215 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Econoline. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 12, 2025
To whom it may concern, i recently purchased a 2003 ford econoline e150 vin# [XXX] . from a private party in the state of michigan, im am being refused insurance because the van is coming up as incomplete , the van was sent and finished by Elk automotive Inc , on [XXX] MPV [XXX] they company that manufactured it ,gave it the same vin # [XXX] with completion date as [XXX] the identification sticker from Elk automotive is on the door jam and has been dot approved, i have the michigan title in my name , it says nothing about incomplete on title, but NHTSA website keeps popping up incomplete and my insurance provider wont insure it please contact me or help please. my name is [XXX] , [XXX] or by phone is [XXX] or, my email is : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SERVICE BRAKESJuly 6, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350 PULLING A 24-FOOTER AUTO TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT USED THE TRAILER BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE BRAKES IN 2004. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, AND PRESSURE PUMP NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL SOFT AND STILL ALMOST TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 10, 2017
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT ON A HIGHWAY RAMP IN TOWN BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. AS I SAT WAITING, THE VAN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME WHILE THE BRAKES WERE STILL FULLY APPLIED! I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, JUST ON THE BRAKE. THE ACCELERATION WAS SO SUDDEN AND FAST THAT MY FRONT TIRES LEFT SKID MARKS BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE FULLY APPLIED. I HAD BEEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL EARLIER ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT HAD DISENGAGED IT BEFORE GETTING INTO TOWN, WELL BEFORE THE RAMP TO THE STOPLIGHT. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPEND WITH THIS VAN; HOWEVER, I ALSO OWN A 2001 FORD E350 VAN, AND BEFORE I STOPPED USING IT, I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGING WHILE I WAS DRIVING, AND REFUSING TO DISENGAGE. I HAVE REPORTED THESE INCIDENTS WITH BOTH OF MY VANS TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10953892FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMOctober 10, 2016
FUEL TANK DELAMINATION. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, SENDING UNIT AND FUEL PUMP ON MY E350 DIESEL VAN. FORD HAS HAD KNOWN ISSUES FOR SEVERAL YEARS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE INSIDE COATING OF THE TANK PEELS AWAY AND CLOGS UP THE FUEL SYSTEM, THEN THEY TURN AROUND AND SELL YOU THE SAME TANK SO IT HAPPENS AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER AND WILL EVEN STALL.
TIRESSeptember 16, 2016
TIRE BRAND AND SIZE: PATHFINDER SPORT S A/T 245/75-16 PUT ON REAR OF 2003 FORD E250 EXTENDED LENGTH WORK VAN. BOUGHT NEW FROM DISCOUNT TIRE. AS SOON AS I GOT ON THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED THE VEHICLE FELT UNSTABLE. WAS WANDERING IN REAR. WHEN MAKING A LANE CHANGE IS WAS REALLY BAD AND FELT UNSAFE AS THE REAR SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. HAD THEM TAKE THESE TIRES OFF AND REPLACE WITH A MAJOR BRAND AND THIS PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SOME ONE LOOKS INTO THESE TIRES AS I THINK THE POTENTIAL IS THERE FOR CAUSING A SPIN OUT OR ROLL OVER.
ENGINEApril 14, 2016
SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT X3 IT HAS BEGAIN TO GET VERY ANOING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSFebruary 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN FAILED TO WORK AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 6, 2015
MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED SHUT OFF DEAD!!!! IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I MANAGED TO RESTAR IT AND IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT TO THE CLOSEST MECHANIC SHOP.I PAID $49.95 FEE AND THEY SCANNED THE ENGINE. TOLD ME IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A LOOSE WIRE, THAT THEY TOOK CARE OF IT AND GO AHEAD AND DRIVE IT. "BRING IT BACK, IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN" EASIER SAID THAN DONE. YES IT IS STILL HAPPENING. I LOVE MY CAR AND IT IS THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION I HAVE. I AM 69 3/4 YEARS OLD AND DRIVE AROUND WITH MY 92 YEAR OLD MOTHER. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEApril 13, 2015
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEApril 13, 2015
SPARK PLUGBLOWNOUT OF HEAD. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEApril 13, 2015
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEApril 13, 2015
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR
AIR BAGSDecember 8, 2014
A PATIENT, 21 YEAR OLD AMBULANCE DRIVER, HAS BEEN TREATED HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI FROM 10/27/14 FOR INJURIES FROM AN AUTO ACCIDENT, SUSTAINED WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF THE AMBULANCE SHE WAS DRIVING. HER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, PROTECTING HER APPROPRIATELY. HOWEVER, THERE IS A METAL DISC BENEATH THE AIRBAG ON THE STEERING COLUMN, WHICH WAS QUITE HOT, AND AS SHE WAS TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE, SHE SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER CHEST AND TO HER CLOTHING. THE BURNS WERE THIRD DEGREE BURNS REQUIRING SURGERY, SMALL AREA, BUT WERE SIGNIFICANT BURNS. I AM UNCERTAIN WHETHER THE HOT DISC AT THE BASE OF THE AIRBAG IS THE RESULT OF A DEFECT, OR IF IT IS PART OF THE DESIGN. I AM NOTIFYING YOU SO YOU WILL BE AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD, AND TO TRACK THE FREQUENCY OF THIS TYPE OF INJURY. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A DEATH AND ANOTHER INJURY IN THIS ACCIDENT, THEY WERE NOT RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE HOT DISC ON THE AIRBAG MECHANISM. THE AMBULANCE IS A 2003 FORD E-350. THIS WAS THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. *TR
Crash reported2 injury(ies)1 death(s)
NHTSA #10662725SEAT BELTSApril 28, 2014
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F1-50. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE APRIL 26, 2014. THE VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT CURRENT MILLAGE OVER 240,00. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH IN TRAFFICE . THE CONTACT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE MANUFICATURE. LG
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10585287FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELAugust 26, 2013
THE FORD E-350 VAN BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER THEN STALLED ON MD ROUTE 43. THERE WAS NO POSSIBILITY TO PULL OF THE ROAD WAY. THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES THEN DROVE ANOTHER 2 MILES UNTIL IT STALLED AGAIN. AAA TOWED THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS REMOVED. THE FUEL TANK WAS FOUND TO BE DELAMINATING AND CLOGGING THE FUEL LINES WITH SILVER STRANDS OF COATING FROM INSIDE THE TANK. A NEW TANK IS BEING ORDERED AND INSTALLED ALONG WITH CLEANING THE FUEL SYSTEM. VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NO WARNING. THIS 15 PASSENGER VEHICLE IS USED TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM TO PREVENT A DISASTER. MANY OF THESE VEHICLES ARE USED AS SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION WHICH WOULD MULTIPLY THE TRAGEDY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM KNOWING IF THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. *TR
TIRESJune 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN KO TIRES, SIZE LT285-75R16, DOT PFYUUJ11. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE DRIVER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53, 8000.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELApril 18, 2013
LOST POWER. FILTER HEAVILY PLUGGED PARTICULATE. DROPPED TANK. BOTTOM OF TANK HAS 1/2" SILVERY FLAKES. FUEL PICK-UP SCREEN PLUGGED. BOILED AND REINSTALLED TANK. FUEL PUMP FAILURE ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER. NEW PUMP. AT 149000 MILE, NEW TANK AND MAY NEED NEW PUMP. TANK WAS DELAMINATING. *TR
TIRESJuly 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ECONOLINE EQUIPPED WITH RADAR RADIAL RLT-9 TIRES, SIZE P245/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD WERE DRY AND THE APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE WAS 90 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD WAS AGAIN DRY AND THE APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE WAS 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THE TIRES WERE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES ON THE VEHICLE WAS 62,000. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES ON THE TIRES WERE 6,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 8, 2012
NO. 2 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF CYLINDER HEAD. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING, THE VEHICLE SURGED IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10454526ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 13, 2012
I WAS SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. WHEN I ACCELERATED TO MOVE, I HEARD A LOUD BANG NOISE AND THEN I HEARD A FLAPPING NOISE. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. AFTER TOWING MY HANDICAPPED VAN TO THE FORD DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE IF I HAD TRIED DRIVING MUCH FURTHER. THIS IS VERY SCARY FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT EQUIP THESE VANS FOR SPECIAL USE. THE MILEAGE IS 99% CITY DRIVING. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ENGINE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJanuary 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND PREVENT HIM FROM ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DELAMINATING AND CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK AND TRANSFER PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 29, 2011
2003 FORD CUTAWAY VAN WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DRIVER NOTICED SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CENTER OF DASH. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND GOT OUT OF VEHICLE. SMOKE CONTINUED AND FLAMES BEGAN TO CONSUME VEHICLE UNTIL ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY HVAC SWITCH FAILURES(MELTING OF SWITCH AND OR HARNESS CONNECTOR) AND NOTICE VERY HOT WIRES TO THE SWITCH AT TIMES. FLEET CONTAINS 85 FORD E350 VEHICLES AND THIS SWITCH HAS BEEN A COMMON FAILURE. *TT
Fire reported
NHTSA #10427875STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONTACT STATED A BOLT SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS DEFECT ALSO CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO FAIL, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL AND POWER STEERING TO FAIL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,895 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,395.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELSeptember 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS DETERIORATING WHICH CLOGGED UP THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING UP HILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER WERE CLOGGED UP. THE MECHANIC WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FOR OVER $1000 AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HIM TO CONTACT NHTSA SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ALSO INFORMED HIM THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. LOW SULFUR DIESEL CAUSES FUEL TANK LINING TO BREAK DOWN. PARTICLES FROM THIS LINING CLOGS UP EVERYTHING DOWN STREAM. FUEL PUMP FILTER CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE AND A THREAT ON ROAD WAYS. UPDATED 11/01/2011 *LN *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL PINHOLE IN THE BRAKE LINES THAT DEVELOPED DUE TO CORROSION. AS A RESULT, BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 93,636.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STEERINGJuly 20, 2011
LOSS OF INSTRUMENTS IN 2003 F250 DIESEL WITH 50,153 MILES. FUSE REPLACED BY SERVICE CENTER AND INSTRUMENTS CAME ON. 3 DAYS LATER THEY WENT OFF WHILE IN 4 WHEEL LOW AND THE THE ENGINE STOPPED (BATTERY'S DEAD). I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. REPAIR OF DAMAGED WIRING IN STEERING COLUMN FIXED PROBLEM. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON THE WEB AND KNOWN TO THE SERVICE CENTERS I HAVE CONTACTED. IF WIRING IS WORN IN A 50,000 MILE TRUCK I WOULD THINK IT PROBABLY WILL OCCUR IN SIMILAR MODELS. THE TRUCK COULD HAVE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLY RESULTED IN INJURY. WHY NO RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF OWNERS. *KB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-250. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS A FEE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V444000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 16, 2011
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2003 E150 FORD VAN BLEW THE #2 SPARK PLUG OUT. THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND AND THEN THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT BLEW A ROD. AFTER CHECKING IT OUT, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS THE SPARK PLUG. A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO HIS EVENT, I COULD HEAR A SLIGHT TAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED JUST TO BE SURE. THE SPARK PLUG HAS BEEN REPLACED, WITH A HELICOIL INSERTED, BUT THE WALL OF THE HEAD WAS EVEN DAMAGED. MY MECHANIC DID AN AWESOME JOB REPAIRING IT BUT EVEN SAID HE COULDN'T GUARANTEE IT WOULD LAST A 100 MILES OR 100,000 DUE TO THE HEAD DAMAGE. HE EVEN RECOMMENDED I TRADE IT IN. WITH ONLY 138,000 MILES ON IT I'M NOT READY TO LET IT GO. HOPEFULLY THE NEW PLUG WILL HOLD AND I WON'T HAVE TO TRADE IN MY VAN. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENovember 7, 2010
FAILURE OF FUEL VAPOR VALVE ASSEMBLY PART #F65Z*9B593*DA. GAS VAPORS BUILD UP IN TANK AND ARE RELEASED UNDER PRESSURE WHEN GAS CAP REMOVED FOR REFUELING. VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY WITH NO WARNING LIGHT FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS OR MORE BEFORE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY UNDER THE CORRECT CONDITIONS THESE VAPORS COULD IGNITE AT GAS PUMP WHEN REFUELING. I HAVE COMPLETE RECORDS OF LETTERS, PHONE CALLS AND VISITS TO FORD DEALERSHIP, ALSO DEFECTIVE VALVE WAS SENT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND RETURNED TO ME WITH A LETTER SAYING IN PART "RETURNING PART AS WE DO NOT HAVE FACILITIES FOR INSPECTING OR EVALUATION" I WAS ALSO INFORMED MY REQUEST WITH SERVICE MANAGER AT GATOR FORD TO MEET WITH MYSELF AND REP. FROM FORD IS NOT POSSIBLE. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AND WELL MAINTAINED. PARTS LETTERS AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER WILL BE PROVIDED FROM ME AT YOUR REQUEST. CORDIALLY YOURS, DANIEL TRZASKA
POWER TRAINNovember 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD FOCUS. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE FROM THE PARK POSITION. IN ORDER SHIFT INTO REVERSE HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ALLOW IT TO SLOWLY ROLL BACKWARDS. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE ALSO NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 8, 2010
HAVE A 2003 FORD E-350 VAN CNG GAS CONVERSION. AT 97,000 MILES A SPARK PLUG BLEW COMPLETELY OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD AND BROKE OFF THE IGNITION COIL THAT WAS BOLTED TO THE HEAD. THE CNG GAS COULD HAVE POSSIBLY IGNITED AND CAUSED A FIRE SINCE THE FUEL WAS STILL BEING SENT TO THAT PARTICULAR CYLINDER AND THE SPARK WAS STILL SPARKING EVENTHOUGH IT WAS BLOWN OUT OF THE HOLE. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE UNTIL I RESEARCHED IT AFTER IT OCCURRED. THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON IN FORD ENGINES THAT ARE 5.4 LITER. THE REPAIR IS AROUND $2500. TO PULL THE ENGINE AND REPAIR THE HEAD. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF WE HAD CONTINUE DRIVING THE VAN. THIS OCCURRED 9/27/2010. *TR
SEAT BELTSSeptember 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V069000, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND HE WAS INFORMED THE PARTS NEEDED WERE ON BACK ORDER. THIS PROCESS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,079.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELAugust 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK LINING CAME OFF CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO RUST, CLOGGING THE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL INJECTORS. THE FUEL ENTERING THE INJECTORS WAS MINIMAL WHICH MADE THE TRUCK VERY HARD TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A CLOGGED INJECTOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONE FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED FOR $970 WHICH CAUSE THE IDENTICAL FAILURE TO RECUR. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP HIM SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 15, 2010
PROBLEM: SEVERE SHIMMY IN STEERING WHEEL, POSSIBLY LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL. CONDITIONS: OCCURS WHENEVER BRAKES ARE HOT AND VEHICLE SPEED IS ABOVE 45 MPH. PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN DESCENDING LONG & STEEP INCLINES. PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN BRAKES ARE NOT HOT FROM HEAVY USE. TEMPORARY ABATEMENT: DRIVE AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH OR LESS DOWN INCLINES. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELFebruary 26, 2010
FUEL LEAKS IN 7.3L AND 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES IN FORD E-350 AMBULANCES. WE HAVE HAD 4 FAILURES OF THE FUEL FILTER MOUNTING WHICH HAVE CRACKED AND RESULTED IN FUEL LEAKS. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT OUR EXPENSE WITH SIGNIFICANT DOWN TIME. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN AVERAGING ABOUT $900.00 FOR EACH AMBULANCE. THERE ARE NO TSB OR RECALLS ACCORDING TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER. BUT PARTS ARE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELFebruary 26, 2010
SUDDEN FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL FILTER MOUNTING HOUSING ON THE ENGINE. RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT DOWN TIME AND EXPENSE. *TR
TIRESSeptember 15, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ECONOLINE E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE COOPER AMERICAN PROSPECTOR 225/70R15 TIRES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIBRATING AND THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND WAS REPLACED. ONE WEEK AFTER THE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OUT AND WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL OF THOSE TIRES MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR FREE REPAIR AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICJuly 18, 2009
2003 FORD AEROSTAR LX VAN ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON DASHBOARD WILL COME ON AND STAY ON ONE DAY, AND MAYBE NOT THE NEXT DAY. GOING ON FOR MONTHS. CAN'T PREDICT WHEN THIS WILL OCCUR. THE FORD DEALER OFFER TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR LESS THAN A $1000 DOLLARS!?!?!? VERY GENEROUS OF THEM! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 23, 2009
2003 FOCUS- MY IGNITION KEPT LOCKING ON ME. ANYWHERE I TURNED OFF THE CAR, I HAD TO SPEND A GOOD 15MIN TURNING AND TURNING THE KEY TO GET IT STARTED. MY CAR HAS ONLY 32,000.00 MILES AND IT STARTED AT 18,000.00 MILES. TODAY I HAD TO GET A LOCKSMITH TO COME IN AND FIX IT. *TR
TIRESApril 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-250. THE VEHICLE HAS TRAIL KING A/S MUD N SNOW LOAD RANGE E TIRES, SIZE LT235 85 R1. THE CONTACT NOTICED PULSATION AND VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END OF HIS VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH. A WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH AGAIN, THE VIBRATION WORSENED. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED, WHICH RESULTED IN $1,900 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,800.
