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.
Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2014
VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER (IN DRY CLIMATE), INCLUDING STEERING, AND BRAKES AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH. CAME TO A STOP USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HAD TWO NEAR MISSES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AS THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) WAS NO GOOD. HAD PRIOR MISFIRES IN ENGINE, WHICH FORD HAD DIAGNOSED AS A BAD HEAD VALVE. AFTER REBUILDING THE HEADS, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED (WHILE UNDER USE IN DRY CLIMATE). INCIDENT OCCURRED, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME DISABLED. 2ND FORD DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS "ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS" WHICH HAD ALLEGEDLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE'S ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) TO SHORT OUT. NO MORE THAN 500 MILES AND/OR 3 DAYS AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM AND FIXING OF UNSPECIFIED "ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS" (AND IN MOIST CLIMATE), VEHICLE WOULD HAVE PERIODIC MISFIRES WHICH WOULD ON OCCASION BE SO SEVERE SO AS TO DROP ALL GAUGES ON DASH TO THEIR "OFF" POSITIONS, BUT WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING (UNDER STRESS FROM SUPPOSED MISFIRE WHICH WOULD SHAKE THE ENTIRE TRUCK). ON TWO LATER OCCASIONS, WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD REPEAT THE SAME CONDITION AS WITH THE INITIAL INCIDENT, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT-OFF, WITH EXCEPTION THAT ON THE REPEAT OCCASIONS, THE ECM WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL AND I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. A 3RD FORD DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE EXACT PROBLEM BUT SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT OF COILS FOLLOWED BY WIRING AS A POSSIBLE FIX TO THE MISFIRE. I REMOVED THE VEHICLE TO A DRY CLIMATE AND REPLACED ALL PLUGS, COILS, AND BOOTS FOR TESTING. VEHICLE SUCCESSFULLY FUNCTIONED UNDER DRY, MOIST, AND SNOWY CLIMATES AFTERWARDS. CONTINUES IN OPERATION AND IS CURRENTLY AT +/- 155,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Apr 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ADJUSTED, THE TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,184 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 05/27/14*LJ UPDATED 8/17/17*CN
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL GASOLINE FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION NEAR THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 19, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON INTERSTATE 81 AT CHRISTIANSBURG VA. MY GAS TANK FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO DEFECTIVE STRAPS RUSTING INTO AND LETTING IT FALL CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK ON ROADWAY AND ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE. THE GAS TANK STRUCK THE ROADWAY AND THE GRINDING CAUSED THE TANK TO LEAK AND THE SPILLAGE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE PURCHASED A USED GAS TANK AND ORDERED NEW STRAPS. I HAVE WRITTEN FORD AN E MAIL, ASKING THEM TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine, Feb 17, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, MY ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE & RUNNING BADLY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE MOTOR, I FOUND THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE #3 CYLINDER, BREAKING THE COIL PACK IN THE PROCESS. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. I HAVE CHECKED ON-LINE TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER F-150 OWNERS, AND FOUND OUT IT IS FAIRLY COMMON. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET FORD TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 30, 2013
2003 FORD F150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE CAME TO A STOP, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. ALSO, THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING. THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE GASOLINE TANK WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Structure, Aug 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED WHEN IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING, SHACKLE AND MOUNT WERE RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Jul 16, 2013
WITHOUT WARNING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE TOWING A 6000LB TRAILER. STOPPED FOR DINNER - ALL FELT NORMAL. UPON FINISHING DINNER AND RETURNING TO MY TRUCK, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WHEN SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED THAT THE BRAKE LINE LEADING TO THE REAR BRAKES HAD ROTTED THROUGH FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS VEHICLE IS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN USED NEAR SALT WATER, OR TO LAUNCH BOATS. MY MECHANIC HAS ADVISED ME THAT ROTTING BRAKE LINES IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WITH THAT KNOWLEDGE, I AM DISMAYED AND DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT FORD DOES NOT OFFER ANY TYPE OF REPLACEMENT LINES. *TR
Air bags, Jun 20, 2013
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY SON 3 YEARS AGO. ON MONDAY EVENING, JUNE 17TH, HE WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE, AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED AND THERE IS NO DAMAGE, OR NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD, "HIS TRUCK VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE PREVIOUS RECALLS, SO WE CANNOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. IT IS PAST WARRANTY." I WAS QUITE TAKEN ABACK BY THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BEING UNDER WARRANTY WAS A REASON FOR SUCH A DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN! SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD HE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE, ETC. *TR
