Filed Jul 13, 201126,715 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Risk. NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Filed Aug 28, 2007175 vehiclesCequent Electrical Products
Defect. CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Risk. IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Remedy. ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Filed Aug 1, 20061,200,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk. OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 23, 2025PA
The frame at the leaf spring hangars has cracked apart at only 131,000 miles on the truck. This issue is becoming more and more common over the years it seems and comparable age trucks from other manufacturers are having this issue for the same age.
Tires
Filed Mar 21, 2024UT
[XXX] tire on driver's rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the second of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure does not produce TPMS warnings, it could have been a catastrophic failure that might have resulted in damage to our vehicles and/or a crash with significant injury to us or other motorists. With three failures from the same batch of tires on our vehicle, I believe there is a serious problem with this batch of tires and they should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tires
Filed Mar 21, 2024UT
[XXX] tire on passenger’s rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the third of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure does not produce TPMS warnings, it could have been a catastrophic failure that might have resulted in damage to our vehicles and/or a crash with significant injury to us or other motorists. With three failures from the same batch of tires on our vehicle, I believe there is a serious problem with this batch of tires and they should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 21, 2023CA
There has been intense rust and corrosion in the roof seams and welds. This has led to water leaks and damage to the interior of the vehicle. The integrity of the roof has been compromised, and I am concerned about the possibility of roof crush should there be an accident. Not to mention the mold, rot and damage to the interior and electrical systems I have already suffered due to the defect. On February 3, 2023, I contacted the Ford Motors helpline and spoke to [XXX] (direct phone # [XXX] ext [XXX]) to discuss the issue.[XXX] created a request for a buyback and assigned a case number of [XXX]. She also requested that I send photos to [XXX] and visit the local Ford dealership so they could assess the vehicle and share the information with her. I was able to make an apt for Feb 6,2023 @ 10:50 with [XXX] @ Envision ford of Oxnard. When I arrived for the assessment, [XXX] did one walk around the vehicle (he did not inspect the roof at all) and then said he couldn’t help me as he this was a Ford issue, and they were a franchise. I contacted [XXX] with follow up from that meeting, as well as photos of the vehicle. About two weeks after this apt. [XXX] said the case was closed. I am extremely disappointed with how this case was handled, especially considering the significant investment I made in purchasing and maintaining it my vehicle. When I made the original investment I was told that the engine would last up to a million miles…but never imagined the body would be worthless at t
Electrical System
Filed Dec 5, 2019256,000 milesMO
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND ON WHEN I MOVE THE TILT STEERING WHEEL, WHEN DRIVING OR SITTING STILL
Seat Belts
Filed Dec 1, 2019200,000 milesTX
SEAT BELTS UNBUCKLE BY THEMSELVES. THIS HAS HAPPENS WITH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS. DRIVER BUCKLE FAILURE IS MOST FREQUENT. ONE DAY IT WON'T HAPPEN THEN THE NEXT DAY IT WILL UNBUCKLE 5 TIMES IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE UNBUCKLES STALL SPEEDS UNDER ANY DRIVING CONDITION.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 2019230,000 milesMT
THE DIGITAL COMPASS AND TEMPERATURE DISPLAY IN THE UPPER CONSOLE BREAKS. I RELY ON THE DISPLAY TO PREVENT FROM CRASHING ON ICY ROADS. I HAVE LOOKED AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUES, A WIRE COMING LOOSE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS INSTEAD OF CHARGING UP TO 400.00 FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. IT ALMOST GOT ME KILLED, IM SURPRISED NO ONE HAS BEEN INJURED.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 29, 2019ND
THE PAINT ON THE HOOD BEGAN TO SLOWLY PEEL AWAY AN IS NOW IS VERY AWFUL I WAS JUST TOLD THAT FORD RECALLED MANY ON THE BAD PAINT I WAS NEVER AWARE OF THAT TILL LAST WEEK I WAS ADVISED TO WRITE AN FIND ABOUT THIS MATTER AND THAT FORD WOULD STAND BEHIND THAT.