AIR BAGSJanuary 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E250. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LIGHTPOLE AND SEVERAL TREES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 27,000. UPDATED 03/04/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/04/09. *JB
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10255999FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJanuary 11, 2009
2003 FORD E150 VAN WITH TRITON 5.4 ENGINE SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT ON (2) SEPARATE OCCASIONS. SPARK PLUG BLOWS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE LAST BLOW OUT HAPPENED ON JAN 8TH 2009 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE NY STATE THRUWAY DURING SEVERE WINTER WEATHER. THE INCIDENT CAUSED IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER TO MY ENGINE AND AN INABILITY TO NAVIGATE MY VEHICLE SAFELY. AN ACCIDENT NEARLY OCCURRED, HOWEVER I WAS LUCKY TO MAKE IT OFF THE HI-WAY WITHOUT SERIOUS INJURY. HOWEVER, I WAS STRANDED IN SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN FORD MANUFACTURING AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10254628STRUCTUREJanuary 5, 2009
I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT I FEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN FORD'S RECALL 03S06 AND WAS NOT. I HAVE INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THE EQUIPMENT AND FOUND IT IS NOT THERE. WITHOUT IT, THERE IS A DANGER OF FUEL TANK RUPTURE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. I'VE SPOKEN WITH FORD AND THEIR POSITION IS THE EQUIPMENT IS NOT REQUIRED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS THE "SCHOOL BUS OPTION". FORD WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO ONLY RETROFIT POLICE DEPARTMENT CROWN VICTORIAS. THEY HAD TO RECALL ALL AFFECTED CROWN VICTORIAS (JUST AS AN EXAMPLE). WHY ISN'T MY SAFETY IMPORTANT, AS WELL? I DON'T HAVE THE "SCHOOL BUS OPTION", BUT MY VEHICLE IS PRONE TO THE SAME DANGER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 23, 2008
F-350 DIESEL RUNNING ERRATICALLY. THAN WILL NOT SHIFT RADIO STOPPED WORKING NO POWER ALL ELECTRONICS STOPPED WORKING. SMELT INSULATION BURNING ON WIRES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY DISABLED. TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER FOUND FUSE BOX MELTED. ASKED DEALER TO ALSO CHECK OUT ALTERNATOR, [MAYBE PUTTING OUT TO MUCH VOLTAGE] GOT THE VEHICLE BACK THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. IS CAN CAUSE VEHICLE FIRES. DEALER CLAIMS HE GETS A FEW A MONTH, DIFFERENT MODELS. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10252619FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELSeptember 29, 2008
WHEN DRIVING MY TRUCK LAST WEEK IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND VIOLENTLY SHAKING. IT WOULD NOT DRIVE FASTER THAN 30MPH ON 95. WE FOUND THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLOGGED. WE THEN REMOVED THE FUEL TANK AND FOUND WHAT LOOKED TO BE SILVER PAINT CHIPS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE LINING OF THE TANK IS DELAMINATING. THIS HAS CLOGGED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE TANK BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THE NEW TANK WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND THE REPAIRS TO THIS POINT WILL COST ME ABOUT 1000 DOLLARS. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELSeptember 6, 2008
I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND CROSSING AN INTERSECTION WHEN MY VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND STALLED. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF SITTING THE VEHICLE RAN FINE. LATER IN TRAFFIC IT DID IT AGAIN AND AN ACCIDENT ALMOST OCCURRED. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY PRO AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES AND FOUND THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK LINING IS FLAKING OFF BLOCKING THE FUEL LINES AND STALLING THE VEHICLE OUT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND UNHEARD OF PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND THE FUEL TANK INSIDE IS FLAKING BADLY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO STALL OR FAIL IN TRAFFIC. THERE WHERE NO FAILURE CODES DISPLAYED OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. *TR
POWER TRAINAugust 19, 2008
I OWN A 2003 FORD F150 SUPER CREW FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PICK UP. WHEN ENGAGING THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM MOST OF THE TIME THE FRONT WHEELS WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE TRANSFER CASE ENGAGES EVERY TIME, BUT I WOULD ESTIMATE THE FRONT WHEELS ENGAGE ABOUT TWENTY PERCENT OF THE TIME. THE SYSTEM IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND YOU CAN NOT COUNT ON IT WORKING WHEN YOU NEED IT. IT HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT FOR ME YET, BUT I HAVE BEEN STUCK SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THE POORLY DESIGNED SYSTEM. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 26, 2008
E-150 1.CRUISE CONTROL USE. 2.OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. 3. FORD REFUSED. MY SYMPTOM, MODEL, AND YEAR OF VEHICLE IS INCLUDED ON FORD RECALL UPDATE OF 6/26/08 AS FIRE HAZARD BUT BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT LISTED FORD REFUSES EVEN TO EXAMINE MY VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. HTTP://WWW.FORD.COM/DYNAMIC/METATAGS/ARTICLE-DETAIL/223_IMPORTANT_NOTICE_VOLUNTARY_RECALL_UPDATE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 8, 2008
FORD E-350 BASED RV RECALLED IN SEPTEMBER TO CORRECT PROBLEM WITH SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (RECALL 05S28). VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. DEALER REPORTS THAT PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CAN'T RECALLS BE COMPLETED IN A TIMELY MANNER? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E350 SUPER DUTY. THE VEHICLE WAS CONNECTED TO A 2004 PHOENIX CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT OPERATE ABOVE 30 MPH. A LOCAL FORD DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE 30 TO 40 DAYS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT THE COST OF $304.50. THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED PRIOR TO REPAIRING THE VEHICLE AND MADE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, THEY LATER DENIED THE REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,175. UPDATED 06/02/08 *BF
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 4, 2008
E-350 VAN 5.4 MOTOR THE #3 SPARKPLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V33600 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. HIS WIFE IS DISABLED AND CANNOT DRIVE WITHOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE. THE SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,200. UPDATED 03/26/08. *LJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 5, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ECONOLOINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED IN OCTOBER. EACH MONTH SINCE OCTOBER, THE DEALER HAS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 03-18-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL NUMBER IS 05S28. UPDATED 03/18/08 *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 15, 2008
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 9/07 FROM THE FORD COMPANY CONCERNING MY 2003 MOTORHOME. IT INVOLVED THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, WHICH THEY SAID WAS DEFECTIVE. WHEN I CONTACTED A LOCAL FORD DEALER AS INSTRUCTED BY THE LETTER, I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR HAD TO WAIT TILL THE PARTS ARRIVED IN DECEMBER. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER LST WEEK, I WAS TOLD THE PARTS WOULDN'T ARRIVE UNTIL AT LEAST FEBRUARY. I CALLED THE FORD TOLL-FREE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. WHY ARE THEY DRAGGING THEIR FEET ON THIS? WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET THE PARTS? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 1, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2003 FORD FOCUS IN 2005 AND EVER SINCE THE IGNITION SWITCH GETS STUCK BUT IT HAS GOT STUCK OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS . *CN
POWER TRAINDecember 18, 2007
WHILE DRIVING IN A NICE ASPHALTED ROAD UP A HILL, I FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD MOMENTUM SO I LOOKED FOR A SAFE PLACE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. I ENDED UP AT A SERVICE STATION WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY LOST AND THE SERVICE STATION SUFFERED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10212253ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 15, 2007
ON MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR FUSES REPEATED BLOW AND ALSO THE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP ALL THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS COME ON AND SOME TIMES THEY JUST FLICKER OFF AND ON FOR NO REASON. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING IN MY VAN AND I HAVE HEARD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 30, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE WAIT TIME FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEOctober 4, 2007
2003 FORD ECONOLINE WITH A RECALL. CUSTOMER STATED THE FORMER OWNERS FORWARDED THE RECALL NOTICE TO THEM. ALTHOUGH HE IS MAD BECAUSE THE PARTS WILL NOT BE IN UNTIL DECEMBER OR THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR. *KB *TR
TIRESSeptember 30, 2007
COMPAINT IS ABOUT B.F. GOODRICH TIRES (LT 265/75R16) TIRES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED PERFECTLY, ROTATED EVERY 7500 MILES. TOTAL TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 61,XXX. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. I HAD SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE COSTING OVER $2800.00, PLUS REPLACEMENT OF ALL TIRES DUE TO LACK O FAITH IN THE BF GOODRICH TIRES. THE BODY WORK/REPAIRS WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELSeptember 25, 2007
IN REFERENCE TO OUR 2003 FORD F-550 DIESEL DUMP TRUCK. THE FIRST DOCUMENTED OCCURRENCE THE PROBLEM OF LOSS OF POWER WHILE ON THE ROAD AND RUNNING WAS BACK IN 2005. THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY PROPERLY DIAGNOSED ON 9/13/07 BY MCCAFFERTY FORD. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE LINING OF THE FUEL TANK WAS FLAKING AWAY AND CLOGGING THE FUEL LINES, FUEL PUMP AND FILTER. FORD'S REASON FOR THIS HAPPENING WAS THAT 5% OR MORE OF BIODIESEL WAS USED IN THE TANK. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH WE HAVE FOUND THAT JUST ABOUT ALL OF OUR FUEL PURCHASED FOR THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED BY EITHER EXXON OR SUNOCO. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OBTAIN STATEMENTS FROM BOTH EXXON AND SUNOCO THAT DETERMINE UNDENIABLY THAT THERE IS NO CHANCE ANY BIODIESEL WAS PURCHASED FROM THEM. BEYOND THOSE STATEMENTS, SUNOCO HAS OFFERED TO NOT ONLY TEST THE FUEL WE SAVED FROM THE TANK, BUT WILL ALSO RUN TESTS ON EVERY STATION WE PURCHASED FROM AND GO TO THEIR BOARD AND ATTORNEYS ON OUR BEHALF WITH THIS ISSUE. MCCAFFERTY FORD HAS ALSO SHOWN THEIR SUPPORT OF US, JUST IN ORDER TO KEEP US HAPPY AS THEIR CUSTOMER, HAS CREDITED US BACK HALF OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THESE TANKS ARE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY FOR SOME REASON OTHER THAN THE USE OF BIODIESEL IN THEM. CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST IN THE ESCALATED DEPARTMENT TOLD US THAT MCCAFFERTY FORD STATED THAT THERE WAS PROOF OF THE FACT THAT THERE WAS 5% OR MORE OF BIO DIESEL USED AND THAT WAS THE SOLE BASIS OF FORD?S DENIAL. NO ONE AT MCCAFFERTY MADE THAT STATEMENT TO ANYONE. NOR IS THERE ANY PROOF OF SUCH. AND, MCCAFFERTY STATED THAT THEY HAVE ADDRESSED THIS SAME ISSUE WITH FORD 6 OR 7 TIMES PRIOR TO OUR ISSUE AND THAT FORD HAS BEEN ?VERY UNCOOPERATIVE?. WE CAN SUBSTANTIATE THE FACT THAT NO BIODIESEL WAS EVER PUT IN THIS TRUCK AND SHE HAS THE ABILITY TO ACCOUNT FOR, SUPPORT THE MAKE-UP OF, AND OBTAIN DOCUMENTATION ON EVERY DROP OF FUEL EVER PUT IN THIS TRUCK. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 24, 2007
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (#05S28) FROM FORD CONCERNING A DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (CREATING A FIRE HAZARD) ON A VEHICLE I OWN. WHEN I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AS INSTRUCTED (TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS) I WAS TOLD THE NECESSARY PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AT LEAST DECEMBER 07 BUT THAT I COULD HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DISCONNECTED UNTIL PARTS WERE AVAILABLE (MEANING TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP - TWO DAYS WITHOUT USE OF A COMPANY VEHICLE). I HAVE CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THE SAME. HOW CAN IT POSSIBLY TAKE LONGER TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENTS FOR HAZARDOUS DEFECTIVE PARTS THAN IT TAKES TO ORDER A CUSTOM VEHICLE FROM THE FACTORY? DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO FORCE A MANUFACTURER TO EXPEDITE SUCH MATTERS? *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 18, 2007
2003 ECONOLINE SPEED RECALL DEFECT I WAS TOLD TO HAVE CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED AND REPAIR NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL JAN. 2008. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 20, 2007
IN THE THIRD WEEK OF JUNE 2007 MY WIFE MOVED MY TRUCK FROM THE PARKING SPOT IN THE DRIVEWAY, BRAKED TWICE WITH NO PROBLEM. ON THIRD BRAKE DEPRESSION, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. TRUCK IMPACTED OUR 2004 FORD EXPLORER IN THE DRIVEWAY, DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES APPROXIMATELY $3000 TOTAL. AFTERWARDS THE BRAKES MAINTAINED PRESSURE. (THE F250 HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT FIVE DAYS WITHOUT MOVEMENT). ON AUGUST 17,2007 I PICKED UP THE F250 AFTER BEING PARKED AT THE AIRPORT FOR FIVE DAYS (HIGH TEMPERATURES - 100 DEGREES). AFTER STARTING, BRAKES APPLIED GOOD FOR TWO LIGHT APPLICATIONS, THIRD APPLICATION RESULTED IN PEDAL GOING COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. RAPID ACTIVATION OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE STOPPED VEHICLE PRIOR TO ANY COLLISION. ONCE IS A FLUKE, SECOND IS A DEFECT. TOOK F250 TO FORD DEALER, COULD NOT DUPLICATE FAILURE. WAS GOING TO HAVE ME DRIVE AWAY AS IF THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. AFTER CALL BACK TO FORD TECH, THEY THOUGHT POSSIBLE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER PROBLEM. F250 LEFT AT DEALERSHIP FOR MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT AFTER BEING TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO SIGN LIABILITY IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE. MASTER CYLINDER WILL BE RETAINED AND AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA INSPECTION IF REQUESTED. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10200215VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 10, 2007
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED ON 2003 FORD EXPLORER AND FIXED AT A COST OF 1479.67 PAID BY THE OWNER (ANGELA MORGAN). VEHICLE REQUIRED SERVICING AS IT BEGAN STALLING WHILE IN TRAFFIC (ATLANTA). CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS CAUSED OTHER ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND AS THIS CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEMS EXTEND BEYOND THE FORD 2002 MODELS; I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER 2003. PLEASE CONTACT ME ANGELA MORGAN *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERAugust 2, 2007
2003 FORD E350 WITH FUEL LINE PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOGHOUSE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE DOGHOUSE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE FUEL LINE AND A HOLE WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT**CC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 20, 2007
