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
464 reports, newest first.
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
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
Air bags, Apr 4, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES.*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.
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.
Suspension, Feb 27, 2007
I WAS TURNING ON TO MY STREET WHEN I HEARD AVERY LOUD BANG AND MY CAR STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. AS I SAT THERE IN SHOCK IT APPEARED THAT MY CAR WAS TILTED DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS LEANING. THE BODY OF MY CAR WAS RESTING ON THE TOP OF THE TIRE. SINCE I COULDN'T DRIVE IT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE TO BE LOOKED AT. AFTER MY CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR THE REASON FOR THE BANG I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. ALSO, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN AND THE FRONT STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING WERE BROKEN. WHAT COULD I DO BUT HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE. I HAD TWO NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS PUT ON (I WASN'T TAKING ANY CHANCES WITH THE OTHER SPRING), A NEW SWAY BAR, A NEW STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING PUT ON AT A COST OF $444.64. I HAD JUST COME OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. IF THE SPRING WOULD HAVE BROKEN THERE, I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN. I STILL HAVE THE BROKEN SPRING. IT STILL HAS THE PROTECTIVE COATING ON IT. SO CORROSION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Feb 26, 2007, crash
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE 2003 FORD F150 WITH 15000 FAILURE MILEAGE WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE HE PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND IT ACCELERATED TO 35 MPH AND STRUCK A TREE. THE DRIVER THEN SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND PUT IT INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WITH EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2007
MY VEHICLE IS A 2003 F150 XL. I AWOKE THIS MORNING TO FIND THE CAB OF MY TRUCK FULL OF SMOKE AND THE SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC. I NOTICED A TRAIL OF SMOKE ORIGINATING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I IMMEDIATELY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND REMOVED THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN. I FOUND EXPOSED WIRING AND MELTED COMPONENTS LEADING INTO THE HIGH-BEAM SELECTOR LEVER. *NM
Parking brake, Dec 28, 2006
WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE JERKS AS IF THE ABS ENGAGES AND RELEASES CONTINUOUSLY THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE BROKE COMPLETE OFF, CABLE AND COVERING. AFTER REPLACING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE I STEPPED ON EMERGENCY BRAKE WHEN I PARKED, HEARD A POP AND LATER WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE REAR LEFT WHEEL WOULD GRAB MAKING A GRINDING SOUND AND SLOWING THE VEHICLE. WAS ABLE TO GET TO A GARAGE WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PADS HAD BROKEN OFF AND WERE BINDING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. *JB
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
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
Vehicle speed control, Nov 22, 2006
ON 11-21-06, ONE OF OUR EMPLOYEES, WAS ACCELERATING ONTO THE FREEWAY AND REALIZED THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE ON HIS 2003 FORD F150 WAS STUCK. HE HAD TO PUT THE F150 IN NEUTRAL AND PULL OVER TO SAFELY STOP (THE ENGINE WAS RACING UNTIL HE TURNED IT OFF). HE FOUND THAT THERE IS A PLASTIC, TWO-PIECE COVER AROUND THE THROTTLE LINKAGE THAT HAD COME UNSNAPPED ON ITS UNDERSIDE AND HAD APPARENTLY CAUSED THE PROBLEM. HE REPLACED THE COVER. THIS PROBLEM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A SEVERE, PERHAPS FATAL, DEFECT. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2006
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY OTHER FIRE VICTIMS: CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, PERSISTENT ABS ALERTS, "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS (SOMETIMES JUST DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE), AND STEERING ISSUES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING SERVICE AT MY EXPENSE BUT PRETENDED THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND READING TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, I AM TERRIFIED. IN MY SUBDIVISION, HOUSES STAND ONLY A FEW FEET APART...THE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROHIBITS ANY PARKING ON THE STREET. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.
