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: power train
71 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, May 2, 2007
MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR'S TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. IT ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS GOING DOWN A VERY BUSY ROAD AND WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE REVVED UP. THANK GOD I WAS SOMEWHERE I COULD LET THE VAN COAST OFF THE ROAD BEING I HAD 4 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE VAN WITH ME. I HAVE HEARD THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD'S TRANSMISSIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE FORD OUGHT TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE PER THEIR OWN EXPENSE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE THEIR VEHICLE JUST STOPS PULLING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
Power train, May 2, 2007
NO ACCIDENT, EXPENSE REPAIR $1000.00 TO REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER. 22,145 MILES. THIS HAS TO BE THE RESULTS OF FAULTY PARTS. *TR
Power train, Mar 17, 2007
2003 FORD F150 4X4. A HEAVY SNOW STORM HIT NORTHEAST ON 3/16/07. I HAD MY PREGNANT WIFE AND THREE YEAR OLD SON IN TRUCK COMING BACK FROM A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DID NOT ENGAGE. WE WERE STUCK FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON EVENT WITH THE FORDS AND THERE SHIFT ON THE FLY 4X4 SYSTEM. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ON GOING PROBLEM BUT TOLD ME IT WAS MY PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE SYSTEM AND AGAIN STATED "IT WAS MY PROBLEM!" THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED OCCURENCES YET NOTHING HAS BEEN CORRECTED. TRUCK IS GOING IN FOR REPAIR ON FRIDAY AND MECHANIC STATED IT IS APPROX $500 TO REPAIR. THE VACUUM SOLENIOD AND VACUUM LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED. FORD WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE VACUUM PROBLEM WHEN I SPOKE WITH THEM. VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS WITH A FAMILY RELYING ON A 4X4 WHEN NEEDED.
Power train, Dec 7, 2006
WHILE DRIVING I BEGAN TO DOWNSHIFT BUT WAS UNABLE. THE STICK WAS REAL LOOSE AND I COULD NOT FIND THE GEARS. THE ANALOGY (IT WAS LIKE A BROKEN ARM IT JUST WOBBLED) THIS WAS SCARY NOT KNOWING HOW TO GET MY TRUCK (FORD EXPLORER,SPORT TRAC) IN GEAR. I MANIPULATED THE SHIFT AND FINALLY GOT IT TO FIRST AND PARKED IT. THE SHIFT HAD TO BE MOVED WAY RIGHT OR WAY LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH THIS PROCESS OF GEAR CHANGING. GUESSING WHAT GEAR YOUR IN IS NOT WHAT I WANT WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO THE PATTCHETTS FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE SHIFT IN PLACE HAD WORKED THERE WAY LOOSE AND THAT ."IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE"RONNIE, SERVICE MANAGER STATED. RONNIE STATED THAT WAS ALSO COMMON FOR THE SHORT STICK MUSTANGS. THIS IS REAL UNSAFE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS THIS OCCURRENCE HAPPEN TO THEM. *NM
Power train, Mar 3, 2006, crash
DRIVING IN MY BACK YARD, TESTING NEW SNOW TIRES, SPEED APROX. 25 MPH, HIT 10" DEEP HOLE, BROKE AXLE, DIRECTLY BEHIND BRAKE DISC, REAR WHEEL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, PICTURES AVAILABLE. HAD TO REPLACE AXLE. *NM
Power train, Sep 15, 2005
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 50-55 MPH AND MY 4X WHEEL DRIVE KICKED ON WITHOUT ME ENGAGING IT, THEN BY ITSELF AGAIN IT TURNED OFF. THE NEXT NIGHT I WAS TURNING A CORNER AND IT DID IT AGAIN, IT WENT ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. MY BOYFRIEND DID NOT BELIEVE IT AND THEN AN HOUR LATER HE WAS DRIVING AND I DID IT AGAIN. I TOOK IT THE DEALER DAYS LATER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS . THEY SAID THEY TRIED TO PROVOKE IT BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHY AND HOW IT WAS HAPPENING. *JB