WE HAVE A 2003 FORD ECONOLINE VAN THAT EJECTED IT'S FIRST SPARK PLUG THIS SPRING COSTING US TOWING AND $500.00+ IN REPAIRS. WEDNESDAY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME ON THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY. WE WERE FORCED TO STAND IN A 10 FOOT PIECE OF GRASS BETWEEN 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND A ROCK CLIFF WITH 4 SMALL CHILDREN. AFTER WE MANAGED TO GET 7 PEOPLE PACKED INTO A TOW TRUCK AND GET TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP, WE HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND PAY FOR YET ANOTHER REPAIR. I INVESTIGATED AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A RECURRING DEFECT IN THIS TYPE OF FORD ENGINES. I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REPAIR THE ACTUAL ENGINE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VAN IS NOW FIXED, SO TECHNICALLY IT IS FINE. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE IS ONLY A 50% CHANCE THAT THE PROBLEM MAY OCCUR AGAIN AND IF IT DOES I SHOULD CALL BACK. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT RECOURSE THERE IS FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST DOESN'T WANT TO DRIVE AROUND WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN A KNOWN TIME BOMB! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ECONOLINE. THE ABS WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL # 04V444000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING), BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE, HOWEVER, THE ABS IS BURNED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 97,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,195. UPDATED 08/14/07. *JB
STEERINGJune 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OR GREATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS AND STATED THAT THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALER DISAGREED WITH THE DIAGNOSIS. HE FELT THAT THERE WAS TOO MUCH LEVERAGE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING IS TOO LOOSE TO SAFELY PULL A TRAILER. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 26, 2007
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD RATTLING SOUND AND STARTED TO LOOSE POWER, EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN AND WOULDN'T START AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS BAD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE MAY 21, 2007. THE PART HAS BEEN ON BACK ORDER SINCE THEN AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WILL BECOME AVAILABLE ON JUNE 26, 2007. NOW AS OF TODAY JUNE 26, 2007, IT WAS PUSHED BACK TO AUGUST 25, 2007, BECAUSE IT'S AN ENGINEER PROBLEM. I AM OUT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEALER OR FORD IS NOT ASSISTING ME IN MUCH OF ANYTHING RIGHT NOW!*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 5, 2007
WHILE DRIVING TRUCK ENGINES WOULD SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTART. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIME ON A NARROW MOUNTAIN ROAD CAUSING ME TO LOSE STEERING FOR A SECOND OR TWO, VERY SCARY. PROBLEM FIXED AFTER I REPLACED THE CPS ON MY OWN. *TR
VISIBILITYMay 27, 2007
FORD TAURUS 2003, WINDSHIELD WAS HIT WITH A STONE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON MAY 10, 2007, A CHIP WAS VISIBLE AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS BECAME A 12 INCH CRACK. HAD REPLACED AT A COST OF $197.34. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 15, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION DIESEL TURBO 6.0 ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE THE ABOVE DATE FOR A/C PROBLEMS & SHUTTING OFF ON ME. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES ON 4 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST 7 MONTHS. THEY HAVE FOUND ONE SHORT IN FEBRUARY & AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERIES AGAIN IN APRIL 2007 THE VEHICLE DIED ON ME. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE LIGHTS TURN OFF & I LOSE POWER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND & CORRECT THE PROBLEM & I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I HAVE TO PICK UP MY 4 CHILDREN AND FEEL I AM PUTTING THEM AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 5, 2007
WE OWN A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WITH A 5.4 L, V-8 TRITON ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING WE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS BACK FIRING. WE SMELLED GAS AND A BURNING SMELL. WE HAD OUR EXPEDITION TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT SPARK PLUG #7 HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD, STRIPPING THE THREADS. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $3,500. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TAKEN THIS EXPEDITION INTO FORD AT 72,723 MILES BECAUSE THE ENGINE LACKED POWER AND SURGED. WE WERE TOLD THAT SPARK PLUG #7 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS PRIOR TO THE FORD'S RECOMMENDATION OF A TUNE UP TO BE DONE AT 100,000. THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUG #7 UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WE WERE CHARGED TO REPLACE THE OTHER SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS THE SAME SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT AT 108,411 MILES. WE HAVE CONTACTED MANY MECHANICS TO SEE WHAT OTHER OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE. WE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE OUR EXPEDITION REPAIRED BY PLACING A RECOMMENDED PERMANENT THREAD REPLACEMENT INSERT PUT INTO THE #7 CYLINDER; WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS LOW COMPRESSION IN #7 CYLINDER AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $6,000. THE MECHANIC SHOPS THAT WE CONTACTED HAVE INFORMED US THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THE ALUMINUM HEADS ON THE FORD EXPEDITION AND SOME OTHER FORD TRUCKS. A REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA SHOWS THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM WITH THE FORD ENGINES. WE ARE REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE COMPLETED AND THAT FORD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT IN THEIR FORD EXPEDITION ENGINES/HEADS. *JB
POWER TRAINMay 4, 2007
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FORD F-250 POWER STROKE DIESEL, WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS CORRECTLY. *TR
POWER TRAINMay 2, 2007
NO ACCIDENT, EXPENSE REPAIR $1000.00 TO REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF 2003 FORD EXPLORER. 22,145 MILES. THIS HAS TO BE THE RESULTS OF FAULTY PARTS. *TR
POWER TRAINMay 2, 2007
MY 2003 FORD WINDSTAR'S TRANSMISSION JUST WENT OUT WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. IT ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS GOING DOWN A VERY BUSY ROAD AND WHEN I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE REVVED UP. THANK GOD I WAS SOMEWHERE I COULD LET THE VAN COAST OFF THE ROAD BEING I HAD 4 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE VAN WITH ME. I HAVE HEARD THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FORD'S TRANSMISSIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I BELIEVE FORD OUGHT TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE PER THEIR OWN EXPENSE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE THEIR VEHICLE JUST STOPS PULLING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *TR
TIRESApril 19, 2007
DRIVING EAST BOUND ON I-30 1/2 MILE WEST OF EXIT 121, THE TREAD CAME OFF OF THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 6, 2007
ON FEBRUARY 2007 I WAS DRIVING THE EXPEDITION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFICWHEN I NOTICED THAT CAR BEGAN TO FEEL VERY HEAVY. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS GOING DOWN DESPITE FACT THAT I WAS PRESSING DOWN THE GAS PEDAL, AND SUDDENLY ALL OF THE ENGINE LIGHTS TURNED ON. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND START THE CAR WITH NO PROBLEM ,BUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WILL DO THE SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND EVER SINCE THEY ARE AWAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN ,AND THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. FORD D REFUSES TO GIVE ME EITHER A RENTAL OR A LOANER. FORD CONSUMER DEPARTMENT SUCKS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 27, 2007
MY HUSBAND WAS HAVING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON HIS 2003 F-350 FORD DIESEL WHEN THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED HE HAD A RADIATOR LEAK, THERE WAS A HOLE IN A RADIATOR HOSE. THE LARGE DEALERSHIP WAS OUT OF STOCK OF REPLACEMENT HOSES. (THERE'S A CLUE THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM) THEY DECIDED TO PULL ONE FROM ONE OF THE USED TRUCKS IN STOCK AND HAD TO CHECK THREE BEFORE THEY FOUND ONE WITHOUT A HOLE (THERE'S A SECOND CLUE) I FOUND THE FOLLOWING ON-LINE "SO I TOOK MY TRUCK IN FOR A COOLANT LEAK..MORE LIKE AN ADDED DRAIN IN A 3" HOSE THAT TO ME LOOKS LIKE THE RETURN UNDER THE ENGINE. THIS HOSE IS LOCATED IN VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE STEERING BOX.....YEP...A HOLE WAS WORN IN THIS HOSE FROM THE STEERING..." THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW PLACING THE RADIATOR HOSE TOO CLOSE TO THE STEERING MECHANISM. OVERHEATING AND STRANDED MOTORISTS CONSTITUTES A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
TIRESMarch 20, 2007
FIRESTONE STEELTEX LT265/75/R16 R4S TIRES - SIDEWALLS ARE SEPARATED AT THE RAISED LETTERS. THIS ISSUE WAS IDENTICLE ON ALL 4 TIRES. TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A FORD EXCURSION - 2003 2WD DIESEL. TIRES CURRENTLY HAVE 48000 MILES WITH GOOD TREAD REMAINING. I CAN LIFT UP THE LETTERING AND SEE THE SIDEWALL FIBERS ON THE SIDEWALLS. THIS VEHICLE IS NEVER USED OFF ROAD AND SPECIFICALLY USED FOR LONG DISTANCE TRAVEL. I AM GOING TO REPLACE THESE TIRES TOMORROW, 3/21/2007. I HAVE NOT AT THIS TIME HAD A BLOWOUT OR FLAT TIRE BUT THESE TIRES ARE EXTREMELY UNSAFE.*AK
SUSPENSIONFebruary 27, 2007
I WAS TURNING ON TO MY STREET WHEN I HEARD AVERY LOUD BANG AND MY CAR STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. AS I SAT THERE IN SHOCK IT APPEARED THAT MY CAR WAS TILTED DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS LEANING. THE BODY OF MY CAR WAS RESTING ON THE TOP OF THE TIRE. SINCE I COULDN'T DRIVE IT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE TO BE LOOKED AT. AFTER MY CAR WAS INSPECTED FOR THE REASON FOR THE BANG I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. ALSO, THE SWAY BAR WAS BROKEN AND THE FRONT STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING WERE BROKEN. WHAT COULD I DO BUT HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE. I HAD TWO NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS PUT ON (I WASN'T TAKING ANY CHANCES WITH THE OTHER SPRING), A NEW SWAY BAR, A NEW STRUT MOUNT AND BEARING PUT ON AT A COST OF $444.64. I HAD JUST COME OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. IF THE SPRING WOULD HAVE BROKEN THERE, I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN. I STILL HAVE THE BROKEN SPRING. IT STILL HAS THE PROTECTIVE COATING ON IT. SO CORROSION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR. *NM
VISIBILITYFebruary 9, 2007
2003 FORD EXPLORER TAILGATE GLASS THE TAILGATE CRACKS FORM THE POINT OF WHERE THE GLASS STARTS AND THE TAILGATE ENDS THIS IS A PLASTIC OR FIBERGLAS PART THAT HAS THE VERTICAL CRACK. *NM
POWER TRAINJanuary 16, 2007
GRINDING NOISE FROM THE REAR END WHILE BACKING OR MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS. PER 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORER DUE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY DOCUMENTED BOTH HERE AND IN ONLINE FORUMS. IT REQUIRES A $1000.00 REPAIR WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THE REPAIR WILL PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM RECURRING. *NM
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTUREDecember 15, 2006
I OWN A 2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR. 2 PROBLEMS..1. POWER LIFTGATE DOES NOT WORK, CAUSING RUNNING BOARDS NOT TO DEPLOY..SOMETIMES I WAS ABLE TO PULL FUSE FOR LIFTGATE AND EVERYTHING WOULD RESET AND WORK FOR ABOUT 1 DAY. NOW THAT WILL NOT WORK...2 MY OVERDRIVE LITE FLASHES. TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALER AND PAID FOR 1 HR LABOR WITH NO RESULTS..I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE GETTING 4 OR 5 ERROR CODES ON TRANSMISSION, BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL LABOR FOR THEM TO DROP TRANSMISSION TO HOPEFULLY ISOLATE PROBLEM..THERE IS A 4/50K WARRANTY ON TRANSMISSION, AND I HAVE JUST OVER 70K. I WOULD THINK THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM, AND AM WONDERING EVENTHOUGH MILEAGE IS EXCEEDED, AM I STILL COVERED BY YEARS? *NM
TIRESNovember 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. AFTER A VISUAL INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THE TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. AFTER 500 MILES, THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRE DISTRIBUTOR WAS CONTACTED WITHOUT A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM THE CORPORATE OFFICE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DISTRIBUTOR WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED. THE TIRES WERE SOLD WITH 60000 MILES TROUBLE FREE GUARANTEE. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUS SAFETY RISK INVOLVED IN BOTH INCIDENTS. UPDATED 12/28/2006 - *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 18, 2006
NO WARNING/SYMPTOM CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED -10* OUTSIDE WITH ICY ROADS 7:00 PM MODERATE TRAFFIC ON FREEWAY ENGINE SHUT DOWN THIS IS A 1TON PICKUP GOING 55 MPH WITH VERY LITTLE STEERING CONTROL WITH LACK OF POWER STEERING. MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE FORD 7.3 DIESEL POOR DESIGN THIS IS ALSO A DEALER ONLY PART THAT COST $175.00 I WAS JUST GLAD I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 6, 2006
I HAD A FIRE IN MY VEHICLE ON 6/26/2006 AND IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TWO FIRE INVESTIGATORS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ABS MODULE. I NOT ONLY LOST MY VEHICLE BUT MY WHOLE BUSINESS WHICH WAS IN THAT VEHICLE. BUT I HAVE GOTTEN NO RESPONSE FROM FORD. *NM
Fire reported
NHTSA #10172780STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAINNovember 5, 2006
MY TRUCK IS A 03. I GOT IT WITH 32000 ON IT. I HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING IDEM ARM. AND SINCE I GOT THE TRUCK THIS TRUCK I HAVE A HAD PROBLEM WITH A SHOCKING IN MY FRONT END OF THE TRUCK WHEN I MAKE A TURN. I HAVE GONE BACK TO MY DEALER AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 3 OTHER PEOPLE PLUS FORD DEALER. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVE SHAFT. IT NEEDED GREASE. WELL, GUESS WHAT THAT DIDN'T WORK. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TRUCK. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK. MY DEALER WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF IT AND FORD DEALER WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS. I AM READY TO GIVE THIS TRUCK UP. I HATE THIS TRUCK. THIS IS MY DREAM TRUCK AND IT HAS BECAME A NIGHTMARE SINCE JAN OF THIS YEAR. I HAD A FORD RANGER AND NEVER HAD TO PUT THE KIND OF MONEY IN THAT TRUCK THEN I DO WITH THIS ONE. PLEASE HELP ME. THIS TRUCK SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE KIND OF PROBLEMS. I WOULD LIKE THIS FIX. MICHELLE HARDENBURGH OF SANDSTON. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 25, 2006
MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER IS EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY OTHER FIRE VICTIMS: CRUISE CONTROL TOTALLY INOPERATIVE, PERSISTENT ABS ALERTS, "LOW OIL PRESSURE" ALERTS (SOMETIMES JUST DAYS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE), AND STEERING ISSUES. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IS PROVIDING SERVICE AT MY EXPENSE BUT PRETENDED THAT THEY HAD NO IDEA AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, AND READING TESTIMONIES FROM OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, I AM TERRIFIED. IN MY SUBDIVISION, HOUSES STAND ONLY A FEW FEET APART...THE HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION PROHIBITS ANY PARKING ON THE STREET. THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER MODELS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINOctober 19, 2006
WITH LESS THAN 12,000 MILES THE LEFT FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP...NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON... BRAKE PADS BURNT TO A CRISP...WARPED ROTORS AND CALIPERS...HAD TO GET WORK DONE BY OTHER THAN FORD...2006..OR COULD DRIVE IT !!!! FORD FAILED TO PAY UNDER THEIR WARRANTY... HAVE HAD HOWLING IN REAR END ??? SINCE NEW...FORD CAN'T REPAIR, THEY TRIED THREE TIMES... THEN SAID THEY WOULD HAVE A DISTRICT FORD REP LOOK AT IT...FAILED TO DO SO UNTIL AFTER WARRANTY RAN OUT... UNABLE TO USE THE ESP WARRANTY ANYWHERE BUT A FORD DEALERSHIP... LIKE I WANT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE SAME PEOPLE THAT CAN'T FIX IT !!!! *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND GLANCED OFF THE BUMPER. A PASSENGER IN THE SECOND VEHICLE NOTICED SMOKE EMANATING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
Crash reportedFire reported
