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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 14, 2012, fire
MY 2003 F150 HAD THE STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANK SNAPPED WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH, I COULD SEE FLAMES ON THE ROAD FROM THE FUEL LEAKING WHEN THE TANK HIT THE HIGHWAY. ONCE I STOPPED THE TRUCK, I FOUND THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN OFF AND WAS DRAGGING THE GROUND LEAKING FUEL EVERYWHERE, I HAD 20 GALLONS OF FUEL LEAK OUT SO I HAD TO CALL THE BRISTOL, VA FIRE DEPT. TO COME CLEAN UP THE FUEL SPILL, THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK OTHER THAN THE FUEL TANK AND THE STRAPS THAT I KNOW OF NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TELLS ME THAT FORD HAS A RECALL ON THIS IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY, BUT NOT IN VIRGINIA. THE FORD RECALL SAYS IT IS ONLY IN AREAS THAT USE ROAD SALE (HIGH CORROSION) AREAS SUCH AS KENTUCKY AND WEST VIRGINIA, I LIVE IN VIRGINIA NEAR THE KENTUCKY BOARDER ( WITHIN 20 MILES) I FEEL THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO VIRGINIA THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN OTHER ISSUES LIKE THIS IN THEIR SHOP. THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED QUICKLY I WAS BLESSED THAT THE SPARKS FROM THE TANK DRAGGING THE GROUND DID NOT RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION AND FIRE THAT COULD HAVE LED TO SERIOUS INJURY OR POSSIBLY MY DEATH OR EVEN SOMEONE ELSE BEING INJURED THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *JB
Suspension, Structure, Jun 13, 2012
MY FORD F 150 FRAME AND SPRING HOLDERS ARE RUSTING BAD, I'M AFRAID THE SPRINGS MAY FALL OFF OR THE FRAME MAY BREAK WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. THE BODY OF THE TRUCK HAS NO RUST, I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY HAVE 62,000 MILES ON IT. JUST WONDERING IT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY FRAME AND WHAT MY OPPTIONS ARE. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIGHTLY MOVED TOWARDS THE FLOOR UPON ENGAGING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Jun 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN THE INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER THEN WENT TO GET A SECOND OPINION, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM, HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Electrical system, May 14, 2012
WAS HEAVY RAIN OUTSIDE THEN MY TRUCK STARTED BLOWING THE HORN, HEATER WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF BY THEM SELVES. FIGURED ITS PART OF THE ISSUE WITH THE WINDSHIELD ISSUE FORD KNOWS ABOUT SINCE 2002. THE NOTICE WAS *FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 WHICH COVERED A FEW VEHICLES BUT HAS EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER VEHICLES. LAST YEAR, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY RAIN AND ALL THE SUDDEN, ALL POWER WENT OFF, WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, RADIO WAS GOING FUNNY, HEAT WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THAT ONLY LASTED FOR A FEW SECONDS BUT MADE IT WHERE I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY, MADE IT BACK TO MY HOUSE THEN BROUGHT IT TO FORD TO FIND OUT THE ISSUE. I OPTED NOT TO HAVE THE WORK DONE AT THAT TIME FOR THE MECHANIC SAID ITS OKAY FOR THE TIME BEING. BUT CORROSION WAS STARTING AND I NEEDED TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD FIXED BEFORE THE ISSUE AT HAND COULD BE FIXED, BECAUSE IF I DIDN'T, IT JUST WOULD CAUSE THE ISSUES A FEW YEARS DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN. LOOKING THROUGH, I SEE YOU HAVE A LOT OF "ELECTRICAL ISSUES" BEING BROUGHT UP, AND ALL OF THEM FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN LOOK TO BE CAUSED BY THE SAME ISSUE, MIND YOU THAT THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN FROM VEHICLES 1998 - 2003, POSSIBLY INTO THE 2004. *JS
Structure, Apr 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT AND MIGHT ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN UPDATED 07/18/12
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 14, 2012
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ALUMINUM HEAD OF THE ENGINE, WHICH I HEAR IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHEN IS THE RECALL COMING OUT? IF THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM, I PERSONALY KNOW OF TWO OTHER PEOPLE WHOM THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO AND ITS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, THEN FORD NEEDS TO TAKE SOME INITIATIVE AND FIX IT! WE CONSUMERS ARE WHAT MAKES FORD THEIR MONEY AND IF THIS IS NOT FIXED FOR US I WILL NO LONGER BE A FORD CONSUMER. I AM SURE OTHERS FEEL THE SAME WAY. FORD MADE A MISTAKE, WE ALL DO, NOW FIX IT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS ALSO CORRODED, BUT THAT FAILURE WAS NOT ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2012
I STARTED UP MY TRUCK ON LUNCH AND HEARD A BANG THAN IT SOUNDED LIKE A POPCORN MACHINE I CALL FORD IN LONDONDERRY NH TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SPARK PLUG COMING OUT OF THE HEADS, THEY WAS COMMON IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAPPENED TO FRIEND HAD 7 OUT OF 8 SPARK PLUGS SHOOT OUT FOR HIS F 250. AND FOR THE SOUNDS OF IT THERE HAS BEEN ALOT MORE!! I CANT BELIEVE THAT FORD HASN'T HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. PEOPLE COULD GET HURT IF IT STARTED A FIRE UNDER A HOOD. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 22, 2011, fire
