1997 Ford E-450 problems
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).
With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).
The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.
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Common 1997 Ford E-450 problems
The Ford E-450 1997 is known to have several common problems, primarily related to its tires, service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine cooling, power train, structure, equipment, electrical system, suspension, steering, wheel, vehicle speed control, other fuel system, gasoline fuel system, visibility, air bag, diesel fuel system, exterior lighting, latches/locks/linkage, forward collision avoidance, back over prevention, firerelated, and electronic stability control.
One of the most common problems is related to the vehicle's tires, with a total of 206 problems reported. This can be attributed to various factors, including improper tire inflation, worn-out treads, and damaged sidewalls. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor handling, and even blowouts, which can be dangerous.
Another common problem is related to the vehicle's service brakes, hydraulic, with 79 problems reported. This can be due to worn-out brake pads, damaged rotors, or leaking brake lines. These issues can lead to decreased braking performance, increased stopping distances, and even brake failure, which can be catastrophic.
The engine and engine cooling system is also known to have issues, with 63 problems reported. This can be due to a faulty thermostat, damaged water pump, or leaking coolant hoses. These issues can lead to overheating, decreased engine performance, and even engine failure.
The power train is another area where problems have been reported, with 44 issues identified. This can be due to worn-out clutch components, damaged transmission gears, or faulty differential components. These issues can lead to decreased power transfer, poor acceleration, and even transmission failure.
The structure of the vehicle has also been known to have issues, with 40 problems reported. This can be due to damaged frame components, rusted body panels, or faulty suspension mounts. These issues can lead to decreased stability, poor handling, and even structural failure.
Equipment-related issues have also been reported, with 33 problems identified. This can be due to faulty electrical components, damaged wiring harnesses, or malfunctioning sensors. These issues can lead to decreased functionality, poor performance, and even system failure.
The electrical system is another area where problems have been reported, with 28 issues identified. This can be due to a faulty alternator, damaged battery, or worn-out spark plugs. These issues can lead to decreased power output, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine failure.
Suspension and steering system issues have also been reported, with 27 and 26 problems identified, respectively. These can be due to worn-out suspension components, damaged steering linkages, or faulty power steering systems. These issues can lead to decreased stability, poor handling, and even loss of control.
Wheel-related issues have also been reported, with 17 problems identified. This can be due to damaged wheels, bent rims, or faulty tire pressure monitoring systems. These issues can lead to decreased stability, poor handling, and even tire failure.
Vehicle speed control issues have also been reported, with 17 problems identified. This can be due to faulty cruise control systems, damaged throttle cables, or malfunctioning speed sensors. These issues can lead to decreased functionality, poor performance, and even system failure.
Other fuel system issues have also been reported, with 13 problems identified. This can be due to faulty fuel injectors, damaged fuel pumps, or leaking fuel lines. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, and even engine failure.
Gasoline fuel system issues have also been reported, with 13 problems identified. This can be due to faulty fuel pressure regulators, damaged fuel filters, or malfunctioning fuel pumps. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, and even engine failure.
Visibility issues have also been reported, with 7 problems identified. This can be due to damaged windshield wipers, faulty headlights, or malfunctioning rearview cameras. These issues can lead to decreased visibility, poor driving conditions, and even accidents.
Air bag issues have also been reported, with 7 problems identified. This can be due to faulty airbag sensors, damaged airbag modules, or malfunctioning airbag inflators. These issues can lead to decreased safety, poor crash protection, and even injury.
Diesel fuel system issues have also been reported, with 6 problems identified. This can be due to faulty fuel injectors, damaged fuel pumps, or leaking fuel lines. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, and even engine failure.
Exterior lighting issues have also been reported, with 5 problems identified. This can be due to damaged headlights, faulty taillights, or malfunctioning brake lights. These issues can lead to decreased visibility, poor driving conditions, and even accidents.
Latches/locks/linkage issues have also been reported, with 3 problems identified. This can be due to faulty door latches, damaged window regulators, or malfunctioning seat adjusters. These issues can lead to decreased functionality, poor performance, and even system failure.
Forward collision avoidance and back over prevention issues have also been reported, with 2 and 1 problem identified, respectively. These can be due to faulty sensors, damaged wiring harnesses, or malfunctioning software. These issues can lead to decreased safety, poor crash protection, and even injury.
