2003 Ford F-150
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 464 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 F-150 model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 45 involved a crash and 39 involved a fire. 39 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingJul 29, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
Campaign 11V385000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electricalAug 28, 2007
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Campaign 07E066000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Campaign 07V336000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlMar 6, 2007
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017, 05V388, AND 06V286)
Campaign 07V078000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 1, 2006
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
Campaign 06E067000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsJun 12, 2006
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
Campaign 06E052000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft pitmanSep 22, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE PITMAN ARM TO STEERING GEAR RETAINING NUT WAS NOT FULLY TIGHTENED TO THE REQUIRED SPECIFICATION.
IF THE PITMAN ARM TO GEARBOX ATTACHMENT NUT LOOSENS, A NOISE AND A LOOSE FEEL IN THE STEERING COULD OCCUR. IF THE CONDITION PROGRESSED AND SERVICE WAS NOT SOUGHT, THE NUT COULD BACK OFF COMPLETELY AND THE PITMAN ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE GEAR CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. IF THE WARNING IS NOT HEEDED AND STEERING IS LOST, A CRASH MAY RESULT.
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PITMAN ARM RETAINING NUT TO SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 03V349000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
60 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 18, 2026, fire
I moved my vehicle from driveway to park on the street so my husband could park in the driveway. I then turned my vehicle off and roughly 2 hours later, a lady came screaming "fire fire fire!" I went to see where she was talking about and my truck was smoking under the hood, I then called the fire department and they came to extinguish the fire. I was unaware of any recalls as I am the 3rd owner of this vehicle.
Electrical system, Aug 6, 2025
The engine continues to shoot out the spark plugs. This is continued to happen with different cylinders. I’ve had it at the mechanic most of the time I’ve owned it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 17, 2023
Our truck has been great but we have a major problem. It is leaking water when it rains. Getting front floor carpet wet and now it is getting the fuse box wet and causing electrical systems to not work. Like today the odometer won't light up. Also dripping from top of windshield. We are having the windshield and seal replaced on Thursday but the glass company says they can't guarantee m of seal will stop the Problem. He said the drain system was factory installed backwards and it's not draining properly.
Electrical system, Sep 14, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off for approximately an hour, they were suddenly informed that their vehicle had caught fire. When the contact arrived at the vehicle the fire department had already arrived and extinguished the fire. There was a police report was filed that stated that the fire was caused by wiring in the engine compartment. There were no injuries or medical assistance. There was damage to a nearby vehicle, fence, tree, and surrounding grounds. The vehicle had been towed and deemed totaled. The contact had later learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however the vehicle had never been repaired for the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT'S SISTER SMELLED SMOKE COMING THEIR BEDROOM WINDOW. THE CONTACT WENT OUTSIDE AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH THEIR WATER HOSE. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOTALED HOWEVER THE FRONT HOOD AND PASSENGER SIDE WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HENSON FORD (581 1-45, MADISONVILLE, TX 77864). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,020.
Electrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Mar 23, 2019
AFTER A RAINSTORM AND WHILE DRIVING, MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, MY RADIO/CD PLAYER STARTED TURNING OFF AND ON, MY PANEL LIGHT DIMMED, AND I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE UNDER MY DRIVER SIDE DASH BOARD. THERE WAS ALSO A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WHILE STATIONARY AND KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, I NOTICED WATER ON THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR, AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER I COULD SEE DROPS OF WATER SLIDING OFF I BELIEVE MY EMERGENCY BAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL, AND AN ONGOING CLICKING SOUND UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. I LEFT MY TRUCK IN DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT, AND THE NEXT MORNING MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD AAA TOW COME AND REPLACE BATTERY THAT AFTERNOON. THE