAUGHTERS HAVE BEEN TRAUMATIZED BY THIS INCIDENT. WE HAVE SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSS AS A RESULT OF THIS SPONTANEOUS FIRE. I NEED TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THIS TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM SUFFERING SIMILAR LOSS, INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NO RECALL NOTICES FROM FORD, OR WARNING OF ANY KIND THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY PART (WHICH IS WHAT WE BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THIS FIRE).
NHTSA complaint #10586547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesRochester, NYCrash1 injured
WHEELS
REAR DRIVER SIDE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE AT 75MPH IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.22HRS. LATER IN THE STATE OF OHIO THE PASSENGER REAR SEPARATED. CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10428162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,858 milesVAN Alstyne, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WE DROVE THE TRUCK AND IT NEVER GOT HOT OR ACTED UP THEN WE PARKED IT AND A LITTLE BIT LATER IT WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10344232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesNorfolk, VAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350 WITH A DIESEL ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT UNUSUALLY WEAK AND THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS OF 10 MPH AND MADE A TURN. IN DOING SO, HE NOTICED FLAMES FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOT WANT THE VEHICLE ON THE PROPERTY AND THE CONTACT TO REMOVE IT IMMEDIATELY. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO A LOCAL JUNKYARD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 275,404 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 275,404.
NHTSA complaint #10322892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesLivingston, NJCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
A STEEL BRAKE LINE ON MY TRUCK RUSTED AND RUPTURED CAUSING A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED AND HAD A PARTIAL FAILURE, CAUSING A LEAK. THE RUSTED SECTION WAS REPLACED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. THE RECENT LINE FAILURE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10230411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 155,000 milesSAN Rafael, CA
POWER TRAIN
ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE PAN THE DIPSTICK ADAPTER WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY. THE OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE HAS CAUSED THE ORING TO SWELL AND LEAK OIL. THE OIL LEAK IS GETTING ON THE STARTER AND CLUTCH. THE OIL CAN CAUSE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH WHILE DRIVING. THE OIL ON THE CLUTCH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THE ORING CAN SWELL AND FALL OFF THE ADAPTOR AND BECOME LODGED IN THE OIL PICKUP. THIS WILL STARVE THE MOTOR OF OIL AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE MOTOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. DUE TO THE INHERENT POOR DESIGN THE ORING THAT IS SUBMERGED IN OIL SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH OIL OR BE ABLE TO BE REPLACED. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE ORING DUE TO DUE TO THE TERRIBLE DESIGN OF THE DIPSTICK ASSEMBLY. TO REPLACE THIS ORING WITH A PROPER OIL COMPATIBLE ONE REQUIRES THE DISASSEMBLY OF THE MOTOR AND THE REMOVAL OF THE MOTOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL FROM 1988-2006.
NHTSA complaint #11270810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesSAN Rafael, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE PAN THE DIPSTICK ADAPTER WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY. THE OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE HAS CAUSED THE ORING TO SWELL AND LEAK OIL. THE OIL LEAK IS GETTING ON THE STARTER AND CLUTCH. THE OIL CAN CAUSE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH WHILE DRIVING. THE OIL ON THE CLUTCH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THE ORING CAN SWELL AND FALL OFF THE ADAPTOR AND BECOME LODGED IN THE OIL PICKUP. THIS WILL STARVE THE MOTOR OF OIL AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE MOTOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. DUE TO THE INHERENT POOR DESIGN THE ORING THAT IS SUBMERGED IN OIL SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH OIL OR BE ABLE TO BE REPLACED. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE ORING DUE TO DUE TO THE TERRIBLE DESIGN OF THE DIPSTICK ASSEMBLY. TO REPLACE THIS ORING WITH A PROPER OIL COMPATIBLE ONE REQUIRES THE DISASSEMBLY OF THE MOTOR AND THE REMOVAL OF THE MOTOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL FROM 1988-2006.