Fire-related issues have also been reported, with 1 problem identified. This can be due to faulty wiring, damaged electrical components, or malfunctioning fuel systems. These issues can lead to decreased safety, poor performance, and even fire hazards.
Electronic stability control issues have also been reported, with 1 problem identified. This can be due to faulty sensors, damaged wiring harnesses, or malfunctioning software. These issues can lead to decreased stability, poor handling, and even loss of control.
In conclusion, the Ford E-450 1997 has several common problems, primarily related to its tires, service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine cooling, power train, structure, equipment, electrical system, suspension, steering, wheel, vehicle speed control, other fuel system, gasoline fuel system, visibility, air bag, diesel fuel system, exterior lighting, latches/locks/linkage, forward collision avoidance, back over prevention, firerelated, and electronic stability control. These issues can lead to decreased functionality, poor performance, and even system failure. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Is the Ford E 450 a good engine?
2022 E-450 Performance & Capability
The Ford E-450 is known for its capability, bringing high-end power and strength to the roadways. This begins with one of two engines: 7.3L V8 Premium: This standard powertrain gives you 350 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to tow up to 10,000 pounds.
What transmission does a E450 have?
Ford Torqshift® Automatic Transmission
The Ford TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission handles the high-performance demands of the standard, Premium-rated 7.3L V8 (325 horsepower and 450 lb. -ft . of torque at 3,800 rpm).
What kind of gas mileage does a Ford E 450 get?
I had an E-450 25' B+, It averaged about 8.7 MPG. You might get 12, if you drive 45 - 50 MPH... Averaged 8 mpg over 8,000 miles in the south and southwest, January through April.
Is the E450 a V10?
there is only one tranny offered by ford with a v10 e 450. I have owned by both and there is no comparison... Behind the V10, the 4R100 torque converter is normally locked at cruising speeds regardless of gear.
Is the Ford E 450 a good engine?
2022 E-450 Performance & Capability
The Ford E-450 is known for its capability, bringing high-end power and strength to the roadways. This begins with one of two engines: 7.3L V8 Premium: This standard powertrain gives you 350 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to tow up to 10,000 pounds.
What engine does the E 450 have?
7.3L V8
The standard 7.3L V8 Premium-rated engine with TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission with the 2024 E-350/E-450 is rated at 325 horsepower and 450 lb. -ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm.
Where is the Ford E450 made?
The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975.
Is the Ford E450 gas or diesel?
7.3L V8 Gas Engine
*Horsepower and torque ratings are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
1997 Ford E-450 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E-450 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Ford E-450 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Ford E-450 complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Ford E-450.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-06
- VIN: 1FDLE40S2VH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD E-450. THE CONTACT STATED THE HEATER CONTROL SWITCH FAILED TO FUNCTION; THEREFORE, ONLY COLD AIR EMITS FROM THE HEATER SYSTEM. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN A MANUFACTURES RECALL . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-06
- VIN: 1FDLE40S2VH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE 1997 TIRES WITH 18,000 MILES ON THEM HAVE LARGE CRACKS AROUND THE ENTIRE SIDEWALL OF ALL 6 TIRES (MOTORHOME). NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF ALL THE FIRESTONE RE-CALLS. WAS WONDERING IF THESE TIRES HAD A RE-CALL (FIRESTONE STEELTEX RADIAL R4S, LT225/75R16 M/S). NO "INCIDENT" AS OF YET... *LA
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-24
- VIN: 1FDLE40F4VH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD SEPARATION, WOULD AVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF TIRE HAD BEEN LOCATED ON FRONT WHEEL. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-13
- VIN: 1FDLE40S1VH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: HAD 2 BLOWOUTS.1AT 22000MI AND 1 AT 26000.THREW ALL THE TREAD ON THE 1ST ONE TIRE COOL TO TOUCH AND OUTSIDE TEMP 58DEG.LOOKS LIKE TREAD HAD NEVER BEEN GLUED ON TO CARCUS.THE 2ND TIRE BLEW AT 55MPH OUTSIDE TEMP56DEG.LOOKED AS IF PART OF THE TREAD WAS GLUED.I KNOW OF 2 OTHER CLASS C MOTORHOMES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM.BETWEEN THE 3 MH WE HAVE HAD 7 BLOWOUTS. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VD1L 1XD TIRESIZE: 225/75/16)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-09
