1997 Ford E Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E Series › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford E Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Ford E Series. Newest first.
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3L diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. the recall began on december 29, 2007. owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Owner complaints
16 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
This vehicle was made by Ford as a partially complete vehicle and converted to 4 wheel drive by Quigley Motor Company Inc. The Quigley torque arms installed appear to commonly fail from some of the earlier years and a design change has been made (from C-channel arms to tubular). The design and…
This vehicle was made by Ford as a partially complete vehicle and converted to 4 wheel drive by Quigley Motor Company Inc. The Quigley torque arms installed appear to commonly fail from some of the earlier years and a design change has been made (from C-channel arms to tubular). The design and construction of the C-channel torque arm (connecting the front axle to the frame of the vehicle) is prone to failure from low cycle fatigue near the welds. Upon failure, the structural integrity of the vehicle is compromised which results could range from handling issues to loss of control of the vehicle (if more than one torque arm fails or failure of one leads to cascading failures in other components, the front axle could become disconnected from the vehicle while in motion leading to an accident.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: the contact stated while putting fuel in the vehicle it was leaking. the first time this happened he thought the pump did not cut itself off. the next time he pumped fuel it continued to leak. the contact took the vehicle to a dealership, and they found the hose that connected to the tank was dry rotted. at that time, he had the hose replaced.*ak uodated 12/27/05. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring
Dt: ford expedition. Nothing was apparent before the failure. Two minutes after arriving home there was an explosion in the engine compartment. Contacted ford, the police, and the fire department. The fire department put the fire out, and said it was in the engine area with electrical arcing. Ford…
Dt: ford expedition. Nothing was apparent before the failure. Two minutes after arriving home there was an explosion in the engine compartment. Contacted ford, the police, and the fire department. The fire department put the fire out, and said it was in the engine area with electrical arcing. Ford said they were going to send an inspector on 3 different occasions, but now said the case was closed and will not be send an inspector. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › Lamp
I was aware of a problem with the ford brake pressure switch starting fires in explores and rangers I believe. our company owns 17 econoline chassis vehicles at this division. I was just concerned when I found a blown fuse in the 4-WAY flasher circuit of our 97 e-super duty van. which this…
I was aware of a problem with the ford brake pressure switch starting fires in explores and rangers I believe. our company owns 17 econoline chassis vehicles at this division. I was just concerned when I found a blown fuse in the 4-WAY flasher circuit of our 97 e-super duty van. which this circuit also contains the brake pressure switch. when reinstalling the fuse the brake pressure switch started to smoke and get hot enough to get the brake fluid to its flash point. The brake fluid proceeded to smoke and push its way past the switch. No damage was done other than a new switch. iwas just concerned that the fuse did not blow and if I was not the the vehicle would have caught fire.
- Steering · Suspension · Tires · Wheels
We purchased a 1997 ford E150 raised roof conversion van from jim o'neal ford in sellersburg, indiana just across the border from louisville, kentucky. the conversion was by superior in louisville. we purchased that particular van because it was highly rated by ford motor company as a conversion…
We purchased a 1997 ford E150 raised roof conversion van from jim o'neal ford in sellersburg, indiana just across the border from louisville, kentucky. the conversion was by superior in louisville. we purchased that particular van because it was highly rated by ford motor company as a conversion company. we drove the van for six years and just recently traded it in. it has 97,000 miles on it. the major problem we had with the van was with the front end. both ford and our local tire dealer have told us that because the van IS raised roof and heavier than normal, we should expect excessive tire and brake wear. however, we often would have to put brakes on the van more than once a year and replace all four tires yearly. the front tires would get abnormal wear (cupping) which would destroy all four tires eventually with normal rotation. at 60,000 miles, a ford repair shop in joplin, mo told us the ball joints were bad and needed to be replaced. they felt that was the problem all along. only 30,000 miles later, we were once again told the ball joints were destroyed and needed to be replaced again. any time we ask if this was normal wear and tear, we were told (with a shoulder shrug) that it was due to the raised roof. I think ford should warn potential buyers of their conversion vans that they will experience abnormal brake, tire and front end wear and should expect to have $6-800 dollars in repairs yearly. if they cannot manufacture a front end capable of handling a heavier load from the raised roof, they should not be selling raised roof vans.
- Tires
At 70 m.p.h. On flat , dry road the tread seperated from the inflated firestone tire and caused damage to motorhome.
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving 70 mph and without warning rear driver's outer tire blew out, which resulted in tread separation, firestone, model lt225/75r16e dot: unknown. Ford and firestone were notified. *Ak
- Tires
A tire blew out and damaged the motor home. firestone LT 225/75/16. please provide details.