NHTSA #10170673POWER TRAINAugust 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING ON ICE OR SLUDGE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE FORWARD MOTION, SOMETIMES THE SAME SENSATION WAS FELT WHEN STARTING TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES, AGREED THE PROBLEMS WERE PRESENT HOWEVER, THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS SHOWED EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 23, 2006
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING. CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK AND EXHAUST FUMES INTO VEHICLE CABIN. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 14, 2006
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE VACUUM CYLINDER THAT PROVIDES POWER TO BRAKING SYSTEM. *NM
AIR BAGSAugust 14, 2006
ON JULY 23, 2006 WE WERE IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WE WERE TRAVELING THROUGH OGDEN, UT ON OUR WAY TO YELLOWSTONE. WE WERE FOLLOWING MY PARENTS WHO WERE DRIVING A F350 PULLING A 37 FOOT CARDINAL 5TH WHEEL. WE HAVE A F250 AND WE WERE PULLING A 32 FOOT PROWLER TRAVEL TRAILER. A SUBURBAN PULLING A BOAT JACK-KNIFED IN FRONT OF MY PARENTS. THEY BARLEY STOPPED IN TIME, HOWEVER, BY THE TIME WE REALIZED HIS RED BRAKE LIGHTS WERE FROM A DEAD STOP AND NOT A SLOW DOWN, WE COULD NOT STOP IN TIME. WE WERE TRAVELING ABOUT 50 WHEN WE FIRST STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND PROBABLY WERE ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN WE HIT THE BACK OF MY PARENTS 5TH WHEEL. THE F250 IS TOTALED BECAUSE THE ENGINE ENDED UP IN THE FIRE WALL. THE FRONT END HOOD CRUMBLED UP TO THE FRONT WINDOW, BUT DID NOT BREAK THE GLASS. BOTH FRONT HEAD LIGHTS WERE BROKEN AND BOTH ENDS OF THE BUMPER WERE DAMAGED. OUR FRONT LICENSE PLATE ENDED UP IN THE 5TH WHEEL. OUR IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT WE TOTALED OUR TRAILER THAT WAS NOT EVEN HIT. IT SHIFTED OFF THE FRAME MAKING IT UNABLE TO BE FIXED. WE HIT THE BACK OF THE 5TH WHEEL SQUARE ON. THERE WERE CONCRETE K-RAILS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FREEWAY SO WE HAD NO SHOULDER TO GO TO. BOTH DOORS WERE UNABLE TO OPEN TO LET US OUT AT FIRST. AFTER KICKING THE DRIVERS DOOR A FEW TIMES WE WERE UNABLE TO EXIT OUT OF THAT SIDE. THE REASON I AM WRITING THIS IS TO SAY THAT MY AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. EVERYBODY WHO SEES THE PICTURES TAKEN AT THE SCENE SAY THEY SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF. EVEN A LOCAL FORD DEALER SAYS THEY WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS? ALSO, WE WANT TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THIS. THANK YOU! *NM
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10165482ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 4, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE TRAVELING UPHILL 35 MPH. IT WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER AND TEST DRIVEN TO RECREATE THE OVERHEATING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE MECHANIC INSTALLED GAUGES TO MONITOR THE ENGINE'S HEAT MORE CLOSELY. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED ON 8 OCCASIONS, UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 11, 2006
2003 FORD EXPLORER OVERHEATED AND LOST COOLANT. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. FIRST 2 TRIPS, PROBLEM NOT FOUND. AFTER 3RD INCIDENT, A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WAS FOUND. IN ADDITION TO ENGINE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP, THIS OCCURS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER AT LEAST ONCE WEEKLY. UPON TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP (PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPLICATED); THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH, DAMAGE TO A PEDESTRIAN........GEE, HATE TO THINK OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 10, 2006
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD F150 (51K MILES) THROUGH TOWN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN BOOM. MY CHILDREN WERE SCARED TO DEATH AND I WAS MORE THAN A BIT CONCERNED. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND ANALYZE THE SITUATION I FOUND THE COIL ON PLUG BLOWN OFF OF THE #3 PLUG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THE ACTUAL SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHICH IT WAS BOUGHT AND REPAIR COSTS WERE IN EXCESS OF $3100. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND FORD SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. WHY ELSE DO YOU CHANGE DESIGNS IN THE NEXT MODEL YEAR VEHICLE? *NM
AIR BAGSJuly 3, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED TRYING TO AVOID AN ON-COMING VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HIT A RAILROAD POST. THIS LAUNCHED THE VEHICLE INTO A CREEK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, HOWEVER THE SEAT BELTS DID RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. DUE TO THE AIR BAG'S FAILURE TO DEPLOY, THE CONTACT WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUED THE CONTACT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS PROCESSED AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT.*AK UPDATED 08/08/06. *JB
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10161324STRUCTUREJune 21, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT A DEALER CALLED MONTGOMARY FORD SOLD THREE 15 PASSENGER VANS TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL CALLED HARMONY COMMUNITY SCHOOL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 16, 2006
WE HAVE 3- 2003 F550 TRUCKS, THE FIRST TWO TRUCKS ARE ALWAYS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR TO THE ENGINES, THE FIRST TRUCK [XXX] HAS HAD TWO RE-MANUFACTURED ENGINES PUT IN AND THE 2ND TRUCK [XXX] HAS HAD PATCH JOBS DONE TO THE MOTOR. THESE TRUCKS ARE WORK TRUCKS AND ARE ON THE HIGHWAYS FIVE DAYS A WEEK OR MORE, BUT THE SAFETY ISSUES OF THESE TRUCKS IS THAT THE ENGINE EITHER FREEZES UP OR JUST QUITS AND THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A CORNER, INTERSECTION ON A HILL THEY ARE GOING DOWN. AT THIS TIME WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY THAT THERE HAS BEEN AREAS TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CARS HAVE ABLE TO SWERVE AROUND US TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. HE HAD TO BACK DOWN WITH THE TRAFFIC ON THE WEST BOUND SIDE TO GET TO AN AREA THAT WAS OUT OF THE WAY. ALSO HE WAS LUCKY HE WAS IN AN AREA WHERE THE WEST BOUND TRAFFIC COULD SEE HIM, IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE OF A CURVE THERE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED, BECAUSE THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THESE TRUCKS WILL SHUT DOWN, BECAUSE OF MOTOR PROBLEMS. THE MOTOR HAVE HAD INTERCOOLER PROBLEMS, INJECTORS REPLACED, MOTOR SHUTTING DOWN, ETC.. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE WE HAVE READ IN OTHER PAPERS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS, IT LOOKS AT THIS TIME THAT FORD IS TRYING TO PATCH THE TRUCKS TOGETHER INSTEAD OF PUTTING IN A NEW MOTOR AND STYLE, IN WHICH IS NOT HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. WE HAVE ALSO FILED A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY THE FIRST TIME THE OIL COOLERS WENT OUT AND THE INJECTORS, THEN AGAIN TODAY WHEN THE MOTOR QUIT AGAIN IN TRAFFIC IN THE MOUNTAIN AREAS, THIS WAS MOTOR SHUT DOWN FOR NO REASON. THERE A LOT OF DANGEROUS CURVES AND HILLS, SOME ARE WHICH 6% TO 10% GRADES THAT A SEMI OR LARGER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STOP AS QUICKLY AS A PASSENGER CAR OR SMALLER VEHICLE! *JB UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 29, 2006
MY 2003 FORD E-350 WITH THE 7.3 L DIESEL QUIT, WITH 74,000 + MILES. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A FAILED CAM SHAFT SYNCHRONIZER, FORD REPLACEMENT PART F7TZ-12K073-A. *NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 19, 2006
REPLEACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. *NM
AIR BAGSApril 17, 2006
OUR 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WAS INVOLVED IN A ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT WAS ON THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE AND FRONTAL IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS LABELED A TOTAL LOSS. NEITHER THE DRIVERS SIDE NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *JB
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10155547ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 14, 2006
EVERY TIME THIS VEHICLE ( 2003 FORD EXPEDITION FX4 4X4 ) IS EITHER WASHED, AND OR WHEN IT RAINS, THE TRUCK WILL ATTEMPT TO STALL OUT, IN ANY DRIVING CONDITIONS CITY OR FWY, WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE FOR I HAVE THIS VEHICLE AND IT STALLED ON THE FAST LANE HWY 15, I HAD FIRST BELIEVED IT WAS A FUEL PROBLEM, DUE TO, IT ACTS LIKE ITS OUT OF GAS, BAD FILTER ETC, WITH THIS TYPE OF TRUCK FORD HAS INSTALLED IGNITION COILS, ONE ON TOP OF EACH SPARK PLUG A TOTAL OF 8, I HAD FORD RECENTLY LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND THEY DID REPLACE #8 COIL DUE TO WATER IN THE SPARK PLUG PORT ( 4-3-06 ), THE PLUG BOOTS DO NOT STOP ANY WATER FROM GETTING INTO THE ENGINE (SPARK PLUGS AND WIRE ASSEMBLY AREA), I HAVE SPOKEN TO FORD SERVICE DEPT, AND OUT SIDE MECHANICS AND THEY ALL HAVE AGREED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPEDITIONS. WHAT IS UNETHICAL THE FORD DEALERS AND SERVICE DEPT, WILL ATTEMPT TO CONVINCE THE CONSUMER THAT IT IS THEIR FAULT AND THAT ANY WARRANTY MAY BE VOID, SUNRISE FORD ( 909-434-0473 ) HAD TRIED TO MAKE ME AGREE OR SAY THAT I WAS WASHING THE ENGINE WITH WATER TO CLEAN IT, THE ONLY TIME I LOOK UNDER THE HOOD IS TO CHANGE THE OIL OR CHECK THE FLUIDS, SUNRISE FORD HAS BEEN THE ONLY ONE, DOING ANY MAJOR REPAIRS TO THIS TRUCK AND THERE MECHANIC, LOST TWO MACHINE TYPE SCREWS, AND THEY TOLD ME I LOST THEM, AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE CHECKED THE WORK AFTER IT BEING DONE, IS THIS MY RESPONSIBILITY AS A CONSUMER? BUT AS I WRITE TO YOU 4-14-2006 MY WIFE'S FORD EXPEDITION HAS FAILED AGAIN IT STALLED AFTER SHE LEFT OUR DRIVEWAY THANK GOD I HAVE A SUBARU IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, AND I WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK TO FORD TO DO REPAIRS DUE TO IGNITION PROBLEMS. KNOW WONDER FORD IS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS THEY TREAT THEIR VALID CUSTOMERS SO POORLY. SINCERELY: GREGORY M RITCHIE. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENTApril 6, 2006
2003 E150 CONVERSION VAN GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK 3 TIMES CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TS THE REAR CARGO DOOR WAS REPAIRED, THE FAN CLUTCH WAS REPLACED. THE RUNNING BOARD DID NOT FIT CORRECTLY. AIR CONDITIONER BLOWN WARM AIR. THE EXHAUST WAS BLOWING OUT WHITE SMOKE. THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE GAS TANK WAS NOT COMPLETELY FULL EVEN THOUGH THE CONSUMER FILLED UP THE TANK. *JB
Crash reported
NHTSA #10155207ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 16, 2006
2003 ECONOLINE MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER. VEHICLE LATER CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** AFTER THE NOISE WAS HEARD THE DRIVER PULLED TO VEHICLE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THAT'S WHEN THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE DRIVER AND FIREMEN WERE INJURED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A RECALL WAS RECEIVED IN OCTOBER 2004. THE RECALL REFERENCED SAFETY RECALL 04S22 AND 04S23. *NM
Fire reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10151899STEERINGJanuary 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATEED CONTINUOUSLY WHEN THE ENGINEWAS RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THIS HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELDecember 30, 2005
PURCHASED A NEW 2003 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY WITH THE 6.0 DIESEL ON SEPT.9-15. AT 10,000 MILES TROUBLES BEGAN. AT 20,000 2 INJECTORS FAILED. BETWEEN THEN AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION, ANOTHER 12 FAILED. SINCE THEN, ANOTHER 16 HAVE FAILED. FROM DAY ONE, I'VE TRIED TO GET RELIEF FROM THE DEALER AND FORD. THE DEALER HAS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY AND FORD DOESN'T CARE. *NM
TIRESDecember 18, 2005
TIRE DEFECT: GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S P255 70R16 - SIDE WALL CRACKS ON 3 OF 4 TIRES. VEHICLE: 2003 FORD TRUCK F-150 4X4 MILEAGE: 53000. *JB
STEERINGNovember 17, 2005
2003 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER: WHEN EXECUTING LOW SPEED TURNS IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE IS A FEELING THAT THE TIRES ARE RUBBING THE INSIDES OF THE WHEEL WELLS. THERE IS A BINDING OR GRINDING FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOISE OF SUCH CAN BE HEARD MOST OF THE TIME. AS I HAVE SEEN ON PREVIOUS REPORTS, THERE IS ALSO THE SAME CHATTER AND SHUDDER AND VIBRATIONS ALSO. WE TOOK IT IN TO SERVICE DEPT AND AFTER 2 DAYS THEY REPORT THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND NOR REPRODUCE WHAT WE WERE STATING. AFTER A TECHNICIAN TOOK A TEST DRIVE WITH MY HUSBAND, THE TECHNICIAN DID NOTICE A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE REAR HUMMING AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR END. (ALL OF THIS OCCURRING AT 29,000 MILES. AFTER THE REAR END WAS REPLACED, THE ABOVE MENTIONED CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING, GRINDING AND VIBRATIONS WERE GONE. HOWEVER...NOW AT 31,000 MILES THEY ARE ALL BACK AND PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. WE WILL AGAIN, RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIRS AND WILL UPDATE ON THE MATTER. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 31, 2005
THE COLD AIR TUBE TO THE TURBO BLEW LOOSE ON A UPHILL PULL. I EXPERIENCED A SEVERE LOSS OF POWER AND LOTS OF BLACK SMOKE. I AM PULLING A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER AND HAD THIS BEEN ON A MOUNTAIN PASS I FEEL I COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL, THUS RESULTING IN A DEADLY ACCIDENT. COUNTRY FORD AT LAS VEGAS RE-ATTACHED THE HOSE B UT GAVE NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD RE-ENGINEER THE TUBE WITH A MORE SEVERE FLANGE THAT COULD BE BETTER SECURED. *JB
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSOctober 27, 2005
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. WOMAN PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT HER LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. HER SATURN AND MY F-150 WERE TOTALED AT ABOUT 30 MPH. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID MY SEAT BELT HOLD. I SUSTAINED MODERATE FACIAL AND LEG INJURIES. HAD THE BAGS DEPLOYED, I WOULD BE HURTING A LOT LESS! *JB
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10140947FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEOctober 18, 2005
AT THIS TIME I CAN DO NOT HAVE A FAILURE, ONLY A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN. IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, ANYTIME WHILE MY 2003 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION IS TURNED ON, A LOUD "TIN-SOUNDING-POP" OCCURS. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL TANK BUT I CAN NOT BE SURE WHAT IT IS. IN THE PAST MONTH, THE SOUND HAS GOTTEN LOUDER & LOUDER -- EVEN MORE FREQUENT. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THE SOUND IS -- IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE HAS LEFT A TIN CAN OUTSIDE AND WHEN THE WEATHER CHANGES FROM HOT TO COLD OR COLD TO HOT, THE TIN CAN "POPS" AS ITS CONTRACTING OR EXPANDING. NO ENGINE LIGHTS OR COMPUTERIZED MESSAGES COME ON. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE -- I BOUGHT IT NEW IN SEP 2003. *NM
PARKING BRAKEOctober 18, 2005
SO FAR I HAVEN'T HAD ANY COLLISIONS, BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY EMERGENCY BRAKES. MY EMERGENCY BRAKES ARE STICKING WHICH IS CAUSING THEM TO RUB AND GRIND WHEN BRAKING. WHEN I ACCELERATE MY ESCAPE JERKS FORWARD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET MY VEHICLE WORKED ON TONIGHT. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 14, 2005
WHEN MOVING A SLOW SPEED (10MPH TO 15MPH) A SMALL SUDDEN TAP OF THE BREAKS AND THE BRAKE SOMETIMES WILL GO DOWN FARTHER THAN MY FOOT. ALMOST AS IF WHEN TAPPED THE BREAK KEEPS GOING DOWN WHEN MY FOOT IS GOING UP. THIS HAS HAPPEN 2 TIMES TO DATE. WHEN IT HAPPENS THE TRUCK ALMOST FEELS AS THOUGH I AM SLAMMING THE BREAKS TO THE FLOOR AND ALL PEOPLE INSIDE ARE SLUNG FOWARD. WHEN I AM JUST TRYING TO SLOW CAUSE OF A CAR IN FRONT HAS SLOWED. BUT I HAVE TO TAP THEM JUST RIGHT TO DO IT AND I CANT ALWAYS MAKE IT HAPPEN AT WILL, IT JUST DOES IT EVERY NOW AND THEN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECTED IT.
