Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER (IN DRY CLIMATE), INCLUDING STEERING, AND BRAKES AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH. CAME TO A STOP USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HAD TWO NEAR MISSES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AS THE ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) WAS NO GOOD. HAD PRIOR MISFIRES IN ENGINE, WHICH FORD HAD DIAGNOSED AS A BAD HEAD VALVE. AFTER REBUILDING THE HEADS, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED (WHILE UNDER USE IN DRY CLIMATE). INCIDENT OCCURRED, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME DISABLED. 2ND FORD DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS "ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS" WHICH HAD ALLEGEDLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE'S ECM (ENGINE CONTROL MODULE) TO SHORT OUT. NO MORE THAN 500 MILES AND/OR 3 DAYS AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM AND FIXING OF UNSPECIFIED "ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS" (AND IN MOIST CLIMATE), VEHICLE WOULD HAVE PERIODIC MISFIRES WHICH WOULD ON OCCASION BE SO SEVERE SO AS TO DROP ALL GAUGES ON DASH TO THEIR "OFF" POSITIONS, BUT WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING (UNDER STRESS FROM SUPPOSED MISFIRE WHICH WOULD SHAKE THE ENTIRE TRUCK). ON TWO LATER OCCASIONS, WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD REPEAT THE SAME CONDITION AS WITH THE INITIAL INCIDENT, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT-OFF, WITH EXCEPTION THAT ON THE REPEAT OCCASIONS, THE ECM WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL AND I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. A 3RD FORD DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE EXACT PROBLEM BUT SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT OF COILS FOLLOWED BY WIRING AS A POSSIBLE FIX TO THE MISFIRE. I REMOVED THE VEHICLE TO A DRY CLIMATE AND REPLACED ALL PLU
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ADJUSTED, THE TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,184 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 05/27/14*LJ UPDATED 8/17/17*CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL GASOLINE FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION NEAR THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
WHILE TRAVELING SOUTH BOUND ON INTERSTATE 81 AT CHRISTIANSBURG VA. MY GAS TANK FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO DEFECTIVE STRAPS RUSTING INTO AND LETTING IT FALL CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK ON ROADWAY AND ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE. THE GAS TANK STRUCK THE ROADWAY AND THE GRINDING CAUSED THE TANK TO LEAK AND THE SPILLAGE. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE PURCHASED A USED GAS TANK AND ORDERED NEW STRAPS. I HAVE WRITTEN FORD AN E MAIL, ASKING THEM TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, MY ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE & RUNNING BADLY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE MOTOR, I FOUND THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE #3 CYLINDER, BREAKING THE COIL PACK IN THE PROCESS. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. I HAVE CHECKED ON-LINE TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER F-150 OWNERS, AND FOUND OUT IT IS FAIRLY COMMON. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET FORD TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM? *TR
2003 FORD F150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE CAME TO A STOP, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. ALSO, THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING. THE DEALER NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE GASOLINE TANK WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED WHEN IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING, SHACKLE AND MOUNT WERE RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
WITHOUT WARNING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE TOWING A 6000LB TRAILER. STOPPED FOR DINNER - ALL FELT NORMAL. UPON FINISHING DINNER AND RETURNING TO MY TRUCK, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WHEN SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I TRIED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED THAT THE BRAKE LINE LEADING TO THE REAR BRAKES HAD ROTTED THROUGH FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS VEHICLE IS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN USED NEAR SALT WATER, OR TO LAUNCH BOATS. MY MECHANIC HAS ADVISED ME THAT ROTTING BRAKE LINES IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WITH THAT KNOWLEDGE, I AM DISMAYED AND DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT FORD DOES NOT OFFER ANY TYPE OF REPLACEMENT LINES. *TR
