1997 Ford F-250 problems
Owners have filed 348 complaints about the 1997 Ford F-250 with NHTSA. Tires account for 13.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 10.6%.
Complaints348
Crashes21
Fires20
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Tires 13.5% · 47
Power train 10.6% · 37
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.9% · 31
Suspension 8.6% · 30
Engine and engine cooling 8.3% · 29
Fuel system, gasoline 7.5% · 26
Steering 6.9% · 24
Electrical system 5.5% · 19
Severity
Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash, 20 describe a fire and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 21 model years of the Ford F-250 in this data, 1997 sits 5th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 114,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer received recall 97v187000 notification concerning tires. Consumer attempted to contact firestone at 800-457-6281 number as stated on notice, but there was no answer at that number. Firestone dealerships will not perform work until they receive authorization from manufacturer. Please provide any additional information / documentation. Tires
The left front tire started showing a spot where there seems to be a blister (air pocket) under the tread about the size of a quarter. The tread can be pushed in about an 1/8 of an inch. Also the center of the tire all the way around the tread shows a darker color than the rest of the rubber.( Dot number: vdor1xk tire size: lt235/85 r ) Tires
The right front tire shredded and came apart while driving at 50 mph. The tire started bouncing. This almost caused consumer to lose control of vehicle. However, consumer was able to maintain control of vehicle, and steer it to the side of the road. Tire was replaced with a spare. Firestone was not willing to assist. Tires · reported at 49,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…