TIRESSeptember 16, 2005
TIRE TREAD FAILURE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 9, 2005
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPUTER SINCE NEW. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 30, 2005
DOOR AJAR SIGNAL STAYS ON AFTER STARTING ENGINE AND ALL DOORS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ANY OPENINGS. LOCKS WILL NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AFTER MOVING PASS 5 TO 8 MILES PER HOUR. WHEN USING REMOTE LOCK THE HORN BEEPS TWICE AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS AND OUTSIDE MIRROR LIGHTS STAY ON. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTAugust 29, 2005
I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY EXPEDITION 2003 SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THE GUARANTEE ITS ALMOST EXPIRED, NOW THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AIR CONDITION. *JB
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,WHEELS,EQUIPMENTAugust 26, 2005
2003 FORD ECONOLINE DEFECTIVE PART REPAIRS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE EIGHTH TIME TO REPAIR THE ALARM. THE ALARM STILL WASN'T FIXED. THE TIRES AND/OR RIMS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE BRAKES, SHOCKS AND A/C FAILED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER. *NM
EQUIPMENTAugust 18, 2005
DT: CALLER BOUGHT A USED VEHICLE FROM AN ARMORED CAR COMPANY. THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD A BAD COMPRESSOR. FORD OFFERED NO HELP BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WORK ON VAN CONVERSIONS. THE COMPANY CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VAN SENT HIM TO AN AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY. THEY SAID THE ENTIRE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK 12 TIMES BECAUSE IT BLEW HOT AIR. THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPANY RETURNED THE MONEY THE ARMORED CAR COMPANY PAID TO FIX IT, AND WILL OFFER NO MORE HELP. THE ARMORED CAR COMPANY REFERRED THE CALLER TO ANOTHER AIR CONDITIONER COMPANY, AND THEY REPAIRED THE NEW SYSTEM. NOW THE AIR CONDITIONER IS BROKEN AGAIN. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE COMPRESSOR. THE CALLER HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. MANUFACTURER HAS OFFERED NO HELP.*AK
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRESAugust 16, 2005
DT: THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO 3 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS 16 TIMES. THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. NO EXPLANATION WAS GIVEN AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. CONTACTED FORD, AND FORD OFFERED NO EXPLANATION. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE ABS CONTROLLER, ROTORS, CALIPERS, BRAKE PADS, WHEEL BEARINGS, WHEELS, AND THE TIRES. ALL OF THESE THINGS HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *AK
POWER TRAINAugust 10, 2005
MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION IS NOW ON ITS 4TH REAR DIFFERENTIAL IN 8 MONTHS. WE STARTED COMPLAINING ABOUT IT IN DEC. OF LAST YEAR AND NOW HAVE RECEIVED OUR FOURTH REPAIR, NOT COUNTING THE 3 TIMES THAT THEY DIDN'T FIX IT FOR SOME REASON OR OTHER. THE FIRST FIX LASTED TWO WEEKS AND LAST AND MOST RELIABLE LASTED 3 MONTHS. I ALSO HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING A POPPING NOISE AFTER THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER IS RUN FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, HOWEVER THAT CAN'T BE REPAIRED, NO FIX AVAILABLE. I AM FEED UP, I CONTACTED FORD CORP DIRECTLY, BUT THEY WON'T HELP ME. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 9, 2005
DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 91 IN MASS. MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG. THIS WAS A FACTORY INSTALLED ORIGINAL PLUG . THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5.4 TRITON ENGINE WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS. RE-THREADING THE ENGINE HEAD, REPLACE THE DAMAGED COIL PACK AND A NEW SPARK PLUG. WITH LABOR MY BILL WAS OVER $700. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TOW FEE AND A NIGHT AT A LOCAL HOTEL (WE WERE TRAVELING FROM OUT OF STATE ON VACATION). UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE READ DOZENS AND DOZENS OF STORIES LIKE MINE INVOLVING THIS TRITON CLASS ENGINE BUILT BY FORD. A SPARK PLUG SHOULD NOT BE BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK PERIOD. WHEN DOZENS AND DOZENS OF PEOPLE WRITE IN TO SAY THEIR FORD MUSTANG, F150, EXPEDITION, F250, OR EXCURSION HAS BLOWN OUT A PLUG THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. *NM
AIR BAGSAugust 5, 2005
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED RANDOM AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT HITTING OR RUNNING OVER ANY DEBRIS. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED WHEN THE DEPLOYMENT OCCURRED. OWNER CONTACTED THE COMMERCIAL DIVISION OF FORD, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY WILL DO. *AK THE VEHICLE IS AN AMBULANCE TRUCK. THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED. *JB
TIRESJuly 26, 2005
STELL BELT SEPERATED FROM FRONT LEFT TIRE AND DAMAGED THE WHEEL WHELL, FENDER AND FRONT BUMPER
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTJuly 25, 2005
TWO YEARS OF REPAIRS INCLUDING THE LOSS OF POWER, BRAKE ISSUES, INJECTORS REPALCED ON THESE TRUCKS, STALLING WHILE IN OPERATION, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS,OIL PRESSURE PROBLEMS,WATER IN GAS IN ALL TRUCKS SEVERAL TIMES, REPLACING BATTERIES ON A CONSTANT BASIS,WON'T START,RELAY ISSUES, BLOWN HEADGASKITS AND WHEN REPAIRED THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO LEAK OIL AND DARLINGTON RACEWAY FORD SAID THE HEAD WAS WARPPED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 22, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WORE OUT AND WARPED ALL THE TIME. THEY WERE EATING THE BRAKE PADS UP. THE ROTORS WARPED WITHIN THE FIRST 5, 000 MILES OF USAGE. THEY WERE CHANGED, AND THE PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THERE WAS A SPECIAL PAD FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT HE COULD NOT GET ANY OF THESE PADS. DEALER INSPECTED THE FRONT BRAKES, AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE ROTORS HAD TO BE CHANGED TWICE, AND WERE TURNED ONCE, BUT THEY WARPED AGAIN. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE VIBRATED AT ABOUT 5, 000 MILES, AND AT 6000-7000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 17, 2005
MY 2003 FORD FOCUS ZX3 WAS TAKEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS 20,000 MILE SERVICE AND THE TECHNICIAN SAID THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND SINCE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, HAD THE WORK DONE AND THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER CARE. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY BRAKE ROTORS AND FORD DOES NOT CARE HOW OR IF ITS DEALERS HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. AS A SIDE NOTE, THERE WERE TWO MINOR BODYWORK ISSUES THAT THE SAME DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH WE TAKEN CARE OF BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA.
SEAT BELTSJuly 14, 2005
FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE CUTTING INTO THE PILAR MOLDING. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE MOLDING HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN TWO YEARS. FORD STATES THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO OTHER FORD EXPLORERS IN PARKING LOTS AND SEE THAT IT IS HAPPENING IN MOST OF THE VEHICLES. MY FEAR IS THAT THERE IS NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS DEFECT. BY CUTTING INTO THE MOLDING, THE SEAT BELT COULD GET STUCK AND NOT WORK PROPERLY IN AN ACCIDENT, ETC.
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEATSJuly 14, 2005
I HAVE AN EDDIE BAUER EDITION EXPEDITION (2003) . THIS UNIT CAME WITH OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS THAT TILT DOWN AND INWARD WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO ASSIST YOU IN BACKING UP. THE ISSUE I HAVE HAD SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IS THAT THE MIRRORS DO NOT RETURN TO THIER ORIGINAL POSITION CONSISTENTLY ONCE YOU PUT THE VENICLE BACK INTO A FORWARD GEAR. THIS ISSUE BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE ONCE OUT ON THE ROADWAYS AS WHEN I GO TO PASS I CAN'T SEE IF THERE ARE ANY VECHICLES IN THE LANE I NEED TO GET INTO. HAROLD ZEIGLER AUTO GROUP SOLD ME THE CAR IN KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE MIRRORS AND HAVE DONE SO MORE THAN ONCE. CAN YOU HELP GET THIS RESOLVED. THE DRIVERS SEAT ALSO DOESN'T RETURN TO ITS PROGRAMED POSITION AND THIS IS AN IMTERMITTEN PROBLEM WHICH ZEIGLER HAD FIXED ONCE AND ITS STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN! ALSO I'VE HAD REAR END WORK DONE MORE THAN TWICE AND ITS STARTING TO HOWL ONCE AGAIN. THEY ACTUALLY REPLACED IT ONCE COMPLETELY AND REPAIRED IT TWICE, IS THIER AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR ENDS ON THIS MODEL YEAR? THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION ON THESE MATTERS. RESPECTFULLY GARY A. ANSPAUGH
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAINJuly 13, 2005
I PURCHASED THE 2003 EXPLORER IN NOV 2003. ON 6/16/04, 8/17/04,AND FINALLY ON 8/20/04, I COMPLAINED REGARDING THE FUEL GUAGE NOT REGISTERING A FULL TANK. FORD FINALLY REPLACED FUEL TANK. ON DEC 10, 2004, I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BECAUSE WHEN GOING FROM PARK TO REVERSE, A WHINING AND CLUNKING NOICE COULD BE HEARD. ALSO, BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE CAR DOESN'T START. AT FIRST FORD CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG REGARDING THE CLUNKING. I THEN REMINDED THEM ABOUT THE RECALLS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE NEWS REGARDING THE 2004 MODELS. THEN THEY REPLACED SOMETHING CALLED A SOLEONID. THE START PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND SO DOES THE CLUNKING NOISE. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. YESTERDAY, IT ACCELLERATED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK, FORM REVERSE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY, THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. MY HUSBAND, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, HAS EXPERIENCED THIS SEVERAL TIMES AS HE IS CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE NEWS JUST DESCRIBED ANOTHER FORD PROBLEM REGARDING ACCELLERATION. I THINK THIS IS WHAT IS AFFECTING MY CAR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 7, 2005
I HAVE A FORD 250 SUPERDUTY WITH A 6.0L ENGINE. TWICE THE ENGINE QUIT, ONCE WHEN I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE, NEEDLESS TO SAY IT LEFT ME WITH LIMITED BRACKING AND ONCE WHEN I WAS COMING TO A STOP. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE. I FOUND A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM #05S34 BUT IT WAS ONLY FOR YEARS 2004 AND 2005 MODELS. I CALL AND I WAS TOLD TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND TO GIVE REFFERANCE #O5V270000 WHEN FILEING THE COMPLAINT.
TIRESJuly 6, 2005
FORD FACTORY INSTALLED LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD TREAD SEPERATION AT ~70MPH IN APACHE COUNTY ROUTE 15 IN ARIZONA, A TWO LANE ROAD. FORTUNATE THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC OR COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL, TOOK ENTIRE ROAD TO REGAIN CONTROL. CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO MY 2003 F250 EST >$1000, FLAIL TYPE DAMAGE TO FENDER (IT RIPPED THE BOTTOM OF THE FENDER FROM THE BOLTS AND ROLLED THE STEEL FENDER UP INTO THE WELL), DAMAGED THE BUMPER, WELL, ETC. EASILY COULD HAVE CUT BRAKE LINES AND SENSORS, AND COULD HAVE REACHED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS INCLUDING STEERING. POSSIBLY COULD HAVE HIT DRIVER WITH OPEN WINDOW. TIRE IS STILL INFLATED, HALF OF TREAD APPEARS INTACT, HALF IS IN SEVERAL PARALLELAGRAM TYPE PIECES. TIRE IS A GENERAL AMERITRAC, M+S 235/85 R16, LOAD RANGE E, 120/1160, 4 PLY 2 STEEL 2 POLYESTER, DK73916 32622, E4 009113
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10127647VISIBILITYJune 21, 2005
I READ AN ARTICLE IN TODAYS HOME NEWS TRIBUNE. U.S. PROBING FORD WIPER PROBLEM IT STATED THAT THE VEHICLES AFFECTED WERE 1999 TO 2001 EXPEDITIONS. I MUST INFORM YOU THAT I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 F-150 PICK-UP AND EXPERIENCED THE EXACT PROBLEMS. I PERSUSED MY RIGHTS UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND RECIEVED A $10,000 SETTLEMENT FROM FORD. I AM HAPPY TO SAY I TRADED IN THE VEHICLE AND AM RELIEVED THAT I NO LONGER OWN IT. I THINK YOU WILL FIND THAT MORE VEHICLES THAN ORIGINALLY INVESTIGATED WILL ULTIMATELY BE AFFECTED. I HOPE MY INFO WILL ASSIST YOU AND POSSIBLY SAVE A LIFE. AT 600 MILES I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN A RAIN STORM AND MY WIPERS FAILED. I WAS EXTREEMLY FORTUNATE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT GETTING HIT OR CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. FORD DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD GEM MODULE. AT 1200 MILES I NOTICED A BAD LEAK FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD ONCE AGAIN DURING A RAINSTORM. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED GEM MODULE AGAIN AND SEALED WINDSHIELD. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENED ALL THE ACCESORIES WOULD MALFUNCTION. AT 10000 MILES ANOTHER LEAK IN THE TRUCK. POWER WINDOWS AND REMOTE LOCKS WOULD NOT OPERATE. LAST STRAW. PURSUED LITIGATION WITH LEMON LAW FIRM. I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE HAD A LEAK FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH CONTINUED TO SHORT OUT ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 20, 2005
I HEARD CNN'S REPORT ON FORD'S THAT COULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FIRE DUE TO A HOT WIRED CRUISE CONTROL ON MANY FORDS.THEY CAN GO ON FIRE EVEN WHEN NOT RUNNING, PERHAPS IN THE GARAGE. I HAVE A 2003 EXPLORER, I HAVE CALLED THE FORD DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBLITY FOR THIS PROBLEM. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE OWN THESE CARS TO BE SAFE?