Electrical SystemCrashFire
Filed Oct 23, 2017176,057 milesMS
ON MY WAY TO WORK THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND HAZZZARD LIGHTS NO BREAK LITES OR TURN SINGNALS THE FUSE PANEL WAS SMOKING AND COUSED A WRECK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR
Seats
Filed Sep 29, 2017187,000 milesAZ
SEATBELT DISCONNECTS INTERMITTENTLY, BUTTON DOESN'T ALWAYS FULLY POP BACK OUT WHEN BUCKLE IS ENGAGED
Tires
Filed Sep 6, 201762,086 milesID
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DEAN MUD TERRAIN RADIAL SXT TIRES, SIZE: LT285/75R16. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AS IT SLOWED DOWN AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE DID NOT FALL WITHIN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON THE TIRE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,086. *LN
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Apr 7, 2017132,500 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES, SIZE: LT285/75R16 (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A SHUDDER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT A BUMP, HEARD AN EXPLODING NOISE, AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CONTACT PLANNED ON GIVING THE TIRE TO THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,500 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 8, 201640,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS HEAVILY CORRODED. ALSO, THE FUEL STRAPS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ *CN
Tires
Filed Nov 7, 2016105,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 EQUIPPED WITH NITRO TIRES, TIRE LINE: TERRA GRAPPLE, AND TIRE SIZE: LT285/75/R16. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AS THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE THREAD ON THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WITH A TOTAL OF FIVE TIRES MOUNTED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 01/27/17*LJ CONSUMER STATED HE STARTED TO FEEL A BUMPING IN THE REAR AREA OF MY TRUCK, THEN A VIOLENT VIBRATION, THEN THE TIRE BLOWOUT OCCURRED/ ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. UPDATED 9/5/18*JB
Seat Belts
Filed May 18, 201695,000 milesUT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEED, THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Nov 16, 2015113,000 milesWA
WIFE PARKED THE TRUCK RUNNING AT THE TOP OF A SLOPED DRIVEWAY NEAR OUR FARM HOUSE, LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNING AND IN PARK, GOT OUT TO RETRIEVE A FORGOTTEN ITEM, WALKED DOWNHILL 75 FT., AFTER A SHORT TIME TURNED TO SEE THE TRUCK SPEED BY BACKWARDS NEARLY HITTING HER. THE TRUCK RAMMED THE CARPORT CORNER CONCRETE SUPPORT, JUMPED A TWO FOOT ROCK WALL AND CAME TO REST AGAINST A THREE FOOT DIAMETER BIRCH TREE. TRUCK EVALUATED AS TOTAL LOSS. A MASTER MECHANIC BROUGHT TO HELP GET THE TRUCK STARTED. DAMAGE ONLY TO REAR BUT WOULD NOT START. BATTERY PLATES HAD SHORTED DUE TO THE THREE SEVERE JOLTS. THE MECHANIC ALSO NOTED THE STEERING COLUMN BOLTS AND SCREWS SEEMED QUITE LOOSE. THE TRUCK WAS STARTED BUT MOVED TO THE BODY SHOP BY A TOW TRUCK SINCE THE REAR BREAK LINE WAS SEVERED. AFTER TOTALING THE VEHICLE THE INSURANCE COMPANY SOLD THE TRUCK BACK TO ME FOR $5100. I GOT THE TRUCK REPAIRED. TODAY I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER TO CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FORD TECHNICIAN NOTED THE SEVERITY OF THE LOOSE STEERING COLUMN, REPLACED A COUPLE BUSHINGS, TIGHTENED BOLTS AND SCREWS, AND TESTED THE VEHICLE. HE SPECIFICALLY NOTED, IN WRITING, THE TRUCK WOULD NOT RELIABLY STAY IN THE SELECTED GEAR. I PAID FORD $259 FOR THE STEERING COLUMN WORK. THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME WHEN I SCHEDULED THE WORK THAT TWO OTHER VEHICLES HAD JUST COME IN THE SAME DAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TRUCK CAME OUT OF PARK ON ITS OWN AND WHEN ROLLING BACKWARDS BARELY MISSED MY WIFE. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY KILLED. B
Power TrainCrash
Filed Jul 10, 2015160,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRACKET THAT SECURED THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS LOOSE WHICH ALLOWED THE LEVER TO GO INTO DIFFERENT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seat Belts
Filed May 29, 201570,000 milesUT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Wheels
Filed Apr 27, 201550,000 milesCA
MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE 2 FORD F350S THAT CAME WITH GENERAL TIRES OF THE 12 TIRES WE HAVE HAD 5 BLOW OUTS, THE MOST RECENT WAS 4/23/2015 ON I-80, IN WHICH MY TRUCK SUSTAINED OVER 2500.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. JUST WONDERING IF WE ARE LUCKY OR IF GENERAL TIRE COMPANY IS JUST TRYING TO KILL PEOPLE. THE TIRES ARE 235X85X16 LOAD RANGE E AND ALL HAD SUBSTANTIAL TREAD WHEN THEY BLEW. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS. *TR
Wheels
Filed Mar 9, 2015210,000 milesKS
THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER CABLE FAILED AND DROPPED THE SPARE ON THE GROUND WHICH BOUNCED AND CAUGHT THE REAR BUMPER. NO DAMAGE DUE TO THE SLOW SPEED I WAS TRAVELING AT THE TIME, BUT THIS PART HAS SINCE BEEN REDESIGNED AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. NEW P/N IS 6C3Z-1A131-AA. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 31, 2014147,230 milesUT
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE WATER PUMP STARTED TO LEAK. THIS CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO BECOME WET AND SLIPPED OFF THE PULLEYS WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLES BRAKES AND POWER STEERING TO FAIL. I QUESTIONED THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE FORD DEALER(HENRY DAY FORD) IN WEST VALLEY UTAH AND THEY ADVISED THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. TO ME THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY HAZARD FOR OCCUPANTS AND COULD BE A LIABILITY FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 7, 2014175,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WHITE SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINES BELOW THE ENGINE TURBO HAD RUPTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Engine
Filed Sep 24, 20143,000 milesOK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Wheels
Filed Aug 18, 2014137,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL SPOKE BECAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL TO CRACK. THE WHEEL WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE TIRE BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Electrical System › Starter AssemblyCrash
Filed Jun 2, 2014124,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THE STARTER ENGAGED WITHOUT THE KEY BEING INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A BOAT THAT WAS ATTACHED TO IT AND THEN CRASHED INTO A REFRIGERATOR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STARTER WAS STILL ENGAGED AND COULD SMELL IT OVERHEATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
Electrical System
Filed May 21, 201455,302 milesCA
ON MAY 13, 2014, A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED FROM FORD. REF. NO. 09S09-SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION FIRE. I CALLED SONORA FORD TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO REPAIR THE RISK. ACCORDING TO [XXX] IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. HE TOOK MY CONTACT INFORMATION AND ADVISED HE WOULD CONTACT ME IN ABOUT A WEEK WHEN PARTS ARRIVED. AFTER NO RETURNED CALL I CONTACTED BOTH SONORA FORD AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 & 1-800-392-3673. THEY ADVISED PARTS WERE STILL 7 TO 10 DAYS OUT. FORD REFUSED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REMOVED OR THE CIRCUIT DISCONNECTED TO PREVENT A FIRE UNTIL PARTS ARRIVED WHEN ASKED. WITH A KNOWN FIRE RISK I AM CONCERNED MORE COULD BE DONE BY FORD TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WHILE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Jan 2, 2014140,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PAN WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON THREE OCCASIONS BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 3/12/14*CN
Engine
Filed Oct 17, 2013180,000 milesAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD BANGING NOISE AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPRESSION FROM THE ENGINE CAUSED THE SPARK PLUG TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 27, 201320,100 milesMA
PURCHASED THE 2002 F350 SUPER DUTY DUMP TRUCK NEW IN 2003. IT PRESENTLY ONLY HAS 20,200 MILES ON IT. THIS PAST JUNE THE GAS TANK STARTED LEAKING AROUND THE SEAM AREA. THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS ODD DUE TO THE LOW MILES AND SOFT USAGE THE TRUCK HAS HAD. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS TRUCK FOR GAS TANK ISSUES? IF NOT, THERE SHOULD BE.....AS IT A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 26, 201388,000 milesCA
