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.
Tires, Oct 20, 2015
VERY BAD TREAD WEAR ON FRONT OUTSIDE EDGE. LOOKED LIKE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM SINCE TIRES STILL HAVE 80% OF TREAD. TECH AT ALIGNMENT SHOP SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS OK AND SHOWED ME WHERE THE TREAD HAD STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE CASING. TECH ADVISED TO REPLACE TIRES VERY SOON. TIRE SIZE NOT ON RECALL LIST SO IT LOOKS LIKE I AM STUCK WITH REPLACING A BUM SET OF TIRES
Engine, Jul 16, 2015
SECOND TIME SAME SPARK PLUG HOUSING HAS FAILED TO HOLD SPARK PLUG AND EJECTED IT FROM ENGINE ALONG WITH RAW FUEL ALMOST IGNITING ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2015
WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK WITH MY WIFE & SON, WE HEARD A LOUD POP, LIKE A GUN SHOT, THEN MY TRUCK STARTED TO RUN REAL ROUGH, I FOUND A COIL, & A SPARK PLUG HAD BEEN BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE, BECAUSE OF THE FUEL BUILD UP & THE SPARK FROM THE TRUCK STILL RUNNING WE ARE LUCKY THAT THE TRUCK DID NOT CATCH FIRE.
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.
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
2003 FORD F-150 LARIAT SUPERCAB IT WAS RAINING, I GOT IN THE TRUCK, WATER WAS DRIPPING INSIDE THROUGH THE CENTER AREA IN THE CEILING WHERE THE COMPASS IS. THERE ARE WIRES UP THERE, SO WATER IS NOT GOOD. I CLIMBED UP AND LOOKED AT THE ROOF OUTSIDE, AND DISCOVERED RUST ON EVERY ONE OF THE CHANNELS ON THE ROOF, ONE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE REST PARTIALLY RUSTED THROUGH. ASIDE FROM THE NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE APPEARANCE, THIS IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE: 1. WATER DRIPPING INTO THE WIRING COULD CAUSE A SHORT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE 2. RUST-THROUGH ON THE ROOF COULD CAUSE THE METAL TO BREAK OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND INJURE SOMEONE 3. DECREASED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE ROOF COULD DECREASE SAFETY IN THE EVENT OF A ROLLOVER 4. RUST IN THE AREA ATTACHING THE WINDSHIELD COULD CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO FAIL OR FLY OFF 5. WATER LEAKING INTO THE ROOF CAUSED MOLD, WHICH IS A BREATHING HAZARD THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN - THE CHANNELS COLLECTED WATER WITH NO WAY FOR IT TO DRAIN, SO THE WATER POOLED AND CAUSED RUST, BOTH IN THE ENDS OF THE CHANNELS AND ALONG THE RIM OF THE WINDSHIELDS. THE OLDER MODELS WERE SMOOTH ON TOP SO THE PROBLEM DIDN'T EXIST. NEWER MODELS HAVE FINS STICKING UP RATHER THAN INDENTATIONS, SO FORD CLEARLY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND CHANGED THE DESIGN. FORD DID NOT RESPOND WHEN I CONTACTED THEM ABOUT THIS. *TR
Engine, Mar 22, 2015
AS WE STARTED THE TRUCK, WE HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGH. I COULD SMELL GAS BURNING NOT IN A GOOD WAY, SO WE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND POPPED THE HOOD. THERE WAS GASOLINE RUNNING UNDER THE TRUCK, AND GASOLINE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. A PASSERBY INFORMED US THAT THE F-150 WITH TRITON ENGINE IS NOTORIOUS FOR BLOWING SPARK PLUGS AND PROCEEDED TO POINT OUT WHICH SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE WHEN I ARRIVED HOME AFTER OUR TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, AND DISCOVERED THAT JUST ABOUT EVERY F-150 OWNER GOES THROUGH THIS. WHY IS THIS NOT A DEFECT THAT FORD IS BEING REQUIRED TO FIX? DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE A DEFECTIVE PART IS TAKEN CARE OF? *TR
Engine, Mar 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARK PLUG DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Tires, Mar 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150 EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC II TIRES, SIZE: 255/70R16. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE TREAD FROM BOTH FRONT TIRES SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM BOTH FRONT TIRES AND THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14T013000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT 50 MPH AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A MEDIAN WALL AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND EYE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE DISCONNECTED AND THEN RECONNECTED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE BATTERY AND THE KEYS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2015
GAS TANK STRAPS CORRODED/BROKE CAUSING THE TANK TO DROP AND LEAK. EXCESSIVE RUST AT BOTTOMS OF ALL FOUR DOORS. *TR
Engine, Jan 13, 2015
A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT, ANOTHER PLUG BLEW OUT 3 DAYS LATER. IT COST ALMOST $2000 TO FIX AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE REST WON'T BLOW OUT. *TR
Structure, Dec 17, 2014
