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.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2009
1. NORMAL OPERATION, NO INDICATION OF PROBLEM 2. SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE AS MY WIFE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN OUR DRIVEWAY; 1ST OF 2 OCCURRENCES; REPAIRED WITH HELICOILED PLUG. APPROX $400 REPAIR EXPENSE. I'M NOW TOLD THAT A BULLETIN WAS ISSUED ADVISING NOT TO USE THIS REPAIR METHOD. HAVING TROUBLE VERIFYING IF THAT IS FACT OR FICTION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2009
1. NORMAL OPERATION 2. SPARK PLUGS ARE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD; THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE; ENGINE FAILURE. HAD THE OCCURRENCE BEEN 200 MILES EARLIER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE MIDDLE OF PEAK TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON I405 NEAR BELLVUE WASHINGTON STATE, HEAVY RAIN WITH POOR VISIBILITY - CONSEQUENCES WOULD HAVE BEEN DIRE. 3. FORD ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD A "TON" OF THESE REPAIR JOBS. AT $400+ PER OCCURRENCE, I QUESTION WHY THEY HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER? WHY NO NOTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM. I'M TOLD THERE HAVE BEEN SERVICE ADVISORY'S ISSUED, BUT SHOPS AND SERVICE COUNTERS SHARE NONE OF THIS WITH ME. NOW THAT MY VEHICLE IS 5 YRS OLD WITH 129K MILES, WHAT WILL THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM BE. AS THE F150 FLEET AGES, HOW MANY MORE OCCURRENCE WILL THERE BE PRIOR TO FOOD ISSUING A SOLUTION? I'M TOLD BY DEALERSHIPS THAT THE SPARK PLUG SEAT ONLY CONSISTS OF A FEW THREAD TO HOLD THE SPARK PLUG IN. PLUGS DO NOT HAVE A SEAT RING (COMPRESSION RING) TO ASSIST IN THE PLUG TO STAY SEATED. AS THE PLUG LOOSENS, BLOW BY OCCURS AND EVENTUALLY BLOWING THE PLUG OUT THROUGH THE TREADS IN THE ENGINE HEAD. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM, LET ALONE HAVING THIS OCCUR TO MY TWICE. PARTS HOUSES HAD CONCURRED THAT THE PROBLEM IS PREVALENT AND THEY LAUGH ABOUT IT. WHO IS GOING TO LAUGH WHEN THIS KNOWN UNSAFE ENGINEERING FLAW CAUSES DEATH OR INJURY? THEIR REPAIR HAS NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM, NOR DID THEY GIVE UP THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT ME FIRST SEEKING FACTUAL INFORMATION. THE PUBLIC IS BEING DECEIVED! *TR
Tires, Oct 16, 2009
I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND RIMS IN 05/2006. THESE TIRES AND RIMS ARE ONLY USED FROM MAY THROUGH OCTOBER. ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2009 I HAD A TIRE LOSE AIR ON THE INTERSTATE. I PULLED OVER AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE. UPON EXAMINATION I FOUND THE VALVE STEM TO BE CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILURE,UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION I FOUND THE OTHER WHEELS HAD VALVE STEMS THAT WERE CRACKING IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE VALVE STEM THAT FAILED. I HAD THE VALVE STEMS REPLACEDIN THE THREE TIRES THAT DIDN'T FAIL BUT WAS UNABLE TO ON THE TIRE THAT WENT FLAT BECAUSE OF SIDEWALL DAMAGE TO THAT TIRE. AT THIS TIME I FOUND OUT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON VALVE STEMS. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND OUT MY VALVE STEMS ARE NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL INVOLVES VALVE STEMS MANUFACTURED FOR DILL OR TECH INTERNATIONAL BETWEEN 07/2006 AND 11/ 2006. THE VALVE STEMS I HAVE ARE TR 413 MANUFACTURED BY ARGO WINSOONSHANGHAI. I HAVE TWO OF THE VALVE STEMS AND THE DAMAGED TIRE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2009
I HAD A SPARKPLUG BLOW OUT ON MY 03 F150.....WHICH AT FIRST SOUNDED LIKE A NOISY LIFTER. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS AT THE FORD DEALER AND IT COST ME $1180.00 TO INSTALL A HELI COIL. *TR
Power train, Sep 18, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE INDICATOR FOR THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED. AS A CONSEQUENCE HE BRIEFLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH INCREASED HIS RISK FOR A VEHICLE CRASH. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,792.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2009
