Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Pull gear shifter down to d1 and smoke and fire came out of the steering column: all of the instrument lights went out and the truck was unable to use the overdrive function. Replaced several fuses and tried again with the same results. I dismantled the steering column and noticed that the wiring harness is two short and routed around the steering column causing it to break everytime the truck is put into d1. Ford motor company nor any auto store have any parts to repair the problem. The truck is still available for inspection. I took my truck to a Ford dealer and they did not have a fix for the problem. They recommend that I not use d2/d1/overdrive.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, a burning odor was emitted into the vehicle as the driver's side headlight started to flicker. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the bulb had overheated and melted the bulb holder. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 118,000.
My interior and back exterior lights come on and go off randomly sometimes while driving on the roads. The light in the back above the truck bed is bothersome because it could cause attention of another driver causing a accident. My mother also has a Ford f150 that does the same, however her truck isn't the same year.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f150. The contact stated that the brake lights are inoperative. As a consequence, he was unable to notify other drivers when he attempted to stop. An authorized technician replaced the wiring assembly in the brake lamp control at an expense of $115.11. The manufacturer was notified , but no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 163,000. Updated 10/27/09 the consumer stated the lights only come on with extreme pressure on the brake pedal. Updated 10/28/09.
1997 Ford f-150 with recall on the speed control system. Consumer states that the dealer charged him $68.00 for a diagnosis fee for stating there was a recall for the speed control. Consumer states that he should not have been charged the $68.00. The dealer wanted to charge the consumer to repair the fire damage to the wiring and other components that was done to the vehicle as a result of a faulty switch that was recalled. The turn signal did not stay on when making a turn .
Dt: turn signals have never functioned right since it was bought. You have to jiggle the turn signal stock to get them to blink. And you have to hold them a certain position before they blink. There have been no recalls. Have talked to Ford and they said that it would cost the consumer $800.00 to fix the problem. Have talked to dealer also, and that was no help.
Interior courtesy light and door ajar light will stay on after closing the vehicle doors. Stays on from 1 to 30 minutes before turning itself off, while "door open" alarm sounds. Dealer not notified. Original date of problem August 2000 (random occurrences). Currently every time door is opened and closed.
Doors have stress cracks on upper frame,I've paid to have repaired once,when I approached dealer they said o recall on that problem, would not help,now door switches keep interior lights on till it goes off on power saver,door ajar light stays on when moisture condition/rain,snow sleet and so on.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the brake lights would not illuminate when she depressed the brake pedal. As of November 19, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 262,200 and current mileage was 262,264. Updated 12/12/07
I have experienced the 3 defects listed.....first, the powertrain, when four-wheel drive is engaged at a stop and an engagement time of at least 30sec. To 1min. Is given, when I release my brake to proceed the powertrain makes a loud thump, this happens about 75% of the time....second the washer sprayers on the hood do not spray the windsheild. One sprays way off and the other sprays nothing. And third the high beam low beam switch is defected. When engaged in high beam and driving a short accures and the lights will flicker from high to low and completely off with no head lights at all......if you have any questions about any of these defects please contact shane e. Mass at my home number ([phone]) .... Thank you.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
Vehicle description: Mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of FMVSS 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to Ford, the vehicles were…
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
Headlight complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Ford F-150, 2% of the model year's 2,758 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-150 headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-168 (exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 9 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.