AIR BAGSJune 11, 2005
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR ASOLUTELY NO REASON WHATSOEVER. WE WERE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOAD POP. I THOUGHT WE HAD A BLOWOUT UNTIL I SAW MY WIFE SITTING IN THE SEAT IN PAIN. FOR A WHILE SHE COULDN'T EVEN MOVE THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. WE HEADED HOME IMMEDIATELY, BY THE TIME WE MADE IT HOME SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE AGAIN. BEING A SATURDAY THERE WASN'T ANYONE TO CALL. I WILL BE CALLING FORD FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING.
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10125012SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 8, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES THE BRAKE PADS ARE WEARING OUT SO FASTAND ARE GOING INTO THE ROTORS. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THERE HAVE BEEN BRAKE FAILURES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAINJune 2, 2005
WHEN BRAKING WHEN COMING TO AN INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGES AHEAD AND REQUIRES HARD BRAKING. TO AVOID RUNNING INTO AN APPROACHING 18 WHEELER MAY 27, 2005 THE VEHICLE SURGED SO HARD AFTER BRAKING THAT THE TIRES BURNED RUBBER TO STOP THE FORWARD MOTION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 2, 2005
THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY FORD FOCUS ZX3 (2003) HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. ONCE ON 6/17/04 AT 17,301 MILES BY LATHAM FORD IN LATHAM, NY AND ON 12/17/04 AT 33,213 MILES BY NEMER FORD IN QUEENSBURY, NY. BOTH TIMES I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. BOTH TIMES THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO NEW COUNTRY FORD YESTERDAY (6/1/05) BECAUSE THE KEY TURNS, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT START ONLY THE ELECTRIC COMES ON. THE SERVICE MANAGER THERE, BOB, SAID THE MECHANIC IS STILL LOOKING AT THE CAR AND APPARENTLY THE IGNITION SWITCH IS BROKEN AGAIN, BUT HE THINKS SOMETHING ELSE IN THE STEERING COLUMN MAY BE THE PROBLEM. IF IT IS NOT THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT IS BROKEN I WILL LIKELY HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH THE MALFUNCTIONING PIECE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE IGNITION SWITCH TO FAIL THE FIRST TWO TIMES (MEANING THAT THOSE MECHANICS MISSED THE BIG PROBLEM).
SEAT BELTSMay 26, 2005
DT: FORD 14 PASSENGER VAN HAD PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELTS. THE COMPANY USED THE VAN FOR OCCUPANTS THAT HAD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. THE PASSENGERS WERE LOCKED IN THE SEAT BELTS AND HAD TO BE PHYSICALLY CUT OUT OF THE SEAT BELTS. THIS OCCURRED 2 OF THE 5 TIMES. ACTUALLY, HAD TO DRIVE VAN TO DEALER WITH PASSENGERS LOCKED IN SEAT BELTS THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED. THIS CAUSED FEAR AMONG PASSENGERS AND OWNERS. TOOK VAN TO DEALER EACH TIME TO HAVE SEAT BELTS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELTS HAD BEEN SO SEVERE IT RESULTED SEVERAL TRIPS TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING AND COULD NOT OFFER ANY EXPLANATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 18, 2005
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LEASING A 2003 FORD EXPIDITION OF WHICH WE RECEIVED ON 5/5/03. AS OF 10/04 THIS SUV HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, (SENSORS BURN OUT). ALSO IN 10/04 THE FRONT END BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE AGAIN ON 2/05, THE FRONT END BRAKES BACK BRAKES AND ALSO FRONT END ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THIS SUV SHOULD IN NO WAY NEED NEW BRAKES THIS SOON AND DEFINITLEY NOT ROTORS. THIS SUV ONLY HAVE 35,000 MILES AS OF 5/19/05. BUT WHEN THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED IT ONLY HAD 31,000 MILES. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS OF EXPIDITION OWNERS AND THEY ALL ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. I WOULD LIKE TO BE RE-INBURSED FOR THEY MONEY WE HAVE SPENT THUS FAR FOR AN ON GOING DEFECT. ALSO WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE LOWER GRILL OF THE TRUCK ARRIVED, BECAUSE OURS DID NOT HAVE ONE WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALER, WELL WE ARE STILL WAITING AS OF 5/05.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 17, 2005
THERE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MOLD IN THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDESNER UNIT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 16, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK ALONG WITH DARK SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. VEHICLE HESITATED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LANE, A TURN LANE LEADING INTO AN OFFICE PARK. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CALL HIGHWAY ASSISTANCE THAT FORD DEALER USES IN AREA, THEY EVENTUALLY SENT A TOW SERVICE THAT COULD NOT TOW BECAUSE 2 PEOPLE WERE ALREADY IN THE CAB. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER BACK AND DEALER GAVE NAME AND NUMBER OF ANOTHER TOW SERVICE THAT BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD COMPUTER WAS THE PROBLEM OF THE HESITATION. *TT
POWER TRAINMay 9, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVE SHAFT JUST FELL OFF. THE PART IS AT THE DEALERSHIP.
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,TIRES,WHEELSMay 7, 2005
PASSENGER-FRONT TIRE RECEIVED AN IMPACT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HIT WAS A "SIDE-CRASH" WHERE ONLY THE TIRE AND A SMALL AREA OF THE OUTSIDE FRAMING ABOVE THE WHEEL WERE DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TRUCK SPARKED AND IGNITED ON IMPACT. THE TRUCK WAS IN FULL FLAMES IN THE TIRE AND ENGINE AREA WITHIN 9-11 MINUTES. THE FIRE BURNED OUT THE CENTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA, THE DASHBOARD/GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE TIRE AREA WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE OTHER DRIVER COLIDED WITH MY TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH; THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY/RAINY BUT IT HAD NOT RAINED YET DURING MY MORNING TRAVEL. THE AIR
Crash reportedFire reported
NHTSA #10120174ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 12, 2005
2003 FORD ECONO-LINE VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD THE ABS RECALL REPAIRED IN DEC 2004. THE FIRE SEEMED TO ORIGINATE IN THE AREA OF THE ABS SYSTEM/ MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. *NM
Fire reported
NHTSA #10117856AIR BAGSApril 11, 2005
HEADING SOUTH INTERSATE 25 VEARING OFF IN 6TH AVE WEST EXIT (DENVER) I REAR ENDED AN AUTOMOBILE JUST ABOUT PERFECTLY MY FRONT TO THEIR BACK. MY SPEED, APROXIMATELY 20 TO 30 MPH HITTING THE BACK OF A JEEP CHEROKEE WHICH WAS TRAVELING AT APROX. 3 TO 10 MPH. I PUSHED THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK IN APROX. 12" PAST THE BUMPER. THE AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #10116750AIR BAGSApril 11, 2005
1) NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE - AIR BAGS FAILED TO BE RELEASED 2) ON 04/03/05, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE INVOLVED IN A 45 MPH HEAD ON PASSENGER SIDE CRASH DRIVING OUR 2003 FORD RANGER EDGE. PASSENGER AIR BAG SWITCH WAS IN THE "ON" POSITION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT AND DID NOT DEPLOY.THE SECOND VEHICLE INVOLVED (CAUSED THE ACCIDENT BY RUNNING A RED LIGHT) WAS MORE OF A FRONT QUARTER PANEL IMPACT AND BOTH OF THEIR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE RESULT OF OUR AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING WAS A MORE SEVERE SHOULDER AND NECK INJURY TO MYSELF (PASSENGER) AND MY HUSBAND(DRIVER). FOR THE EXACT DETAILS OF OUR ACCIDENT PLEASE GO TO THE RALEIGH CITY POLICE WEB SITE AND LOOK UP CASE NUMBER P05037938. )THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED THEREFORE, THERE WAS NO REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE OR NO EXPLAINATION WHY OUR AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. THE FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICE WERE BOTH SURPRISED THE BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10116757VISIBILITYMarch 9, 2005
MY WIFE HAS A 2003 MUSTANG AND I HAVE A 2003 F-150 TRUCK.BOTH VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES REPLACED MAINLY ON THE DRIVERS SIZE MANY TIMES .THEY GO BAD WITHIN A MONTH OR TWO CAUSING THEM TO BONCE ACROSS THE WINDOW ,WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU CAN HARDLY SEE, THE DEALER SAYS YOU NEED TO CHANGE THEM ONCE A YEAR BUT AS YOU SEE IT IS MANY TIMES A YEAR .WE USE A 2004 F-350 TRUCK IN WORK THAT IS DOING THE SAME THING . *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 8, 2005
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE THE OWNER'S HOME. OWNER WAS AWAKENED, AND TO DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS AN ECONOLINE VAN MODIFIED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. *AK *TC
Fire reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10109487SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 1, 2005
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. VEHICLE UNSAFE. *JB
SEAT BELTSFebruary 25, 2005
THE SEAT BELTS ON ALL THREE ROWS ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE, THE HARNESS IS SHREDDING. WHEN YOU SIT IN THE SEAT THE SHRED GETS INTO THE BUCKLE. THE DEALER STATED THE SEAT BELTS HAVE BEEN ABUSED. *NM
SEAT BELTSFebruary 22, 2005
THE THREADS ON THE SEAT BELTS ARE TEARING APART, CAUSING THEM TO BE INOPERABLE , WHICH IS DANGEROUS IF INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 15, 2005
WE OWN A 2003 F250 V-10 TRITON PICK UP. WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE #3 SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE HEAD. FORD IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WE HAVE RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING. I SENT A LETTER TO THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THEY ADVISED THAT WE SHOULD SEND ONE TO YOU ALSO. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. WHAT IF IT HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND OUR DAUGHTER WAS IN THE VEHICLE WITH US? THANK GOD WE WERE ONLY GOING 30 MPH AND NO ONE GOT HURT. AS SOON AS IT HAPPENED WE PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY OUR WARRANTY SINCE WE HAD PUT BOSCH PLATINUM 4 SPARK PLUGS INTO THE VEHICLE. THEY STATED THAT WE NOW VOIDED OUR WARRANTY. I RESEARCHED THE ENTIRE WARRANTY POLICY AND THERE IS NOTHING STATING THAT. THE DEALER WAS EVEN GOING TO PUT THE SPARK PLUGS IN FOR US WHEN WE BOUGHT THEM IN JUNE OF 2003. BUT THEY WANTED ALMOST $300.00 TO PUT THEM IN. WE ASKED THEM AT THAT TIME IF WE COULD USE THEM AND THEY SAID WE WULD LIKE YOU TO USE MOTORCRAFT, BUT IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE A DIFFERENT BRAND MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE THE SAME OR BETTER. SO THAT IS WHAT WE DID. WE HAVE RESEARCHED SO MANY OPTIONS AND INFORMATION THAT THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING. WE ALSO ADVISED THEM THAT THIS TRUCK IS MY HUSBANDS LIVELY HOOD AND IF HE CANT WORK HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY THE PAYMENT EVERY MONTH. WE SEEM TO HAVE RO RECOURSE BUT TO EXTEND OUR HAND TO YOU FOR HELP. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS $4000.00. YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
SUSPENSIONFebruary 15, 2005
MY 2003 F150 SUPERCREW WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE OF 03. IN AUGUST OF 03 I NOTICED A POP IN THE RIGHT REARSUSPENSION AREA WHEN I STARED FROM A STOP. LATER ON IN THE YEAR I NOTICED A POP AS I ROLLED TO A STOP. I HAVE SPENT MY OWN MONEY AND TIME TRYING TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND TO THIS DATE I`M STILL POPING STARTING AND STOPPING. FORD DON`T SEEM TO CARE IF IT EVER GETS FIXED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 10, 2005
VEHICLE CONSTANTLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 1, 2005
THE VAN WAS PARKED AN DIT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VAN WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
Fire reported
NHTSA #10109519POWER TRAINJanuary 27, 2005
I HAVE A FORD TAURUS WITH APPROXIMATELY 41,900 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHUDDERING AND SKIPPING BADLY AT TIMES. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THE AUTO NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I ASKED FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH GETTING A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT IS EXTREMELY ODD THAT AT 41,900 MILES ANY VEHICLE WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS SHOULD QUALIFY AS A DEFECT. BUT FORD SAID SINCE THE AUTO WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY WERE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO ASSIST. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 4, 2005
MANUFACTURER'S RECALL GM04S22 WAS ISSUED FOR THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER CONTINUED TO STATE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THREE MONTHS. *AK
SEATSDecember 14, 2004
POWER FOLD REAR SEAT IN THE FORD EXPIDITION HAS ITS CONTROL IN THE REAR OF THE 3RD ROW SEATS AND A PERSON CANNOT VIEW IF ANY CHILD OR OBJECTS ARE ON SEATS THAT WILL BE LOWERED,ALSO THE POWER SEAT DOESNT HAVE A RESEVE SENSOR BUILT IN IT, SO IT WILL NOT CRUSH ANYONE AND SHOULD STOP AFTER MEETING A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PRESSURE. *AK
TIRESDecember 13, 2004
THE DEALERSHIP HAS ACCUSED ME OF RUNNING OVER SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. IT WAS THE LEFT REAR TIRE THAT BLEW. WHY WAS IT NOT THE FRONT TIRE IF I RAN OVER SOMETHING? HAVE RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP, CROSSROAD FORD IN CARY, NC.*AK I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE WHICH I DO NOT THINK IS RIGHT.THIS IS MY 3 FORD VEHICLE BUT IT WILL BE MY LAST IF THEY CANNOT HELP THE CONSUMER BETTER THAN THIS.