Power train, Sep 1, 2005
WITH ONLY 23000 MILES ON MY 2003 F150 SUPERCREW 4X4, MY TRANSMISSION HAD WHAT THEY CALLED AN "INTERNAL FAILURE"... TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT. *NM
Power train, Aug 10, 2005
MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION IS NOW ON ITS 4TH REAR DIFFERENTIAL IN 8 MONTHS. WE STARTED COMPLAINING ABOUT IT IN DEC. OF LAST YEAR AND NOW HAVE RECEIVED OUR FOURTH REPAIR, NOT COUNTING THE 3 TIMES THAT THEY DIDN'T FIX IT FOR SOME REASON OR OTHER. THE FIRST FIX LASTED TWO WEEKS AND LAST AND MOST RELIABLE LASTED 3 MONTHS. I ALSO HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING A POPPING NOISE AFTER THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER IS RUN FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, HOWEVER THAT CAN'T BE REPAIRED, NO FIX AVAILABLE. I AM FEED UP, I CONTACTED FORD CORP DIRECTLY, BUT THEY WON'T HELP ME. *JB
Power train, Jul 28, 2005
ON AN AVERAGE OF ONCE A MONTH, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK AND THE TRUCK HAS TO BE PUSHED FROM THE FRONT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO RELEASE. *NM
Power train, Visibility, Seats, Jul 14, 2005
I HAVE AN EDDIE BAUER EDITION EXPEDITION (2003) . THIS UNIT CAME WITH OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS THAT TILT DOWN AND INWARD WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO ASSIST YOU IN BACKING UP. THE ISSUE I HAVE HAD SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IS THAT THE MIRRORS DO NOT RETURN TO THIER ORIGINAL POSITION CONSISTENTLY ONCE YOU PUT THE VENICLE BACK INTO A FORWARD GEAR. THIS ISSUE BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE ONCE OUT ON THE ROADWAYS AS WHEN I GO TO PASS I CAN'T SEE IF THERE ARE ANY VECHICLES IN THE LANE I NEED TO GET INTO. HAROLD ZEIGLER AUTO GROUP SOLD ME THE CAR IN KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE MIRRORS AND HAVE DONE SO MORE THAN ONCE. CAN YOU HELP GET THIS RESOLVED. THE DRIVERS SEAT ALSO DOESN'T RETURN TO ITS PROGRAMED POSITION AND THIS IS AN IMTERMITTEN PROBLEM WHICH ZEIGLER HAD FIXED ONCE AND ITS STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN! ALSO I'VE HAD REAR END WORK DONE MORE THAN TWICE AND ITS STARTING TO HOWL ONCE AGAIN. THEY ACTUALLY REPLACED IT ONCE COMPLETELY AND REPAIRED IT TWICE, IS THIER AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR ENDS ON THIS MODEL YEAR? THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION ON THESE MATTERS. RESPECTFULLY GARY A. ANSPAUGH
Fuel system, Other, Power train, Jul 13, 2005
I PURCHASED THE 2003 EXPLORER IN NOV 2003. ON 6/16/04, 8/17/04,AND FINALLY ON 8/20/04, I COMPLAINED REGARDING THE FUEL GUAGE NOT REGISTERING A FULL TANK. FORD FINALLY REPLACED FUEL TANK. ON DEC 10, 2004, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BECAUSE WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, A WHINING AND CLUNKING NOICE COULD BE HEARD. ALSO, BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE CAR DOESN'T START. AT FIRST FORD CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG REGARDING THE CLUNKING. I THEN REMINDED THEM ABOUT THE RECALLS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE NEWS REGARDING THE 2004 MODELS. THEN THEY REPLACED SOMETHING CALLED A SOLEONID. THE START PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND SO DOES THE CLUNKING NOISE. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. YESTERDAY, IT ACCELLERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK, FORM REVERSE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, HAS EXPERIENCED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS HE IS CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE NEWS JUST DESCRIBED ANOTHER FORD PROBLEM REGARDING ACCELLERATION. I THINK THIS IS WHAT IS AFFECTING MY CAR.