THE VEHICLE IS DEPENDENT UPON A VEHICLE SECURITY MODULE TO OPEN DOORS, SHOW IF DOORS ARE OPEN OR CLOSED, AUTOMATICALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK DOORS, TURN ON AND OFF LIGHTS, ETC. THE UNIT INSTALLED IN MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPLACED BY ANOTHER UNIT BY FORD. FORD HAS NOT RECALLED THIS DEVICE. MANY OWNERS HAVE REPORTED AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THESE DEVICES BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH LOCKS NOT WORKING (OPEN AND CLOSE), HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING OR TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING, FALSE SAFETY INDICATIONS BEING DISPLAYED, ETC. I AM NOW EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE TO REPLACE THIS MODULE TO STOP THESE SAME ISSUES IN MY VEHICLE. IT IS A THERMAL PROBLEM AND ONLY OCCURS WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS WARMED DURING THE DAY IN THE HEAT. IT BEGINS TO WORK PROPERLY AFTER THE AIR CONDITIONER COOLS THE CAB DOWN OR AT NIGHT WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE COOLER. THE ORIGINAL PART # IS 2C7T-15K602-AJ, THE REPLACEMENT PART # IS 4C7Z-15604-AC. EVERY WEBSITE BLOG THAT INCLUDES SUPER DUTY TRUCKS FROM 2002 HAVE VOLUMES OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND FORD REPLACING THE VSM. THE FACT THAT THE PART NUMBER HAS CHANGED TO A NEW REV AND A HIGH VOLUME OF OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE IS PROOF OF A FAULTY PART. *TR
Engine
Filed Feb 6, 201349,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE INITIAL FAILURE OCCURRED IN 2006 AND WOULD RECUR EVERY TWO YEARS, AND EVERY TWO YEARS SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND THE CAM SHAFT POSITION FAILURE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CAM SHAFT POSITION WAS REPLACED FIVE TIMES BUT THE FAILURE WAS A CONSTANT RECURRENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE, WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 15, 201268,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL ERRONEOUSLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Power Train
Filed Sep 5, 201289,560 milesNV
FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER RESULTED IN A STALLED VEHICLE IN THE NUMBER 1 LANE OF I-80W OUT OF SACRAMENTO, CA. VERY HEAVY LABOR DAY TRAFFIC PREVENTED AN ACCIDENT. (STOP AND GO TRAFFIC). AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE TRUCK WOULDN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR AFTER THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL. *TR
Wheels
Filed Aug 30, 2012164,000 milesWV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 PICKUP TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER MANEUVERING TO THE SHOULDER HE NOTICED THAT SIX OF THE STUDS ON THE DRIVER AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE ALUMINUM WHEEL SNAPPED OFF CAUSING THE LUG NUTS TO FALL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE STUDS AND LUG NUTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
Tires
Filed Aug 20, 2012195,200 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350, EQUIPPED WITH THE GOODRIDE RADAR LT9 (N/A) TIRES, TIRE SIZE LT235/85/R16. THE TIRES ARE A YKS/FOREIGN TIRE BRAND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE LOCATED NEAR THE TIRE RIM. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS CAUSED BY MISUSE OF THE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE FOR NIGHTTIME USE AND HAD BEEN SUBJECTED TO SUN EXPOSURE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 195,200. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Steering
Filed Jul 26, 2012175,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER ROAD BUMPS, HE WOULD HAVE TO OVER STEER IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE IN ONE LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE GEAR BOX AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED 8/23/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS WERE MADE: NEW BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD ENDS, 3 NEW GEAR BOXES, 3 NEW STEERING PUMPS, NEW STABILIZERS, NEW U JOINTS IN THE FRONT AXLE, NEW STEERING COLUMN, AND 3 ALIGNMENTS. UPDATED 09/06/2012 *JS
Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(motorcycle)
Filed Feb 22, 2012270,000 milesVT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH PEDAL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 270,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Feb 16, 2012123,000 milesNH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT DETECTED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. UPDATED 03/06/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE OIL LEAKED OCCURRED DUE TO RUST. UPDATED 03/07/12