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY SON 3 YEARS AGO. ON MONDAY EVENING, JUNE 17TH, HE WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE, AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED AND THERE IS NO DAMAGE, OR NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD, "HIS TRUCK VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE PREVIOUS RECALLS, SO WE CANNOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. IT IS PAST WARRANTY." I WAS QUITE TAKEN ABACK BY THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BEING UNDER WARRANTY WAS A REASON FOR SUCH A DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN! SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD HE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE, ETC. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE COIL AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. *TR
THE FUSE # 29 IN THE INSIDE CAB FUSE BOX HAS BLOWN TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IS UNKNOWN THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 10 DAYS OF REPLACING THE SECOND FUSE. THIS FUSE CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE, THE AUTO-LAMP AND BELT MINDER FUNCTIONS OF THE TRUCK. I HAVE SEEN ON OTHER WEB PAGES THE SAME PROBLEM WE ARE EXPERIENCING. *TR
RIMS ARE RUSTING AT THE BEAD BECAUSE WATER SITS IN THERE WHEN IT RAINS. THE METAL HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND AIR BUBBLES OCCUR WHEN WATER IS IN THERE. THREE OF FOUR RIMS ARE "BUBBLING" FROM THIS FAILURE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE HEARD A VIBRATING NOISE FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT A CLAMP HOLDING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD RUSTED AND HAD BECAME PARTIALLY DETACHED. THE CONTACT PERSONALLY REPLACED THE CLAMP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH LONG TRAIL T/A TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD SEVERE CRACKS AND WERE DRY ROTTED IN THE TREAD AND SIDEWALLS. THE STORE AT WHICH THE TIRES WERE BOUGHT WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS 38,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ON A RETURN TRIP FROM COLUMBUS OHIO TO NEW ORLEANS LA, A SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM #3 CYLINDER, PASSENGER SIDE SECOND FROM THE FRONT. ENGINE STALLED BUT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. SMELL OF FUEL WAS VERY PREVALENT. NO OTHER APPARENT DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER SYSTEMS ON THE ENGINE. PLUG WAS THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED PLUG AND HAD NOT BEEN TOUCHED BY ANY MECHANIC SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER. AFTER A $700 REPAIR BILL, THEY TRIED A HELICOIL, BUT THIS FAILED AFTER JUST 1 USE OF THE TRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY. . A $28,000 TRUCK SHOULD BE ABLE TO KEEP ITS SPARK PLUGS IN THE HEADS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SPARK PLUG WAS BLOWN ON THE NUMBER FOUR CYLINDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AT A COST TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A SECOND SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE, OFFERING NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
USED 2003 FORD F150 I ORDERED A $100. NY INSPECTION, THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THAT THIS TRUCK HAD A PROBLEM, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RECALL HIS RECORDS SHOWED ON PAPER THAT IT WAS DONE, BUT UPON A PHYSICAL INSPECTION IT WAS NOT DONE, ONLY SOME MAKE SHIFT WIRES TO HOLD UP THE GAS TANK THE SERVICE ADVISOR GAVE THE WIRES TO ME TO SHOW YOU HE CONTACTED THE FORD DEALER IN MASSACHUSETTS THEY SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY SINCE THEY HAD CLOSED THE CASE MY SERVICE ADVISOR THEN INFORMED ME THAT HE WOULD CALL 'FORD SPECIAL ASSISTANCE HE SAID THEY DENIED THE ASSISTANCE AFTER THE CALL HE INFORMED THAT IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR NEW STRAPS AND THE INSTALLATION LABOR AND TAXES. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURE IS RESPONSIBLE TO CARE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THROUGH THEIR DEALERS. ESPECIALLY GAS TANK STRAPS!! AND ALSO IT SEEMS LOGICAL THAT THE RECALL IS TO THE VEHICLE, NOT THE CUSTOMER. IN THIS CASE THEIR RECORDS ARE SAYING THAT IT WAS DONE AND THEN FINDING THAT IT IS NOT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR MADE HIS ATTEMPTS TO GET IT DONE THROUGH FORD, BUT COULD NOT. THIS IS MOST REPREHENSIBLE, AND CROOKED ON SOMEONE PART, THE OTHER DEALER AND NOW FORD. THE OTHER DEALER DID GET PAID FOR SOMETHING THEY DID NOT DO, AND NOW FORD WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS. THE ADVISOR GAVE ME THE CUSTOMER SERVICE # TO 'FOMOCO. THE FOMOCO AGENT THEN TOLD ME THAT, IT WAS BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIPS AND HE ASSURED ME THAT THEY WOULD HANDLE THE MATTER. WHEN I CALLED BACK THE SERVICE MANAGER H