Power train, Apr 20, 2005, crash
2003 FORD F150 ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE PARKED RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE COLLIDING INTO A BUILDING.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION WAS OFF. *JB
Power train, Mar 21, 2005
TRANSMISSION LINE CRACKED ON MY 2003 FORD 150 SUPER CREW. TRASMISSSION BEGAN TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY LEADING TO TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT AROUND 36,000 MILES.*AK
Suspension, Power train, Mar 17, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE FRONT HUBS LOCKED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DISENGAGED OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
Power train, Mar 17, 2005
THE WHEEL DRIVE QUITS WORKING WHILE TRAVLING DOWN THE ROAD. IT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK IN WHEN SITTING. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATES THAT THE HUBS ARE LOCKED IN BUT ITS NOT WORKING. I CURRENTLY HAVE IT A THE FORD DEALER GETTING IT FIXED AND IT IS NOT UNDER WARRENTY. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THERE IS A PROBKLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND HAS MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BUT WILL NOT COVER THE COST. THEY TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD LOCK IN THE HUBS OFTEN TO KEEP THE SEALS LUBERCATD AND THAT ITS THE OWNERS PROBLEM FO RNOT DOING THIS. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE OF THEM TO TELL ME WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK THAT THIS WAS REQURIED TO BE DONE ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MY OTHER FORD TRUCKS.*AK
Power train, Mar 2, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150 MY 4WHEELDRIVE STOPPED WORKING , BUT THE DASH INDICATOR SAID IT WAS INGAGED. THIS MAKES FOR A VERY UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. BECAUSE YOU DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE SAME IF THE 4X4 IS WORKING.I BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED IT . THIS APPARENTLY WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE PART# F75Z*3N139*KT WHICH COST$133.98 AND THE LABOR WAS $302.00. THIS PART IS VERY CHEAPLY MADE AND WILL PROBABLY BREAK AGAIN. THE TECH TOLD ME THERE IS NO WAY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS PART IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HOPE THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. I HAVE LOOKED ON FORD LINKS AND WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMMENTS OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP ME, IT WOULD BE APPRICIATED. I KEPT THE OLD PARTS, THE MATERIAL THEY USE ON THE FORK WON`T HOLD UP TO THE CONDITIONS IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. *AK
Power train, Feb 25, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150 PICKUP, V6, 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36,000 MILES AND MY CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER FAILED AT 37,000 MILES. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP AND TELLING THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ASKING THEM IF THEY WOULD COVER THE PART SINCE IT HAD FAILED PREMATURELY, AND THEY ANSWERED "NO". I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE SHOP AND HAD THE SLAVE CYLINDER REPLACED. THE DAY AFTER I GOT IT BACK I PERIODICALLY HEARD STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT BACK INTO THE SHOP THAT REPLACED MY SLAVE CYLINDER. UPON OBSERVATION THEY FOUND NOTHING. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR TWO MORE DAYS THE PROBLEM WAS EXTREMELY EVIDENT BY THE NOISES THAT WERE CONSTANT WHENEVER I SHIFTED AS WELL AS IN NEUTRAL. I TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND TOLD THE SHOP THAT I WANTED TO BE THERE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS OPENED UP. I WAS PRESENT WHEN THEY OPENED UP THE TRANSMISSION. AS THEY PULLED THE TRANSMISSION APART, THEY FOUND MANGLED THIN METAL DEBRIS, SOME PIECES AS LARGE AS MY THUMBNAIL. AFTER TAKING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION APART AND INSPECTING ALL BEARINGS AND ALL OTHER PARTS, THEY FOUND THAT THE PIECES WERE A FOREIGN MATERIAL TO THE TRANSMISSION. THEY DID NOT COME FROM ANY PART OF THE TRANSMISSION. ONE OF THESE PIECES FOUND ITS WAY BETWEEN THE GEARS ON THE COUNTER SHAFT AND BROKE ONE OF THE TEETH, EXPLAINING THE NOISE. SO, IN SHORT, WE ARE CURRENTLY HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT A COST OF $1800.00 ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. *NM
Power train, Feb 22, 2005
