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 20, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH A HALF TANK OF GASOLINE IN IT WHEN THE FUEL TANK SUDDENLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,807. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2011, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN BEGAN TO BLOW ON ITS OWN AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN TO ESCAPE FROM THE WINDOWS. THE FIRE ALSO BEGAN NEAR THE FUSE BOX. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD NOT CONCLUDED THERE INVESTIGATION REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT DROVE OVER THE TANK. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE STRAPS HAD FRACTURED AND WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. APPROXIMATELY ONE FOURTH A TANK OF FUEL SPILLED ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TANK AND STRAPS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED BODY REPAIRS FROM THE CONTACT DRIVING OVER THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 16, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH SHE BEGAN TO HEAR THE VEHICLE DRAGGING AN OBJECT UNDER IT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL TANK WAS PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED ONE OF THE STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, May 11, 2011
GAS TANK STRAP ON 2003 F-150 XLT 4X4 BROKE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST CAUSING THE TANK TO FALL AND RATTLE ON SKID PLATE. BOUGHT NEW STRAPS FROM LOCAL AUTO SUPPLY AND REPLACED BOTH OF THEM SINCE THE SECOND STRAP WAS CLOSE TO BREAKING ALSO. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 10, 2011
FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED THROUGH AND FAILED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2011
STRAP HOLDING MY GAS TANK ON MY 2003 FORD 150 RUSTED THRU AND BROKE IT WAS NOTICED BY ONE OF MY FELLOW EMPLOYEES FORTUNATELY BEFORE THE OTHER STRAP BROKE. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALER IN MY AREA AND HAD IT REPAIRED ASKING IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THIS AND THEY SAID NO. I WAS CHARGED $195 TO REPAIR IT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 10, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STARTED LEAKING FUEL WHILE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND CAUSED A HOLE TO OPEN IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,404.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 9, 2011
I SAW ON THE NEWS THAT YOU ARE INVESTIGATING RUSTED OUT FUEL TANK STRAPS ON THE FORD F 150 PICKUP TRUCK, MODEL YEARS 1997 - 2001. I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT THE REAR STRAP FAILED ON MY 2003 F 150 LAST YEAR. I PAID TO HAVE THE STRAPS REPLACED. THE NEW STRAPS WERE FORD PARTS AND WERE STAINLESS STEEL, UNLIKE THE ORIGINALS. *TR
Tires, Apr 18, 2011
DRIVING ON I-95 IN FLORIDA, WHEN I EXPERIENCED A VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK SWERVED SIDE TO SIDE ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE TRUCK AND BRING IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I DISCOVERED THAT MY DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. IT WAS COOPER TIRE DISCOVERER H/T 265/70R17. SO FAR, COOPER TOOK MY INFORMATION AND IS GOING TO SEND PAPERWORK ON THE DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 18, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A LEAK WITHIN THE DOOR PANELS AND WINDSHIELD. DUE TO THE LEAK, WATER WAS GETTING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 05/13/11 *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD F150 WITH A 4.6L TRITON V8 ENGINE , WHILE DRIVING IT STARTED MAKING A POPPING NOISE, LIKE A MINI BACKFIRE. