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: service brakes
30 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Nov 26, 2019
NOTHING HAS REALLY HAPPENED BUT BOTH ANTI LOCK BRAKE WIRES KEEP RUBBING ON THE RIMS AND WHERING THROUGH I HAVE REPLACED BOTH SIDES TWICE
Service brakes, Oct 24, 2019
BRAKE PEDAL BECAME SPONGY AT FIRST BUT THEN WENT CLEAR TO THE FLOOR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE VEHICLE STOPS BUT WITH VERY LONG REACTION TIME. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT...BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. ABS UNIT WAS THEN REPLACED WITH SALVAGE UNIT...PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.
Service brakes, May 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY DAY FOR APPROXIMATELY A WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,157.
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".
Service brakes, Jan 26, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE END OF A FLEXIBLE HOSE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND WAS FRACTURED WHERE IT WAS CONNECTED TO THE BRAKE CALIPER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 3, 2015
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AND EXITING ONTO MY EXIT, THE TRUCK STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. I HAD TO WAIT ABOUT 1HOUR FOR THE TRUCK TO COOL OFF BEFORE IT WOULD START AGAIN. WHILE WAITING FOR THE TRUCK TO COOL OFF, I CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER. TODAY, 6/3/15, I CAN START THE TRUCK UP AND LET IT RUN FOR ABOUT A HALF AN HOUR AND SHUT IT OFF AND IT WILL NOT START BACK. I WAIT ANOTHER HALF AN HOUR AND IT WILL START RIGHT UP. I CAN'T EFFORT TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP AND PAY $50 TO $100 FOR THEM NOT TO BE ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG OR HOW TO FIX IT.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 30, 2013
2003 FORD F150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE CAME TO A STOP, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. ALSO, THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED.
Service brakes, Jul 16, 2013
WITHOUT WARNING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE TOWING A 6000LB TRAILER. STOPPED FOR DINNER - ALL FELT NORMAL. UPON FINISHING DINNER AND RETURNING TO MY TRUCK, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WHEN SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED THAT THE BRAKE LINE LEADING TO THE REAR BRAKES HAD ROTTED THROUGH FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS VEHICLE IS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN USED NEAR SALT WATER, OR TO LAUNCH BOATS. MY MECHANIC HAS ADVISED ME THAT ROTTING BRAKE LINES IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WITH THAT KNOWLEDGE, I AM DISMAYED AND DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT FORD DOES NOT OFFER ANY TYPE OF REPLACEMENT LINES. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIGHTLY MOVED TOWARDS THE FLOOR UPON ENGAGING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Jun 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN THE INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER THEN WENT TO GET A SECOND OPINION, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM, HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 25, 2011
REAR BRAKE LINE CORRODED THROUGH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE RENDERING THE BRAKES INOP. FORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T OCCUR WHILE DRIVING. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 90,000 MILES, TO ME THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 11, 2011
ON MY 2003 FORD F-150 XLT REGULAR CAB, SHORT WIDE BED PICK-UP I NOTICED A FEW MONTHS AGO THAT THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED FOR A SHORT PERIOD THEN WENT OFF AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. SOMETIMES WHEN I WOULD SHUT OFF THE ENGINE THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND NOT REAPPEAR AGAIN FOR A FEW DAYS TO WEEKS. APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AGO THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT STAYED ON. THIS TIME I ALSO NOTED THAT AFTER I TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF I COULD STILL HEAR WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE SOUND OF SMALL ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND DETERMINED THE NOISE WAS ORIGINATING FROM THE ABS BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. I FELT THE MODULE AND IT WAS WARM. I PHONED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SOMETIMES IF THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED THE MODULE WILL RESET ITSELF. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY FOR A MOMENT THEN RECONNECTED IT AND THE ABS BRAKE MODULE LIGHT ON THE DASH WENT OFF SO I ASSUMED IT HAD RESET ITSELF AND WAS NOW OK. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE TRUCK FOR APPROX 1 1/2 WEEKS WITH NO TROUBLE THEN SUDDENLY THE ABS LIGHT ON THE DASH AGAIN CAME ON. AS BEFORE WHEN I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE THE NOISE UNDER THE HOOD OF A SMALL ELECTRIC MOTOR RUNNING WAS AGAIN HEARD. THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH AND A HOT SMELL WAS NOTED ALSO. I VISITED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED REPLACED AT A PRICE OF SOMEWHERE AROUND $700.00 UP TO POSSIBLY $1200.00 SINCE WHEN THE ABS CONTROL MODULE GOES BAD THEN THE HYDRAULIC PORTION OF THIS SYSTEM IS LIKELY ALSO BAD. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 68500 MILES, LOOKS LIKE NEW, AND HAS BEEN TREATED EXTREMELY GENTLY SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2003. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 1, 2010
THE BRAKE LINE FROM CAB AREA TO REAR WHEEL ON MY 2003 FORD F150 CORRODED AND EMPTIED THE MASTER CYCLINDER OF BRAKE FLUID. IT IS SIGNIFICANT TO NOTE THAT NO OTHER BRAKELINES OR CONNECTIONS SHOWED SIMIILAR CORROSION- MORE LIKE YOU WOULD EXPECT ON A 7 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THE CORROSION IS A MATERIALS PROBLEM AND MAY BE A REOCCURRING PROBLEM IN OTHER VEHICLE OF THIS TYPE. I ALSO NOTED EXCESSIVE SCALING OF THE FRONT WHEEL HUBS AND STEARING ARMS OF THE SAME VEHICLE. THIS I BELIEVE IS THE RESULT OF INFERIOR PARTS- I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS LEVEL OF DETERIOATION OF VEHICLE COMPONENTS LIKE THIS. WHETHER THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM OR NOT I DON'T KNOW. PLEASE ACCEPT THIS INFORMATION AS A COUPLE OF DATA POINTS ON THIS VEHICLE. I JUST FELT IT WAS NECESSARY TO ADVISE NHTSA OF THE SITUATION.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 31, 2008