Seat Belts
Filed Nov 22, 2011115,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE SEAT BELT DISENGAGED FROM THE BUCKLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE TRAVELING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Equipment
Filed Oct 24, 2011148,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINCH ASSEMBLY CABLE HAD FRACTURED AND AS A RESULT, WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000. UPDATED 11/16/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CABLE BROKE AT THE END WHERE IT CONNECTED TO THE DEVICE THAT SUPPORTED THE SPARE CABLE. UPDATED 12/16/11
TiresCrash
Filed Jan 28, 201166,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F350 TREAD WAYS EL DORADO ZTR SPORT LT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE CRASH, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD WAS TORN FROM THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06T008000 (TIRES: TREAD/BELT). THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 2, 2010260,000 milesTX
HARD STEERING WITH WINEING NOISE. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER THE TRUCK. LUCKY FOR ME I WAS GOING SLOW AT THE TIME. I TRACED THE LEAKING FLUID TO A FITTING ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE. LOOKS LIKE A INSULATED STEEL PIPE COMING FROM THE TUBO RESTS ON THIS STEERING HOSE. CONSTANT RUBBING AND MOVEMENT OF THIS PIPE CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE HOSE FITTING. HOSE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER LESS THAN SIX MONTHS LATER IT HAPPEND AGAIN SAME PROBLEM. I RECOGNIZED THE SIMPTOMS AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. I DO HAVE THE SECOND HOSE AND WILL KEEP IF NEEDED FOR INSPECTION.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 22, 20108,500 milesME
I HAVE A 2002 FORD F 350 WITH V10 ENGINE. THE MANIFOLD BOLTS KEEP RUSTING OFF AND BREAKING. I ONLY HAVE ABOUT 11,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK NOW. FORD FIXED THE BOLTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE ON MAY 8, 2007 AS I HAD PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THEY SHOULD HAVE FIXED BOTH SIDES AT THE SAME TIME AS THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM. THE TRUCK ONLY HAD 8500 MILES ON IT THEN. THEY ACTUALLY BROUGHT A REP IN FROM FORD ON MAY 2, 2007 TO PHOTOGRAPH MY TRUCK DURING THE REPAIR AT WHITED TRUCK CENTER IN BANGOR, MAINE. *DT NOW THE WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT AND I NOTICED THE BOLTS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE ARE RUSTED OFF AND COMPLETELY GONE. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A BIG ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE V10 ENGINES AS THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS POSTED ON THE INTERNET ABOUT IT. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AS THERE ARE EXHAUST FUMES LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THESE FAILED BOLTS. THE FUMES FILL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THEN ARE DRAWN INTO THE VEHICLE BUY THE HEATING/AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM EVERY TIME I SLOW DOWN OR GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS BY NO MEANS A SAFE SITUATION AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR GOOD. FORD IS DODGING THE PROBLEM AS THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE, BUT THE COST OF A LIFE IS MUCH DEARER. I HAVE HAD TO PARK THE TRUCK FOR MONTHS NOW AS I CANNOT AFFORD THE FIX OR TO DIE. THIRTY SIX THOUSAND DOLLAR TRUCK WITH 11000 MILES ON IT SITTING AROUND LIKE IT IS A PIECE OF SCRAP METAL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Tires
Filed Apr 22, 200943,000 milesMA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F350 SUPERDUTY TRUCK WITH LT265/75R16 FIRESTONE STEEL RADIAL A/T/ TIRES. THE LEFT REAR ORIGINAL TIRE WAS FLAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. HE ATTEMPTED TO ADD AIR TO THE TIRE; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HE ALSO MADE ATTEMPTS TO FIND THE LEAK AND COULD NOT FIND ONE. THE REMAINING TREAD DEPTH HAS EXTENDED TO THE WEB SAFETY BARS. HE DID NOT IMPACT ANY POTHOLES OR ROAD HAZARDS BEFORE THE INCIDENT. A COUPLE OF DEALERS STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER HIM ANY ASSISTANCE. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL; HOWEVER, HE WAS ADVISED THAT IT ONLY APPLIED TO THE FORD EXCURSION. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 43000.