- VIN: 1FDLE40S5VH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BOTH RIGHT REAR DUALS BLEW OUT. REPLACED ALL 6 TIRES FOR FAMILY SAFETY. *AK (TIRESIZE: LT22575R16)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-14
- VIN: 1FDLE4055VH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING HEARD A LOUD NOISE. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION. LT225/75R16. *AK CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED BLOW OUT TWICE, ALSO HAS EXPERIENCED BLOW OUTS DUE TO SIDEWALL CRACKS.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-30
- VIN: 1FDKE40S1VH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-06
- VIN: 1FDKE40S1VH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. REWELDING OF CROSSMEMBER HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM, WAS STILL CRACKING, REDONE WITH SUPPORT ADDED. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-06
- VIN: 1FDKE40S8VH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. REWELDING OF CROSSMEMBER HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM, WAS STILL CRACKING, REDONE WITH SUPPORT ADDED. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-06
- VIN: 1FDKE40SXVH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. REWELDING OF CROSSMEMBER HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM, WAS STILL CRACKING, REDONE WITH SUPPORT ADDED. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-06
- VIN: 1FDKE40SXVH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. REWELDING OF CROSSMEMBER HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM, WAS STILL CRACKING, REDONE WITH SUPPORT ADDED. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-06
- VIN: 1FDKE40S6VH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-13
- VIN: 1FDKE40S7VH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-30
- VIN: 1FDKE40SXVH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-30
- VIN: 1FDKE40S8VH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-06
- VIN: 1FDKE40SOVH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER CRACKING AT MAIN FRAME, FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN #991411 TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION. *MJS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-09
- VIN: 1FDLE40F6VH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE FAILED WHILE RESPONDING ON AN EMERGENCY AMBULANCE CALL. TREAD PEELED OFF AND BROKE THE LEFT FRONT BREAK LINE. DID BODY DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT FENDER, DOOR AND RUNNING BOARD. ALL FIRESTONE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON TWO AMBULANCES SINCE THIS ACCIDENT.( DOT NUMBER: VDIL TIRE SIZE: 225/75R16 )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- VIN: 1FDLE40F4VH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PE #00020; FIRESTONE, STEELTEX, P225/75R16. RIGHT INSIDE REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE. VEHICLE IS A AMBULANCE AND MOVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. DOT # BEGINS WITH VD. TIRES WERE THE PRODUCTION TIRES OF THE VEHICLE WITH 27000 MILEAGE. VEHICLE IS A FORD, E450, CHASSIS.*AK THE AMBULANCE CORP. REQUESTS REIMBURSMENT FOR 12 TIRES THAT WERE REPLACED FOR TREAD SEPARATION. *YH
1997 Ford E-450 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Ford E-450.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
- Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Ford E-450 problems:
Common Problems with 2003 E450 Ford Vans: Spark Plug Blowout ...
Mar 6, 2009 ... Is there a known problem with 2003 E450 Ford vans with blowing spark plugs out of cylinder head. We've had this happen - Answered by a ...
Starter problem with my Ford E450 V10 - School Bus Conversion ...
Sep 3, 2014 ... So I've been starting my E450 every 3-4 days just to keep the battery charged (let it idle for 15 - 20 min), and it hasn't had any problems, ...
Q&A: 2005 Ford E-450 - Common Issues & Solutions
Jan 8, 2018 ... I have a 2005 Ford E-450 6.8l v10 Motorhome that is giving a P0741 code. The issue shows up once speed up over 50MPH, - Answered by a ...
2007 E450 Cruise Control D.O.A. - Good Sam Community - 2833533
... of the steering column. They replaced it and I have had no more problems. They did remark that this is a common problem. Good Luck, Earl. 0 Likes. Reply ...
Q&A: 2007 Ford E-450 V10 Engine - Common Problems & Head ...
Aug 13, 2020 ... On a 2007 Ford E-450 with a V-10 engine with a 140000 miles, we are losing coolant and it's not leaking on the ground.
Other years of Ford E-450
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