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, 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
Visibility, Feb 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENTIRE FRONT WINDSHIELD GLASS SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. ALTHOUGH THE WINDSHIELD GLASS BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE MOLDING, THE GLASS DID NOT CRACK OR BREAK. THE GLASS RESTED BETWEEN THE HOOD SLIT AND THE GLASS MOLDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACTED A GLASS COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO THE ISSUE. THE GLASS COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REINSTALLED THE WINDSHIELD GLASS WITH NEW GLUE AROUND THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING. UPDATED 3/17/2006 - *NM
Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON DRY FREEWAY ROADS, THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN IT WAS PRESSED. THE ENGINE REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE ROSE, BUT THE VEHICLE SPEED DID NOT GO BEYOND 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FIVE TIMES, EACH TIME WITH A DIFFERENT PART BEING REPLACED TO TRY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS NOT MANAGED TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
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
Tires, Jan 3, 2006, crash
AMERISTAR TIRES!! ARE THEY GOOD TIRES? MY OPINION IS NO, NO, NO! I HAVE 16,000 MILES OF GRANNY-LIKE DRIVING ON MY 2003 FORD F-150, WITH THE ORIGINAL AMERISTAR TIRES PROVIDED STOCK ON MY TRUCK. WE DON'T GET THAT MUCH RAIN IN CALIFORNIA BUT EVERY TIME IT DOES RAIN I NOTICE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE EVEN MORE CAUTIOUSLY THAN I EVER HAVE. I SLIDE ALL OVER THE PLACE EVEN WHEN THE TIRES WERE BRAND NEW. WELL TODAY I MERGED ONTO THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, WHILE EVERYONE ELSE WAS PASSING ME IN THERE LITTLE TINY CARS AT 75 MPH. I HIT A PUDDLE AND THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE. I SLID ACROSS 4 LANES AND SMASHED INTO THE CENTER DIVIDE. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF CAR MANUFACTURERS AND JUST ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE CUTTING CORNERS TO SAVE A BUCK AND RISKING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, MINE WAS IN THE CAR, AND CONSUMERS. I HAVE ALREADY READ THAT AMERISTAR TIRES ARE FALLING APART ANYWAY AND FORD SHOULD RECTIFY THE SITUATION AND REPLACE THOSE GARBAGE TIRES WITH SOMETHING BETTER. NOW, AFTER I HAVE JUST ABOUT KILLED MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER, I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS SITUATION. PLEASE HELP!!! I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE DONE TO MY TRUCK AND MY HIGHER INSURANCE RATES BECAUSE OF A CHEAP PRODUCT. "AW HE'S PROBABLY A BAD DRIVER." YOU SAY, WELL I HAVE DRIVEN THOUSANDS OF MILES IN TRUCKS IN RAINY, SNOWY WEATHER AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH HYDROPLANING. GET RID OF YOUR AMERISTAR TIRES RIGHT AWAY IF YOU LIVE IN RAINY AREAS. *JB
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
Steering, Nov 17, 2005
2003 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER: WHEN EXECUTING LOW SPEED TURNS IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE IS A FEELING THAT THE TIRES ARE RUBBING THE INSIDES OF THE WHEEL WELLS. THERE IS A BINDING OR GRINDING FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOISE OF SUCH CAN BE HEARD MOST OF THE TIME. AS I HAVE SEEN ON PREVIOUS REPORTS, THERE IS ALSO THE SAME CHATTER AND SHUDDER AND VIBRATIONS ALSO. WE TOOK IT IN TO SERVICE DEPT AND AFTER 2 DAYS THEY REPORT THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND NOR REPRODUCE WHAT WE WERE STATING. AFTER A TECHNICIAN TOOK A TEST DRIVE WITH MY HUSBAND, THE TECHNICIAN DID NOTICE A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE REAR HUMMING AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR END. (ALL OF THIS OCCURRING AT 29,000 MILES. AFTER THE REAR END WAS REPLACED, THE ABOVE MENTIONED CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING, GRINDING AND VIBRATIONS WERE GONE. HOWEVER...NOW AT 31,000 MILES THEY ARE ALL BACK AND PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. WE WILL AGAIN, RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS AND WILL UPDATE ON THE MATTER. *NM
Electrical system, Visibility, Nov 3, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WINDSHIELD LEAKED. AS A RESULT OF THE LEAK THE VEHICLE SUFFERED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. THE WINDSHIELD WAS BEING REPAIRED ALONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FORD, AND THEY OFFERED NO FREE SOLUTION. *AK
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
