Ford Pickup Problems by Year

We compared every Ford Pickup model year from 1997–2000 using 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1997, which drew far more complaints than other Pickup years at the same age. The best years are 1998 and 2000.

4model years
39complaints
0recalls
1997worst years
1998, 2000best years

Complaints by model year

1997199819992000157116
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Pickup. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20006−42%—BrakeGood
1999111.7×—SuspensionAverage
19987−42%—TransmissionGood
1997152.4×—Wheel & TireCaution

* Complaints compared with the median Pickup year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Ford Pickup problems

  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1997
    821%
  • Suspensionworst: 1999
    821%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 1997
    615%
  • Steeringworst: 1997
    38%
  • Brakesworst: 2000
    38%
  • Body & structureworst: 1997
    25%
  • Other / not specified
    25%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1998
    25%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1998
    25%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1997
    13%
  • Air bagsworst: 1999
    13%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1999
    13%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2000
    13%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Ford Pickup should you avoid?

1997 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Pickup years at the same age, led by wheels & tires problems in the 1997.

What is the best year for the Ford Pickup?

1998 has the fewest complaints compared with other Pickup years at the same age, followed by 2000. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Ford Pickup problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (8), suspension (8) and engine & cooling (6). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 1997 model year.

How many recalls has the Ford Pickup had?

0 recalls across 1997–2000.

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.