- Tires
While driving 60 mph and without warning, the rear passenger outer tire blewout, which resulted in tread separation, within the next 24 hours, the driver's side inner tire also blewout. firestone had been notified.*ak *ts *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving the tread separated from the tire causing damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle, firestone LT 225/75r16, claim #13-7061-497. nlm
- Tires › Tread/belt
Firestone steel EX radial lt225/75r16 dot #vn1l1xa436 - inside right rear tire tread separated and the left outside tire blewout at 50 mph, causing damage to the vehicle. Firestone has been notified. *ak *tt
- Tires › Tread/belt
Firestone steel EX radial lt225/75r16 dot #vn1l1xa436 - inside right dual tire separated while going 50mph. No warning signs, just a loud bang and rubber seen flapping in rear view mirror. Firestone contacted. *Ak *tt
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving about 60mph right front tire tread separated, causing tire to blowout and damage to fender well and nut guard. Dealer can not make a determination on ruined tire.*ak tire was a firestone steeltex radial, size p225/75r16, dot number vd7lxa196, consumer states they are having problems with the other front tire, consumer feels he should be compensated for all seven tires. *slc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Tires › Tread/belt
This firestone tires lt225/75r16 dot:vd1l1xd227. tire was on a motorhome when tread began to separate. tread caused damage to the motorhome itself. Firestone has been contacted.*ak 3 other tires had bulges on them. when brake pedal IS pushed, nothing happens. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
While putting air in tire noticed tire was uneven on top of tread. Tires are not part of recall.*ak dot # vd1l1xa456. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
Pe00020; the firestone steeltex tire experienced tread separation: while driving at 65 mph tread on the outside driver's side rear tire came off. driver was able to correct the problem. vehicle was a 1997, ford, F350. tire size p22575r16, dot # vd1l406. Original tire equipment. Tire mileage 21…
Pe00020; the firestone steeltex tire experienced tread separation: while driving at 65 mph tread on the outside driver's side rear tire came off. driver was able to correct the problem. vehicle was a 1997, ford, F350. tire size p22575r16, dot # vd1l406. Original tire equipment. Tire mileage 21 685. *ak vehicle experienced property damage, on the second tread separation, the tire remained inflated on vehicle, at this time tires had 195000 miles. *slc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10042864Ford: the blower motor on some vehicles are operating either incorrectly or not operating or just functioning on one speed.
- 10023943Some 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. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014666Intermittent rough idle - non-commanded egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) flow.
- 10014275A driveline clunk or bump when starting from a stop.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10012941Diagnostic trouble code b1876, b1880, b1915 and/or b1920 in the ecs module - vehicles equipped with aftermarket high current devices.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10008195Air bag lamp illuminated.
- 10008169Broken exhaust manifold studs.
- 10008155Diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) b1876, b1880, b1915 and/or b1920 airbag electronic crash sensor (ecs) module on vehicles equipped with aftermarket high current devices.
- 10005089Oil leak at high pressure pump fittings and/or plug. This includes super duty f-series. Oasis.
- 10004908Clicking/popping noise from upper steering column area when turning. 2004 e series and explorer sport trac also included.
- 10004889Some dedicated CNG vehicles may exhibit various driveability conditions due to a loss of injector performance, resulting from fuel quality. Loss of power at heavy load, diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) for lean fuel, rough idle, hard start, plugged catalytic converter and no start condition.
- 10004856External oil leak diagnosis for 7.3L dit engines. Various models including 2003 super duty f series.
- 10004833Rolling idle, surge on vehicles built 8/96 through 12/96 with 7.3L engine.
- 10004029Dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) rough idle or no start when cold vehicles equipped with dedicated 4.6L or 5.4L CNG engine only.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003744Engine misfire or rough running condition with coil on plug (cop) ignition systems may be more accurately diagnosed using the optional worldwide diagnostic system (wds) coil on plug (cop) kit. 2003 super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002627Repeated blown fuses for rear in vehicle circuits with inoperative rear brake or tail lamps.
- 10002517On some dedicated CNG vehicles, a possible fuel leak may occur at the fuel fill valve. Revised service parts.
- 10001895Possible fuel leak may occur at the fuel fill valve, on some dedicated CNG vehicles.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092152Some vehicles equipped with engines produced by windsor engine plant may exhibit an engine knock at initial cold startup.
- 6092031Some customers may comment on a clunk felt / heard in the steering wheel.
- 6091929Some vehicles with an illuminated air bag lamp may have modified seat configurations.
- 6091800Subject regarding technical hotline assistance for bi-fuel vehicles.
- 6091710Some vehicles under severe duty cycles may exhibit cracks on the lower radiator support.
- 6090709Experiencing engine knock at initial cold startup.
- 637787This bulletin states that some 4.6L fqr engine assemblies may have a smaller or larger knock sensor threaded hold than the one in the original engine assembly.
- 636417Guidance for CNG tank inspection for vehicles produced after december 2, 1996. Update.
- 636235Experiencing a clicking / popping noise from the upper steering column area when turning the steering wheel.
- 636042Subject regarding alternative fuel vehicle compressed natural gas tank inspection.
- 635974Reports that certain vehicles appear to be dogtracking.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
Every Ford E Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.