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND CONTINUED TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ACCORDING TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING A SHORT AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY BURNED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A COMPLAINT AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 270,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LUG NUTS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE CORRODED WHICH PREVENTED THE SOCKET AND THE WRENCH TO REMOVE THE LUG NUTS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM THE CYLINDER UPON ROUTINE VEHICLE STARTING. VEHICLE WAS WARM WHEN STARTED. ONCE THE SPARK PLUG EJECTED I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE AND SMOKE. A SMALL FIRE WAS EASILY EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN SNOW WHEN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
MY 2003 F150 HAD THE STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANK SNAPPED WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH, I COULD SEE FLAMES ON THE ROAD FROM THE FUEL LEAKING WHEN THE TANK HIT THE HIGHWAY. ONCE I STOPPED THE TRUCK, I FOUND THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN OFF AND WAS DRAGGING THE GROUND LEAKING FUEL EVERYWHERE, I HAD 20 GALLONS OF FUEL LEAK OUT SO I HAD TO CALL THE BRISTOL, VA FIRE DEPT. TO COME CLEAN UP THE FUEL SPILL, THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK OTHER THAN THE FUEL TANK AND THE STRAPS THAT I KNOW OF NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TELLS ME THAT FORD HAS A RECALL ON THIS IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY, BUT NOT IN VIRGINIA. THE FORD RECALL SAYS IT IS ONLY IN AREAS THAT USE ROAD SALE (HIGH CORROSION) AREAS SUCH AS KENTUCKY AND WEST VIRGINIA, I LIVE IN VIRGINIA NEAR THE KENTUCKY BOARDER ( WITHIN 20 MILES) I FEEL THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO VIRGINIA THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN OTHER ISSUES LIKE THIS IN THEIR SHOP. THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED QUICKLY I WAS BLESSED THAT THE SPARKS FROM THE TANK DRAGGING THE GROUND DID NOT RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION AND FIRE THAT COULD HAVE LED TO SERIOUS INJURY OR POSSIBLY MY DEATH OR EVEN SOMEONE ELSE BEING INJURED THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN THE INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER THEN WENT TO GET A SECOND OPINION, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM, HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIGHTLY MOVED TOWARDS THE FLOOR UPON ENGAGING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
MY FORD F 150 FRAME AND SPRING HOLDERS ARE RUSTING BAD, I'M AFRAID THE SPRINGS MAY FALL OFF OR THE FRAME MAY BREAK WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. THE BODY OF THE TRUCK HAS NO RUST, I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY HAVE 62,000 MILES ON IT. JUST WONDERING IT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY FRAME AND WHAT MY OPPTIONS ARE. *TR
WAS HEAVY RAIN OUTSIDE THEN MY TRUCK STARTED BLOWING THE HORN, HEATER WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF BY THEM SELVES. FIGURED ITS PART OF THE ISSUE WITH THE WINDSHIELD ISSUE FORD KNOWS ABOUT SINCE 2002. THE NOTICE WAS *FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 WHICH COVERED A FEW VEHICLES BUT HAS EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER VEHICLES. LAST YEAR, I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY RAIN AND ALL THE SUDDEN, ALL POWER WENT OFF, WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, RADIO WAS GOING FUNNY, HEAT WAS TURNING ON AND OFF, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THAT ONLY LASTED FOR A FEW SECONDS BUT MADE IT WHERE I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY, MADE IT BACK TO MY HOUSE THEN BROUGHT IT TO FORD TO FIND OUT THE ISSUE. I OPTED NOT TO HAVE THE WORK DONE AT THAT TIME FOR THE MECHANIC SAID ITS OKAY FOR THE TIME BEING. BUT CORROSION WAS STARTING AND I NEEDED TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD FIXED BEFORE THE ISSUE AT HAND COULD BE FIXED, BECAUSE IF I DIDN'T, IT JUST WOULD CAUSE THE ISSUES A FEW YEARS DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN. LOOKING THROUGH, I SEE YOU HAVE A LOT OF "ELECTRICAL ISSUES" BEING BROUGHT UP, AND ALL OF THEM FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN LOOK TO BE CAUSED BY THE SAME ISSUE, MIND YOU THAT THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN FROM VEHICLES 1998 - 2003, POSSIBLY INTO THE 2004. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT AND MIGHT ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN UPDATED 07/18/12
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ALUMINUM HEAD OF THE ENGINE, WHICH I HEAR IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHEN IS THE RECALL COMING OUT? IF THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM, I PERSONALY KNOW OF TWO OTHER PEOPLE WHOM THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO AND ITS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, THEN FORD NEEDS TO TAKE SOME INITIATIVE AND FIX IT! WE CONSUMERS ARE WHAT MAKES FORD THEIR MONEY AND IF THIS IS NOT FIXED FOR US I WILL NO LONGER BE A FORD CONSUMER. I AM SURE OTHERS FEEL THE SAME WAY. FORD MADE A MISTAKE, WE ALL DO, NOW FIX IT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS ALSO CORRODED, BUT THAT FAILURE WAS NOT ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
