Most common 1997 Ford Club problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Club complaints by model year
Best Club years: 2000, 1995. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998. Compare all years →
What 1997 Ford Club owners say
Wheels & tires
Duraturn travia h/t delaminated while driving on the freeway Monday October 26, 2020. 1 ton van shuddered and shook the steering wheel. Reduced speed and left the freeway. Changed to spare tire. Duraturn visibly mis-shaped but remained on the rim. Viewed recall in progress for duraturn travia a/t tires, including my size 245/75r16 (which are load range e). The date range on my tires is in the date range of the recall (2016). Called the recall webpage provided rep (dave [phone]) Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and left messages each day. No reply. No other contact phone number options found online. My 4 van tires have about 85% tread left and are all the same brand etc. Dot ufrn el8 1116 is molded into the failed tire. Van is 1997 Ford clubwagon which holds up to 15 passengers.
Had an accident. The right side wheel lugs: nuts had been stripped off completely. The entire wheel, along with the brake system, had came off. There was no carter key used on the wheel. The vehicle was inspected by an independent inspector, jim williams.
Brakes
Had an accident. The right side wheel lugs: nuts had been stripped off completely. The entire wheel, along with the brake system, had came off. There was no carter key used on the wheel. The vehicle was inspected by an independent inspector, jim williams.
Front ABS brakes would shimmy whenever they were applied. Also, would lock up on wet roads. Has happened 8 times & been to dealership 8 times. Last trip mechanic would not work on brakes. Advised owner to make Ford buy back vehicle. Also, problems with air conditioner/ tires/drums and rotors, and odometer failed to work properly after 39,000 miles.
A/C & heater
Front ABS brakes would shimmy whenever they were applied. Also, would lock up on wet roads. Has happened 8 times & been to dealership 8 times. Last trip mechanic would not work on brakes. Advised owner to make Ford buy back vehicle. Also, problems with air conditioner/ tires/drums and rotors, and odometer failed to work properly after 39,000 miles.
Heat blend door failed, no front heat/defrost, safety hazard, $391 to replace. Small plastic piece broke and only cold air produced through front heater. Found at least 9 other odi documents on the same problem for just the 97 model year, listed under e150, Club wagon and econoline models. More than a coincidence it seems.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Ford Club a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Club rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Club at the same age. It is one of the Club years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Club?
The wheels & tires — 9 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. Next are the brakes (8) and a/c & heater (5).
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Club have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Ford Club. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Club?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997 and 1998. See the full Ford Club years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Club problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 95,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.