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.
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2005, fire
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *JB *TT
Electrical system, Mar 12, 2005, fire
ON 2/11/05, MY 2003 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT WAS PARKED MY JOB-SITE FOR TWO HOURS, AND THE FIRE ALSO DESTROIED A SIENNA VAN PARKED NEARBY.*AK
Power train, Mar 2, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150 MY 4WHEELDRIVE STOPPED WORKING , BUT THE DASH INDICATOR SAID IT WAS INGAGED. THIS MAKES FOR A VERY UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. BECAUSE YOU DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE SAME IF THE 4X4 IS WORKING.I BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED IT . THIS APPARENTLY WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE PART# F75Z*3N139*KT WHICH COST$133.98 AND THE LABOR WAS $302.00. THIS PART IS VERY CHEAPLY MADE AND WILL PROBABLY BREAK AGAIN. THE TECH TOLD ME THERE IS NO WAY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS PART IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HOPE THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. I HAVE LOOKED ON FORD LINKS AND WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMMENTS OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP ME, IT WOULD BE APPRICIATED. I KEPT THE OLD PARTS, THE MATERIAL THEY USE ON THE FORK WON`T HOLD UP TO THE CONDITIONS IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. *AK
Power train, Feb 25, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150 PICKUP, V6, 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36,000 MILES AND MY CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER FAILED AT 37,000 MILES. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP AND TELLING THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ASKING THEM IF THEY WOULD COVER THE PART SINCE IT HAD FAILED PREMATURELY, AND THEY ANSWERED "NO". I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE SHOP AND HAD THE SLAVE CYLINDER REPLACED. THE DAY AFTER I GOT IT BACK I PERIODICALLY HEARD STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT BACK INTO THE SHOP THAT REPLACED MY SLAVE CYLINDER. UPON OBSERVATION THEY FOUND NOTHING. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR TWO MORE DAYS THE PROBLEM WAS EXTREMELY EVIDENT BY THE NOISES THAT WERE CONSTANT WHENEVER I SHIFTED AS WELL AS IN NEUTRAL. I TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND TOLD THE SHOP THAT I WANTED TO BE THERE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS OPENED UP. I WAS PRESENT WHEN THEY OPENED UP THE TRANSMISSION. AS THEY PULLED THE TRANSMISSION APART, THEY FOUND MANGLED THIN METAL DEBRIS, SOME PIECES AS LARGE AS MY THUMBNAIL. AFTER TAKING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION APART AND INSPECTING ALL BEARINGS AND ALL OTHER PARTS, THEY FOUND THAT THE PIECES WERE A FOREIGN MATERIAL TO THE TRANSMISSION. THEY DID NOT COME FROM ANY PART OF THE TRANSMISSION. ONE OF THESE PIECES FOUND ITS WAY BETWEEN THE GEARS ON THE COUNTER SHAFT AND BROKE ONE OF THE TEETH, EXPLAINING THE NOISE. SO, IN SHORT, WE ARE CURRENTLY HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT A COST OF $1800.00 ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. *NM
Power train, Feb 22, 2005
2003 FORD F-150 4X4. AFTER ONLY A FEW HOURS IN 4X4 MODE, TRUCK NO LONGER ENGAGES INTO 4X4 MODE, CREATING HAZARDOUS CONDITION AS PEOPLE EXPECT THIS TO WORK AND TRUCK IS VERY PRONE TO GETTING STUCK IN ROAD OR LEAVING THE ROAD WITHOUT THIS FEATURE (AS ALL SUCH TRUCKS ARE RELATIVELY VERY LIGHT IN THE REAR). OWNERS OF 4X4 VEHICLES EXPECT THIS FEATURE TO WORK AS ADVERTISED AND FAILURE CAN CREATE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. FROM SHORT INVESTIGATION - SPEAKING TO FORD MECHANICS AND VISITING FORD-TRUCKS.COM, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR REASONS GIVEN ABOVE - AFTER PERSONALLY GETTING STUCK IN A PUBLIC ROAD, AND VERY NEARLY SEVERAL TIMES, THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER USED WHENEVER THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF SNOWY CONDITIONS (I AM IN THE NORTH-EAST). I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT - THE FORK WHICH ENGAGES THE FRONT AXLES HAS A PLASTIC END WHICH BREAKS OR FALLS OFF AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. I REQUEST THAT THIS BE INVESTIGATED AND IF FOUND TO BE A DESIGN RELATED ISSUE, WHICH I BELIEVE IT CLEARLY IS, THAT FORD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THESE VEHICLES WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER AND PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO NOTE THAT I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO 2 FORD DEALERS WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSIS, BOTH QUOTED 6-7 HOURS OF LABOR WHEN IT CLEARLY TAKES HALF OR LESS OF THIS TIME (AGAIN, PLEASE SEE THE FORD-TRUCKS.COM/FORUM). I BELIEVE FORD IS USING THIS KNOWN ISSUE TO PURPOSELY OVER CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR A KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