POWER TRAINDecember 3, 2004
I BOUGHT A NEW 2003 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER EDITION IN SEPTEMBER 2003. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING AND PUT A LOT OF MILES ON IN ANY GIVEN MONTH. CURRENTLY THE ODOMETER READING IS 60540. AT ABOUT 28000 HAD A NOISE IN THE REAR END THAT WAS REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE OF WARRANTY, THE NOISE REOCCURRED AT 59000 AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S THE REAR END ONCE MORE BUT THEY SAID FORD MOTORS WON'T COVER THE REPAI ( $1300.00-$1500.00). I HAVE OWNED A NUMBER OF SUV'S IN THE PAST AND NEVER HAD THIS. ANY ONE ELSE HAVING REOCCURING REAR END PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 FORD EXPLORER?*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 25, 2004
TURBO CHARGER HOSE KEEPS BLOWING OFF PULL A HORSE TRAILER W/F350 DIESEL 2003 FORD & ON NOV. 19,2003 I GOT MY RIGHT HAND BURNED TRYING TO PUT TURBO HOSE BACK ON, TO GET TRUCK & TRAILER OFF ROAD FORD DEALER WOULD NOT COME OUT. ILGOT TO A DELER IN GERSTOWN ,MARYLAND & GOT NEW HOSE & CLAMPS AFTER BEING ON THE ROAD FOR OVER 12 HOURS TO GO 175 MILES. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 23000 MILES; TRUCK LOSES POWER & WHEN ON A HILL WILL NOT MOVE HAPPENED 5 TIMES; FORD INSTALLED NEW TURBO CHARGER & IT LASTED APPROX.3000 MILES & HOSE BLEW OFF AGAIN; I AM AFRAID TO USE THIS TRUCK TO PULL MY HORSE TRAILER & I AM INVOKING THE LEMON LAW.*AK
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10100532ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 15, 2004
2003 FORD F250 6.0 DIESEL, THE HOSE BETWEEN THE TUBRO AND THE INTERCOOLER IS BLOWING OFF. THIS RESULTS IN A LOSS OF POWER AND IF THE CLAMP CUTS THE BELT IT WILL RESULT IN THE FAILURE IN THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKING SYSTEMS. FORD HAS A UPGRADE HOSE KIT (5C3Z*6C646*AA) FOR $100.00 IF THE TRUCK HAS MORE THAN 36000 MILES.MINE HAS 41000. THE HOSE FAILED ON INTERSTATE 26 AS I WAS PULLING MY 29' TRAVEL TRAILER UP A 6% GRADE AT THE SALUDA MOUNTAINS, AFTER THE HOSE FAILURE I WAS ONLY ABLE TO PROCEED AT 20MPH, NOT GOOD ON A INTERSTATE WITH TRUCKS GOING BY AT 60-70MPH. FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE DEPT. STATED THIS PROBLEM WAS A ENGINEERING PROBLEM NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE.BOTH THE DEALERS, THE DEALER THAT SOLD ME THE TRUCK AND THE ONE WHICH REPAIRED IT SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 6.0 ENGINE) , THEREFORE THERE IS NO RECALL, ONLY A UPGRADE KIT AFTER FAILURE. I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE FAILURE AND THE PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACE AT NO CHARGE. DURING REGULAR SERVICE, I HAVE 41000 MILES ON MY TRUCK.THE SELLING DEALER IS THE ONLY SERVICER. THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC CAN CAUSE SOMEONE PULLING A LOADED TRUCK TO BE REAR ENDED, WOULD BE BAD IN MY CASE WITH A 29' TRAILER AND A F-250 TRUCK SCATTERED ON THE INTERSTATE.*AK
STEERINGNovember 9, 2004
A FORD 2003 VAN, WITH 30,000 MILES EXPERIENCES A STEERING FAILURE, WHEN THE PITMAN ARM BROKE OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING BOX. IT CLEANLY SHEARED OFF A SHAFT OF METAL WHICH IS 1 1/4 INCHES OF SOLID STEEL.*AK SINCE THE DRIVER WAS OPERATING AT LOW SPEED ON THE RAMP OF MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HE STRUCK A BARRIER WITH MINIMAL SHEETMETAL DAMAGE. THE DRIVER REPORTED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SPINNING FREELY IN HIS HANDS AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. I REPORTED THIS TO FORD, WHO'S STAFF DETERMINED THAT THE SHAFT DID NOT FAIL DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HAD THIS VEHICLE BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A MAJOR ROADWAY, THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO CLEARLY OBVIOUS. AND SURELY A FATALITY WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. I RETAINED THE BROKEN PART. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN INCIDENT WHICH SHOULD BE REPORTED. FORD DETERMINED THAT STRIKING THE BARRIER CAUSED THE METAL TO FAIL. HOWEVER THE IMPACT WAS MINIMAL AND THOUGH A CENTERED IMPACT ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10098553ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 26, 2004
EXHAUST LEAK INTO CAB WITH ONLY 5200 MILES. THIS WAS MAKING OCCUPANTS SICK AND EYES BURN. DEALER SAID THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARANTY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 22, 2004
THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MODULE WAS RECALLED. DEALER STATED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
VISIBILITYOctober 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPER CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
WHEELSOctober 18, 2004
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR ANY INJURIES. THE COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE RIMS ON THE FORD 2003 MODEL 150 4 DOOR CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCK-- SUDDENLY, I HAD TIRES LEAKING AIR STARTING ON WEEKEND AND WENT BACK TO DEALER-GOODYEAR- WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT I HAD 2 LEAKING TIRES DUE TO HOLES IN THE RIMS--THE RIMS CANNOT BE REPAIRED-- IT IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL TO HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN-- NOW I AM CONCERED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE RIMS AND IF THE OTHER 2 WILL DO THE SAME-- AT $370+ DOLLARS A RIM THIS IS NOT A SMALL COST. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 20, 2004
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY IT CAUGHTON FIRE. ELECTRICAL/ABS SYSTEM'S WAS THE DEFECTIVE. MANUFACTURER URGED CONSUMER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. RECALL 04V444000. *AK
Fire reported
NHTSA #10092734SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 31, 2004
BRAKING PROBLEM. MY 03 E 350 HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER MANY TIMES TO HAVE THE BRAKING PULLEING REPAIRED AND AS OF TODAY 8/31/2004, 9600 MILES ON THE TRUCK IT STILL PULLS. TODAY THE TRUCK WAS LOOKED OVER BY A FORD REP. FOR THERE FINAL INSPECTION OF THE TRUCK TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN FIXED, AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE TRUCK TO PULL YOU INTO ONCOMING TRAFIC OR INTO THE CURB WHEN BRAKEIND AND THIS IS NOT A DEFECT. THE REP TESTED TWO OTHER NEW TRUCKS IN THE LOT AND TOLD ME THEY ALSO PULLED WHEN BRAKING AND THIS IS HOW THEY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT IS THE NATURE OF THE TRUCK TO DO THIS, AND THAT IT WAS NOT A PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE THE OTHER NEW TRUCKS TO SEE THAT THEY ALSO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK
STEERINGAugust 11, 2004
WHEN DRIVING 55 MPH OR MORE STEERING VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. *AK
STEERINGAugust 2, 2004
NO NUT ON THE PITTMAN ARM.THREADS STILL HAD PAINT ON THEM.*AK
EQUIPMENTJuly 22, 2004
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM NOT COOLING. AIR VENT TEMPS AT CITY DRIVING IS 52 TO 65 DEGREES. FREEWAY DRIVING CAN BE 44 DEGREES IF SPEED IS CONSTANT AND OUTSIDE TEMP IS NOT ABOVE 90 DEGREES. DEALER STATES VEHICLE IS OPERATING AT FACTORY SPECS, BUT THE VEHICLE (VAN) NEVER GETS COOLED OFF ON MOST CITY DRIVING ESPECIALLY IF NOT OUTSIDE. I HAVE HAD FIVE TRIPS TO DEALER TO REPAIR BUT NO REPAIRS MADE. *JB
VISIBILITYJune 18, 2004
WE BOUGHT A FORD F150 AROUND AUGUST OF 2003. WE HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL MARCH OR APRIL OF 2004. SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES THAT THE WIPERS HAVE NOT FUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN. AT THE BEGINNING, THEY WOULD WORK IN THE SELECTED MODE BUT IF YOU CHANGED THE SETTING, THEY WOULD STOP. THIS HAD HAPPENED ABOUT EIGHT TIMES. HOWEVER, IT HAS PROGRESSED TO STOPPING AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES, NO MATTER WHAT MODE YOU ARE IN. THE RAIN IN LOUISIANA COMES DOWN IN TORRENTS, YOU CANNOT SEE EVEN WITH THE WIPERS ON FULL SPEED. WHEN YOU HAVE NONE, IT WILL BE CATASTROPHIC. WE WERE ON OUR WAY BACK FROM HOUSTON, TX. ON MAY 31ST, 2004, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, WHEN THERE WAS A DOWNPOUR. THE WIPERS WORKED FOR A COUPLE MINUTES THEN THEY JUST SHUT OFF. NO MATTER WHAT SPEED SHE PUT THE WIPERS IN, THEY WOULD NOT WORK. BY THIS TIME SHE REALLY COULDN'T SEE, TRIED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER AND WOUND UP IN THE MUD AND GRASS. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT, JUST SHOOK UP. WE WAITED UNTIL IT STOPPED RAINING AND PRECEDED HOME. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE FORD DEALER, THEY STATE THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE SO THEY CANNOT FIX IT. TOOK IT BACK AGAIN, AFTER ANOTHER INCIDENT, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE SO THEY STATE THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY. I HAVE TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER IN MICHIGAN, THEY STATE THEY CANNOT FIX IT IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT. OUR POSITION IS: THE TRUCK IS WORTHLESS TO US, WE SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT ANYWHERE. IT IS A HAZARD ON THE ROAD, TO US AND TO ANYONE ELSE. THE STATE LAW IS THAT WIPERS WILL BE FUNCTIONAL AT ALL TIMES, IF THEY ARE NOT, WE CANNOT GET A BRAKE TAG AND WE SURELY CANNOT DRIVE IT IN THE CONDITION IT IS IN. WE ARE AT OUR WITS END, WHAT ARE WE TO DO? PLEASE HELP US. *AK
POWER TRAINJune 2, 2004
WHILE IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY CONSUMER STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND WENT INSIDE THE HOUSE, VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN, AND DROVE BACKWARDS INTO THE GARAGE, BENDING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WHICH WAS OPEN. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO CLAIMED THAT HE UNDERSTOOD WHAT HAPPENED BUT DID NOT THINK THAT WHAT HAPPENED WAS A DEFECT. *AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #10075597ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 29, 2004
I BOUGHT A 2003 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY WITH A 6.0 L DIESEL 5/2003. SINCE THE PURCHASE, THERE IS A NOTICABLE LACK OF POWER BELOW 1800 RPMS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP 6 TIMES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CONTINUALLY ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BUT ON THE MOST RECENT VISIT, I WAS ADVISED ALL OF THE 6 LITER MOTORS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THEY ADVISED FORD HAS NOT PROVIDED A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. A CLOSE FRIEND RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 6 LITER MOTOR AND IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HESITATES AT THE START OF ACCELERATION AND HAS PLACED ME IN SEVERAL COMPRIMISING POSITIONS SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN I START FROM A STOP. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WHICH OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 8, 2004
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS WARMING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY CONSUMER'S NEIGHBOR ALERTED HIM THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. THERE WERE NO INJURIES RELATING TO THE FIRE. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE RESULTS WERE INCONCLUSIVE.*AK
Fire reported
NHTSA #10066801FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERMarch 24, 2004
THE FUEL LINES ON THE STERLING TRUCKS I PURCHASED (2) OF THEM ARE FAILING CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL OUT. THEY TRUCK HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS OF THIS PROBLEM FOUR TIMES. STERLING CLAIMS THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT REPLACE ALL THE LINES UNTIL EACH ONE GOES BAD. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELMarch 20, 2004
ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2003 A FUEL INJECTOR FAILED AND FILLED THE OIL PAN WITH FUEL. THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND I HAD TO BE TOWED IN. IT TOOK FORD ROAD SERVICE 3 HRS TO FIND A TOW SERVICE. THE TRUCK HAD 5700 MILES ON IT. NOW ON MARCH 20, 2004 THE TRUCK WILL BE GOING BACK TO THE DEALER WITH WHAT ACTS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM. IF FORD KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A CERTAIN BATCH OF INJECTORS THEY SHOULD REPLACE THEM ALL. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 2, 2004
11/20/03 AND 01/28/04. FORD F150. 4.6L ENGINE. TOTAL LOST OF ENGINE POWER OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER 3 - 8 MILES OF DRIVING AFTER STARTUP. SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH. IDLE DROPS TO 500 RPM, RECOVERS, DROPS, RECOVERS AND ALL IS AGAIN WELL. NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES CREATED. *JB
SUSPENSIONJanuary 30, 2004
WHILE DRIVING FRONT END SUSPENSION CAUSED STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE WHEN DRIVING AND HITTING ROUGH OR UNEVEN SURFACES. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, BUT MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE VIBRATION PROBLEM.*AK
EQUIPMENTJanuary 21, 2004