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAILURE - FAILURE OF ELECTRONIC HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WHILE BRAKING A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65-70 MPH WHEN A CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD STARTED TO PULL ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ONLY ABOUT 200 FEET AWAY FROM THE CAR SO I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES - IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO STOP PULLING OUT SO I LET GO OF THE BRAKES FOR A SECOND BUT THEN THE OTHER DRIVE DID PULL RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME AND I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE CAR BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. ONLY BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS A COLLISION AVOIDED. THE LIGHT NEVER TURNED OFF, AND THE BRAKES BEHAVE ERRATICALLY. A FRIEND IS A MECHANIC WHO USED A SNAP-ON SOLUS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WHICH SHOWS THE ABS DHCU SEES THE CAR MOVING AT 3-4 MPH WHILE PARKED, THE SYSTEM OFF, BUT WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR IT APPLIES THE ABS SYSTEM WHILE SLOWING BELOW ABOUT 5MPH UNDER NORMAL DRIVING (LIKE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT) INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCE CONSIDERABLY. THE MODULE DOES NOT RESPOND TO RESET ATTEMPTS, AND REPAIR IS BY REPLACEMENT ONLY. THE CAR IS A SPECIAL PRODUCTION FORD F150 LIGHTNING, WITH A DHCU SPECIFIC TO THE LIGHTNING EDITION. REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE IS ABOUT $700 PLUS LABOR. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 16,000 MILES ON IT, ABOUT 15,500 WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 4, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE FIRST TIME HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT ROTORS CHANGED DUE TO AN ACCUMULATION OF RUST. THE SECOND TIME HAD TO THE ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED ON THE REAR BECAUSE OF RUST. THIS LAST TIME THE DEALERSHIP URGED THE CONTACT HE HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS CHANGED DUE TO RUST ON THE ROTORS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 14, 2005
WHEN MOVING A SLOW SPEED (10MPH TO 15MPH) A SMALL SUDDEN TAP OF THE BREAKS AND THE BRAKE SOMETIMES WILL GO DOWN FARTHER THAN MY FOOT. ALMOST AS IF WHEN TAPPED THE BREAK KEEPS GOING DOWN WHEN MY FOOT IS GOING UP. THIS HAS HAPPEN 2 TIMES TO DATE. WHEN IT HAPPENS THE TRUCK ALMOST FEELS AS THOUGH I AM SLAMMING THE BREAKS TO THE FLOOR AND ALL PEOPLE INSIDE ARE SLUNG FOWARD. WHEN I AM JUST TRYING TO SLOW CAUSE OF A CAR IN FRONT HAS SLOWED. BUT I HAVE TO TAP THEM JUST RIGHT TO DO IT AND I CANT ALWAYS MAKE IT HAPPEN AT WILL, IT JUST DOES IT EVERY NOW AND THEN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECTED IT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 11, 2005
DT: THE OWNER TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECUASE OF THE BRAKES. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES WHEN GOING ABOUT 50 MPH. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. LAST WEEK WHEN THE CONSUMER DROVE A RENTAL CAR HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING WELL. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 17, 2005
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WAS TAKEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS 20,000 MILE SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND SINCE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, HAD THE WORK DONE AND THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER CARE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY BRAKE ROTORS AND FORD DOES NOT CARE HOW OR IF ITS DEALERS HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. AS A SIDE NOTE, THERE WERE TWO MINOR BODYWORK ISSUES THAT THE SAME DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH WE TAKEN CARE OF BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 7, 2005
2003, FORD F150 WITH LESS 20,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN THE TRAILER IS HOOKED TO THE TRUCK IT WILL NOT STOP. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES MADE A NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE TO PURCHASE DEALER TWICE, AND DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. *AK *NM
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, May 18, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LEASING A 2003 FORD EXPIDITION OF WHICH WE RECEIVED ON 5/5/03. AS OF 10/04 THIS SUV HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, (SENSORS BURN OUT). ALSO IN 10/04 THE FRONT END BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE AGAIN ON 2/05, THE FRONT END BRAKES BACK BRAKES AND ALSO FRONT END ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS SUV SHOULD IN NO WAY NEED NEW BRAKES THIS SOON AND DEFINITLEY NOT ROTORS. THIS SUV ONLY HAVE 35,000 MILES AS OF 5/19/05. BUT WHEN THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED IT ONLY HAD 31,000 MILES. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS OF EXPIDITION OWNERS AND THEY ALL ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-INBURSED FOR THEY MONEY WE HAVE SPENT THUS FAR FOR AN ON GOING DEFECT. ALSO WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE LOWER GRILL OF THE TRUCK ARRIVED, BECAUSE OURS DID NOT HAVE ONE WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER, WELL WE ARE STILL WAITING AS OF 5/05.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH AND TRYING TO AVOID A MERGING VEHICLE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE BUT BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING PROPERLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WERE EMPLOYED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AWAITING AN EXAMINATION. *AK THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND CAUSED THE COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. *SC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 4, 2004
ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN THE CONSUMER PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL 3 MORE TIMES TO STOP VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS ALWAYS HAPPENED WHEN THE BRAKE PARTS GET WET. *AK *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, May 27, 2004
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGAN TO TURNED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN A DRIVEWAY. DURING THIS INCIDENT A BABY WAS INJURED. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE BRAKES SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND OFF ON IT'S OWN.. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM THE DEALER REPLACED THE VSS AND FOUND OPEN CIRCUIT IN WIRING CONNECTOR. THE DEALER ALSO ADDED BRAKE FLUID BECAUSE IT WAS LOW. *NM