The 1997 Ford F-150 has 15 recalls, the most serious being a steering shaft that can separate from the steering gear, causing a sudden and complete loss of steering control.
Several recalls involve fire risk from fuel system problems. Fuel lines on certain trucks can wear through and leak, either near the fuel rail connection or where they contact the transfer case shifter linkage on manual 4x4 models. Separately, corroded fuel tank straps can fail, allowing the tank to drop and drag on the ground or fuel lines to pull free from the tank. On 4x4 models that have been overloaded beyond the rear axle weight rating, a broken leaf spring can splay inward and puncture the fuel tank. In all of these cases, a fuel leak near any ignition source raises the risk of fire.
Two related powertrain concerns cover the shift cable: a bracket fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly, leaving the transmission stuck in a drive gear even though the selector shows Park, which can allow the truck to roll if the parking brake is not set. On the engine side, extended highway driving in extreme cold can cause ice to build up in the throttle body, preventing the throttle from closing when the accelerator is released and extending stopping distances.
The seatbelt anchor bolts on certain trucks are missing or only partially threaded in, meaning the belt may not hold an occupant in a crash. There is also a recall covering aftermarket replacement headlamp assemblies sold for this model that lack the required amber reflectors, reducing how visible the truck is to other drivers at night.
At a glance
What can fail
In vehicles operated in heavy road salt areas, fuel tank straps can corrode and break, allowing the tank to sag and potentially crack, which may cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps with upgraded straps that have better corrosion protection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Road deicing chemicals cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps that hold the tank to the vehicle, potentially compromising tank security.
What the fix does
Replace fuel tank straps with corrosion-resistant straps, or install interim cable support or permanent steel reinforcement over existing straps.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some replacement headlamp assemblies lack amber side reflectors and don't meet federal lighting standards for combination lamps.
What the fix does
Poli-Auto will notify owners and repurchase the headlamps at their original purchase price.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The intermediate shaft yoke can separate from the steering gear input shaft, causing the steering system to disconnect and become inoperable.
What the fix does
Dealers inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke. If not fully seated, they replace the intermediate shaft, bolt, and steering column connection bolt.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel line may rub against the dashboard or shifter linkage, causing it to wear through. This can lead to fuel leaking, which could ignite if exposed to a spark or flame.
What the fix does
The front fuel line will be inspected, repositioned, or replaced as needed to prevent rubbing and leakage.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front fuel line can develop holes in two locations: where the flexible hose crimps to the steel tube below the fuel rail, or at the rear steel tube section forward of the rear bracket. Bending during assembly or shifter contact can cause these holes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front fuel lines and replace the assembly if damage is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On 4x4 vehicles, overloading the rear axle beyond its weight limit can cause rear leaf springs to crack from fatigue. A cracked spring leaf may bend inward and puncture the fuel tank, causing fuel leakage that could ignite.
What the fix does
Rear springs will be inspected. A reinforcing clip will be added to the front of each rear spring to shield the fuel tank if a leaf fractures. Any cracked springs will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Ice can build up in the throttle body during sustained highway driving in extreme cold weather. This ice may block the throttle plate, preventing the engine from returning to idle and increasing stopping distance.
What the fix does
A coolant-heated fitting will be installed in the PCV system to prevent ice buildup in the throttle body.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic shift cable may separate from the steering column bracket, preventing transmission shift to park despite the selector showing park. This risks unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake isn't set.
What the fix does
The shift cable will be reattached to the steering column bracket and secured with an additional tie strap.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission bracket fitting may separate from the shift cable conduit. If this happens, you won't be able to shift into Park even though the shifter shows Park, risking unintended movement if the parking brake isn't set.
What the fix does
A new transmission shift control cable will be installed on your vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission bracket end fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly, preventing you from shifting the transmission into Park from a drive gear position.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new transmission shift control cable.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat belt anchorage attachments may be missing or installed incorrectly. A loose fastener engaged by only one or two threads could detach over time, reducing restraint effectiveness in a crash.
What the fix does
Seat belt anchorages will be inspected and repaired as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In extreme cold during extended highway driving, ice can form in the throttle body, preventing the throttle from returning to idle when you release the accelerator or turn off cruise control.
What the fix does
A foam insulating sleeve will be installed on the PCV line where it connects to the throttle body to prevent ice buildup.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt anchorage attachments—the metal parts that hold seat belts in place—are missing or not installed correctly on these vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt anchorage attachments and repair or reinstall them as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In extreme cold conditions, ice can form inside the throttle body during highway driving, potentially affecting engine operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a foam insulating sleeve on the PCV line where it connects to the throttle body.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