TRAVELING EAST ON I20 OUTSIDE OF COLUMBIA, SC APROX. 3:30AM STRUCK A DEER AND PULL OVER ON EMERGENCY LANE ON AND OFF RAMP. PARK VEHICLE AND GOT OUT TO EXAMINE THE DAMAGE. WALKED AROUND VEHICLE LOOKING AT DAMAGE AND AS I OPENED DRIVER DOOR TO GET FALSH LIGHT TO LOOK UNDERNEATH VAN FOR DAMAGE USED FLASH LIGHT TO LOOK AT DAMAGE AND AS I GOT BACK UP TO GET IN VAN I STEPED UP ON RUNNING BOARD ON DRIVER SIDE TO GET BACK IN VEHICLE AND VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARDS THROWING ME TO GROUND.DRAGING ME APROX. 20 FEET.I LET GO OF VAN TO ROLL AWAY FROM VEHICLE. VAN STRUCK RETAINER WALL AND STOPED.*AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10054570TIRESJanuary 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON THE FREEWAY I NOTICED MY 03 F250 CREW CAB 4X4 STARTED TO PULL TO THE LEFT. I REALIZED I WAS GETTING A FLAT. I NOTICED MY RIM WAS DAMAGED(CRACKED) ALLOWING AIR TO ESCAPE FROM THE BEAD AREA. THE TIRE WAS NOT DEFLATED WHEN I PULLED OVER BUT IN A SHORT TIME IT WENT COMPLETELY FLAT. I WAS TOLD THE WHEEL WAS DEFECTIVE. IT WAS REPLACED AND THE ORIGINAL TIRE THAT WAS ON THE DAMAGED WHEEL WAS MOUNTED ON THE NEW RIM. THEY PUT THE WHEEL/TIRE IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK . THE NEXT MORNING AT APPRX 10:00 AM(APPRX 68 DEGREES OUT) THE TIRE EXPLODED. WAS BLOWN OUT TOWARD THE MIDDLE OF THE SIDEWALL AND RIPPED BACK TOWARD THE TREAD. THE CORDS AND RUBBER WHERE PUSHED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE TIRE WAS THOROUGHLY INSPECTED BY MORE THAT ONE PROFESSIONAL PRIOR TO IT BEING INSTALLED ON THE NEW RIM AND THEY ALL AGREED THERE WAS NO DAMAGE. I DID NOT STRIKE ANYTHING AND THE AIR PRESSURE WAS APPRX 45 PSI. THE MAX AIR PRESSURE ON THE TIRE IS 65PSI. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP. THEY DISMOUNTED THE TIRE FROM THE NEW RIM AND HAD IT INSPECTED BY PARNELLI JONES REPS. THE REPS CLAIM I STRUCK SOMETHING EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT(SCRATCHES,CUTS,BRUISING ETC ). I ALSO KNOW THAT THEY ARE BEING LESS THAN TRUTHFUL DO TO THE FACT I KNOW I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING! THESE TIRES ARE 38X15.50-17 ARE 10 PLY AND E RATED. I ASKED FOR AN EXPLANATION AS TO HOW IT COULD BLOWUP WHILE SITTING IN THE BACK OF MY TRUCK NOT UNDER A LOAD. THEY HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR ME OTHER THAN U MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. IVY NEVER HIT ANYTHING AND IVE NEVER OFF ROADED THE TRUCK. THE INSIDE OF THAT DAMAGED TIRE ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF THE INSIDE RUBBER SPLITTING FROM THE SEEMS. ONE OF THE OTHER TIRES THAT IS MOUNTED ON THE TRUCK IS CRACKING ON THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL APPRX ONE HALF INCH ABOVE THE BEAD. IT RUNS ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRE AND IS APPRX AN 1/8" DEEP. ALL MY OTHER TIES APPEAR TO BE FINE. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN ON THE TRUCK FOR 6 MONTHS. THEY HAVE 10K MILES ON THEM. *CB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERJanuary 9, 2004
2003 FORD SUPER DUTY F350 6.0 LITER DIESEL: THE FIRST TIME I TRIED TO PULL MY 5TH WHEEL WITH THIS TRUCK, IT WOULD BUCK FURIOUSLY AND I COULD ONLY STOP THE BUCKING BY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE FLOOR OF IMMEDIATELY LET UP OFF THE PEDAL. DURING THIS TRIP WITH THE 5HT WHEEL IN TOW, AT 815 MILES THE ENGINE QUIT AT THE MOST INOPPORTUNE TIMES. I WAS CLIMBING A 5% GRADE AND TRAVELING IN THE TRUCK SLOW LANE ON INTERSTATE 68. I MANAGED TO GET THE RIG TO THE SHOULDER BUT STILL IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT TOOK 3 HOURS TO GET THE RIG MOVED TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM)HAD FAILED. FORD HAS DESIGNED THIS FICM NO LESS THAN 4 TIMES. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I HAD A FUEL INJECTOR MISFIRING SINCE DAY ONE OF THIS TRUCK BEING IN SERVICE. THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF SERVICE FOR 5 DAYS WHILE REPAIRS WERE MADE. A MONTH LATER ON AUGUST 8, 2003 AT 2568 MILES I LOST A FUEL INJECTOR OR TWO AND BROKE A ROCKER ARM WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 74. THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF SERVICE FOR ANOTHER 10 DAYS WHILE THE ENGINE WAS PULLED OUT AND 27 PARTS REPLACED. WITH THE ADDITION OF ONE BUSINESS DAY FOR A FACTORY RECALL BRINGS THE TOTAL BUSINESS DAYS OUT OF SERVICE TO 14 DAYS. THE SAD PART IS THAT I TRADED A 2002 F350 WITH MORE PROBLEMS THAN I CARE TO TALKE ABOUT IN THE HOPES THAT I COULD MAKE MY LIFE A LITTLE EASIER WITH THIS 2003 F350. BIG MISTAKE!*AK
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 15, 2003
THE FORD VAN E-250 2003 WERE PRODUCED AND SOLD WITH THE WRONG LUG WRENCH. CAN NOT CHANGE MY TIRES BECAUSE THE LUG WRENCH WILL NOT FULLY COVER THE LUG NUT BECAUSE THE WRENCH IS TO THICK AND HITS THE INER RIM. THIS IN TURN CAUSES THE WRENCH TO SLIP OFF OR STRIP THE NUT.*AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 12, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH AUXILIARY BATTERY, BRAKES AND STEERING. AUXILIARY BATTERY IS LOW; THEREFORE, VEHICLE WON'T START. ROTORS, PADS AND CALIPERS WERE REPLACED DUE TO RECALL BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. STEERING WHEEL JERKS HARD TO THE LEFT. *LA NAR
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSNovember 21, 2003
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ON OUR 2003 FORD RANGER XLT FAILED TO OPERATE IN SUCH A MANNER, DURING A COLLISION, TO PREVENT A HEAD INJURY TO MY WIFE. NEITHER THE AIRBAG NOR THE SEAT BELT RETARDER KEPT HER FROM STRIKING HER HEAD ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND DISLODGING THE MIRROR FROM THE WINDOW. *LA
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10047295SUSPENSIONNovember 13, 2003
AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED, AND WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE SHOOK OUT OF CONTROL. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL WERE SHAKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 10, 2003
PURCHASED A FORD F250 DIESEL TRUCK IN AUGUST 2003. THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME INCLUDING ON THE EXPRESSWAY - 65 MPH. FORD CANNOT FIND A FIX FOR IT. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE TRUCK WITH A NEWER ENGINE VERSION. WE'LL SEE.*AK *CB
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERNovember 2, 2003
FUEL GAUGE IS ERRATIC. WILL SHOW 3/4 TANK ONE DAY THEN THE VERY NEXT DAY WILL SHOW ALMOST FULL. MORE ERRATIC WHEN LOW ON FUEL. MOVES FROM 1/8 OF A TANK TO BELOW THE RED EMPTY HASH MARK OVER NIGHT WHILE SITTING. FUEL GAUGE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE FUEL LEVELS. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINOctober 13, 2003
TRUCK IDLES VERY ROUGH. WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE TRUCK GOES DEAD. EXCESSIVE SMOKE WHEN CRANKED. ENGINE RACES WHEN IDLING. TRUCK LAGS WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED. *LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINESeptember 22, 2003
FUEL INJECTION PROBLEMS WITH FORD 6.0 POWER STROKE DIESEL ENGINE, DEFECTIVE INJECTORS INSTALLED ON EARLY PRODUCTION MODELS PRIOR TO 05/03, INJECTORS LEAK, BREAK, BAD O-RINGS. FORD PULLED FROM INVENTORY, BUT BUILT HUNDREDS, OR THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES WITH THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. MINE BROKE AT 2500 MILES, LEAKED OVER 7 QUARTS DIESEL FUEL INTO OIL, SEIZED TURBO CHARGER, VEHICLE LOST POWER IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. FORD ONLY REPLACED ONE INJECTOR, THE REMAINING INJECTORS ARE OF THE SAME DESIGN, AND WILL ULTIMATELY FAIL, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE AWAY FROM HOME. I PURCHASED TRUCK, 2003 F-250 FOR CROSS COUNTRY TRIPS. THIS IS A MASSIVE COVER-UP BY FORD, THE FORD TECHNICIANS DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL CUSTOMERS. THERE ARE NEW INJECTORS IN FORD INVENTORY, BUT THEY WON'T REPLACE UNTIL IT BREAKS,OR ENGINE SEIZES, OR YOUR WARRANTY EXPIRES AND YOU ARE STUCK WITH A $3,000 REPAIR BILL OR MORE. PLEASE HELP. I HAVE RESEARCHED INTERNET. WWW.FLATRATETECH.COM IS FORD TECHNICIAN WEBSITE, THEY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON, BUT FORD WON'T HELP. THANK YOU. *JB
TIRESSeptember 1, 2003
I HAVE HAD TWO CARLISLE TIRE FAILURES ON MY WEEKEND WARRIOR 3705 SLC 5TH WHEEL TRIALER. ON THE FIRST ONE I NOTICED THE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE SIDE WALL BEFORE IT ACTUALLY BLEW OUT. CARLISLE REPLACED IT AT10% COST TO ME. THE SECOND BLEW OUT WHILE I WAS PULLING. THEY ARE 22575R15'S. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 29, 2003
FOIA REQUEST CYS OF ALL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN NHTSA & INTERNATIONAL ENGINE GROUP RE THE 6.0 POWERSTROKE ENGINE USED IN THE 2003 FORD F250-F550 SUPER DUTY TRUCKS & THE 2003 FORD EXCURSION. *MR *NLM *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 24, 2003
VIN NUMBER [XXX] THIS IS AN 03 FORD F350 4X4 CREWCAB , AUTOMATIC WITH THE 6.0 POWER STROKE DIESEL. IN JUNE OR THERE ABOUTS THIS VEHICLE RECEIVED THE RECALL WHERE THEY REPLACED THE ICP AND FLASHED THE COMPUTER. THE TRUCK NOW EXHIBITS EXTREMELY LOW POWER BELOW 1800 RPM MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC. THERE IS APPROXIMATELY A 4 TO 5 SECOND DELAY FROM STEPPING ON THE GAS TO WHERE THERE IS ADEQUATE POWER TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES TO THE SITUATION. WHEN TO POWER DOES COME ON IT IS SUDDENLY AND CAN CAUSE THE TIRES TO LOSE TRACTION. PRIOR TO THE RE-FLASH THE TRUCK WAS FINE WITH A SMOOTH POWER INCREASE FORM THE POINT OF STEPPING ON THE GAS. I WAS TOLD FORD DETUNED THESE TRUCKS WITH THE RE-FLASH( WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE OF THE REDUCTION IN POWER). I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND IS ESPECIALLY EXAGGERATED WHEN TOWING A TRAILER WHICH IS WHAT I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK FOR. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIME AND THE DEALER CANT HELP AS FORD WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO PUT THE OLD PROGRAM BACK IT.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,TIRESAugust 9, 2003
SINCE MAY 2ND, 2003 HAVE HAD FARM TRUCK, F550 6.0 LITER DIESEL 4X4 CAB & CHASSIS, INTO DEALER SIX (6) TIMES FOR A PROBLEM WITH 6.0 LITER DIESEL MOTOR, HAVE ASKED TWICE TO FIX LEAKING TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE AND HAVE COMPLAINED ONCE ABOUT SEVERE FRONT END SHAKE (TO WHICH NO RESPONCE WAS MADE AND AFTER DISCOVERING FORD HAD INSTALLED DRIVE POSITION ONLY TIRES ON FRONT AXLE, REPLACEMENT WAS MADE WITH PROPER STEERING TIRES). TRUCK USED FOR LONG DISTANCE TRANSPORTATION OF HAY, STRAW, CATTLE AND MACHINERY. ENGINE SINCE HAVING 2,000 MILES HAS ROUGH IDLE, EXCESSIVE SMOKING, ENGINE MISS (SKIP) UNDER LOAD OR IDLING, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. ON AUGUST 1ST, 2003 THE ENGINE LOST POWER, A SHORT WHILE LATER STALLED, WHILE UNDER LOAD AND ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE. THIS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BRAKING CAPACITY ON THE PULLING UNIT, WITH A HEAVIER LOAD OR ON A GRADE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. ABLE TO GET ON SHOULDER, TRUCK RE-STARTED PROCEEDED WITH CAUTION TO NEXT RAMP ENGINE STALLED AGAIN COMING DOWN RAMP SAME BRAKING PROBLEM. THIS TIME IT APPEARS THAT A NUMBER OF FUEL INJECTORS FAILED DUMPING FUEL INTO CRANK CASE, 11 EXTRA QUARTS, METAL SHAVINGS IN PAN AND DESTROYING THE TURBO. (DROP DOWN MENU FOR VEHICLE INFORMATION ONLY SHOWS OPTION OF E550 THIS IS A F550.)*AK
POWER TRAINAugust 5, 2003
WAS TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR A FUEL SMELL THAT WAS INTERMITENT ON 7-30-03 TO RICART FORD WHEN I THREW IN THE CLUTCH TO SHIFT AND LOST HTE CLUTCH IT WENT TO THE FLOOR SO I PROCEED TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE AND THAT IS WHEN I NOTICED THE SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER SHIP WAS 1/2 MILE AWAY AND IN SIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND CALLED 911 THEN THE DEALER.*AK
Fire reported
NHTSA #10030822ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 1, 2003
ON 6-17-03 PURCHASED 2003 F350, SUPER DUTY, 6.1 D ON 7-22-03, 2000 MILES EXCESSIVE SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE, RESULTS: ROCKER ASSEMLBY BROKEN.*AK ON 7-30-03, ALL DASH GAGES, RADIO, WINDOWS NOT WORKING, RESULTS: ELECTRICAL SHORT NUMBER 35 FUSE BLOWN ON 7-31-03 AFTER 200 MILES, ALL DASH GAGES, RADIO, WINDOW NOT WORKING: WHILE DRIVING YOU HAVE NO SPEED, OIL PRESURE OR FUEL READINGS.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10030589STEERINGJuly 29, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
STEERINGJuly 29, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT POWER STEERING WENT OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
STRUCTUREJune 20, 2003
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT CAB OF VEHICLE BEEN REDISIGNED. ALSO THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS REDISIGNED IT DID NOT ALLOW CONSUMER TO SEE A BILND SPOT.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENTJune 18, 2003
NOT TOO MANY YEARS AGO, THE US HAD REGULATIONS CONCERNING RELATIVE HEIGHT OF AUTOMOBILE BUMPERS AND HEADLIGHTS. TODAY WE HAVE AUTOMOBILES (SUV'S) WHOSE BUMPERS MATCH THE TOP OF MY TRUNK LID (2003 JAGUAR) AND WHOSE LIGHTS SHINE DIRECTLY INTO THE BACK WINDOW OF ALL MY CARS. AT NIGHT WHEN ONE OF THESE SUV'S COMES UP BEHIND ME, I WILL STOP TO LET THEM BY SO I TOO CAN DRIVE AT NIGHT. HOW COME? ARNIE BRANDON, BELLEVUE, WA. 98006. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 11, 2003
FAILURE OF THE CAM POSITIONING SENSOR ON A 2001 F250 7.3 DIESEL PICKUP WITH 35,00 MILES. THE TRUCK STARTED DYING AT STOPS. AND SLOW SPEED. HAD TO PUT THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART 8 TIMES. LEFT THE TRUCK WITH FORD DEALER FOR 2 DAYS(THEY DROVE IT HOME AND PUT 150 MILES ON TRUCK) NOTHING. PAID $140 FOR 2 HOURS LABOR. NEXT DAY PAID $256 TO GET A NEW CPS INSTALLED AND ONE WEEK LATER NO PROBLEM. THE FORD DIESEL FORUM ON THE INTERNET HAS HUNDRED OF TRUCK OWNERS IN THE SAME BOAT. WE ALL PAY $100 OR MORE AND CARRY A SPARE CPS. NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND RECALL THIS ITEM OR PUT FORD ON NOTICE BECAUSE ONE OF THESE DAYS SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. *JB
STRUCTUREJune 5, 2003
THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ENTIRE DOOR ON THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED INCORRECTLY. *JB
SEAT BELTSMay 19, 2003
REAR SEAT BELT FOR THE MIDDLE SEAT IN A 2003 FORD ZX2. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD INSTALL THE SEAT BELT BUT IT WOULD VOID MY WARRANTY AND WOULD BE VERY COSTLY. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME THE SAME THING. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 12, 2003
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY PREPARING TO EXIT WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD "POP" AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONSUMER COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPENED, THE VEHICLE EXPLODED AND CAUSED 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO THE CONSUMER. *JB
Fire reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10019651SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINApril 28, 2003
WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT DOES NOT WANT TO MOVE. IF YOU INCREASE THE RPM'S, IT STILL JUST SETS THERE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN VERY INCONSISTENT. REVERSE SEEMS TO BE AT THIS POINT, THE ONLY PLACE IT OCCURS. IN ONE OF THE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT 3 OF THE 4 CALIPERS WERE FROZE/DRIED UP. THIS DOES NOT SET WELL WITH ME AND I SEE IT AS A POSSIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 10, 2003
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB
VISIBILITYFebruary 11, 2003
THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS DID NOT EXTEND FAR ENOUGH TO SEE TRAFFIC.*JB