Parking Brake1 killed
Filed Apr 15, 2009PA
CONSUMER LOST HER HUSBAND AFTER THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM DISENGAGED AND RAN OVER HIM ON HIS 2002 FORD F350. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS ATTEMPTING TO TOW ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD PLANNED TO DRIVE UP A STREET RAMP TO THE STREET. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE TURN ON THE RAMP WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE ATTACHED. IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE TOW, THE CONSUMER ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE WITH HIS TOW TRUCK IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGED THE POWER TAKE OFF AND LOWERED THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED TO THE GROUND. A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE TOWED VEHICLE HAD BEEN REMOVED, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL. THE CONSUMER WAS FOUND UNDER HIS TOW TRUCK. THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS DECLARED AS MECHANICAL ASPHYXIATION. EXPERTS CONDUCTED EXTENSIVE INSPECTIONS AND CONCLUDED THE PARKING BRAKE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE LOCK PINION IN THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROLLER WAS CAPABLE OF SKIPPING OUT OF PLACE AT ITS POINT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH THE LOCK SECTOR STOP, WHICH CREATED SLACK IN THE REAR BRAKE CABLES. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS MISSING SEVERAL FEATURES WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE CONSUMERS DEATH, INCLUDING A SELF ADJUSTING DRUM IN HAT ASSEMBLY, A MORE ROBUST BUMP STOP, MORE ROBUST PINION TEETH, A COLLAR TO SECURE THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PINION AND THE SECTOR AND AN ENCAPSULATED TAKE UP SPRING. *JB
Engine and Engine CoolingFire1 injured
Filed Feb 1, 2009154,000 milesMN
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HIS FORD F350 TRUCK DOWN THE ROAD WHEN HE SMELLED SMOKE AT FIRST HE WASN'T SURE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM THEN HE LOOKED DOWN AND SAW FIRE COMING OUT OF THE FIRE WALL AND UP HIS LEG, HE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND GOT OUT. HE COULD NOT EXTINGUISH IT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO PUT IT OUT. HE HAD NO WARNING AND HEARD NO NOISE JUST SMELLED THE SMOKE. *TR
Suspension › FrontCrash
Filed Jul 31, 200710,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. THE POLICE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE ROLLOVER CRASH DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 10,000.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Jul 2, 200718,000 milesNV
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S GEAR SHIFTS INTO OVERDRIVE ON ITS OWN. AT SPEEDS LOWER THAN 40 MPH, IT SHIFTS VIOLENTLY INTO FIFTH GEAR. FORD DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND A SOLENOID. FORD ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS ONLY 19,080 MILES. THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT FAILURE FOR MORE THAN TWO MONTHS. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 19,080 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Nov 7, 2006230,000 milesFL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR LEFT AXLE AT THE WHEEL JOINT COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BOLT CAME LOOSE INSIDE THE SEAL COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING.*AK UPDATED 12/04/06. *JB
Complaints 1-50 of 116, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 13, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.