Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford f-150. While driving at 60 MPH, the windshield washer independently activated and obstructed the contact's visibility. In addition, the windshield wipers were activated, but failed to function. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f-150. While driving 65 MPH in a rainstorm, the windshield wipers stopped working. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. He was able to drive the vehicle after the rain stopped. A mechanic stated that the gem module was defective and reinstalled the gem module, as well as installed a new ignition switch. The wipers failed again while driving in normal conditions. The mechanic stated that the gem module he installed from Ford was defective. After the repair, the warning lights illuminated, including the air bag light. The mechanic cannot diagnose the cause of the failure and determine if the air bags work. Prior to the gem module failure, several components were replaced on the vehicle. At 30,000 miles, the engine was rebuilt. The current and failure mileages were 125,000.
I am sending in a full letter to explain the "failures". It centers around TSB 99b29 and lack of owner notification of a bad front cover design that can lead to engine failure, which occurred in this case. Additionally, I had a tie rod failure that was not addressed under warranty, but later broke while driving. Also, my crank shaft pulley / dampener assembly fell off while highway driving (70 MPH). There are other issues including door lock / key sticking. Campaign id number : 03V196000 component: steering:gear box:shaft sector. The engine cover gasket failed. The serpentine failed, the transmission had an akward shift, the wipers operated periodically by themselves on high speed, there was little heat coming from the vents through the floor.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f-150. The contact stated that there was a water leak in the front windshield or a firewall that caused electrical damage to the fuse box or the gem module. The failure occurs during the rain. While driving at any RPM, the fuse box would short out. The warning lights on the instrument panel would flash intermittently and the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure still persists. The failure mileage was 121,000. Updated 3/5/09 the windshield was replaced and no longer leaks. An improper seal was the cause of the leakage. Updated 03/10/09.
Rear sliding glass window leaking in the inside top left section. Taken to Ford dealer who in turn subcontracts out to a leak specialist. I was inform by the service desk that he inform them that I would need to replace the whole rear window at a cost estimate of a couple hundred dollars. I in turn contacted Ford motor company and of course my vehicle is now out of warranty. I own a 1997 Ford f-150 with 82,000 miles. I was informed by Ford motor co. That the dealers are franchised and what ever policy they have in place Ford co. Can't control.
1997 f-150 rear window leaking - took in twice during warranty and told them about hearing water in truck them checked drain in door and said nothing wrong - only have 62000 on truck so I did not drive it much but now I found were water was coming in through gasket and this seems to be a big problem and dealer ship are having outside vendors doing work I think this should be recalled because they knew this problem and changed design
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford f-150. The contact stated that he was driving with the windshield wipers engaged. As he attempted to open the windows, the front windshield wipers and windows failed. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired for the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who provided no assistance. The current and failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Windshield wipers failed during rain, managed to pull off road safely. (other electrical devices failed as well) wipers no longer work. Vehicle is out of service until repaired. Ford is aware of problems. See Ford technical service bulletin 98-9-13 and Ford special message #15773 .
Consumer states the rear window glass is leaking water into cabin of vehicle. Dealer diagnosed problem with the assembly of the glass. Dealer needs a special Ford part due to glass assembly being part of vehicle's frame. Ts rear windshield replaced.
Back window leaks, plastic frame that holds glass onto cab brakes with time. Various glass companies have told me that it's a common thing with the 97-2000 Ford f-150's it's not the rubber nor a weather strip it's the plastic frame that brakes with time.
Window & Wiper complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 134 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Ford F-150, 5% of the model year's 2,758 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (41 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-150 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1997 Ford F-150, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.