Air bags, Feb 22, 2005, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. THIS WAS A HEAD ON ACCIDENT. I OWN A 2003 F-150 SUPER CREW. ON 02-21-05 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT A MINI VAN IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED. THE ESTIMATED SPEED WAS 35-40 MPH WITH NO BRAKING. THE AIR BAG'S NEVER DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAGS IN THE MINI VAN DEPLOYED BUT NOT IN MY VEHICLE. RESCUE PERSONEL COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE DONE. *AK
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2005, fire
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ON IT'S OWN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 30, 2005
IN LIGHT OF THE RECALL OF THE 2000 MODEL OF THE FORD F-150 PICKUPS FOR ENGINE FIRES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT NHTSA AND FORD TO LOOK AT A POSSIBLE SIMULAR PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 MODEL OF F-150'S. A FEW MONTHS AGO I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL ON AND AFTER ABOUT 15 MIN THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE DASH CLUSTER. WHEN I DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE OFF BUTTON THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I HAD THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN CONROE CHECK IT OUT AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT OR FIND A PROBLEM. NOW I AM VERY CONCERN THAT MY F-150 MAY ALSO CATCH ON FIRE LIKE THE 2000 YR MODELS.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2005, fire
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THIS IS FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK
Power train, Jan 27, 2005
I HAVE A FORD TAURUS WITH APPROXIMATELY 41,900 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHUDDERING AND SKIPPING BADLY AT TIMES. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THE AUTO NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I ASKED FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH GETTING A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT IS EXTREMELY ODD THAT AT 41,900 MILES ANY VEHICLE WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS SHOULD QUALIFY AS A DEFECT. BUT FORD SAID SINCE THE AUTO WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY WERE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO ASSIST. *AK
Wheels, Jan 5, 2005
IN MAY, 2004 I WAS TRAVELING OUT OF STATE WITH MY MOTHER AND MOTHER IN LAW AND FRIEND WHEN WE BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT TIRES ON MY TRUCK. AFTER FINDING A GARAGE THAT WAS OPEN, WE WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THE LUGS: NUTS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS HAD LOOSENED TO THE POINT OF ALMOST FALLING OFF. THE GARAGE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY, AND THEN I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. GIVING THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 17,000 MILES I FELT LIKE SOME SORT OF RESTITUTION WAS IN ORDER FOR THE TIME AND TROUBLE I HAD UNDERGONE. AFTER MUCH ARGUMENT, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE WHEELS REPLACED, BUT NEVER QUITE FELT SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. IN NOVEMBER, 2004, WHILE GETTING READY TO LEAVE FOR CHURCH, MY HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO START THE SAME VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN EXPERIENCING TROUBLE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AND WERE SHOCKED TO LEARN THAT THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN UP IN THIS TRUCK. IT ONLY HAD 25,500 MILES ON IT. I WAS FORCED TO UPGRADE TO A NEWER VEHICLE AND INCURRED MORE PAYMENTS WITH THIS NEWER VEHICLE. I HAVE MADE MANY COMPLAINTS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BUT TO NO AVAIL. I FEEL LIKE I AM DUE SOME SORT OF RESTITUTION FOR THE VEHICLE THAT I HAD TO TRADE. I HAD MADE 15 PAYMENTS ON THIS VEHICLE AND REALLY HAD NO CHOICE. THE ANSWER I RECEIVED FROM THE DEALERSHIP WAS THAT NO ONE WOULD OFFER ME A TRADE IN ON A VEHICLE WITH A BLOWN ENGINE. I DISAGREE. THE TIME AND TROUBLE THAT I HAVE HAD TO UNDERGO IS WORTH SOMETHING. TERESA LIMBAUGH. *AK
Steering, Power train, Dec 29, 2004
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL IN THE RAIN, THE REAR WHEELS SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAILURE WITH THE RACK AND PINION AND THE DRIVE SHAFT. RECENTLY, THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
Seats, Dec 14, 2004
POWER FOLD REAR SEAT IN THE FORD EXPIDITION HAS ITS CONTROL IN THE REAR OF THE 3RD ROW SEATS AND A PERSON CANNOT VIEW IF ANY CHILD OR OBJECTS ARE ON SEATS THAT WILL BE LOWERED,ALSO THE POWER SEAT DOESNT HAVE A RESEVE SENSOR BUILT IN IT, SO IT WILL NOT CRUSH ANYONE AND SHOULD STOP AFTER MEETING A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PRESSURE. *AK
Tires, Dec 13, 2004
THE DEALERSHIP HAS ACCUSED ME OF RUNNING OVER SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. IT WAS THE LEFT REAR TIRE THAT BLEW. WHY WAS IT NOT THE FRONT TIRE IF I RAN OVER SOMETHING? HAVE RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP, CROSSROAD FORD IN CARY, NC.*AK I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE WHICH I DO NOT THINK IS RIGHT.THIS IS MY 3 FORD VEHICLE BUT IT WILL BE MY LAST IF THEY CANNOT HELP THE CONSUMER BETTER THAN THIS.