I STARTED UP MY TRUCK ON LUNCH AND HEARD A BANG THAN IT SOUNDED LIKE A POPCORN MACHINE I CALL FORD IN LONDONDERRY NH TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SPARK PLUG COMING OUT OF THE HEADS, THEY WAS COMMON IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAPPENED TO FRIEND HAD 7 OUT OF 8 SPARK PLUGS SHOOT OUT FOR HIS F 250. AND FOR THE SOUNDS OF IT THERE HAS BEEN ALOT MORE!! I CANT BELIEVE THAT FORD HASN'T HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. PEOPLE COULD GET HURT IF IT STARTED A FIRE UNDER A HOOD. *TR
2003 FORD F-150. CLAIMS ADJUSTER SENT CORRESPONDENCE ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER WHO LOST HIS VEHICLE DUE TO A FIRE IN WHICH AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF WHAT WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE CRUISE DEACTIVATION SWITCH *TGW
MY 2003 FORD F-150 WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK MOUNTING STRAPS WHICH ARE KNOWN TO CORRODE AND FAIL. THE FUEL TANK ON THE TRUCK HAD SIGNIFICANT RUST UNDER ONE OF THE STRAPS, RESULTING IN A LEAK IN THE AREA UNDER THE STRAP. WHEN I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN FOR THE RECALL WORK I NOTIFIED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE TANK WAS LEAKING UNDER THE STRAP. I WAS TOLD AS LONG AS THE TANK WAS LEAKING AS A RESULT OF THE STRAP FAILURE AND NOT LEAKING AT A SEAM OR ELSEWHERE ON THE TANK, FORD WOULD REPLACE THE TANK. I WAS LATER NOTIFIED THAT FORD DENIED THE TANK REPLACEMENT DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT WAS ALREADY LEAKING. I WAS TOLD THAT IF THE RESULT OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE REPAIR THEN FORD WOULD REPLACE THE TANK AT NO COST TO ME BUT SINCE IT WAS ALREADY LEAKING, THEY WOULDN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TANK REPAIR, ONLY THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STRAPS. AS A RESULT, I REPLACED THE TANK AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THE FUEL TANK THAT WAS REMOVED FROM THIS TRUCK WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE RUST UNDER THE FUEL TANK STRAP. THERE WAS NO LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE SEAMS OR ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE TANK. THE FAILURE OF THE TANK, IN MY OPINION, IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CORROSION OF THE STRAPS. FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS AS A PROBLEM BUT WILL ONLY REPAIR TANKS (AT THEIR EXPENSE) THAT BEGIN LEAKING DURING THE COURSE OF THE REPAIR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF AND THEREFORE THE CURRENT RECALL FOR FUEL TANK STRAPS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE EXPANDED T
SEPT 2011 - RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE ADVISING FUEL STRAPS RUST PREMATURELY. 31 OCT 2011 - DISCOVER GAS TANK LEAK. TAKE TRUCK TO DEALER (1) DAY EARLY FOR WORK. TAKE PICTURES, FUEL TANK APPEARS TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE. LEAK IS DIRECTLY UNDER RUSTED TANK STRAP. CONTACT WITH STRAP APPEARS TO HAVE RUSTED THROUGH TANK. 01 NOV. 2011 - CALL WITH DEALER. DEALER DID NOT ADVISE OF LEAK. I HAD TO REQUEST CONFIRMATION. SERVICE TECH CHECKED WITH MECHANIC WHO ADVISES THAT REPLACING STRAP WILL PROBABLY MAKE LEAK WORSE. DEALER WOULD HAVE REPLACED STRAPS AND RETURNED TRUCK TO CONSUMER WITH LEAKING GAS TANK AND NOT ADVISED? DEALER ADVISES FORD WILL NOT REPLACE TANK. 01 NOV. 2010 - CALL TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER. 1-800-392-3673. CONFIRMED FORD WILL NOT REPLACE TANK. APPROX. COST $400. *TR
REAR BRAKE LINE CORRODED THROUGH LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE RENDERING THE BRAKES INOP. FORTUNATELY IT DIDN'T OCCUR WHILE DRIVING. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 90,000 MILES, TO ME THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TT
SEPT 17TH 2011. SAT. NIGHT ABOUT 10:00PM I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD F-150 TRUCK EAST. I WAS GOING ABOUT 45-50MPH ON A STRAIGHT COUNTRY ROAD WHEN A LOUD SOUND WENT OFF AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE TRUCK CAME TO A SCREECHING STOP. I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD AS IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I AND A PASSENGER WERE WEARING SEATBELTS AND WERE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE TRUCK. IT WAS FULL OF SMOKE AND THE HORN WAS BLARING , WE OPENED THE HOOD AND DISABLED THE HORN PUT ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS. THE TRUCK WOULD NOT MOVE. COULDN'T GET IT IN OR OUT OF GEAR, ITS A STANDARD. I CALLED MY INSURANCE CO. AND WE HAD MY TRUCK TOWED FROM THERE TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. BOTH OF US WERE PRETTY SHAKENED AND HAD HURT NECKS AND BACKS AND I HURT MY HAND. MY FRIEND GOT HURT THE WORST AND IS STILL SEEING DOCTORS FOR HIS NECK INJURIES. I AM OKAY BUT SORE AND HAVEN'T GONE TO THE DOCTORS. MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER THE DAMAGE IT CAUSED INSIDE THE CAB OR