1997 Ford F150 XL from North America - Comments

Transmission blew at 4500 km.

Rad was replaced at 6000km.

Rear brakes, exhaust, and rim replaced 6000km.

Horn, wiper motor, radio replaced at 11,000 km.

Timimg chain cover replaced at 15000km.

Rear window replaced due to leak. 23000km.

Lumbar seat (drivers side) repaired and squeak under dash board repaired. "so I was told". 32000km.

Radio replaced "again" 38500km.

Both drivers side and passenger side doors replaced due to seams comming apart at the bottom of the doors. 43800km.

Trailer harness replaced. Kept blowing fuses due to corosion. Also neutral lockout switch replaced. 49550km.

Truck was returned to dealer because doors that were replaced were starting to leak at seam. There was also excesive wind noise. I also complaind regarding the paint job. On the drivers side of the truck, the dealer not only painted the door, they painted the whole side of the truck. The truck is light blue on top with a very dark blue on the bottom (almost black). I noticed runs in the paint on the lower part of the truck in the darker colours. 49560km.

Temp light started to come on. I was losing antifreeze somewhere. Cooling system was pressure tested after the dealer put a red dye in the rad. No leak was found. 54800km.

The above problems happened while the vehicle was under warranty. I was very disappointed with this truck overall. I was a GM man from the beginning. "Why did I buy a Ford, you ask?" Because Ford came out with their new design before GM and Chevy. I will be honest, I like the look of the Ford truck. As for reliability, forget it. The dealer was of no help whatsoever either. After the warranty on this truck ended, I have had countless other problems. Nothing serious (as of yet).

All I can tell you for a fact is I will never buy another Ford product again. When I called Ford of Canada and told them the problems I was having, they put me in touch with the dealership. The dealership in turn told me to call Ford of Canada. You can see where this is going. After two (2) registered letters were mailed to Ford of Canada, IN 1999, and in 2000, I have yet to recieve a reply from either letter. I hope this little story will give some insight to those looking at a Ford product.

This is hilarious. I can't believe the problems you've had with your truck. Consumer Reports says that the Ford F-150 is one of the most reliable trucks other then the Toyota Tundra. Your truck must have been built on a Mon. morning or Fri. afternoon. As for me, I'm very happy with my '85 GMC.

Don't buy the damn V6 man or I6, always get a V8 in a full size truck, come on.

My V-8 lasted 260k miles, excellent 4WD however bad transmission. early, and also the universal brake lock up in initial cold starts, after they warmed up, OK. Overall, mostly satisfied.

I have 189,796 Miles on my clock, it's a 95 4x4 super-cab, I bought it used with 96,000 miles on it 3 years ago, I am just getting ready to replace the clutch for the first time now. The only other things were routine maintenance. I love my truck, it still looks like new, even after trailering may cars with it, it has the 5.0 motor. and a few character dings.

I would never give up my truck! still runs like new, it's quiet, strong and safe..

Guess all you have to do is properly maintain it.

Thank you,

Never again. I own a 1997 F150 with the dreaded v6.To this date I have replaced the transmission, the tie rods{scary} and have had numerous leaks and problems which have added up to thousands of dollars. When the transmission was replaced at 80000 km, the shop said it was more than common, it was almost expected. Too bad Ford sold so many F150,s, or maybe a recall would be in order. I also have problems such as poor welds in the door panels, leaking rear window, broken lumbar control, and the list goes on. The 1997 Ford F150 v6 must make the manufacturer, and owners, pine for the days of the PINTO and the EDSEL.

This is truly funny, but don't down the I6 4.9 300/6. The v6 yea OK go for it,but the I6 will out last any v8 (gasoline anyway).Plus theI6 gets better mpg and makes only 10 ftlbs less than a 302 (that's what a k&n cold air kit, by the time you add micro tuner, flowmaster, electric fan, and MSD ignition and still stay the same on gas if not better you can kiss a v8 goodby).Best bet get a new powerstroke.

I can empathize...

I have (had) a '96 F150XLT that had to have the manual transmission bearings, synchros, replaced at 85K miles. While I had it out I replaced the clutch assembly which was about 70% worn out. I have had warped front brake rotors and consistent rear brake lockup. Even after rebuilding brakes. I have to back up the truck a couple of feet to release the brakes so I can drive forward.

The oil pan gasket is bulging out from the flange and leaks constantly. Rear engine seal leaks oil all over my drive. I have replaced a broken universal joint. Now the darn thing hesitates during acceleration, and I can only get it to respond if I press the pedal to the metal. On top of all that the inline 300/6 only gets 13 to 13.5 miles per gallon. I had a check engine light come on the day I drove it off the lot. (probably should have got it checked, but that was the least of my worries)

The tailgate springs never work and I have to push them back into place every time I close the tailgate (which also has broken cable stays).

I just traded the piece of crap for a Silverado with a V8 which I will be picking up in two days. I say good riddance to Ford!!

I own a 1997 F150 XL with a V6. Overall the truck is fine, but when a tie rod snapped for no apparent reason, I was a bit upset. Neither the tow truck driver, nor the mechanic at a local garage, was the least bit surprised. They both commented that they see 1997 and up F150s with broken tie rods on a weekly basis. I contacted Ford of Canada, and they said they had never heard of the problem. Has anyone else heard of broken tie rods as being a regular occurrance?

Robert.

Yes I replace my tie rods annually.

I ask for them for Christmas

It is the only way to insure not having an accident.

Never again will I own a Ford for this reason only!!!

Fords are very good vehicles for the most part. Most people should know not to buy a first year vehicle.

I own a 1996 F-150, It just turned 85,000 miles. It's got a 4.9 (300) I-6,with a five speed trans, and 2wd.I bought it new and I wouldn't trade it anything. I live in upstate NY and taking it to west virginia a number of times, and other trips as well. I've never had to do anything, but regular tune ups and oil changes. The oil pan has just started leaking, I've got a new pan and am going to get a molded gasket with steel reinforced sides. so there won't be any change of having to replace it again. I had a 1993 F-150 I bought new before This one. It had a 4.9 I-6 also. My son was hit head on by a guy on the wrong side of the road. Ford trucks are strong and hold up well. Thanks.