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP, AND THEY FOUND THE COIL PACK ON THE #3 CYLINDER WAS MELTED. THEY REPLACED THE COIL PACK, AND WE DROVE DOWN THE ROAD TO TEST DRIVE THE TRUCK, WITHIN 2 MILES THE POPPING NOISE RETURNED, BUT EVEN LOUDER THIS TIME. WE GOT IT LIMPED BACK TO THE SHOP, AND HAD TO LET IT COOL DOWN OVERNIGHT, SO THE MECHANIC COULD INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. HE HAD A TIME GETTING THE MELTED "BRAND NEW" COIL PACK OUT OF THE SPARK PLUG RECESS IN THE ENGINE HEAD, AND AN EQUALLY DIFFICULT TIME GETTING THE SPARK PLUG ITSELF OUT OF THE HOLE. APPARENTLY THE PLUG HAD COME LOOSE IN THE SHORT THREADED ALUMINUM HEAD, THEN THE COIL PACK MELTED AROUND THE PLUG SEALING IT IN PLACE , AND THE ENGINE BURNT A HOLE THE SIZE OF A PENCIL RIGHT THROUGH THE ALUMINUM HEAD NEXT TO THE SPARK PLUG HOLE. THE COIL PACK WAS STILL PUTTING OUT SPARK, BUT NOT TO THE PLUG, AS THE BOOT THAT HELD IT ON THE PLUG WAS GONE, IT WAS JUST SPARKING AGAINST THE SIDES OF THE RECESS IN THE HEAD. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE EITHER CAUGHT FIRE OR BLOWN UP, I GUESS THAT IS LUCKY, BUT AT THE SAME TIME NOT SO NICE FOR ME WITH THE REPAIRS STARTING AT $2600 TO REPLACE THE HEADS ON THE SAME ENGINE, OR PUT IN A USED ENGINE IF WE CAN FIND ONE FOR $3900, OR PUT IN A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE FOR $5200, THAT HAS SUPPOSEDLY HAS ADDRESSED THE ISSUE WITH THESE FORD ENGINES BLOWING OUT SPARK PLUGS. FORD SAYS THERE ISN'T AN ISSUE, BUT THEY'VE CREATED A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM THAT DOESN'T EXIST?? WHAT TO DO NOW WITH MY WORTHLESS PILE OF METAL SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY , I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX? BUILT FORD TOUGH ?? AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, SIMPLY GOOGLE "FORD TRITON SPARK PLUG BLOWOUT" , AND YOU'LL FIND THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF FOLKS LIKE ME DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE , AND FORD CONTINUES TO DENY IT'S A PROBLEM, WHY? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 11, 2011
ON MY 2003 FORD F-150 XLT REGULAR CAB, SHORT WIDE BED PICK-UP I NOTICED A FEW MONTHS AGO THAT THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED FOR A SHORT PERIOD THEN WENT OFF AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. SOMETIMES WHEN I WOULD SHUT OFF THE ENGINE THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND NOT REAPPEAR AGAIN FOR A FEW DAYS TO WEEKS. APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AGO THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT STAYED ON. THIS TIME I ALSO NOTED THAT AFTER I TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF I COULD STILL HEAR WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE SOUND OF SMALL ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND DETERMINED THE NOISE WAS ORIGINATING FROM THE ABS BRAKE CONTROL MODULE. I FELT THE MODULE AND IT WAS WARM. I PHONED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SOMETIMES IF THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED THE MODULE WILL RESET ITSELF. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY FOR A MOMENT THEN RECONNECTED IT AND THE ABS BRAKE MODULE LIGHT ON THE DASH WENT OFF SO I ASSUMED IT HAD RESET ITSELF AND WAS NOW OK. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE TRUCK FOR APPROX 1 1/2 WEEKS WITH NO TROUBLE THEN SUDDENLY THE ABS LIGHT ON THE DASH AGAIN CAME ON. AS BEFORE WHEN I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE THE NOISE UNDER THE HOOD OF A SMALL ELECTRIC MOTOR RUNNING WAS AGAIN HEARD. THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH AND A HOT SMELL WAS NOTED ALSO. I VISITED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED REPLACED AT A PRICE OF SOMEWHERE AROUND $700.00 UP TO POSSIBLY $1200.00 SINCE WHEN THE ABS CONTROL MODULE GOES BAD THEN THE HYDRAULIC PORTION OF THIS SYSTEM IS LIKELY ALSO BAD. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 68500 MILES, LOOKS LIKE NEW, AND HAS BEEN TREATED EXTREMELY GENTLY SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2003. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Mar 8, 2011
THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN (> 75 MPH). CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. THE BREAK WAS EFFECTIVE AT MITIGATING INCREASING SPEED UNTIL THE VEHICLE COULD BE STOPPED SAFELY ON THE SIDE OF HWY 85S. DISTANCE TRAVELED WITH UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION WAS APPROXIMATELY 2.5 MILES. PRIOR TO STOPPING AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, AN ATTEMPT TO PUT THE ENGINE IN NEUTRAL WHILE SPEEDING WAS FRUITLESS -- THE ENGINE RACED TO MAXIMUM RPM WHEN PUT IN NEUTRAL. FOR FEAR I WOULD BLOW THE ENGINE, I PUT THE TRANSMISSION BACK INTO "DRIVE" AND CONTINUED TAMPING ON MY BREAKS TO CONTROL MY SPEED. HEAVY BREAKING WAS UTILIZED ONCE I WAS IN SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE ENGINE MULTIPLE TIMES, EACH TIME WITH THE SAME RESULT - - THE ENGINE RED-LINED AT MAXIMUM RPMS. I CONTACTED AAA FOR ROADSIDE SERVICE. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A RALEIGH FORD DEALER. THE FORD DEALER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE RED-LINED AT MAXIMUM RPMS. THEY TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE. THEY FOUND A PLASTIC COVER FOR THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY HAD COME LOOSE AND LODGED ITSELF IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PUT TENSION ON THE THROTTLE CABLE/LEVER. A SAFETY CLIP THAT HOLDS THE COVER IN PLACE WAS MISSING. THEY RE-SECURED THE COVER WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SAFETY CONNECTOR, AND THEN RE-STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS NORMAL. THE FORD DEALER REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED HE HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE ON A MUSTANG, BUT NOT OF F-150. THE FORD DEALER REPRESENTATIVE TRIED TO DOWN-PLAY THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INCIDENT -- AS IF IT WAS "NO BIG DEAL". THEY DID NOT OPEN A SERVICE WORK ORDER TO DOCUMENT THE ISSUE OR REPAIR. THE TOLD ME THERE WAS "NO CHARGE" FOR THE SERVICE.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2011
NOTHING CAUSED THIS FAILURE OTHER THAN FACTORY DEFECT. I PROBLEM I HAVE HAD IS THE SPARKPLUG BLOW OUT OF MY VEHICLES CYLINDERS IT HAS HAPPENED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. LEAVING ME STRANDED. ALSO ALL 3 TIMES I HAVE HAD TO BUY NEW SPARK COILS AND SPARK PLUGS, THIS LAST TIME IT RUINED THE TREADS IN THE BLOCK COSTING OVER $800 TO REPAIR. I DO HAVE THE OLD PARTS *TR
Steering, Feb 28, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND EASILY TURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. ONCE THE VEHICLE BEGAN STEERING TOWARDS THE LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE FAILURE CEASED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V349000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2011
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN MY 2003 F 150 AND HEARD A KIND OF TAPPING NOISE AND STRONG VIBRATIONS COMING FROM ENGINE.. PULLED OVER AND HAD TRUCK TOWED TO MY HOUSE... AS A FRIEND OF MINE IS A MECHANIC HE CAME OVER AND HAD ME START THE TRUCK... AS I DID SO THE #3 SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE ENGINE AND BOUNCED OFF THE HOOD.... I STARTED TO RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF REPORTS ABOUT THE FORD F150'S DOING THIS EXACT SAME THING AND THE MAJORITY OF THE PROBLEMS SEEM TO COME FROM THE #3 PLUG... SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE SPENT 100'S OF DOLLARS TO UPGRADE AT THE DEALERSHIPS... ONLY 3 THREAD ON MY HEAD AND ALL TRUCKS NOW HAVE 7 THREADS... WHY DID FORD CHANGE IT? MUST HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS LIL PROBLEM....*TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 26, 2011
LEFT DEALERSHIP AFTER LO-JACK INSTALLATION. ENTERED TRAFFIC LANE AND BEGAN LIGHTLY BRAKING FOR APPROACHING SIGNAL. I FELT TWO FORWARD SURGES AND THEN INCREASINGLY RAPID ACCELERATION. I CHECKED REAR VIEW MIRROR AND THEN PRESSED ON BRAKES WITH THE SOUND OF THE RACING TURBO CHARGED ENGINE FILLING THE CAB. I THEN MOVED THE GEAR OUT OF DRIVE AND IN MY HASTE SAW I HAD IT BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO NEUTRAL AND THEN THE SOUND SUBSIDED. THE ENTIRE ACCELERATION INCIDENT LASTED LESS THAN 10 SECONDS. THE TRUCK WAS IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEN REPORTED INCIDENT TO THE MANUFACTURER.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 4, 2011