HAVE AIRBAGS RE-INSTALLED. I HAVE FULL COVERAGE! THE AIR BAGS JUST DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. OUT OF THE BLUE. GIVES ME A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE ABOUT AIR BAGS,THEY MAY SAVE YOUR LIVE OR TAKE YOUR LIFE! THEY ARE SCARY, SMELL BAD, RUIN YOUR CAR AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH A BRAIN BEFORE THE TRUCK WILL RUN. THE TRUCK IS STILL DISABLED TODAY. I FEEL IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE AIRBAG SENSORS OR THE AIRBAGS THEMSELVES! AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY EITHER MY INSURANCE OR THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. IT'S A SAFETY FEATURE AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY ONE OF THE TWO! I HA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE WINDSHIELD, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE GEM MODULAR. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE GEM MODULAR AND THE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE WINDSHIELD PRIMER HAD BECOME LOOSE ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS IS THE 5TH SEPARATE CYLINDER THIS HAS HAPPENED TO IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK. *KB
I HAVE A FORD F150 AND WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITION COILS GO UP IN IT I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND TO HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPTS INCASE THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE WHILE I WAS AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GETTING MY TRUCK WORKED ON THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF FL50S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DO YOU KNOW IF THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THE F150 IGNITION COILS ? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
I HAVE A FORD F150 AND WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS I HAVE HAD 3 IGNITION COILS/SPARK PLUGS GO UP IN IT. I CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND TO HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPTS IN CASE THERE IS A RECALL IN THE FUTURE. WHILE I WAS AT OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GETTING MY TRUCK WORKED ON THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF FL50S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DO YOU KNOW IF THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THE F150 IGNITION COILS/SPARK PLUGS ? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SPARK PLUG FAILED, CAUSING GASOLINE TO BLOW INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE NUMBER ONE SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
DRIVING APPROX 25 MPH ON A SIDE STREET WHEN A THUD WAS HEARD. STOPPED VEHICLE TO FIND GAS TANK ON GROUND AND GAS STRAPS BROKEN. GAS TANK WAS PUNCTURED BY FALLING ON THE ROAD. TWO TANK STRAPS WERE FOUND TO BE RUSTED THROUGH. FORD F150 XL TRUCK FROM 2003. *TR *KB
I LOOKED UNDER MY 2003 FORD F150 AND SAW SOMETHING HANGING DOWN. IT TURNS OUT THAT ONE OF MY GAS TANK STRAPS BROKE. I SEE BY LOOKING ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM . I HAVE ORDERED A NEW SET FROM ADVANCED AUTO PARTS AND I SHOULD HAVE THEM ON TOMORROW. *TR
FORD F150 GAS TANK STRAPS FAILED CAUSING FULL TANK OF GAS TO FALL FROM UNDER TRUCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD NOT ACTIVATE UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL WAS RAISED INTO A HIGHER POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH AFTER THE CONTACT ALMOST LOST CONTROL WHILE TURNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WIRING IN THE SIGNAL LEVER WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN WHENEVER THE COLUMN WAS SHIFTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD UNTIL SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND STOPPED. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER USED TO PROTECT THE THROTTLE WAS JAMMED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE PLASTIC COVER WAS REMOVED AND THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. .UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF THE CONSUMERS SON WAS ABLE TO THROW THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH THE ENGINE STILL ACCELERATING. HE SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE, HE STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL IN THE ACCELERATED POSITION. THE CONSUMER PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR HARD A COUPLE OF TIMES AND MANAGED TO STOP IT FROM ACCELERATING. UPON INSPECTION, THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD COME LOOSE AND WEDGED ITSELF IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE THROTTLE COULD NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION. UPDATED 09/30/11*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH A HALF TANK OF GASOLINE IN IT WHEN THE FUEL TANK SUDDENLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,807. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2003 Ford F-150 → · Every F-150 year → · How the figures are calculated →