According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Ford F-250 has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Recall 11V385000: Corroded Fuel Tank Straps on Salt-Belt 1997-1999 F-250 (Under 8,500 lbs GVWR). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1997-1999 Ford F-250, nHTSA recall campaign 11V385000 covers 1997-1999 Ford F-250 pickups rated under 8,500 lbs GVWR, built between June 20, 1995 and August 4, 2004, that were originally sold in or are currently registered in the road-salt states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. On these light-duty F-250s, prolonged exposure to road deicing chemicals can corrode the metal straps that hold the fuel tank up against the frame. If one or both straps give way, the tank can drop far enough for the fuel lines to pull free of it, and in some cases the tank can end up dragging on the ground. Either outcome can leak fuel and create a fire hazard. This was a very large campaign: roughly 1,100,000 vehicles across all of the models it covered, which also included the F-150, the F-150 Heritage and the Lincoln Blackwood. Note that the recall applies only to the sub-8,500 lb GVWR version of the 1997-1999 F-250, so heavier Super Duty trucks of the same era are outside its scope.
Common Symptoms
Smell of gasoline or a visible fuel leak under the truck
Fuel tank hanging low, sagging, or scraping/contacting the ground
Visible corrosion or a broken metal strap holding the fuel tank to the frame
Fuel lines pulled loose or separated from the tank
How to Fix
The remedy is free at any Ford or Lincoln dealer. The dealer replaces the fuel tank straps with straps that have improved corrosion protection. Early in the campaign, when new straps were in short supply, dealers were authorized to fit a cable support under the existing strap as an interim repair, or a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair. Because coverage on this truck depends on GVWR, build date and where the vehicle was sold or is registered, run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your particular F-250 is included and whether the work has already been done.
On the 1990-1998 Ford F-250 7.3L Diesel, glow plug failure is common on 7.3L diesel engines, causing hard cold starts. The glow plug relay (solenoid) also fails, preventing power from reaching functional glow plugs. Broken glow plug tips can also fall into the cylinder.
On the 1990-1998 Ford F-250, the 7.3L diesel engines (IDI pre-1994, Powerstroke 1994+) experience injector failure causing rough running, hard starts, and excessive smoke. The IDI injectors are simpler mechanical units; Powerstroke uses HEUI hydraulic electronic injectors.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
Campaign #11V38500029/07/2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Campaign #06E05200012/06/2006
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Campaign #06V28600001/08/2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Ford F-250 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Recall 11V385000: Corroded Fuel Tank Straps on Salt-Belt 1997-1999 F-250 (Under 8,500 lbs GVWR), 7.3L Diesel Glow Plug and Relay Failure, 7.3L IDI/Powerstroke Injector Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford F-250 reliable?
The 1997 Ford F-250 has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Recall 11V385000: Corroded Fuel Tank Straps on Salt-Belt 1997-1999 F-250 (Under 8,500 lbs GVWR). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford F-250 problems?
Repair costs for known Ford F-250 issues range from $200 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1997-1999 Ford F-250 Recall 11V385000: Corroded Fuel Tank Straps on Salt-Belt 1997-1999 F-250 (Under 8,500 lbs GVWR)?
NHTSA recall campaign 11V385000 covers 1997-1999 Ford F-250 pickups rated under 8,500 lbs GVWR, built between June 20, 1995 and August 4, 2004, that were originally sold in or are currently registered in the road-salt states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentuc… Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1998 Ford F-250 7.3L Diesel Glow Plug and Relay Failure?
Glow plug failure is common on 7.3L diesel engines, causing hard cold starts. The glow plug relay (solenoid) also fails, preventing power from reaching functional glow plugs. Broken glow plug tips can also fall into the cylinder. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 1990-1998 Ford F-250 7.3L IDI/Powerstroke Injector Failure?
The 7.3L diesel engines (IDI pre-1994, Powerstroke 1994+) experience injector failure causing rough running, hard starts, and excessive smoke. The IDI injectors are simpler mechanical units; Powerstroke uses HEUI hydraulic electronic injectors. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
