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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 464

Of the 2003 reports, 45 involved a crash and 39 involved a fire. 39 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernEngine and engine cooling74 reports · 16% of complaints
Owner complaints464Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship11 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine and engine cooling74
  2. Power train71
  3. Electrical system60
  4. Vehicle speed control33
  5. Air bags32
  6. Structure32
  7. Service brakes31
  8. Engine28

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. Seat belts, Jul 14, 2005

    FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE CUTTING INTO THE PILAR MOLDING. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN TWO YEARS. FORD STATES THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO OTHER FORD EXPLORERS IN PARKING LOTS AND SEE THAT IT IS HAPPENING IN MOST OF THE VEHICLES. MY FEAR IS THAT THERE IS NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS DEFECT. BY CUTTING INTO THE MOLDING, THE SEAT BELT COULD GET STUCK AND NOT WORK PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT, ETC.

  4. 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.

  5. Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 13, 2005

    I PURCHASED AN 2003 F-150 STX 4X4 IN JULY OF 2003. LESS THAN 1 YEAR LATER THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD TO BE REPLACED. STOPPED WORKING WITH NO NOTICABLE PROBLEMS. IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS THE GEAR BOX HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, I CALLED OUR LOCAL DEALER AND TOLD THEM THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING HARDER THAN USUAL. TOOK IT IN AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT CONTINUED, AND LESS THAN 6 MONTHS GOES BY AND I AM SITTING AT A RED LIGHT DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE KY AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE TRUCK GOES BACKWARDS! THANK GOD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME! AFTER 15 MINUTES I FINALLY GET THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET AND CALL FORD ROADSIDE ASSTISTANCE. THAT WAS A JOKE IN ITSELF. FINALLY 4 HOURS LATER THE TRUCK IS TOWED TO OUR LOCAL DEALER AND THEY CALL THE NEXT DAY AND SAY IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. DUH! I TOLD THEM THAT MONTHS AGO. THEY "FIX" IT AND IT STILL IS NOT RIGHT. I HAVE EVEN TAKEN IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND I HAVE CONTACTED FORD. THE SECOND DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM, SO FAR ALL I GET IS, YES, IT DOES SHIFT REALLY HARD BUT WE CAN'T GET A CODE TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT! I AM STILL PAYING FOR THE TRUCK AND IT IS NOW UNDER THE "EXTENDED WARRANTY" THIS IS COMPLETELY WRONG! NO ONE SHOULD PAY $36000 FOR A TRUCK AND HAVE THIS MUCH GO WRONG WITH IT! ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

  6. Tires, Jun 28, 2005

    DT: WHILE DRIVING THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH REAR PASSENGER TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. HAD A BIG BUBBLE AND IT BLEW OUT THE SIDE. THE TIRE WAS SO HOT ONE COULDN'T TOUCH IT. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS 92 DEGREES. TIRE WAS JUST ROTATED AT 32,800 MILES AT FORD. THE ACTUAL MILEAGE ON TIRE WAS 33,210. *AK

  7. Engine and engine cooling, Jun 28, 2005

    DT: OWN A 2003 FORD F150 WITH 11,000 MILES. THERE IS A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE MUFFLER THAT WAS FALLING DOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND AS INSTRUCTED BY FORD, WAS TO REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ENTIRELY. FEELS THIS IS DANGEROUS WITHOUT THE HEAT SHIELD WHICH IS NOT ON THE VEHICLE RIGHT NOW. DEALER ORDERED A NEW HEAT SHIELD BECAUSE THE OLD ONE WAS DETERIORATING. FORD ORDERED NOT TO REPLACE THE HEAT SHIELD AS PER ENGINEERING SINCE IT WAS NO LONGER NEEDED. *AK LEAKING REAR SEAL, PAN AND GASKET WERE ALSO REPLACED. *TT *NM

  8. Steering, Jun 22, 2005

    DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL ON CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V349000 CONCERNING STEERING GEAR BOX. WHILE DRIVING HOME ON JUNE 22, 2005, AND AFTER JUST PULLING HIS BOAT TRAILER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED JUST AS STATED IN THE RECALL. HE CONTACTED FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED TWICE. *AK

  9. Electrical system, Jun 20, 2005

    I HEARD CNN'S REPORT ON FORD'S THAT COULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FIRE DUE TO A HOT WIRED CRUISE CONTROL ON MANY FORDS.THEY CAN GO ON FIRE EVEN WHEN NOT RUNNING, PERHAPS IN THE GARAGE. I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER, I HAVE CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBLITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE OWN THESE CARS TO BE SAFE?

  10. Air bags, Jun 11, 2005

    THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR ASOLUTELY NO REASON WHATSOEVER. WE WERE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOAD POP. I THOUGHT WE HAD A BLOWOUT UNTIL I SAW MY WIFE SITTING IN THE SEAT IN PAIN. FOR A WHILE SHE COULDN'T EVEN MOVE THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. WE HEADED HOME IMMEDIATELY, BY THE TIME WE MADE IT HOME SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE AGAIN. BEING A SATURDAY THERE WASN'T ANYONE TO CALL. I WILL BE CALLING FORD FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING.