Engine, Jun 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE COIL AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2013
THE FUSE # 29 IN THE INSIDE CAB FUSE BOX HAS BLOWN TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IS UNKNOWN THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 10 DAYS OF REPLACING THE SECOND FUSE. THIS FUSE CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE, THE AUTO-LAMP AND BELT MINDER FUNCTIONS OF THE TRUCK. I HAVE SEEN ON OTHER WEB PAGES THE SAME PROBLEM WE ARE EXPERIENCING. *TR
Wheels, May 2, 2013
RIMS ARE RUSTING AT THE BEAD BECAUSE WATER SITS IN THERE WHEN IT RAINS. THE METAL HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND AIR BUBBLES OCCUR WHEN WATER IS IN THERE. THREE OF FOUR RIMS ARE "BUBBLING" FROM THIS FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE HEARD A VIBRATING NOISE FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT A CLAMP HOLDING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD RUSTED AND HAD BECAME PARTIALLY DETACHED. THE CONTACT PERSONALLY REPLACED THE CLAMP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Tires, Mar 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH LONG TRAIL T/A TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD SEVERE CRACKS AND WERE DRY ROTTED IN THE TREAD AND SIDEWALLS. THE STORE AT WHICH THE TIRES WERE BOUGHT WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS 38,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Feb 25, 2013
ON A RETURN TRIP FROM COLUMBUS OHIO TO NEW ORLEANS LA, A SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM #3 CYLINDER, PASSENGER SIDE SECOND FROM THE FRONT. ENGINE STALLED BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. SMELL OF FUEL WAS VERY PREVALENT. NO OTHER APPARENT DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER SYSTEMS ON THE ENGINE. PLUG WAS THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED PLUG AND HAD NOT BEEN TOUCHED BY ANY MECHANIC SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER. AFTER A $700 REPAIR BILL, THEY TRIED A HELICOIL, BUT THIS FAILED AFTER JUST 1 USE OF THE TRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY. . A $28,000 TRUCK SHOULD BE ABLE TO KEEP ITS SPARK PLUGS IN THE HEADS. *TR
Engine, Feb 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SPARK PLUG WAS BLOWN ON THE NUMBER FOUR CYLINDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AT A COST TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A SECOND SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE, OFFERING NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 10, 2012
USED 2003 FORD F150 I ORDERED A $100. NY INSPECTION, THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THAT THIS TRUCK HAD A PROBLEM, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RECALL HIS RECORDS SHOWED ON PAPER THAT IT WAS DONE, BUT UPON A PHYSICAL INSPECTION IT WAS NOT DONE, ONLY SOME MAKE SHIFT WIRES TO HOLD UP THE GAS TANK THE SERVICE ADVISOR GAVE THE WIRES TO ME TO SHOW YOU HE CONTACTED THE FORD DEALER IN MASSACHUSETTS THEY SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY SINCE THEY HAD CLOSED THE CASE MY SERVICE ADVISOR THEN INFORMED ME THAT HE WOULD CALL 'FORD SPECIAL ASSISTANCE HE SAID THEY DENIED THE ASSISTANCE AFTER THE CALL HE INFORMED THAT IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR NEW STRAPS AND THE INSTALLATION LABOR AND TAXES. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURE IS RESPONSIBLE TO CARE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THROUGH THEIR DEALERS. ESPECIALLY GAS TANK STRAPS!! AND ALSO IT SEEMS LOGICAL THAT THE RECALL IS TO THE VEHICLE, NOT THE CUSTOMER. IN THIS CASE THEIR RECORDS ARE SAYING THAT IT WAS DONE AND THEN FINDING THAT IT IS NOT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR MADE HIS ATTEMPTS TO GET IT DONE THROUGH FORD, BUT COULD NOT. THIS IS MOST REPREHENSIBLE, AND CROOKED ON SOMEONE PART, THE OTHER DEALER AND NOW FORD. THE OTHER DEALER DID GET PAID FOR SOMETHING THEY DID NOT DO, AND NOW FORD WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS. THE ADVISOR GAVE ME THE CUSTOMER SERVICE # TO 'FOMOCO. THE FOMOCO AGENT THEN TOLD ME THAT, IT WAS BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIPS AND HE ASSURED ME THAT THEY WOULD HANDLE THE MATTER. WHEN I CALLED BACK THE SERVICE MANAGER HE SAID MY HANDS ARE TIED, THE OTHER DEALER WOULD NOT REOPEN THE CASE AND FORD SPECIAL ASSISTANCE WOULD NOT BACK ANY THING UP. IF I WANTED TO PASS THE EMISSION AND SAFETY INSPECTION AND REGISTER MY TRUCK I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE BILL I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN-AROUND THANK YOU *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND CONTINUED TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ACCORDING TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING A SHORT AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY BURNED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A COMPLAINT AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 270,000.
Structure, Sep 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Wheels, Sep 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LUG NUTS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE CORRODED WHICH PREVENTED THE SOCKET AND THE WRENCH TO REMOVE THE LUG NUTS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Engine, Aug 21, 2012, fire
SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM THE CYLINDER UPON ROUTINE VEHICLE STARTING. VEHICLE WAS WARM WHEN STARTED. ONCE THE SPARK PLUG EJECTED I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE AND SMOKE. A SMALL FIRE WAS EASILY EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE. *TR
Power train, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN SNOW WHEN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.