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
Vehicle speed control, Oct 11, 2006
10/10/06 7:20 PM I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY DAUGHTER IN MY FORD F150 2003 TRUCK, WHEN IT BEGAN SUDDEN ACCELERATION. I PLACED BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE, AND PUSHED THE BRAKE DOWN AS FAR AS IT WOULD GO TO TRY AND HOLD THE TRUCK IN PLACE. I COULD FEEL THE BRAKE PEDAL JUMPING UNDER MY FEET AS THE TRUCK WAS TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD. I DIDN'T THINK THE BRAKES WERE GOING TO HOLD THE TRUCK IN PLACE. I COULD HEAR THE TRUCKS MOTOR RACING LOUDER AND LOUDER FROM INSIDE THE CAB WITH ALL THE WINDOWS UP. THE TRUCKS RPM REGISTERED A 5. KEEPING BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. I FEEL VERY LUCKY NO ONE WAS INJURED. I CALLED THE FORD HOUSE IN THE NEAREST TOWN AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY ADVISED ME THEY HAVE NEVER HAD A REPORT OF THIS NATURE REGARDING FORD VEHICLES. I HAVE SINCE DONE RESEARCH REGARDING THIS MATTER AND THEIR VEHICLES APPEAR TO BE IN LITIGATION IN WHICH FORD HAS BEEN REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE DOCUMENTS THAT REVEAL THE BREADTH OF THE PROBLEM. (DEFECTS IN THE DESIGN OF THE ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL ("CRUISE CONTROL"). "THE REPORT I READ STATES ALMOST NO FORD VEHICLE IS EXEMPT!" IN ADDITION THERE ARE PRIOR CONSUMER COMPLAINTS WITH THE 2003 FORD F150 IN REGARDS TO THE SAME EXPERIENCE THAT I HAD. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH MY TRUCK, BUT THE EXPERIENCES APPEAR TO BE THE SAME. I PLAN TO FOLLOW UP BY TAKING MY TRUCK TO THE FORD HOUSE I CALLED WITH MY COMPLAINT ALONG WITH COPIES OF THE REPORT I FOUND, "FORD: SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION & STUCK THROTTLES, AND RECENT FILED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. HOPEFUL SOMEONE WILL LISTEN. *JB
Visibility, Oct 1, 2006
ON SEPT 31 ALL WAS WELL. THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED DOWN TO 40+ DEGREE'S THAT NIGHT. WELL MUCH TO MY SURPRISE I WENT TO GET IN MY 03 F150 TO GO TO THE STORE, AND THE REAR GLASS WAS ALL SHATTERED. NOTHING HIT, NOTHING AROUND IT. THE TEMP ONLY GOT UP TO 78 TODAY OCT.1-2006. WE HAVE HAD STRANGER WEATHER THEN THIS WHY WOULD THE GLASS JUST SHATTER LIKE THAT. THERE HAS TO BE SOME DEFECT IN THE GLASS TO DO THAT?I LIVE OFF A BUDGET AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR REPLACING THE GLASS. SO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP ME REPLACE THE REAR GLASS,I SURE CAN'T DRIVE TO WORK WITH NO REAR GLASS. MY 03 F150 IS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. SO PLEASE HELP ME REPLACE THE GLASS. *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
Vehicle speed control, Sep 1, 2006, crash
WHILE DRIVING F-150 4X4, ACCELERATOR/THROTTLE STUCK AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND EVEN AFTER CRASH, WAS STILL STUCK AND KEPT TRYING TO GO WIDE OPEN. *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
Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2006
VEHICLE TYPE - 2003 FORD F-150 (HARLEY-DAVIDSON EDITION) ISSUE ALSO AFFECTS OTHER YEAR MODELS OF THE SAME TRUCK. 1) NO KNOWN EVENTS - PART SEEMS TO HAVE BROKEN EASILY UNDER NORMAL USE AND NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. 2) THE PART THAT HAS FAILED IS A FOG LAMP BRACKET. WHEN THE BRACKET FAILS (IT IS MADE OF BRITTLE PLASTIC), THE FOG LAMP ASSEMBLY WILL FALL TO THE GROUND IN FRONT OF EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT TIRES. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN THE TRUCK TIRE IMPACTS THE FOG LAMP ASSEMBLY. 3) FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART - THEY DISAGREE THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS OF THESE PARTS FAILING ONLINE IN DIFFERENT USER FORUMS. *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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2006, fire
2003 F150 TRUCK BED CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS *JB THE TRUCK BURNED TO THE FRAME. *NM