THE SPARK PLUG IN ME FORD F-150 5.4LTR ENGINE BLEW OUT OF THE #2 CYLINDER. ALL ENGINE REBUILDING SHOPS AND REPAIR CENTERS SAY THIS IS COMMON IN FORDS. THEY FINISHED MY SENTENCE WHEN DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM. PLEASE ENACT A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. AS I READ THIS IS AN ISSUE. COST ME 500.00 DOLLARS TO FIX AND I WORRY ABOUT THE OTHER 7 PLUGS...$3,500 TO REPAIR. *TR
Seat belts, Aug 26, 2009, crash
A WRECK ON CONSTITUTION AVE WASHINGTON D.C. , HAS CAUSED THE HARD , STIFF PLASTIC OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE CLIP THAT FASTENS INTO THE LOCK TO KEEP YOU BUCKLED IN TO GO INTO MY RIGHT FRONT HIP . IT'S POSITION SEEMS TO BE WRONG TO ME . AND TO THE GREAT CAUSE OF SUCH PAIN IN MY LIFE TO THE SUFFERING OF MY WHOLE LIFE .I HAVE SHARP SEVERE PAIN FROM IT'S CONTACT AREA ON MY HIP . MY SPINE AND BACK HAVE THIS SEVER DISABILITY THAT LEAVES ME FEELING LIKE I'M TEARING INTO TWO PARTS IN MY BACK .SHOCK OF PAIN SEVERITY IS REAL. THIS PAIN WAS CAUSED BY THROWN AGAINST THIS HARD PLASTIC BUCKLE WHEN THE DRIVER DROVE INTO MY VEHICLE AT 20 MPH OR MORE . WHICH TWISTED ME IN THE SEAT AND ALIGNED THE BUCKLE ON MY HIP BONE WHICH SMASHED THAT AREA HARD AND LEFT ME SEVERELY INJURED AND OUT OF WORK FOR A LONG TIME AND STILL SUFFERING FIVE YEARS LATER AND DISTURBED BY LAWYERS AND INSURANCE SETTLEMENTS PROCESS TO HANDLE THIS MATTER . MY VEHICLE IS A 2003 FORD F-150 CREW CAB. THE SEAT BUCKLE ENGAGING LOCK STICKS UP OUT OF THE SEAT AND STICKS UP IN THE AIR . AND THIS LEAVES THE VERY HARD PLASTIC ALSO OF CLIP THERE UP IN THE AIR AND DEPENDING ON HOW YOUR ARE WRECKED AND SITTING IN THE SEAT AT THAT MOMENT DEPENDS ON HOW YOUR BODY HITS THAT SEAT BELT BUCKLE CLIP AND LOCK. I GOT WELL ENOUGH TO GET BACK TO SOME NORMALCY . AND DID CALL FORD MOTOR CO. WHICH SAID SORRY TO HEAR THAT AND TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT ASSIST ME FURTHER WITH ANY INJURY CLAIM AND SAID I NEEDED TO CONTACT ANOTHER LAWYER . I FEEL I NEED TO FILE BECAUSE MY CASE CAN'T GET TO THIS ISSUE FAST ENOUGH TO HELP PUBLIC WARNED OF IT'S HAZARD . *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 F150 V8 5.4 L AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I HEARD A POP, AND I CHECKED MY ENGINE AND NOTICED THE IGNITION COIL WAS LOOSE AND THE SPARK PLUG WAS ATTACHED TO THE IGNITION COIL, SO NOW THE THREADS IN THE HEAD ARE STRIPPED AND I CANNOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE!! THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT BECAUSE NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED THAT THIS IS NOT RECALL ISSUE IT SHOULD BE!!! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2009
WHILE TRAVELING @ 65 MILES PER HOUR DOWN A HIGHWAY, THE NUMBER 3 SPARK PLUG & COIL BLEW OUT FROM THE HEAD CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE COIL & SPARK PLUG ITSELF. OUR 2003 FORD F150 SUPERCREW LARIOT PICK-UP TRUCK, WHICH IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OUR VEHICLE. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED A QUICK FIX OF A SPARK PLUG INSERT AFTER THE PLUG HOLE WAS RETAPPED WHILE STATING SEVERAL TIMES THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD WORK. ANOTHER OPTION WAS TO REPLACE THE HEADS COSTING APPROXIMATELY $2500. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO ADVISED US THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM & HAS SEEN IT HAPPEN ON A VARIETY OF FORD VEHICLES. WE'RE EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT OUR VEHICLE DIDN'T CATCH FIRE, AS THE COIL THAT BLEW HIT THE FUEL RAIL, WHICH IS HELD IN PLACE BY TWO 8MM BOLTS. THIS EXPERIENCE IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING & CONCERNING TO US AS IF WE SPEND MONEY GOING THE ROUTE OF THE INSERT, IT MAY LAST FOR ONE TRIP DOWN THE ROAD & GIVE OUT. IT'S DISAPPOINTING THAT FORD ISN'T STANDING BY THEIR PRODUCT & FIXING IT APPROPRIATELY. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM THAT BRINGS WITH IT SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES. WE WILL NOT BE PURCHASING A FORD VEHICLE IN THE FUTURE.
