1997 FORD F-150 Recalls — Canada & USA

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.