NHTSA complaint #11270810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesSAN Rafael, CA
ENGINE
ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE PAN THE DIPSTICK ADAPTER WAS MANUFACTURED POORLY. THE OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE HAS CAUSED THE ORING TO SWELL AND LEAK OIL. THE OIL LEAK IS GETTING ON THE STARTER AND CLUTCH. THE OIL CAN CAUSE A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH WHILE DRIVING. THE OIL ON THE CLUTCH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THE ORING CAN SWELL AND FALL OFF THE ADAPTOR AND BECOME LODGED IN THE OIL PICKUP. THIS WILL STARVE THE MOTOR OF OIL AND CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE MOTOR WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. DUE TO THE INHERENT POOR DESIGN THE ORING THAT IS SUBMERGED IN OIL SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH OIL OR BE ABLE TO BE REPLACED. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE ORING DUE TO DUE TO THE TERRIBLE DESIGN OF THE DIPSTICK ASSEMBLY. TO REPLACE THIS ORING WITH A PROPER OIL COMPATIBLE ONE REQUIRES THE DISASSEMBLY OF THE MOTOR AND THE REMOVAL OF THE MOTOR TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL FROM 1988-2006.
NHTSA complaint #11270810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesDisdutanta, VA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT STALLED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE HOME. GLADIAN REPAIR SHOP OF PITTSBURG, VIRGINIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED A LIST OF UNKNOWN REPAIRS. CAMEL BROTHERS REPAIR SHOP OF PRINCE GEORGE, VIRGINIA REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SWITCH SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesAshby, MA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V553000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10711900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 319,000 milesAnaheim, CA
TIRES
WE WERE TRAVELLING 65 MPH ON THE 91 FREEWAY TOLL ROAD WHEN MY LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CASING CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SWERVE AND JUMP AND CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE, INCLUDING DAMAGING THE FUEL FILL LINE. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO FUEL LEAKAGE. THE TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE SO THERE WAS NO PUNCTURE OR OTHER EXTERNALLY CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TIRE OR VEHICLE. I TOOK THE TIRE TO A BF GOODRICH DEALER ON 10/19/14 FOR INSPECTION, THE TIRE WAS STILL FULLY INFLATED. THE DEALER DEFLATED THE TIRE OUT OF SAFETY CONCERNS. HAD THIS BEEN A FRONT TIRE THE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGE AND INJURY WOULD HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED IN JULY 2012 AND WAS JUST OVER 2 YEARS OLD. TIRE DOT# IS BFW8 0211 0712.
NHTSA complaint #10705988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesPocatello, IDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F350 DIESEL PICKUP, PULLING A 36FT GOOSENECK HORSE TRAILER WITH MY TWO TEENAGE DAUGHTERS AND THEIR FOUR HORSES, THE ENGINE IN MY PICKUP SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED. THERE WAS NO "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT, AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED NORMAL. THE ONLY WARNING I HAD WAS SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL UPON SPEED DECREASE TO TURN A CORNER. I WAS TRAVELING A SHORT DISTANCE FROM HOME AND AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (LESS THAN 40MPH) DURING THE TRAVEL FROM MY HOME TO THE LOCAL FAIRGROUNDS FOR RODEO PRACTICE. AS I TURNED THE CORNER, THE SMOKE BILLOWED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SMOKE FILLED THE CAB OF THE PICKUP. MY TWO DAUGHTERS AND I QUICKLY EVACUATED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. WE QUICKLY UNLOADED THE LIVESTOCK FROM THE TRAILER AND GOT FAR AWAY FROM THE SCENE. MY FIANCE, WHO WAS TRAVELING BEHIND US IN ANOTHER VEHICLE, TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER I CARRIED IN MY PICKUP, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AS AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER HIMSELF, HE HAD THE PRESENCE OF MIND TO UNHOOK THE PICKUP FROM THE HORSE TRAILER AND PUSH IT AWAY AS IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND A TOTAL LOSS. FROM THE TIME I NOTICED THE SMOKE UNTIL THE FIRE CONSUMED THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 15 MINUTES. MY DAUGHTERS HAVE BEEN TRAUMATIZED BY THIS INCIDENT. WE HAVE SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSS AS A RESULT OF THIS SPONTANEOUS FIRE. I NEED TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THIS TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM SUFFERING SIMILAR LOSS, INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NO RECALL NOTICES FROM FORD, OR WARNING OF ANY KIND THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY PART (WHICH IS WHAT WE BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THIS FIRE).