2003 FORD F-150. CLAIMS ADJUSTER SENT CORRESPONDENCE ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER WHO LOST HIS VEHICLE DUE TO A FIRE IN WHICH AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF WHAT WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE CRUISE DEACTIVATION SWITCH *TGW
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 3, 2011
MY 2003 FORD F-150 WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK MOUNTING STRAPS WHICH ARE KNOWN TO CORRODE AND FAIL. THE FUEL TANK ON THE TRUCK HAD SIGNIFICANT RUST UNDER ONE OF THE STRAPS, RESULTING IN A LEAK IN THE AREA UNDER THE STRAP. WHEN I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN FOR THE RECALL WORK I NOTIFIED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE TANK WAS LEAKING UNDER THE STRAP. I WAS TOLD AS LONG AS THE TANK WAS LEAKING AS A RESULT OF THE STRAP FAILURE AND NOT LEAKING AT A SEAM OR ELSEWHERE ON THE TANK, FORD WOULD REPLACE THE TANK. I WAS LATER NOTIFIED THAT FORD DENIED THE TANK REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT WAS ALREADY LEAKING. I WAS TOLD THAT IF THE RESULT OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE REPAIR THEN FORD WOULD REPLACE THE TANK AT NO COST TO ME BUT SINCE IT WAS ALREADY LEAKING, THEY WOULDN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TANK REPAIR, ONLY THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STRAPS. AS A RESULT, I REPLACED THE TANK AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THE FUEL TANK THAT WAS REMOVED FROM THIS TRUCK WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE RUST UNDER THE FUEL TANK STRAP. THERE WAS NO LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE SEAMS OR ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE TANK. THE FAILURE OF THE TANK, IN MY OPINION, IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CORROSION OF THE STRAPS. FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS AS A PROBLEM BUT WILL ONLY REPAIR TANKS (AT THEIR EXPENSE) THAT BEGIN LEAKING DURING THE COURSE OF THE REPAIR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF AND THEREFORE THE CURRENT RECALL FOR FUEL TANK STRAPS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE INSPECTION OF TANKS AND THE FREE REPLACEMENT OF ANY TANK SHOWING CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FAILED STRAPS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 1, 2011
SEPT 2011 - RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE ADVISING FUEL STRAPS RUST PREMATURELY. 31 OCT 2011 - DISCOVER GAS TANK LEAK. TAKE TRUCK TO DEALER (1) DAY EARLY FOR WORK. TAKE PICTURES, FUEL TANK APPEARS TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. LEAK IS DIRECTLY UNDER RUSTED TANK STRAP. CONTACT WITH STRAP APPEARS TO HAVE RUSTED THROUGH TANK. 01 NOV. 2011 - CALL WITH DEALER. DEALER DID NOT ADVISE OF LEAK. I HAD TO REQUEST CONFIRMATION. SERVICE TECH CHECKED WITH MECHANIC WHO ADVISES THAT REPLACING STRAP WILL PROBABLY MAKE LEAK WORSE. DEALER WOULD HAVE REPLACED STRAPS AND RETURNED TRUCK TO CONSUMER WITH LEAKING GAS TANK AND NOT ADVISED? DEALER ADVISES FORD WILL NOT REPLACE TANK. 01 NOV. 2010 - CALL TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER. 1-800-392-3673. CONFIRMED FORD WILL NOT REPLACE TANK. APPROX. COST $400. *TR
Air bags, Oct 26, 2011, crash
TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 57 NORTH IN EAGLE PASS TEXAS MAVERICK COUNTY AROUND 10PM STRUCK A BULL THAT CROSSING THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FORD F150 SUPER CREW AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 25, 2011
REAR BRAKE LINE CORRODED THROUGH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE RENDERING THE BRAKES INOP. FORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T OCCUR WHILE DRIVING. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 90,000 MILES, TO ME THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TT
Air bags, Equipment, Oct 12, 2011
SEPT 17TH 2011. SAT. NIGHT ABOUT 10:00PM I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD F-150 TRUCK EAST. I WAS GOING ABOUT 45-50MPH ON A STRAIGHT COUNTRY ROAD WHEN A LOUD SOUND WENT OFF AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE TRUCK CAME TO A SCREECHING STOP. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD AS IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I AND A PASSENGER WERE WEARING SEATBELTS AND WERE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE TRUCK. IT WAS FULL OF SMOKE AND THE HORN WAS BLARING , WE OPENED THE HOOD AND DISABLED THE HORN PUT ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT MOVE. COULDN'T GET IT IN OR OUT OF GEAR, ITS A STANDARD. I CALLED MY INSURANCE CO. AND WE HAD MY TRUCK TOWED FROM THERE TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. BOTH OF US WERE PRETTY SHAKENED AND HAD HURT NECKS AND BACKS AND I HURT MY HAND. MY FRIEND GOT HURT THE WORST AND IS STILL SEEING DOCTORS FOR HIS NECK INJURIES. I AM OKAY BUT SORE AND HAVEN'T GONE TO THE DOCTORS. MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER THE DAMAGE IT CAUSED INSIDE THE CAB OR HAVE AIRBAGS RE-INSTALLED. I HAVE