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-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We were travelling 65 MPH on the 91 freeway toll road when my left rear tire tread completely separated from the casing causing my vehicle to swerve and jump and causing significant damage to my vehicle, including damaging the fuel fill line. Fortunately there was no fuel leakage. The tire did not deflate so there was no puncture or other externally caused damage to the tire or vehicle. I took the tire to a bf goodrich dealer on 10/19/14 for inspection, the tire was still fully inflated. The dealer deflated the tire out of safety concerns. Had this been a front tire the potential for damage and injury would have significantly increased. The tire was purchased in July 2012 and was just over 2 years old. Tire dot# is bfw8 0211 0712.
Rear driver side tread separated from tire at 75mph in the state of nebraska.22hrs. Later in the state of ohio the passenger rear separated. Contacted Firestone and they will not take any responsibility for incident.
When driving 65 MPH and without warning, the right rear tire tread separated causing a blowout. Dealer had been notified. Size#23585r16. The tread was wrapped around the axle, breaking the housing for the emergency brake. The rim was damaged in addition.
I have had two of these Firestone steel tex r4s tires "blow out" while driving on the interstate with my family. The first one was in August of 1999 in ohio on a warm, but not hot day. We were driving along and boom it went. Fortunately, it was one of the rear duel tires and not a front tire. I was able to control the vehicle and get it safely stopped. Firestone replaced this tire. The other was in March of 1999 on a cool day in indiana. We were driving and got a terrible shimmy and the vehicle became difficult to drive. Suddenly, boom, another rear duel tire went. I again managed to get it off the road and got it changed. Firestone wouldn't give me a new tire on this one. They allowed a replacement value. I am disgusted with Firestone tires. Last March, before the media attention to the problem, I had vowed to never have another Firestone tire on my vehicles. …
At approximately 27,000 miles, my wife and I decided to go on vacation. We loaded the truck with our camper (about 1800 pounds), some luggage and supplies (about 250 pounds), and a small trailer for hauling wood (loaded about 3500 pounds). Before we left, I inflated the tires to the sidewall rating maximum of 80 psi. About 300 miles into our trip we had a blowout on the left rear tire. Upon investigation, I found that the tires' tread had seperated from the carcass which then caused the sidewall to overheat and rupture. I have not had any other problems with the other tires to date. I e-mailed Ford with this query, Ford responded by suggesting that I e-mail the NHTSA with my information. I am concerned about the future use of my tires and would appreciate any information that you might have on this matter. Please feel free to contact me. Thank you. …
Firestone steeltex failure on a 1997 Ford f350. On June 20, 2005, the left front OEM Firestone steeltex tire failed at spped on I-95s between avberdeen and churchville maryland. Since the truck is driven very little, all tires have 40,000 miles on them and have substantial tread remaining. Also, I meticoulsly maintain presures. Without warning and at about 65mph, the tread seperated from the tire carcass causing vehcile to be difficult to control. Nonetheless, I was able to pull off-road without incident. Tire clearly shows that the tread seperated from the body of the tire causing instant pressure loss and sidewall failure. Just another example why problems with these tires are not limited to suvs or the limited batches that were recalled.
Pe00040; original equipment on 1996, Ford e350, on 1997 coachmen with dual rear tires,Firestone steeltex radial r4s lt225/75r16, dot vd1l1xb156. On August 28, 2000, while driving there was a vibration. Consumer pulled over due to passenger's front tire tread coming off, about 18 inches long which almost caused a crash with 49,000 miles on vehicle. On October 3, 2000, while driving there was a loud noise, driver's rear inside tire tread completely came off with 51,000 miles on vehicle. Firestone said that they would prorate the tires. Please provide further information.
Pe-00-020 original equipment on a 1997 Ford f350, tire size p23585r16, dot number vdor1xk, experienced tire blew out at 12 thousands and 18 thousands miles. Two incidents with blewouts. When driving at 60-65 MPH right rear tire tread blewout at the sidewall. Also, when driving at 50-55 MPH the right rear tire tread blew out from the sidewall, both incidents happened in the summer on very hot days. Both tires had about 75% of tread life available.
Driver's rear inside tire tread separated with a tire blowout. Tire had 2/3 of tread left before the blowout. Vehicle was going 25mph and heard a boom. Then, consumer saw tread flying off the tire. 1997, Ford, f350 club crew cab, used tires came on vehicle, size p235/85r16, approximate mileage unknown. Firestone steeltex radial r4s, p235/85r16, faulty tire caused damage to vehicle, consumer is requesting reimbursement and for tires to be replaced.
Tire blew out. Ambient temeratures were hot. Tires had like new rubber on all wheels. I replaced all tires on truck. This was before the recall on the explorers and the tires were not the same types as the current recall. But I have never had good luck with Firestone tires. (I had the national 500's that were recalled years ago) I was towing my 16,500# trailer when this happened and did not want to take a chance.( dot number: unknown tire size: unknown )
Related recalls
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-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1997 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1997 Ford F-350, 21% of the model year's 155 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-350 wheel & tire problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-187 (bead, Oct 29, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-350 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.