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: engine
102 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 6, 2007
ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2007
ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON, INTAKE MNANIFOLD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ON A 2003 V6 4.2L ENGINE IN A FORD F150. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2007
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 F-150 WITH 38,000 MILES ON IT APROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO. I STARTED NOTICING AN OIL LEAK IN DECEMBER BUT COULD NOT LOCATE WHERE IT CAME FROM. AFTER TRYING TO ADD STOP LEAK TO SEAL IT, I FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER. WITH 49,000 MILES ON IT, THE FRONT GASKET AND LEFT HEAD GASKET WERE BAD. THIS SEEMS A LITTLE PREMATURE FOR A FAILURE OF THIS TYPE.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2006
THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURANCE THAT I HAVE HAD A OIL SEAL OR GASKET ON THE ENGINE AFTER DRIVING 80 +MILE PER HOUR. I HAD MY TRUCK LESS THAN THREE YEARS. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED IT VIBRATE WHEN REACHING THE SPEED MENTIONED. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 23, 2006
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, MY F-150, 5.4 LITER ENGINE BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG. THE REPAIR COST IS IN EXCESS OF $4000. THE AFFECTED ALUMINUM CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURE DOES NOT COVER THE ROUTINE TIGHTENING / INSPECTION OF SPARK PLUGS DURING THE PERIODIC 30K, 60K SERVICES EVEN THOUGH THEY (THE DEALER) KNOWS THAT THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. THE DESIGN PROBLEM STEMS FROM A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF THREADS TO HOLD THE SPARK PLUG IN PLACE. THE 5.4 LITER ENGINE IS A POWERFUL ENGINE THAT NECESSITATES A THICKER AND LONGER WELL TO TORQUE AND HOLD THE SPARK PLUGS IN PLACE. THE INTERNET IS FILLED COMPLAINTS MADE BY FORD CONSUMERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS ON FORD ENGINES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2006
DROVE MY TRUCK HOME FROM WORK YESTERDAY AND AT 30 MPH MY ENGINE BLEW A SPARK PLUG. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR IS $3000+. I RESEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD AT THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN DEARBORN, MI AND THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE COSTS OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 24, 2006
JUST HAD MY 2003 F150 5.4L FIXED AFTER THE #3 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT. NEW PLUGS AND HEADS COST ME $4000.00. THE HEADS ARE THE UPDATED VERSION FORD NOW HAS. THE ORIGINAL WERE 3 THREADS, ALLOWING FOR THE PLUGS TO BLOW OUT BEFORE THE 100,000 PLUG REPLACEMENT. THEY NOW HAVE 7 THREADS. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL AND REPAY US. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2006
MY SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF MY 2003 FORD F150 5.4 L THIS WEEK. FORD WANTS 3800.00 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE HEAD AND PLUGS. I HEAR ALOT OF THIS HAPPENING. WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED. I CANT AFFORD TO HAVE MY TRUCK FIXED. NOW WHAT? WHO LOOKS OUT FOR THE LITTLE GUY NOW? *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 11, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERHEATED AND LOST COOLANT. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. FIRST 2 TRIPS, PROBLEM NOT FOUND. AFTER 3RD INCIDENT, A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION TO ENGINE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP, THIS OCCURS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY. UPON TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP (PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPLICATED); THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH, DAMAGE TO A PEDESTRIAN........GEE, HATE TO THINK OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 18, 2006
I AM ONE OF THE THOUSANDS OF FORD OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SPARK PLUGS BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEADS WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A MAJOR DISGRACE THAT YOU ALL WILL CONTINUE TO LET FMC LIE AND STEEL FROM ITS CUSTOMERS AND DENY THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THERE ENGINES. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING AND MAKE FORD STAND UP FOR THEIR MISTAKES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2005
TRUCK WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT (NO PROBLEMS). NEXT MORNING, I STARTED THE TRUCK. IT SOUNDED LIKE A LAWNMOWER TRYING TO START WITH A LOUD "POPPING" NOISE. SMELT RAW GAS VAPORS COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. TOOK TO FORD TO FIX. THEY QUOTED ME $3200 REPAIR JOB BY REPLACING A CYLINDER HEAD. I REFUSED AND TOOK TO A (FARTHER AWAY) TRUSTWORTHY MECHANIC TO PUT A THREAD INSERT INTO SPARK PLUG HOLE AND USE A HELICOI FOR APPROX $400. FORD REFUSED TO DO THREAD INSERT REPAIR, AND WANTED TO SELL ME SAME PART THAT BROKE IN THE FIRST PLACE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2005
