1997 Ford F250 XL review from North America

Oil leak from transfer case at about 50,000 K.m.

Oil leak from front axle at about same time.

Spark plugs supposed to last 100 000 miles seized into cylinder head at 36,000 mile, both cylinder heads had to be removed in order to do a simple tune up.

Took several weeks for dealer to find and deliver correct dip stick tube. Took 3 different dealers 3 attempts to locate correct battery cable.

Front wheels tend to splash a lot of spray onto underside of engine creating a major corrosion problem requiring replacement of starter motor with its bolts badly rusted in, prematurely corroded battery cable by starter, and badly rusted frost plugs. It appears these engines were not painted on the bottom at the factory and they rust away too quickly from salt spray with 4wd engaged.

Truck developed intermittent overheating problem, eventually traced to a faulty fan clutch (62,000 Km)

Intermittent electrical fault in turn signals that could not be easily traced.

Starter solenoid worked intermittently at 55,000 Km.

Catalytic converter needed to be replaced at 55,000 Km to pass emissions test.

Rusted out block heater blew out on highway causing loss of all engine coolant.

Dip stick tube rusted out.

We use this truck to plow snow in the winter, it is only driven by two people and it is not abused. It has become unreliable in the last 12 months requiring several visits to the shop. Parts from the dealer are extremely expensive, and the dealer needs several attempts to deliver the correct part, each time is always a 3 or 4 day wait. Truck spent a total of 4 weeks out of service during snow plowing season this year due to poor parts supply and premature failure of components. There is not adequate corrosion protection to vital parts of the engine near the bottom which has resulted in a lot of corrosion damage and will require engine removal to replace badly rusted frost plugs. Dealer cannot seem to deliver parts when needed.

The ride and comfort and handling of this truck is excellent for a 4 wheel drive with 10,000 lb. gross weight. Heat and defroster also very effective. Cab is very quiet when on the highway, braking and steering very good for this type of vehicle.