NEXT MORNING THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. AAA CAME AND CHECKED THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR, ALL WERE FINE. AS THEY RECHARGED BATTERY THERE WAS A WEIRD NOISE HEARD IN THE ENGINE AREA. I DROVE IT TO A MECHANIC WITH FORD TRUCK EXPERIENCE. HE STATED THE GEM AND FUSE BOX WERE WET AND ATTRIBUTED IT TO WATER LEAKAGE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD WEATHER STRIPPING TRIM WHICH WAS COMMON IN FORDS VEHICLES. HE RECOMMENDED REPLACING GEM, FUSE BOX, AND WINDSHIELD TRIM. THIS WATER/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM HAPPENS EVERY YEAR AFTER A RAINSTORM. I NEVER THOUGHT A VEHICLE IN GOOD CONDITION COULD HAVE OUTSIDE WATER LEAKS GETTING INSIDE AND ONTO THE FUSE BOX AND GEM MODULE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT CAN BECOME VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE GEM AND FUSE BOX TO FAIL BECAUSE IT CONTROLS EVERYTHING IN THE TRUCK. THE GEM AND FUSE BOX SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM OUTSIDE ELEMENTS. WHEN WATER IS INTRODUCED TO THESE MODULES, IT MAKES THE WHOLE SYSTEM GO WACKY AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. FORD NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND FIX AND/OR REIMBURSE US CONSUMERS ON THE COST OF FIXING IT
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Seat belts, Structure, Wheels, Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiper, Dec 19, 2016
TRANS WENT OUT A MONTH AFTER INTAKE CRACK HAD TO BE REPLACE ALMOST $1,650 TOGETHER ALSO BALL JOINTS AND TIEROD ENDS NO GOOD SHOCK NO GOOD BRAKE ARE FALLING AND REAR END IS GRINDING THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD HELP AND THERE'S "MORE".
Electrical system, Dec 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WIRING HARNESS BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WERE UN-REMEDIED RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE, AND THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Electrical system, Jun 27, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE DISCONNECTED AND THEN RECONNECTED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE BATTERY AND THE KEYS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Oct 8, 2014
MY 2003 F-150 V8, 4.6L 2WD TRUCK RECEIVED WATER DAMAGE TO THE GEM (GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE) CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON A FOGGY/DEW MORNING AFTER A RAINSTORM. THE WATER DAMAGE WAS DUE TO A LEAK ON THE LOOSE WINDSHIELD THAT CAUSED WATER TO RUN DIRECTLY TO THE FUSEBOX & GEM THAT CONTROLS ALL ELECTRONICS IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER LOOKING SEEKING AN ANSWER FOR THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT AT LEASE A HUNDRED OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME WINDSHIELD LEAK IN THE '97-'03 F SERIES VEHICLES. THE GEM COULD AND HAS CAUSED VEHICLES TO SHUT OFF AND ON AND HAVE LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON AT A RANDOM TIME IF IT RECEIVED WATER DAMAGE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. THE WINDSHIELD IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND MANY OTHERS HAVE SUFFERED FROM THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2014
VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER (IN DRY CLIMATE), INCLUDING STEERING, AND BRAKES AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH. CAME TO A STOP USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HAD TWO NEAR MISSES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AS THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) WAS NO GOOD. HAD PRIOR MISFIRES IN ENGINE, WHICH FORD HAD DIAGNOSED AS A BAD HEAD VALVE. AFTER REBUILDING THE HEADS, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED (WHILE UNDER USE IN DRY CLIMATE). INCIDENT OCCURRED, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME DISABLED. 2ND FORD DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS "ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS" WHICH HAD ALLEGEDLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE'S ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) TO SHORT OUT. NO MORE THAN 500 MILES AND/OR 3 DAYS AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM AND FIXING OF UNSPECIFIED "ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS" (AND IN MOIST CLIMATE), VEHICLE WOULD HAVE PERIODIC MISFIRES WHICH WOULD ON OCCASION BE SO SEVERE SO AS TO DROP ALL GAUGES ON DASH TO THEIR "OFF" POSITIONS, BUT WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING (UNDER STRESS FROM SUPPOSED MISFIRE WHICH WOULD SHAKE THE ENTIRE TRUCK). ON TWO LATER OCCASIONS, WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD REPEAT THE SAME CONDITION AS WITH THE INITIAL INCIDENT, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT-OFF, WITH EXCEPTION THAT ON THE REPEAT OCCASIONS, THE ECM WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL AND I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. A 3RD FORD DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE EXACT PROBLEM BUT SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT OF COILS FOLLOWED BY WIRING AS A POSSIBLE FIX TO THE MISFIRE. I REMOVED THE VEHICLE TO A DRY CLIMATE AND REPLACED ALL PLUGS, COILS, AND BOOTS FOR TESTING. VEHICLE SUCCESSFULLY FUNCTIONED UNDER DRY, MOIST, AND SNOWY CLIMATES AFTERWARDS. CONTINUES IN OPERATION AND IS CURRENTLY AT +/- 155,000 MILES. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2013