Seat belts, Jun 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT ON THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELTS INTO THE LOCKING MECHANISM, BUT IT FAILED TO PROVIDE RESTRAINT. HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT OPERATE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 57,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2009
THE SPARK PLUG ON MY 2003 FORD F-150 WAS EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE TRUCK HAS 42,000 MILES ON IT. THERE WAS A HUGE BANG FROM THE ENGINE, AND THE GAS VAPORS FLOODED THE CAB. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO NAVIGATE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND MY FAMILY WAS NOT INJURED. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WELL-DOCUMENTED ONLINE, AND I WILL BE FOLLOWING UP TO SEE WHERE THE NHTSA IS ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2009
BLOWING OUT SPARK PLUGS. *TR
Equipment, Mar 31, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT OBSERVED A DEFECT WITH THE TIRE SOCKET WRENCH. THE WRENCH WAS EQUIPPED WITHIN THE VEHICLE TO ASSIST WITH TIRE REPAIRS; HOWEVER, IT WAS TOO SMALL TO LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS THAT SECURED THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO CHECK THE AIR PRESSURE LEVEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,000. UPDATED 04/24/09.*JB
Power train, Mar 5, 2009
DIFFERENTIAL REAR END FACTORY DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Feb 16, 2009
SIMILAR TO OTHER COMPLAINT, I DISCOVERED THAT MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS NOT ENGAGING WHEN I TURN IT ON USING THE SWITCH ON THE DASH. MY INDEPENDENT EXCELLENT MECHANIC (I WOULD NEVER USE THE FORD DEALER HERE) FOUND THAT A WIRE ON THE TRANSMISSION CASE HAD BEEN SIMPLY DISCONNECTED. HE RECONNECTED IT - NO CHARGE. WORKS FINE. P.S. I TEST THE OPERATION EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS NOW TO MAKE SURE IT IS WORKING JUST IN CASE I NEED IT. *TR
Power train, Feb 5, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WORKED SPORADICALLY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VACUUM SWITCH, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM DIAPHRAGM MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND THE SHIFTING FORK CONTROL. AFTER THE REPAIR, THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,300 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 3/11/09 *CN UPDATED 03/13/09. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 3, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT HEARD A SIZZLING NOISE EVERY TIME THE INDICATOR WAS USED. SHE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A CUP OF TEA AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
Power train, Dec 23, 2008
WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOWSTORM THE SHIFTING FORK ON THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BROKE DISENGAGING THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL. I HAVE FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW AND THAT FORD HAS REDESIGNED THIS SHIFTING FORK. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN NEXT TO ME WHEN THE FORK BROKE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 8, 2008
MY 2003 FORD F-150 WITH 5.4 TRITON ENGINE SPIT OUT THE NUMBER 3 SPARK PLUG. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THE SAME PLUG. FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS REFUSED TO EVEN DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH ME, SAYING THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH ITS PRODUCT! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 30, 2008
