Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford f-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent auto repair facility for an unrelated repair when the technician detected that five of the seven spokes on the front driver's side wheel were completely rusted. The other three wheels exhibited rust holes and cracks. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 145,318. Updated 09/05/12 the consumer stated the problem was found after the axle, hub and rotor were replaced at a cost of $ 1000.00. Updated 09/10/12
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f-250 ld. The vehicle has milestone 1000r20, size 265-75/16 tires. The wires were exposed from the sides of the front driver side tires. A mechanic stated that they were unable to repair the tire because they were dangerous. The dealer where the tires were purchased was no longer in business. The purchase date was unknown. The tire failure mileage was 1,500. The current and failure mileages of the vehicle were 219,330. Updated 02-01-08 updated 02/01/08
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f250 ld. While driving various speeds, the vibration of the spare tire rubs against and creates a hole in the rear fuel tank. The spare tire is securely mounted underneath the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the failure was not covered under the warranty. They refused to send anyone out to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 57,300. Updated 11/17/08 updated 11/18/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford f-250. The contact stated while driving, the wheel detached completely from the vehicle. The contact stated that salt was lodged inside of the rim, causing the rim to rust. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairing the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 175,000. Updated 04/13/12 updated 05/12/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the spare tire detached from the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the cable that holds the bracket and the spare tire was loose. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 97,000.
The right front tire shredded and came apart while driving at 50 MPH. The tire started bouncing. This almost caused consumer to lose control of vehicle. However, consumer was able to maintain control of vehicle, and steer it to the side of the road. Tire was replaced with a spare. Firestone was not willing to assist.
Can't get dot number, nothing left of that part of tire but ropes and fibers. No warning, no noise to indicate a blowout, just sudden loss of control as the right front tire fell apart. Tread and belts all completely separated from each other, sidewalls shredded. Looks like the tire perforated around entire circumference at the "beading". Nothing left of sidewalls except "ropes" connecting inner rim to tread surface, can see all individual layers of tread, belts and fiber separated from each other. Father states it took every bit of strength (and past racing experience of several decades ago) to maintain control of vehicle and keep it from rolling. I am keeping this tire in case anyone wants to inspect it, it looks strikingly similar to the ones involved in recall when they failed. Father has never felt anything like this when it went, including when racing. …
The tire blew out and the blow out was located at the inside sidewall, there was absolutely no holes that could be found. We brought the tire into Firestone and was told that they would find a hole because these tires don't just blow. I was also told on the phone that I was very lucky that I had such a heavy duty vehicle, otherwise the vehicle would have rolled. Just appalling to hear something like that from a person that works at the Firestone store. Especially because there is recalls happening now. We asked if this particular tire was being recalled, but was told "no". We ended up buying another tire and they prorated the rate. (tiresize: 26575r16)( dot number: tire size: 26575r16 )
Re: two original tires sold with truck - one split and one separated at 14,000 miles. Tires replaced with Firestone tires on 7/7/99. Fortunately, they failed in town and not on the road pulling something. I heard on tv last week (10/2/00), that Ford or Firestone were investigating Firestone steeltex radials tires on Ford f250 series another vehicles. I have two other original tires splitting at 19,860 miles. My concern is the truck pulls a 5th wheel 4-6 times a year for several hundred miles each way. Please advise me of any recall on these tires or if Firestone will replace the tires?
Tread seperated from left rear tire while traveling @ 75 MPH on I-10 between queen creek & riggs road exits. The tire did not loose pressure. On closer inspection of remaining three tires, evidence of tread coming apart. Ford dealer refused to honor tire warrenty. Damage to wheel well and truck bed caused by the seperated tire tread. Tires are orginal tires on truck when bought from dealer. All tires have been replaced, still have all orginal tires for inspection. While not firestones sound like the same problem.( dot number: tire size: lt235/85rx )
Related recalls
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. The lug nuts on these vehicles May not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. The first notification, which began in May 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available.
Tires › Bead
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and chassis. The tires on these vehicles were damaged during mounting onto the wheels. Only trucks produced at the cuautitlan, Mexico plant between September 1, 1996, and July 17, 1997, were affected by the defect.
Remedy: Due to the age of the vehicles and this recall affecting original equipment tires only, Ford will no longer accept claims for this campaign.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1997 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1997 Ford F-250, 17% of the model year's 304 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-250 wheel & tire problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-095 (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, May 13, 1998); NHTSA recall 97V-187 (bead, Oct 29, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-250 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 135,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to wheels & tires 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.