THE FUSE # 29 IN THE INSIDE CAB FUSE BOX HAS BLOWN TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IS UNKNOWN THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 10 DAYS OF REPLACING THE SECOND FUSE. THIS FUSE CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE, THE AUTO-LAMP AND BELT MINDER FUNCTIONS OF THE TRUCK. I HAVE SEEN ON OTHER WEB PAGES THE SAME PROBLEM WE ARE EXPERIENCING. *TR
Electrical system, May 14, 2012
WAS HEAVY RAIN OUTSIDE THEN MY TRUCK STARTED BLOWING THE HORN, HEATER WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF BY THEM SELVES. FIGURED ITS PART OF THE ISSUE WITH THE WINDSHIELD ISSUE FORD KNOWS ABOUT SINCE 2002. THE NOTICE WAS *FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 WHICH COVERED A FEW VEHICLES BUT HAS EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER VEHICLES. LAST YEAR, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY RAIN AND ALL THE SUDDEN, ALL POWER WENT OFF, WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, RADIO WAS GOING FUNNY, HEAT WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THAT ONLY LASTED FOR A FEW SECONDS BUT MADE IT WHERE I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY, MADE IT BACK TO MY HOUSE THEN BROUGHT IT TO FORD TO FIND OUT THE ISSUE. I OPTED NOT TO HAVE THE WORK DONE AT THAT TIME FOR THE MECHANIC SAID ITS OKAY FOR THE TIME BEING. BUT CORROSION WAS STARTING AND I NEEDED TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD FIXED BEFORE THE ISSUE AT HAND COULD BE FIXED, BECAUSE IF I DIDN'T, IT JUST WOULD CAUSE THE ISSUES A FEW YEARS DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN. LOOKING THROUGH, I SEE YOU HAVE A LOT OF "ELECTRICAL ISSUES" BEING BROUGHT UP, AND ALL OF THEM FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN LOOK TO BE CAUSED BY THE SAME ISSUE, MIND YOU THAT THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN FROM VEHICLES 1998 - 2003, POSSIBLY INTO THE 2004. *JS
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2011
I HAVE A FORD F150 AND WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITION COILS/SPARK PLUGS GO UP IN IT. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND TO HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPTS IN CASE THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE. WHILE I WAS AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GETTING MY TRUCK WORKED ON THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF FL50S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DO YOU KNOW IF THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THE F150 IGNITION COILS/SPARK PLUGS ? *TR
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2011
I HAVE A FORD F150 AND WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITION COILS GO UP IN IT I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND TO HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPTS INCASE THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE WHILE I WAS AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GETTING MY TRUCK WORKED ON THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF FL50S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DO YOU KNOW IF THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THE F150 IGNITION COILS ? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2011, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN BEGAN TO BLOW ON ITS OWN AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN TO ESCAPE FROM THE WINDOWS. THE FIRE ALSO BEGAN NEAR THE FUSE BOX. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD NOT CONCLUDED THERE INVESTIGATION REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 18, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A LEAK WITHIN THE DOOR PANELS AND WINDSHIELD. DUE TO THE LEAK, WATER WAS GETTING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 05/13/11 *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 26, 2011
LEFT DEALERSHIP AFTER LO-JACK INSTALLATION. ENTERED TRAFFIC LANE AND BEGAN LIGHTLY BRAKING FOR APPROACHING SIGNAL. I FELT TWO FORWARD SURGES AND THEN INCREASINGLY RAPID ACCELERATION. I CHECKED REAR VIEW MIRROR AND THEN PRESSED ON BRAKES WITH THE SOUND OF THE RACING TURBO CHARGED ENGINE FILLING THE CAB. I THEN MOVED THE GEAR OUT OF DRIVE AND IN MY HASTE SAW I HAD IT BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO NEUTRAL AND THEN THE SOUND SUBSIDED. THE ENTIRE ACCELERATION INCIDENT LASTED LESS THAN 10 SECONDS. THE TRUCK WAS IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEN REPORTED INCIDENT TO THE MANUFACTURER.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2010
MY FORD F150 SUPER CREW HAS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THAT IT CONTINUOUSLY BLOWS A CERTAIN 5 AMP FUSE. THIS FUSE DISABLES THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND THE OVERDRIVE SYSTEM. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE AND CHARGED ME $52.50. THEY DID NOT FIX ANYTHING. I FOUND AN IDENTICAL COMPLAINT ON YOUR WEBSITE FROM NOV 30, 2008.