I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE UNTIL DECEMBER 2013 WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT I COULD NOT OPEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR. IN NOVEMBER 2014 THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE LEFT REAR DOOR. I OBTAINED A REPAIR ESTIMATE FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $700.00 PER DOOR TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. (BROKEN CABLES INSIDE DOOR) THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD A 2004 F-150 AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS VEHICLE. I ALSO SPOKE TO TWO (2) OTHER PERSONS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WIT THEIR 2003 F-150'S. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT I THINK THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE DEATHS SINCE ANY PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE REAR SEATS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THROUGH THE REAR DOORS. I CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD NO RECALLS HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Equipment, Dec 5, 2014
MY REAR DIFF IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AT 50 TO 55 MILES AN HOUR ON MY 2003 FORD 150. THE REAR DIFF IS ON THE RECALL LIST, BUT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE I HAVE A SALVAGE TITLE. IN NO WAY WAS MY VEHICLE DIFF COMPROMISED IN CONNECTION TO THE SALVAGE TITLE. IT IS SIMPLY DEFECTIVE AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE. IM WONDERING IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE LOUD NOISE. *TR
Air bags, Dec 2, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED AND THE HORN BEGAN TO CONTINUOUSLY SOUND. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THEN THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT EJECTED THE BATTERY TO STOP THE HORN FROM SOUNDING. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS SHOWN PICTURES OF THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT HAVE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FLAMES BURNED THE WIRES THAT APPLIED TO THE HORN, WHICH IS WHAT CAUSED THE HORN TO CONTINUOUSLY SOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. MAILED OUT 01/13/15*LJ UPDATED 02/02/15*LJ UPDATED 9/7/2017*CN
Structure, Nov 24, 2014
HOOD PAINT BUBBLING AS THOUGH THERE IS RUST. HOOD IS ALUMINUM! REPAINT IS NECESSARY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2014
ANOTHER CRACKED PASSENGER SIDE MANIFOLD ON REGULARLY SERVICED VEHICLE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD ISSUE RECALL OR PROVIDE "GOODWILL" BASED ON THE NUMBER OF FAILED COMPONENTS BEING REPORTED BY FORD OWNERS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Oct 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STRAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Air bags, Oct 24, 2014
AIR BAG RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Oct 8, 2014
MY 2003 F-150 V8, 4.6L 2WD TRUCK RECEIVED WATER DAMAGE TO THE GEM (GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE) CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON A FOGGY/DEW MORNING AFTER A RAINSTORM. THE WATER DAMAGE WAS DUE TO A LEAK ON THE LOOSE WINDSHIELD THAT CAUSED WATER TO RUN DIRECTLY TO THE FUSEBOX & GEM THAT CONTROLS ALL ELECTRONICS IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER LOOKING SEEKING AN ANSWER FOR THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND THAT AT LEASE A HUNDRED OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME WINDSHIELD LEAK IN THE '97-'03 F SERIES VEHICLES. THE GEM COULD AND HAS CAUSED VEHICLES TO SHUT OFF AND ON AND HAVE LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON AT A RANDOM TIME IF IT RECEIVED WATER DAMAGE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. THE WINDSHIELD IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND MANY OTHERS HAVE SUFFERED FROM THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXHAUST FUMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2014
MY 2003, FORD F-150 BLEW A SPARK PLUG FOR THE FOURTH TIME YESTERDAY. EACH TIME A DIFFERENT PLUG. I WAS HEADING TO CHURCH AND "POP". WE WERE JUST GETTING ON THE ON RAMP WHEN IT HAPPEN. FOUR TIME NOW AND EACH TIME I HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. RIGHT NOW I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT AND IT'S SITTING IN MY YARD... *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PENDING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,381.
Engine, Jul 18, 2014
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 - 70 MPH ON I-95, THE SPARK PLUG ON THE #2 CYLINDER BLEW OUT. #2 CYLINDER IS 2ND PLUG FROM FRONT OF ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. LOUD NOISE AND LOST POWER. *TR
Engine, May 20, 2014
MY FAMILY AND I WERE SITTING IN A DRIVE THROUGH PICKING UP A PIZZA. CAN WE WENT TO PULL FORWARD AND IT STARTED LOOKING REALLY BAD .. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FELT ALL THE PLUGS AND FOUND THAT NUMBER FOUR PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD! IT COST US 500 FOR FIX AND NOW ANOTHER ONE IS STARTING TO GO!! *TR