Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford F-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving at 30 MPH consumer heard a loud pop at the front of the vehicle, and the front left side dropped several inches. Consumer pulled over to inspect what the problem could be, and discovered that driver side torsion bar snapped.
Since approximately 20000 miles vehicle will without warning develope an extreme shaking in the front end. Vehicle will continue to violently wobble until brakes are applied and vehicle is slowed to a speed of 20-30 miles per hour. This occurs without warning at all speeds from 30 to 70 miles per hour. Inspections at alingment shops, failed to reveal any failed components. A recent inspection at a Ford garage also revealed no damaged components but I was informed that a technical service bulletin issued on the 1-ton 4 wheel drive was applicable to this vehicle and that pursuant to this bullitin a factory recommended fix was installed at my cost. Be aware that on 2 seperate occasions I asked dealership service personnel if there was an inherrent problem with the suspension of this vehicle, both times I was told they had no such knowledge. …
In May 1997 I purchashed this vehichle new. My problems began with a torn seat cover and deffective sun visors. Those problems were fixed. Due to the distance from my residnce to st. Helens auto center, I began taking my vehichle to Land mark Ford, located at 12000 s.s. 66th ave. Tigard,or. 97281. On July 27, 1998 I took the vehichle to landmark because of a poping noise in the front suspension. The noise was verified. No repairs done at that time. On August 05, 1998 I took the vehichl to landmark for poping noise, noise was verified. Landmark found the crossmember loose, tightened front suspension bolt, leaf spring u-bolt, a-arm to frame bolts, replaced #2 huck rivet, loosened and ajusted tranny crossmember. Thier invoice states "retest OK." on August 12, 1998 vehichle was taken into landmark for poping noise in front end, and because the vehichle pulls to the left. …
The front springs on this heavy duty truck began collapsing after approximately 14-months of service. The condition wears the front tires excessively and does not make the vehicle handle properly. The condition was brought to the attention of the dealership, don vance Ford, marshfield,mo. And all that has been achieved is trips to the dealership and discussions with Ford customer assistance. I have looked at several f250 vehicles with the 7.3 l and 460 motor packages and they are experiencing the same problem as I have. Ford has obviously recognized the problem I am experiencing as the twin I-beam is no longer available on the 1999 model f250's.
My tires were severely worn on the inside edges. I bought new tires and went to have the truck aligned. Virginia spring and alignment, arlington, va, 22213, informed me that my right front spring was dangerously weak and had caused the upper ball joint to become loose. They said every Ford 250 diesel they see has this problem and that Ford did not put strong enough springs on these trucks. Ford in fact had issued TSB-96-23-16 which called for adding a leaf to each front spring and realignment. They refuse to fix the defect in my truck because it has over 36,000 miles on it. If this spring fails, a 3/4 ton truck goes out of control.
Both these retaining bolts failed. In the first instance I noticed a bolt hanging down from the front end on the passenger side. I do not know when the failure occurred. In the second instance, the shop owner noticed the driver's side bolt was missing. He commented that he looks for this item on Ford f150 and f250 units. He has had vehicles come in with both bolts missing! Ford changed the bolt mechanism retaining the stabalizer bars in this model year (1998). Their design appears faulty as the plastic retaining devices on the bolt do not appear to work properly.
First air spring on drivers side blew last summer and was replaced. The other one, passenger side, blew last Friday. Both failures occurred with truck camper on board, but vehicle was not over loaded. Failures were explosive, resulting in vehicle lowing suddenly on the side affected. Vehicle was travelling straight ahead both times, but failure on a corner could result in vehicle rolling over. Component does not appear to match the load rating of the vehicle.
My 1997 Ford f250 4wd truck has developed a popping noise in the right front wheel hub area. I found the drive shaft from the front transfer case could be moved in and out of the wheel hub with a popping noise. I took it to be repaired and no one can find parts. I have looked on the internet and searched local parts stores and can't fine them either. All I find is that everyone else has had suspension problems on this model. How do I get it repaired?
When turning or driving up a hill or uneven ground can hear a popping/knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer put vehicle into the shop for repair work. When the consumer got the vehicle back the problem was not fixed, the problem was still there. When consumer drove vehicle could still hear the noise, and dealer can't determine the problem.
When driver applied the brakes the whole front end of the truck would bounce and the truck was hard to maintain. Also the front tires balded on the inside. The truck was looked at by a mechanic who stated that the ball joints were never greased by the factory. The ball joints have been replaced at owner's expense.
Suspension complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Ford F-250, 10% of the model year's 304 complaints. The component named most often is front (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-250 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1997 Ford F-250, though it has 10 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-250 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 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.