Electrical system, Sep 20, 2010, fire
2003 FORD F150 BURNS WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY - TOTAL LOSS - STARTS IN ENGINE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Aug 5, 2010
COMING HOME TO VA FROM OHIO WE WERE GOING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS AND HAD TO KEEP FLOORING THE TRUCK. THE SPARK PLUGS ACTED LIKE THEY WERE FOULING AND THE TRUCK SPUTTERED HOME. WE CAME HOME AND OUR MECHANIC SAID WE BLEW OUT OR EJECTED TWO SPARK PLUGS ON OUR TRITON 4.6L 2003 PICK UP TRUCK. HE SAID IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED BY FORD AND IT WOULD PROBABLY COST ABOUT $900. WE FOUND OUT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM ON THE NEW NON-PLUG WIRES TRUCKS USING A SERIES OF COIL, OVER PLUG COIL CONNECTORS SPECIFICALLY ON THE TRITON FORD TRUCK MOTORS. WHY HASN'T NHTSA CONTACTED FORD. WE SMELLED GAS THE WHOLE WAY HOME; ABOUT 500 MILES AFTER IT HAPPENED. IF THE GAS FUMES IGNITED IT WOULD HAVE BURNED MY TRUCK UP BUT COULD HAVE HURT MY WIFE AND THREE GRANDCHILDREN RIDING WITH US. [XXX] I BOUGHT THE MECHANIC EIGHT SPARKPLUGS *$6.99 EACH, THEN EIGHT COILED/SLEEVES $52 EACH AND A NEW COIL UNIT $163, HE IS HAVING A COMPANY HELIARC-COILS TO REPAIR THE SPARKPLUG SEATS. THIS IS A VERY POOR DESIGN, AND HAD I KNOWN THIS WHEN WE BOUGHT THE TRUCK, WE WOULDN'T HAVE. I SENT FORD MOTOR A CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLAINT AS WELL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Nov 10, 2009
WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND IS FRYING MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2003 F150. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON FORD NEEDING TO FIX THESE ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT HEARD A SIZZLING NOISE EVERY TIME THE INDICATOR WAS USED. SHE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A CUP OF TEA AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
Electrical system, Nov 30, 2008
MY 2003 FORD F150 TRUCK HAS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THAT IT CONTINUOUSLY BLOWS A CERTAIN 5 AMP FUSE. I WAS TOLD BY A TECHNICIAN AT THE FORD AUTHORIZED SERVICE WHERE I HAVE MY SERVICE WORK DONE THAT HE HAS SEEN ABOUT 10 OF THESE CASES. THE PROBLEM IS A COWL LEAK THAT ALLOWS WATER ON AN ELECTRONIC MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE DASH. THE FUSE WILL BLOW PREDICTABLY 2 TO 3 DAYS AFTER A RAIN OR WASH. THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES ARE: 1. THE BLOWN FUSE DISABLES THE FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS & TAILLIGHTS THEREBY BECOMING AN ACCIDENT RISK PARTICULARLY WHEN THE DRIVER HAS BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF THE LIGHTS; 2. THE BLOWN FUSE DISABLES THE FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS ALL OF THE VEHICLES DOORS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE THEREBY EXPOSING THE OCCUPANTS TO CARJACKING AND OTHER PERSONAL DANGERS; 3. THE BLOWN FUSE DISABLES THE PUSHBUTTON CONTROL FOR SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO AND OUT OF OVERDRIVE WHICH COULD POSE A HAZARD IN SNOW AND ICE CONDITIONS OR DRIVING IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. BASED ON THESE INDISPUTABLE SAFETY HAZARDS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CONDITION AND REPAIR/REPLACE AS NECESSARY TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF THESE HAZARDS. *TR