NHTSA complaint #10586547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesPocatello, IDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F350 DIESEL PICKUP, PULLING A 36FT GOOSENECK HORSE TRAILER WITH MY TWO TEENAGE DAUGHTERS AND THEIR FOUR HORSES, THE ENGINE IN MY PICKUP SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED. THERE WAS NO "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT, AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED NORMAL. THE ONLY WARNING I HAD WAS SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE LEFT WHEEL WELL UPON SPEED DECREASE TO TURN A CORNER. I WAS TRAVELING A SHORT DISTANCE FROM HOME AND AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (LESS THAN 40MPH) DURING THE TRAVEL FROM MY HOME TO THE LOCAL FAIRGROUNDS FOR RODEO PRACTICE. AS I TURNED THE CORNER, THE SMOKE BILLOWED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SMOKE FILLED THE CAB OF THE PICKUP. MY TWO DAUGHTERS AND I QUICKLY EVACUATED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. WE QUICKLY UNLOADED THE LIVESTOCK FROM THE TRAILER AND GOT FAR AWAY FROM THE SCENE. MY FIANCE, WHO WAS TRAVELING BEHIND US IN ANOTHER VEHICLE, TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT WITH THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER I CARRIED IN MY PICKUP, BUT TO NO AVAIL. AS AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER HIMSELF, HE HAD THE PRESENCE OF MIND TO UNHOOK THE PICKUP FROM THE HORSE TRAILER AND PUSH IT AWAY AS IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND A TOTAL LOSS. FROM THE TIME I NOTICED THE SMOKE UNTIL THE FIRE CONSUMED THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 15 MINUTES. MY DAUGHTERS HAVE BEEN TRAUMATIZED BY THIS INCIDENT. WE HAVE SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSS AS A RESULT OF THIS SPONTANEOUS FIRE. I NEED TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THIS TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM SUFFERING SIMILAR LOSS, INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NO RECALL NOTICES FROM FORD, OR WARNING OF ANY KIND THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN TO MY VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY PART (WHICH IS WHAT WE BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THIS FIRE).
NHTSA complaint #10586547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesNorth Hollywood, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10514974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesRochester, NYCrash1 injured
WHEELS
REAR DRIVER SIDE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE AT 75MPH IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA.22HRS. LATER IN THE STATE OF OHIO THE PASSENGER REAR SEPARATED. CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10428162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesFayetteville, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE METER SUDDENLY INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE PANEL FOR THE FUEL TANK WAS DETACHED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO BE SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,823.
NHTSA complaint #10418039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesPortland, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350 TURBO DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL GALLERY PLUGS IN THE ENGINE BLOCK WERE LEAKING OIL WHILE HE WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. HOWEVER, THE DEALER CALLED HIM AND EXPLAINED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT STOPPED DRIVING IT ON THE STREET. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY USED A NEW MATERIAL WHEN PRODUCING THOSE MODELS AND THE PLUGS WOULD LEAK, BUT REFUSED TO ASSIST IN REPAIR COSTS. THERE WERE PHOTOGRAPHS AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,700. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #10359540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,858 milesVAN Alstyne, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WE DROVE THE TRUCK AND IT NEVER GOT HOT OR ACTED UP THEN WE PARKED IT AND A LITTLE BIT LATER IT WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10344232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesNorfolk, VAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-350 WITH A DIESEL ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT UNUSUALLY WEAK AND THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS OF 10 MPH AND MADE A TURN. IN DOING SO, HE NOTICED FLAMES FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOT WANT THE VEHICLE ON THE PROPERTY AND THE CONTACT TO REMOVE IT IMMEDIATELY. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO A LOCAL JUNKYARD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 275,404 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 275,404.