2003 F-150 WITH 5.4L TRITON ENGINE. 54K MILES, EXPERIENCING RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEAK. FORD HAS TSB 02227 CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. TRUCK HAD 36K WARRANTY. THE COSTLY REPAIRS ARE NOT COVERED BY FORD. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS DEFECT IN WHICH THE PARTS AND LABOR IS COVERED. I HAVE RESEARCHED WITH OTHER OWNERS ON THE INTERNET WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I ALSO BELIEVE THERE MAYBE A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE LEAKING OIL DRIPS ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. THANKS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 9, 2005
DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 91 IN MASS. MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG. THIS WAS A FACTORY INSTALLED ORIGINAL PLUG . THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.4 TRITON ENGINE WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. RE-THREADING THE ENGINE HEAD, REPLACE THE DAMAGED COIL PACK AND A NEW SPARK PLUG. WITH LABOR MY BILL WAS OVER $700. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TOW FEE AND A NIGHT AT A LOCAL HOTEL (WE WERE TRAVELING FROM OUT OF STATE ON VACATION). UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE READ DOZENS AND DOZENS OF STORIES LIKE MINE INVOLVING THIS TRITON CLASS ENGINE BUILT BY FORD. A SPARK PLUG SHOULD NOT BE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK PERIOD. WHEN DOZENS AND DOZENS OF PEOPLE WRITE IN TO SAY THEIR FORD MUSTANG, F150, EXPEDITION, F250, OR EXCURSION HAS BLOWN OUT A PLUG THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 13, 2005
I PURCHASED AN 2003 F-150 STX 4X4 IN JULY OF 2003. LESS THAN 1 YEAR LATER THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD TO BE REPLACED. STOPPED WORKING WITH NO NOTICABLE PROBLEMS. IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS THE GEAR BOX HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, I CALLED OUR LOCAL DEALER AND TOLD THEM THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING HARDER THAN USUAL. TOOK IT IN AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT CONTINUED, AND LESS THAN 6 MONTHS GOES BY AND I AM SITTING AT A RED LIGHT DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE KY AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE TRUCK GOES BACKWARDS! THANK GOD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME! AFTER 15 MINUTES I FINALLY GET THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET AND CALL FORD ROADSIDE ASSTISTANCE. THAT WAS A JOKE IN ITSELF. FINALLY 4 HOURS LATER THE TRUCK IS TOWED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER AND THEY CALL THE NEXT DAY AND SAY IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. DUH! I TOLD THEM THAT MONTHS AGO. THEY "FIX" IT AND IT STILL IS NOT RIGHT. I HAVE EVEN TAKEN IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND I HAVE CONTACTED FORD. THE SECOND DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, SO FAR ALL I GET IS, YES, IT DOES SHIFT REALLY HARD BUT WE CAN'T GET A CODE TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT! I AM STILL PAYING FOR THE TRUCK AND IT IS NOW UNDER THE "EXTENDED WARRANTY" THIS IS COMPLETELY WRONG! NO ONE SHOULD PAY $36000 FOR A TRUCK AND HAVE THIS MUCH GO WRONG WITH IT! ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2005
DT: OWN A 2003 FORD F150 WITH 11,000 MILES. THERE IS A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE MUFFLER THAT WAS FALLING DOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND AS INSTRUCTED BY FORD, WAS TO REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ENTIRELY. FEELS THIS IS DANGEROUS WITHOUT THE HEAT SHIELD WHICH IS NOT ON THE VEHICLE RIGHT NOW. DEALER ORDERED A NEW HEAT SHIELD BECAUSE THE OLD ONE WAS DETERIORATING. FORD ORDERED NOT TO REPLACE THE HEAT SHIELD AS PER ENGINEERING SINCE IT WAS NO LONGER NEEDED. *AK LEAKING REAR SEAL, PAN AND GASKET WERE ALSO REPLACED. *TT *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING,THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2004
PINGING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE, HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE IN TWICE WITH NO RESOLVE. BOUGHT TRUCK NEW IN JAN 03, HAVE 29,000MI ON IT. FIRST THEY REPLACED THE MAF STILL HEARD NOISE, THEN SECOND TRY THEY REPROGRAMED THE COMPUTER. SERVICE MANAGER STATED IT MIGHT BE COMING FROM FUEL INJECTORS. SOUND HEARD ON ACCELERATION AT ALL SPEEDS GREATER UNDER LOAD.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2004