MY 2003 FORD F150 TRUCK HAS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THAT IT CONTINUOUSLY BLOWS A CERTAIN 5 AMP FUSE. I WAS TOLD BY A TECHNICIAN AT THE FORD AUTHORIZED SERVICE WHERE I HAVE MY SERVICE WORK DONE THAT HE HAS SEEN ABOUT 10 OF THESE CASES. THE PROBLEM IS A COWL LEAK THAT ALLOWS WATER ON AN ELECTRONIC MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE DASH. THE FUSE WILL BLOW PREDICTABLY 2 TO 3 DAYS AFTER A RAIN OR WASH. THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES ARE: 1. THE BLOWN FUSE DISABLES THE FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS & TAILLIGHTS THEREBY BECOMING AN ACCIDENT RISK PARTICULARLY WHEN THE DRIVER HAS BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF THE LIGHTS; 2. THE BLOWN FUSE DISABLES THE FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS ALL OF THE VEHICLES DOORS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE THEREBY EXPOSING THE OCCUPANTS TO CARJACKING AND OTHER PERSONAL DANGERS; 3. THE BLOWN FUSE DISABLES THE PUSHBUTTON CONTROL FOR SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO AND OUT OF OVERDRIVE WHICH COULD POSE A HAZARD IN SNOW AND ICE CONDITIONS OR DRIVING IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. BASED ON THESE INDISPUTABLE SAFETY HAZARDS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CONDITION AND REPAIR/REPLACE AS NECESSARY TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF THESE HAZARDS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 31, 2008
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAILURE - FAILURE OF ELECTRONIC HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WHILE BRAKING A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65-70 MPH WHEN A CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD STARTED TO PULL ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ONLY ABOUT 200 FEET AWAY FROM THE CAR SO I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES - IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WAS GOING TO STOP PULLING OUT SO I LET GO OF THE BRAKES FOR A SECOND BUT THEN THE OTHER DRIVE DID PULL RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME AND I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE CAR BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. ONLY BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS A COLLISION AVOIDED. THE LIGHT NEVER TURNED OFF, AND THE BRAKES BEHAVE ERRATICALLY. A FRIEND IS A MECHANIC WHO USED A SNAP-ON SOLUS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WHICH SHOWS THE ABS DHCU SEES THE CAR MOVING AT 3-4 MPH WHILE PARKED, THE SYSTEM OFF, BUT WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR IT APPLIES THE ABS SYSTEM WHILE SLOWING BELOW ABOUT 5MPH UNDER NORMAL DRIVING (LIKE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT) INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCE CONSIDERABLY. THE MODULE DOES NOT RESPOND TO RESET ATTEMPTS, AND REPAIR IS BY REPLACEMENT ONLY. THE CAR IS A SPECIAL PRODUCTION FORD F150 LIGHTNING, WITH A DHCU SPECIFIC TO THE LIGHTNING EDITION. REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE IS ABOUT $700 PLUS LABOR. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 16,000 MILES ON IT, ABOUT 15,500 WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
Structure, Oct 24, 2008
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 FORD F150 IN AUGUST 2007. WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS THE GEM MODULE WAS REPLACED AS THERE EXISTS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE SEATING OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE SEAL. AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A RAINY DAY, THE BLOWER FAN IS GOING, THE WINDOWS ARE GOING UP AND DOWN, AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE ALL FREAKING OUT. AS I PULL OVER AND REMOVE MY KEY FROM THE TRUCK, THE PROBLEM DOES NOT STOP. AND NOW THE TRUCK WON'T RESTART. AGAIN, THE GEM MODULE. WHICH FORD WILL NOT REPLACE ALONG WITH THE LEAKY WINDSHIELD SEAL. BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THERE EXISTS NO PROBLEM OF THE BEHALF OF THE MANUFACTURER. SEE: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/FORD-F-150/TAA9DVMDG7RO706EI#LASTPOST. I AM AFRAID THAT EVEN IF I WERE TO PAY TO HAVE THE GEM MODULE REPLACED (AGAIN) AND THE WINDSHIELD RESEALED (AGAIN) THAT I WILL BE DRIVING ALL OF MY CHILDREN DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE TRUCK JUST DECIDES TO ELECTRONICALLY FAIL IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CAUSES A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PERHAPS THIS DESIGN FLAW SHOULD BE AN ISSUE FOR IMMEDIATE RECALL. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 21, 2008