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 FORD F 150, TRITON V8 FROM A LOCAL REPUTABLE DEALER. IT IS IN FOR REPAIRS DUE TO ENGINE CONCERNS. IN RESEARCHING THE TRITON V8 I FIND THAT I AM NOT ALONE AND THERE IS A CONCERN WITH BLOWING SPARK PLUGS OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. I WANT TO DOCUMENT MY PROBLEM AT THIS POINT SO IF THE NEED TO LEGALLY SEEK REPAIRS I HAVE A PAPER TRAIL. AT THIS POINT I AM TOLD THAT THE REPAIR WILL BE $550.00, BUT IN READING OTHER CONSUMER COMPLAINTS I SEE THAT MOST BEGAN THE SAME WAY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2010
MY FORD F150 SUPER CREW HAS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THAT IT CONTINUOUSLY BLOWS A CERTAIN 5 AMP FUSE. THIS FUSE DISABLES THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS, THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND THE OVERDRIVE SYSTEM. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE AND CHARGED ME $52.50. THEY DID NOT FIX ANYTHING. I FOUND AN IDENTICAL COMPLAINT ON YOUR WEBSITE FROM NOV 30, 2008.
Power train, Dec 22, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FWD ENGAGEMENT GEAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PLACE WHEN DRIVING IN ICY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ACTUATOR FOR THE GEAR SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000. UPDATED 02/09/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/06/11
Power train, Dec 22, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150 4WD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE OVER SNOW AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT THEN ENGAGED THE ACCELERATED AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE BUT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,200.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2010, fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT IN USE. OWNER RETURNED HOME WHILE AWAY WITH HIS SON TO FIND THAT VEHICLE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE EXTENT OF FIRE WAS THE FRONT ENGINE AREA. VEHICLE WAS USED NIGHT BEFORE WITHOUT ANY INCIDENT.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 18, 2010
I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH. I HEARD A POP. THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURERS SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE ENGINE. IT COMPLETELY RIPPED THE THREADS OUT WITH IT. UPON DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO HAVE HAPPENED TO HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ONCE THEIR FORD HITS 100,000 MILES. MY 2003 FORD F150 V8 4.6L HAS 103,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 F150 THAT HAS 135K MILES. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SERVICED REGULARLY AND HAVE HAD NO MAJOR ISSUES UNTIL TODAY. I AM IN THE NAVY AND WAS DRIVING INTO WORK FOR DUTY WHEN MY SPARK PLUG WAS EJECTED FROM MY ENGINE. THE EXPLOSION WAS SO GREAT THAT IT BROKE THE COIL PACK IN THREE PIECES AND WHEN I PULLED OVER IN INVESTIGATE THE NOISE I TURNED ON THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD OPEN TO SEE THE SPARK COIL ACROSS THE PORT WHERE THE PLUG HAD BEEN AND IT WAS SPARKING (IT'S A WONDER THAT IT DIDN'T CATCH THE VAPORS ON FIRE FRON THE CYLINDER) THE PLUG ALSO SEVERED ONE OF THE VACCUUME HOSES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CONTACTED THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN TOWN AND THE MECHANINC TOLD ME THAT WAS NORMAL FOR TRUCKS OVER 100K MILES, AND THAT THEY WOULD 'START POPPING OUT LIKE POPCORN'. THIS SEEMS OUTRAGOUS! I TRIED TO FIX IT MYSELF BUT NOW AM HAVING TO CONCEDE TO LETTING FORD DO THE WORK SINCE THEY HAVE THE REPLACEMENT KIT ( "BECAUSE THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS" - THEIR OWN WORDS). THERE IS A POTENTIAL THAT THIS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FIRE! PLEASE FORCE FORD TO DO A RECALL. *TR