Power train, Tires, Nov 22, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SUDDENLY THE RIGHT REAR AXLE BROKE AND SNAPPED OFF. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FLYING OFF FOLLOWED BY THE DRIVER LOSING CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND IMPACTING A DITCH . THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES. *JB THE ENGINEER STATED THAT THE AXLE FLEW OFF ON IMPACT EVEN THOUGH THE TIRE FLEW OFF PRIOR TO IMPACT. *SC
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2004
WHILE DRIVING,THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *JB
Visibility, Oct 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Power train, Oct 13, 2004
AS NOTED BY ANOTHER COMPLAINT: HOWLING NOISE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED ONCE. NOISE CONTINUES. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ONLY AFFECTS CERTAIN VEHICLES BUT THEY ARE WORKING ON THE PROBLEM. I ASKED...WHEN COULD I EXPECT IT TO BE SOLVED. THE ANSWER WAS...IT MIGHT NEVER BE SOLVED. THEY REPLACED SOME GEARS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS STARTED AGAIN. THEY REFUSE TO PUT IN A NEW DIFFERENTIAL SAYING THAT IT WOULD BE "COST PROHIBITIVE".*AK
Seat belts, Sep 22, 2004
SEAT BELTS RETRACTED AND BECAME INOPERABLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
Structure, Sep 16, 2004
BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 F150 SUPER CREW IN DECEMBER OF 2002. IT NOW HAS 22,000 MILES ON IT AND THE BOTTOM INSIDE OF ALL FOUR DOORS ARE RUSTING AND BUBBLING OUT. WILL BRING INTO DEALER TO SEE WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND HAVE IT FIXED WITH SOME GUARANTEE IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. *JB
Steering, Sep 2, 2004, crash
REAR ENDED WHILE DRIVING AT 48 MPH. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION STEERING TWICE ALONG WITH THE CARRIER. THREE VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Tires, Aug 30, 2004
2003 FORD F150. THE CONSUMER HAD A TIRE BLOW OUT WITH BF GOODRICH TIRE EQUIPMENT. *MR THERE WAS A BLOWOUT ON THE PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE REAR. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSED. *SC *JB
Power train, Aug 22, 2004
COMPLAINED OF DASHBOARD VIBRATION AT TIME VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED. FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE DRIVE SHAFT IS BEING REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 16,500 MILES. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADVISED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED ALIGNMENT. I AM CURIOUS IF THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM AND THE VIBRATION CONTRIBUTED TO THE TIRES BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT. *JB
Visibility, Aug 19, 2004
THE CONSUMER FEELS, "THAT THE POSITION OF THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH POSES A SAFETY RISK. A CHILD OR AN ANIMAL CAN ACTIVATE THE SWITCH JUST BY STICKING THEIR HEAD OUT OF THE WINDOW." THE CONSUMER'S DOG WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE SWITCH AND ALMOST CRUSHED HIS HEAD IN THE WINDOW. *LA THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS DISCONTINUED IN THE 2003 MODEL. *SC *JB
Steering, Aug 13, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT VEHICLE WAS USING A LOT OF OIL. IT USED A QUART OF OIL EVERY 3000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD NO GREASE FITTINGS ON THE TIE ROD ENDS NOR ON THE STEERING. THIS MADE THEM SQUEAK. SUBSEQUENTLY WITHOUT THE GREASE FITTINGS THESE PARTS WILL DROP OUT . CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER TOLD HIM THAT IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT A COUPLE OF HOURS TO REPAIR VEHICLE. BUT WHEN CONSUMER CALLED BACK HE WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE ON BACK ORDER. IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT 2-3 WEEKS TO GET THEM. CONSUMER INSISTED VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE, AND CONSUMER WAS AFRAID SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN.*AK