2003 FORD F-150 4X4. AFTER ONLY A FEW HOURS IN 4X4 MODE, TRUCK NO LONGER ENGAGES INTO 4X4 MODE, CREATING HAZARDOUS CONDITION AS PEOPLE EXPECT THIS TO WORK AND TRUCK IS VERY PRONE TO GETTING STUCK IN ROAD OR LEAVING THE ROAD WITHOUT THIS FEATURE (AS ALL SUCH TRUCKS ARE RELATIVELY VERY LIGHT IN THE REAR). OWNERS OF 4X4 VEHICLES EXPECT THIS FEATURE TO WORK AS ADVERTISED AND FAILURE CAN CREATE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. FROM SHORT INVESTIGATION - SPEAKING TO FORD MECHANICS AND VISITING FORD-TRUCKS.COM, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR REASONS GIVEN ABOVE - AFTER PERSONALLY GETTING STUCK IN A PUBLIC ROAD, AND VERY NEARLY SEVERAL TIMES, THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER USED WHENEVER THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF SNOWY CONDITIONS (I AM IN THE NORTH-EAST). I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT - THE FORK WHICH ENGAGES THE FRONT AXLES HAS A PLASTIC END WHICH BREAKS OR FALLS OFF AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. I REQUEST THAT THIS BE INVESTIGATED AND IF FOUND TO BE A DESIGN RELATED ISSUE, WHICH I BELIEVE IT CLEARLY IS, THAT FORD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THESE VEHICLES WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER AND PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO NOTE THAT I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO 2 FORD DEALERS WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSIS, BOTH QUOTED 6-7 HOURS OF LABOR WHEN IT CLEARLY TAKES HALF OR LESS OF THIS TIME (AGAIN, PLEASE SEE THE FORD-TRUCKS.COM/FORUM). I BELIEVE FORD IS USING THIS KNOWN ISSUE TO PURPOSELY OVER CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR A KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
Power train, Jan 27, 2005
I HAVE A FORD TAURUS WITH APPROXIMATELY 41,900 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHUDDERING AND SKIPPING BADLY AT TIMES. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THE AUTO NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I ASKED FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH GETTING A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT IS EXTREMELY ODD THAT AT 41,900 MILES ANY VEHICLE WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS SHOULD QUALIFY AS A DEFECT. BUT FORD SAID SINCE THE AUTO WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY WERE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO ASSIST. *AK
Steering, Power train, Dec 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL IN THE RAIN, THE REAR WHEELS SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAILURE WITH THE RACK AND PINION AND THE DRIVE SHAFT. RECENTLY, THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
Power train, Tires, Nov 22, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SUDDENLY THE RIGHT REAR AXLE BROKE AND SNAPPED OFF. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FLYING OFF FOLLOWED BY THE DRIVER LOSING CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND IMPACTING A DITCH . THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES. *JB THE ENGINEER STATED THAT THE AXLE FLEW OFF ON IMPACT EVEN THOUGH THE TIRE FLEW OFF PRIOR TO IMPACT. *SC
Power train, Oct 13, 2004
AS NOTED BY ANOTHER COMPLAINT: HOWLING NOISE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED ONCE. NOISE CONTINUES. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ONLY AFFECTS CERTAIN VEHICLES BUT THEY ARE WORKING ON THE PROBLEM. I ASKED...WHEN COULD I EXPECT IT TO BE SOLVED. THE ANSWER WAS...IT MIGHT NEVER BE SOLVED. THEY REPLACED SOME GEARS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS STARTED AGAIN. THEY REFUSE TO PUT IN A NEW DIFFERENTIAL SAYING THAT IT WOULD BE "COST PROHIBITIVE".*AK
Power train, Aug 22, 2004
COMPLAINED OF DASHBOARD VIBRATION AT TIME VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED. FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE DRIVE SHAFT IS BEING REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 16,500 MILES. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADVISED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED ALIGNMENT. I AM CURIOUS IF THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM AND THE VIBRATION CONTRIBUTED TO THE TIRES BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT. *JB
Power train, Jul 14, 2004
2003 FORD F-150 SUPER CREW, HOWLING/WHINING NOISE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL DURING ACCELLERATION. NOISE ONLY OCCURRES BETWEEN THE SPEED OF 40MPH AND 60MPH, MOST NOTICABLE AT 50 MPH.*AK SO FAR DEFECT HAS NOT CAUSED OPERATIONAL FAILURE. PROBLEM HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHO SOLD ME THE TRUCK. FIRST ATTEMPT TO REPAIR RESULTED IN NO WORK PERFORMED, NOISE CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE BY FORD SPECS. SECOND REPAIR ATTEMPT (AFTER WRITING TO DEALERSHIP) RESLULTED IN SERVICE MANAGER DIAGNOSING A RING AND PINION GEAR PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE RING AND PINION GEAR 3/30/2004. PROBLEM REOCCURED AFTER 4 WEEKS, ADDITIONAL ATTEMPT TO REPAIR RESULTED IN ORIGINIAL CONCLUSION THAT NOISE WAS ACCEPTABLE PER FORD SPECS. INCONSISTENT PATTERN OF REPAIR WITH PROBLEM STILL EXISTING.
Power train, Jul 7, 2004
HOWLING NOISE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED TWICE. NOISE CONTINUES. FORD NOW REFUSES TO REPAIR REAR DIFFERENTIAL BECAUSE OF COMPLETE OVERHAUL TWICE. FORD NOW SAYS NOISE IS "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT TRUE AS I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER IDENTICAL VEHICLES WITHOUT THE NOISE. NOISE GOES AWAY AFTER REPAIRS ARE MADE FOR ABOUT 6000 MILES. *AK