IN APRIL 2008 THE BATTERY WAS DEAD ON THE TRUCK. BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND TRUCK STILL WOULD NOT START. AFTER WE WERE FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK STARTED IT WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT REMAINED FOR 2-3 WEEKS. SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE CLUSTER ($700.00) WAS BAD AND REPLACED IT. (WE HAVE SINCE BEEN TOLD BY OTHER MECHANICS, IF THE CLUSTER WAS BAD WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO START THE TRUCK, SO WHY WAS IT REPLACED.) THE TRUCK WAS BROUGHT BACK HOME AND THE NEXT TIME IT RAINED THE BATTERY WAS AGAIN DEAD. AGAIN TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS TIME THEY DETERMINED THAT IT WAS LEAKING AROUND THE WINDOW GASKET ($100) AND REPLACED THIS. 2 MONTHS LATER ANOTHER RAIN AND AGAIN A DEAD VEHICLE. TRUCK WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINED ANOTHER 2 WEEKS. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS AND COMPLAINTS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND NEEDED TO CALL THE MAIN TECHNICIANS. WE STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND KEEP IT IN THE GARAGE. TRUCK CAN'T BE DRIVEN IF THERE IS ANY HINT OF RAIN BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO END UP STRANDED. WE LIVE IN A SMALL COMMUNITY AND THIS IS THE SECOND TRUCK, SAME MODEL AND YEAR, THAT WE KNOW OF IN OUR AREA THAT IS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS SOME ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN THESE VEHICLES AS IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE LIMITED TO A FEW. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 37, 000 MILES ON IT AND IS A COMPLETE WASTE TO HAVE UNLESS WE LIVED IN THE DESERT. I THINK ALL FORD OWNERS NEED TO BAN TOGETHER AND SUE FORD FOR AGGRAVATION AND NON FUNCTIONAL VEHICLES. NEVER AGAIN WILL I WASTE MY TIME BUYING A FORD VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2008
ON 10/1/08 I WAS COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. LOSS OF POWER AND RAN ROUGH . IT WAS ALMOST DARK SO I COULD NOT SEE WHAT WAS WRONG SO I DROVE IT THE TWO MILES HOME, ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NEXT MORNING I TOOK THE TRUCK TO HOLDER FORD IN LAKEPORT, CALIFORNIA AND THEY SAID I HAD BLOWN OUT THE REAR PLUG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THEY REPAIRED IT FOR $715.00 AND I GOT IT BACK ON MONDAY 10/6/08. AGAIN ON 10/11/08 SATURDAY THE SAME PLUG BLEW OUT. THIS TIME I WAS IN THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY IN SAN RAFAEL HEADING FOR SAN FRANCISCO. THE TRUCK LOST POWER AND EVERY TIME I BACKED OFF THE GAS THE ENGINE DIED. I FOUGHT WITH THE TRUCK TO GET IT STARTED AND KEEP IT RUNNING TO GET IT ACROSS THREE LANES OF BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC TO AN OFF RAMP. WHEN I STOPPED AND RAISED THE HOOD I SAW IT WAS THE SAME PLUG THAT WAS JUST REPAIRED. I CALLED HOLDER FORD AND THEY SAID SERVICE WAS CLOSED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME UNTIL MONDAY. I DROVE THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER ONLY TO FIND THE FORD DEALER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS THERE SO I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND RENTED A CAR. I WAS 150 MILES FROM HOLDER FORD AND MY TOWING WOULD ONLY ALLOW 100 MILES. BESIDES THIS BLOWN SPARK PLUG ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IT COST ME $400.00 FOR THE TOW AND I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FOR A RENTAL CAR. NOW I FIND OUT THERE ARE ONLY THREE THREADS IN THE HEAD TO HOLD THE PLUGS IN, AND THE HEADS ARE ALUMINUM. THE TRUCK IS A 2003 FORD F150 LIGHTNING 5.4 TRITON V8 WITH 70,000 MILES. *TR
Structure, Sep 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. RUST WAS FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF ALL FOUR DOORS ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/16/08. *JB