1997 Ford F-150 engine problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 1997 Ford F-150 — 1% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“December 3, 2020...my husband drove the truck over to a friends house. After being there for approximately 2 hours his friend walked in the building where he was and said, 'hey man, your truck is on fire!' everyone rushed outside to see the truck was in fact on fire. They called the fire department…”
filed Jan 9, 2021
“Started the vehicle in a parking lot. The spark plug blew out of the head on the passenger rear of the motor. Tried the appropriate helicoil repair kit but there were no threads to tap into.”
filed Jul 9, 2016
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 problems in other F-150 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 F-150 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 F-150 | 11 | 6% |
| 2023 F-150 | 26 | 7% |
| 2022 F-150 | 35 | 6% |
| 2021 F-150 | 80 | 8% |
| 2020 F-150 | 124 | 18% |
| 2019 F-150 | 315 | 24% |
| 2018 F-150 | 495 | 22% |
| 2017 F-150 | 306 | 22% |
| 2016 F-150 | 314 | 16% |
| 2015 F-150 | 261 | 16% |
| 2014 F-150 | 177 | 12% |
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.