NHTSA complaint #10322892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesLivingston, NJCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
A STEEL BRAKE LINE ON MY TRUCK RUSTED AND RUPTURED CAUSING A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED AND HAD A PARTIAL FAILURE, CAUSING A LEAK. THE RUSTED SECTION WAS REPLACED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. THE RECENT LINE FAILURE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10230411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 247,022 milesPhilipsburg, PAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE FIRE 1997 FORD F350, CAUSED BY FIRE STARTING IN BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA complaint #10205530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 247,022 milesPhilipsburg, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE FIRE 1997 FORD F350, CAUSED BY FIRE STARTING IN BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA complaint #10205530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,362 milesGreenville, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
STOPPED AT A STOP SIGNAL AND ENGINE QUIT. CRANKED OKAY, BUT WOULD NOT START. GOT IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE. AFTER LOTS OF TROUBLE SHOOTING FOR NOT STARTING, NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE TACHOMETER WAS NOT WORKING WHEN TRYING TO START. REPLACED THE CAM POSITION SENSOR, F7TZ-12K073-B. THE TRUCK STARTED RIGHT UP.
NHTSA complaint #10191248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesFort Worth, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR IN TRUCK HAS GONE OUT SUDDENLY AND COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN MOVING - LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. EVIDENTLY ALMOST ALL ENGINES HAVE THIS PART FAIL AT SOME POINT AND HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HELP THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10190564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kodiak, AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I HAVE HAD TWO CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURES ON MY 97' F350 7.3L DIESEL IN A MATTER OF ONE YEAR. THIS LEFT ME STRANDED ON BOTH OCCASIONS. I DISCOVERED ON SEVERAL FORD TRUCK DISCUSSION FORUMS THAT THIS IS ONE THE MOST COMMON FAILURES ON THESE TRUCKS THROUGH A VARIETY OF YEARS. I COULD NOT FIND ANY PERSON WHO OWNED A SIMILAR YEAR TRUCK AND DID NOT HAVE THIS COMPONENT FAIL ON THEM. PLEASE TAKE ACTION ON THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10184751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kodiak, AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
I HAVE HAD TWO CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURES ON MY 97' F350 7.3L DIESEL IN A MATTER OF ONE YEAR. THIS LEFT ME STRANDED ON BOTH OCCASIONS. I DISCOVERED ON SEVERAL FORD TRUCK DISCUSSION FORUMS THAT THIS IS ONE THE MOST COMMON FAILURES ON THESE TRUCKS THROUGH A VARIETY OF YEARS. I COULD NOT FIND ANY PERSON WHO OWNED A SIMILAR YEAR TRUCK AND DID NOT HAVE THIS COMPONENT FAIL ON THEM. PLEASE TAKE ACTION ON THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10184751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,200 milesDiamond BAR, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN FIRE AND SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACT AND AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL MODULE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND PHOTOS WERE AVAILABLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURERS LOT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10171605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesYelm, WA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE BACKING UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE POWER STEERING HOSE CAME LOOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID AND LOSE ALL POWER STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THE DIESEL ENGINE VIBRATION CAUSED THE RUBBER SEAL THAT HELD THE POWER STEERING HOSE ON TO COME LOOSE. UPDATED 9/18/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10166855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesClayton, WACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DT: THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS ACCIDENT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISION. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAGS. UPDATED 01/23/06.
NHTSA complaint #10145197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHouston, TXFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
WHY HAS FORD RECALLED ONLY LATER MODEL TRUCKS FOR THE CRIUSE CONTROL FIRE ISSUE. IT IS NOT A PROBLEM LIMITED TO THOSE YEARS. I EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 1997 F-350.
NHTSA complaint #10143155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.