I PURCHASED MY FORD F150 ON DECEMBER 29, 2002 FROM SUNRISE FORD IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. I RETURNED IT IN MARCH 2003 BECAUSE THERE WAS AN ODD CLUNKING, GRINDING AND WHINING SOUND WHEN IT WAS DRIVEN. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEN I TOOK IT BACK ONE MORE TIME IN APRIL OF 2003 AND THEY STILL COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IN MAY 2003, I MOVED TO ARIZONA AND ON MAY 9, 2003 I TOOK IT TO BERGE FORD LOCATED MESA, ARIZONA. THEY TESTED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. EVEN THOUGH THEY PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED THAT IT COULD BE THE REAR END THAT HAS THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003 TO BERGE FORD AND THEY FOUND SEVERAL ITEMS WRONG WITH THE TRUCK. ALTHOUGH THEY FIXED THE ITEMS LISTED ON THE SERVICE TICKET, THE TRUCK IS NOT FIXED. THIS VEHICLE OBVIOUSLY HAS A PROBLEM. I WOULD NOT WASTE MY TIME LEAVING WORK TO DEAL WITH SUCH ISSUES IF THE ISSUES DID NOT EXIST. IT TOOK FOUR TIMES TO LOCATE A PROBLEM AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. I TOOK THE CAR TO BERGE FORD ON MAY 26, 2004 AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE AIR FLOW VALVE. I AGAIN TOOK THE VEHICLE IN ON JUNE 1, 2004 AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AGAIN. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE IS TRULY A LEMON AND I AM HOPING THAT FORD CAN WORK WITH ME ON THESE ISSUES. I WAS TOLD I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE LEMON LAW BECAUSE OF MY MILEAGE, BUT THE PROBLEMS STARTED BEFORE I WAS OVER THE MILEAGE LIMIT. IT IS FRUSTRATING TO DEAL WITH THESE ISSUES FOR OVER A YEAR. IF THERE WERE NOT ANY PROBLEMS THEN WHY WOULD I HAVE RETURNED THE TRUCK 3 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT? I WOULD LOVE TO TRADE IT IN, BUT I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE AGAIN BY BEING UPSIDE DOWN. I SPOKE WITH A GENTLEMAN AT BERGE FORD AND HE SAID THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT FORD MIGHT BE ABLE TO BUY THE TRUCK BACK AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEED THEM TO DO AT THIS POINT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2004
EXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE WHEN WARMING UP AND COOLING DOWN SUCH AS LOUD POPPING NOISE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
ON A COLD START UP VEHICLE KNOCKS EVERY MORNING. HAS BEEN TO FORD DEALER 5 TIMES. THEY HAVE TOLD ME NUMEROUS THINGS, LIKE USE HEAVIER WEIGHT OIL, NO PROBLEM, WE HEAR IT BUT NOT SURE WHAT IT IS, WE HEAR IT COMMON ENGINE NOISE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN WAS 4/2003, AND VEHICLE IS AT DEALER NOW AGAIN. *CB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2003
HOLLOW KNOCKING NOISE IN THE 5.4 ENGINE MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN COLD. FORD AND THE DEALER TELL ME TO PUT UP WITH IT BECAUSE IT IS NORMAL. SOMETHING ABOUT PISTON CLEARANCES OR SLAP. I DID NOT PAY $30,000.00 + FOR A NEW VEHICLE TO LISTEN TO IT KNOCK IN THE MORNINGS WHEN I START IT UP. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS NOISE IN THE 5.4 AND I WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 F-150 SUPERCREW 5.4L 2X4, FROM DAY ONE, A HOLLOW KNOCKING NOISE IS HEARD AT IDLE MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN IN GEAR AT IDLE, OR LOW RPM. I HAVE HAD IT INTO FORD SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. WE EVEN STARTED ANOTHER TRUCK ON THE LOT (SAME YEAR, ENGINE ECT.) AND THE NOISE WAS NOT FOUND ON THE OTHER TRUCK. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATES HE DOES HEAR THE NOISE BUT FORD DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS THEREFORE THEY CANNOT FIX IT SO NO ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO FIND OR REPAIR IT (MY TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN ON THE RACK EVEN ONCE). PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT I CAN DO TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 3, 2003
I HAVE MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD F150 FROM ENGINE NOISES TO TRANSMISSION LEAKING AND SLIPPING. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TWICE NOW AND NOBODY AT FORDS OR THEIR ENGINEERS SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. FORDS DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IF SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO THIS MATTER BECAUSE NO ONE SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH A BRAND NEW $30,000 VEHICLE.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2003
FOIA REQUEST CYS OF ALL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN NHTSA & INTERNATIONAL ENGINE GROUP RE THE 6.0 POWERSTROKE ENGINE USED IN THE 2003 FORD F250-F550 SUPER DUTY TRUCKS & THE 2003 FORD EXCURSION. *MR *NLM *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 4, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 SUPERCHARGED HARLEY TRUCK,THE CONCERN IS THAT ALL EIGHT SPARK PLUGS WERE DARK RED IN COLOR AND VEHICLE WAS MISSING HORRIBLY UNDER A LOAD WITH THE A/C ON OR OFF.THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT,AND VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY DIPPED TO 11MPG ON HIGHWAY.IT ALMOST FELT LIKE A TORQUE CONVERTER GOING SOUTH.THE VEHICLE GETS SUNOCO ULTRA 94 ONLY AND IS BABIED.THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 7K ON IT.P.S IAM ALSO THE FOREMAN AT A LARGE FORD DEALER.I HAE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE,UNLESS HIGH OCTANE ADDITIVES WERE USED.WHAT CAUSED THIS.NO ONE AT FORD KNOWS. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH MY 44K TRUCK*AK