Visibility, Oct 19, 2005
2004 EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER WITH 45K MILES WINDSHIELD BUBBLED MAKING VIEWING DIFFICULT AND DRIVING DANGEROUS. THIS STARTED SMALL AND THEN WENT ON TO INVOLVE MOST OF THE WINDSHIELD IN LITTLE OVER A WEEK. DEALER REPLACED WINDSHIELD FOR $150.00. WINDSHIELD DEFINITELY DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS NEEDS REPORTING. *JB
Parking brake, Oct 18, 2005
SO FAR I HAVEN'T HAD ANY COLLISIONS, BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY EMERGENCY BRAKES. MY EMERGENCY BRAKES ARE STICKING WHICH IS CAUSING THEM TO RUB AND GRIND WHEN BRAKING. WHEN I ACCELERATE MY ESCAPE JERKS FORWARD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET MY VEHICLE WORKED ON TONIGHT. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 18, 2005
AT THIS TIME I CAN DO NOT HAVE A FAILURE, ONLY A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN. IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, ANYTIME WHILE MY 2003 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION IS TURNED ON, A LOUD "TIN-SOUNDING-POP" OCCURS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL TANK BUT I CAN NOT BE SURE WHAT IT IS. IN THE PAST MONTH, THE SOUND HAS GOTTEN LOUDER & LOUDER -- EVEN MORE FREQUENT. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THE SOUND IS -- IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE HAS LEFT A TIN CAN OUTSIDE AND WHEN THE WEATHER CHANGES FROM HOT TO COLD OR COLD TO HOT, THE TIN CAN "POPS" AS ITS CONTRACTING OR EXPANDING. NO ENGINE LIGHTS OR COMPUTERIZED MESSAGES COME ON. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE -- I BOUGHT IT NEW IN SEP 2003. *NM
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.
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
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2005, crash, fire
DT: ON 7-9-05 THE CONTACT'S SON WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. HE WAS DRIVING A 2003 FORD F-150. HE HIT A GUARD RAIL AND WENT INTO A DITCH ABOUT 100 YARDS AND HIT AN OVERPASS SIGN POST MADE OF CEMENT. THE TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CORONER SAID THAT THE FIRE CAUSED THE DEATH OF THE CONTACT'S SON. SHE SAID THAT HE DID NOT HAVE A BROKEN BONE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. WERE NOTIFIED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID NOT HAVE AN INVESTIGATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT REPORTED THAT SHE DID NOT KNOW IF HER SON HAD ANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED.*AK
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2005
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER SINCE NEW. *NM
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
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 29, 2005
I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPEDITION 2003 SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THE GUARANTEE ITS ALMOST EXPIRED, NOW THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
Parking brake, Aug 26, 2005, crash
2003 FORD F150 PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WITH NO KEYS IN TRUCK. HEARD LOUD POP NOISE FROM PARKING BRAKE. TRUCK ROLLED BACK ACROSS STREET AND INTO A HOUSE. BODY SHOP WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE SENT TO SERVICE DEPT. TO CK OUT BUT DIDN'T. SERVICE DEPT HAS NO RECORD OF GETTING TRUCK FROM BODY SHOP. WE TRADED TRUCK IN AFTER REPAIRS. WE DIDN'T TRUST IT AND NO ONE COULD GIVE US AN ANSWER. INS. HAD TO PAY FOR HOUSE AND OUR TRUCK DAMAGES. *JB
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
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
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
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
Visibility, Jul 25, 2005
AFTER HEARING AN ANNOYING WHISTLE AND/OR WIND SOUND IN OUR 2003 FORD F150 SUPER CREW FX4 TRUCK FOUND THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE UPPER PART OF THE CAR (WE COULD SEE DAYLILGHT). WE TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP THE NEXT DAY WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT ATTACHED BY ANY SEALANT, IT WAS BEING HELD IN BY THE MOLDING ONLY. A AUTO GLASS COMPANY WAS CALLED AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE POLY THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE ON THE WINDSHIELD WAS ON THE RUBBER MOLDING.
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2005, fire
MY FORD F150 TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE TODAY WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE A RESIDENTIAL HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE TRUCK IS UNDRIVABLE AND WILL BE TOWED TOMORROW. THE FIRE WAS FROM A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL DEVICE.