FULL COVERAGE! THE AIR BAGS JUST DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. OUT OF THE BLUE. GIVES ME A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE ABOUT AIR BAGS,THEY MAY SAVE YOUR LIVE OR TAKE YOUR LIFE! THEY ARE SCARY, SMELL BAD, RUIN YOUR CAR AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH A BRAIN BEFORE THE TRUCK WILL RUN. THE TRUCK IS STILL DISABLED TODAY. I FEEL IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE AIRBAG SENSORS OR THE AIRBAGS THEMSELVES! AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY EITHER MY INSURANCE OR THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. IT'S A SAFETY FEATURE AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY ONE OF THE TWO! I HAD THE TRUCK FOR 4 YEARS AND NOTHING HAD EVER HAPPENED LIKE THAT BEFORE. ITS NEVER BEEN HIT IN THE FRONT AND I WAS JUST DRIVING ALONG. ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AND BOOM. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE TRUCK CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. IT WAS TRAUMATIZING TO SAY THE LEAST! *KB
Visibility, Oct 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE WINDSHIELD, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE GEM MODULAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE GEM MODULAR AND THE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER HAD BECOME LOOSE ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2011
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS IS THE 5TH SEPARATE CYLINDER THIS HAS HAPPENED TO IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK. *KB
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2011
I HAVE A FORD F150 AND WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITION COILS/SPARK PLUGS GO UP IN IT. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND TO HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPTS IN CASE THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE. WHILE I WAS AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GETTING MY TRUCK WORKED ON THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF FL50S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DO YOU KNOW IF THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THE F150 IGNITION COILS/SPARK PLUGS ? *TR
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2011
I HAVE A FORD F150 AND WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITION COILS GO UP IN IT I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND TO HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPTS INCASE THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE WHILE I WAS AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GETTING MY TRUCK WORKED ON THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF FL50S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DO YOU KNOW IF THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THE F150 IGNITION COILS ? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SPARK PLUG FAILED, CAUSING GASOLINE TO BLOW INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE NUMBER ONE SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 3, 2011
DRIVING APPROX 25 MPH ON A SIDE STREET WHEN A THUD WAS HEARD. STOPPED VEHICLE TO FIND GAS TANK ON GROUND AND GAS STRAPS BROKEN. GAS TANK WAS PUNCTURED BY FALLING ON THE ROAD. TWO TANK STRAPS WERE FOUND TO BE RUSTED THROUGH. FORD F150 XL TRUCK FROM 2003. *TR *KB
Fuel system, Other, Jul 31, 2011
I LOOKED UNDER MY 2003 FORD F150 AND SAW SOMETHING HANGING DOWN. IT TURNS OUT THAT ONE OF MY GAS TANK STRAPS BROKE. I SEE BY LOOKING ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM . I HAVE ORDERED A NEW SET FROM ADVANCED AUTO PARTS AND I SHOULD HAVE THEM ON TOMORROW. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Jul 30, 2011
FORD F150 GAS TANK STRAPS FAILED CAUSING FULL TANK OF GAS TO FALL FROM UNDER TRUCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT ACTIVATE UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL WAS RAISED INTO A HIGHER POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH AFTER THE CONTACT ALMOST LOST CONTROL WHILE TURNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WIRING IN THE SIGNAL LEVER WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN WHENEVER THE COLUMN WAS SHIFTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD UNTIL SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND STOPPED. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER USED TO PROTECT THE THROTTLE WAS JAMMED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE PLASTIC COVER WAS REMOVED AND THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. .UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF THE CONSUMERS SON WAS ABLE TO THROW THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH THE ENGINE STILL ACCELERATING. HE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE, HE STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL IN THE ACCELERATED POSITION. THE CONSUMER PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR HARD A COUPLE OF TIMES AND MANAGED TO STOP IT FROM ACCELERATING. UPON INSPECTION, THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD COME LOOSE AND WEDGED ITSELF IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE THROTTLE COULD NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION. UPDATED 09/30/11*JB