  11. 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

  12. Electrical system, Jun 2, 2005

    THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY FORD FOCUS ZX3 (2003) HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ONCE ON 6/17/04 AT 17,301 MILES BY LATHAM FORD IN LATHAM, NY AND ON 12/17/04 AT 33,213 MILES BY NEMER FORD IN QUEENSBURY, NY. BOTH TIMES I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. BOTH TIMES THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO NEW COUNTRY FORD YESTERDAY (6/1/05) BECAUSE THE KEY TURNS, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT START ONLY THE ELECTRIC COMES ON. THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE, BOB, SAID THE MECHANIC IS STILL LOOKING AT THE CAR AND APPARENTLY THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BROKEN AGAIN, BUT HE THINKS SOMETHING ELSE IN THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE THE PROBLEM. IF IT IS NOT THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT IS BROKEN I WILL LIKELY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH THE MALFUNCTIONING PIECE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO FAIL THE FIRST TWO TIMES (MEANING THAT THOSE MECHANICS MISSED THE BIG PROBLEM).

  13. 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.

  14. Other or unspecified, May 17, 2005

    THERE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MOLD IN THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDESNER UNIT.

  15. Electrical system, May 16, 2005

    DT: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ALONG WITH DARK SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. VEHICLE HESITATED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LANE, A TURN LANE LEADING INTO AN OFFICE PARK. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CALL HIGHWAY ASSISTANCE THAT FORD DEALER USES IN AREA, THEY EVENTUALLY SENT A TOW SERVICE THAT COULD NOT TOW BECAUSE 2 PEOPLE WERE ALREADY IN THE CAB. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER BACK AND DEALER GAVE NAME AND NUMBER OF ANOTHER TOW SERVICE THAT BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD COMPUTER WAS THE PROBLEM OF THE HESITATION. *TT

  16. Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Tires, Wheels, May 7, 2005, crash, fire

    PASSENGER-FRONT TIRE RECEIVED AN IMPACT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HIT WAS A "SIDE-CRASH" WHERE ONLY THE TIRE AND A SMALL AREA OF THE OUTSIDE FRAMING ABOVE THE WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK SPARKED AND IGNITED ON IMPACT. THE TRUCK WAS IN FULL FLAMES IN THE TIRE AND ENGINE AREA WITHIN 9-11 MINUTES. THE FIRE BURNED OUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA, THE DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE TIRE AREA WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER COLIDED WITH MY TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH; THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY/RAINY BUT IT HAD NOT RAINED YET DURING MY MORNING TRAVEL. THE AIR

  17. Seat belts, May 6, 2005, crash

    WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE VEHICLE SKIDDED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HITTING A DITCH,LOST CONTROL AND WAS OVERTURNED. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN CONSUMER. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER TO EJECT OUT OF THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW TIED THE SEAT BELT AROUND THE PASSENGER'S RIGHT ARM AND ATTACHING HER TO THE TRUCK. TWO PASSENGERS AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *BF

  18. Suspension, Apr 23, 2005

    I OWN A 2003 F-150 SUPER CREW TRUCK, I JUST WENT TO GET THE VEHICLE STATE INSPECTION (4/23/2005). THE VEHICLE HAS 40K MILES AND HAS BEEN SERVICED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURES RECOMMENDATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO BOTH THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE SERVICE GUY ADVISED ME THAT THEY HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS ON THE FORD TRUCK. THE VEHICLE IS USED MOSTLY FOR GOING BACK AND FORTH TO WORK VIA THE HIGHWAY. FOR A 2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND TO HAVE BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AT THE SAME TIME SEEMS STRANGE. IN ORDER TO GET IT PASSED I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS AS I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. *JB

  19. 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

  20. Air bags, Tires, Apr 5, 2005, crash

    CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TIRE DEFECT. THESE TIRES CAME WITH THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. AMERITRAC P255/70R16. THE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE TIRE BUT THE TIRE NEVER WENT FLAT. VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE LEFT AND SPUN INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN IT HIT THE WALL AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.

  21. Suspension, Apr 1, 2005

    THE VEHICLE SHOOK TO THE POINT THAT IT BECAME HARD TO CONTROL IT. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS, AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER OFFERED CONSUMER ADDITIONAL WARRANTY.*AK

  22. 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

  23. Steering, Mar 18, 2005

    TOOK MY 2003 F150 XL 4X4 TO GET A FRONT END ALIGNMENT THE TECHNECIAN TOLD ME HE COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD (WORN OUT) I TOOK ME TRUCK TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS INSTRUCTED THAT I VOIDED MY WARRANTY WHEN I PUT ON A BIGGER TIRE. THE ORIGINAL SIZE WAS A 255/70/16 AND I PUT ON 235/85/16 ON THE ORIGINAL RIM. I HAVE 35500 MILES ON MY TRUCK. I FEEL THAT THIS IS ANOTHER WAY THAT THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER GETS AWAY WITH RIPPING CUSTOMERS OFF. *AK

  24. 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

  25. 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