Owners filed 72 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires › valve. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
05300053,000 milesMedian miles at failure
28 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 10,000–20,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Tires › Valve
16
0
0
0
Tires
11
4
0
0
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
4
0
0
0
Tires › Sidewall
3
0
0
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
3
0
0
0
Fuel System, Diesel
3
0
0
0
Tires › Tread/Belt
2
0
0
0
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector
2
0
0
0
Engine
2
0
0
0
Wheels
1
0
0
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control09V399000
Filed Oct 13, 20094,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Wheels › Hub07E106000
Filed Dec 17, 2007130,000 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation
Defect. CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Risk. WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel07V553000
Filed Dec 5, 20071,176,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Vehicle Speed Control06V286000
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)
Filed Aug 8, 20011,083,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Risk. LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Tires › Valve01V046000
Filed Feb 14, 2001102,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH COMMERCIAL TRUCK TIRES THAT HAVE STEEL CORDS IN THE TIRE SIDEWALL. THE VALVE STEMS MAY HAVE BEEN TORN OR DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LEAK CAUSING SIDEWALL DAMAGE.
Risk. IF NOT MAINTAINED, COULD RESULT IN A SIDEWALL ZIPPER FAILURE. A ZIPPER FAILURE DURING INFLATION OF A DAMAGED TIRE COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO SOMEONE NEAR THE TIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VALVE STEMS FOR LEAKAGE, AND WILL REPLACE BOTH THE VALVE STEM AND THE TIRE IF LEAKAGE IS PRESENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jul 30, 202153,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2000 Ford F-550. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the power steering and brake lines were leaking causing the brakes and steering to become inoperable. The contact pulled over and topped off the power steering fluid reservoir and drove to the residence. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Engine
Filed Jun 29, 201645,000 milesUT
SPARK PLUG SPIT OUT, A KNOWN FORD PROBLEM.
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2015294,731 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD F-550 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT, THE FUEL TANK WAS ALIGNED, THE FILTERS AND THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 294,731.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 7, 2014360,749 milesMO
THE PURPOSE OF THIS IS TO SHED LIGHT ON A DEFECTIVE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM DESIGNED BY FORD. THE SYSTEM WILL AFFECT SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF FORD LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY DOES NOT WITHSTAND REGULAR USE IT TENDS TO FALL APART. THE LAST ASSEMBLY INSTALLED IN MY F-500 IS A FORD NEW ASSEMBLY AND HELD UP FOR 18000 MILES, FORD NOW REFUSES TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM HAS CAUSE THIS TRUCK TO ROLL AND HIT PARKED CARS. *JS THE ENTIRE DESIGN IS A FAILURE AS IT CAN NOT SAFELY HOLD THE WEIGHT OF AN EMPTY VEHICLE. MY TRUCK WEIGHS 14000 EMPTY AND IS RATED AT 19000 GVW. THE ASSEMBLY EVEN WHEN ADJUSTED PROPERLY CAN NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE. THE INSIDE THE ROTOR HAT DESIGN FOR PARKING BRAKES IS A COPY FROM THE LIGHT SUV'S FORD PRODUCES. THIS IS NOT AN ADEQUATE DESIGN FOR HEAVIER VEHICLES. THE SURFACE AREA CONTACT OF SHOES TO THE INSIDE OF THE ROTOR HAT IS NOT GREAT ENOUGH TO PRODUCE THE FRICTION NEEDED TO HOLD THE VEHICLE. I KNOW OF SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR FORDS IN THE SAME MODEL YEARS. AT 360749 MILES THE ENTIRE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM HAS BEEN REBUILT ON THIS SPECIFIC TRUCK. THE SHOES ARE ADJUSTED UP MANUALLY (IT HAS NO SELF ADJUST FEATURE) TIGHT WITH THE ROTOR HAT AND THE SYSTEM WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE. THE SYSTEM WITH NORMAL WEAR BECOMES A GREATER HAZARD AS THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM WEAKENS QUICKLY. *JS
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 9, 2014110,000 milesAK
FORD TRUCK BEGAN LOOSING POWER. BECAME UNABLE TO CLIMB HILL AND CONTINUE UP ROAD. DRIVER WAS IN VERY REMOTE ALASKA IN SUBZERO TEMPERATURES IN WORK TRUCK (AS MOST F550S ARE) MILES FROM HELP. PLOWING A FIREWOOD ROAD FOR THE STATE OF ALASKA. WE MAINTAIN OUR TRUCKS TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY TO PREVENT SUCH A LIFE THREATENING CIRCUMSTANCE. DRIVER CALLED ME FOR HELP. I WAS ABLE TO GO ONLINE AND FIND ENOUGH INFORMATION (KNOWING IT WAS NOT A FILTER OR PUMP OR MAINTENANCE ISSUE I DUG DEEPER) TO DEDUCE THE FUEL TANK HAD DELAMINATED AS LATELY HAS BECOME "COMMON" WITH THESE TRUCKS. UNDER MY ADVICE DRIVER (BEING A MECHANIC) WAS ABLE TO BLOW COMPRESSED AIR FROM A COMPRESSOR HE HAD ON BOARD BACK INTO THE TANK AND TEMPORARILY GET THE TRUCK RUNNING CORRECTLY AND GET BACK CIVILIZATION. TRUCK CLOGGED AGAIN AND HAS BEEN RUN STARVING FOR FUEL FOR HOURS BEFORE IT GOT TO THE HILL. WE ARE COMPLETELY UPSET AT THE PRICE FORD WANTS TO REMEDY AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. THESE TRUCKS ARE USED ALL OVER THIS NATION AS EMERGENCY SERVICE VEHICLES. I KNOW BECAUSE I HAVE 3 FOR THAT PURPOSE. I BELIEVE MY 2008 WILDLAND FIRE ENGINE MAY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE (2008 F550) AS THE 2000 F550 PLOW TRUCK I WROTE ABOUT ABOVE. THESE TRUCKS ARE RELIED ON WITH LIVES TO NOT BE BURNED OVER DURING FIRE BURNOUTS AND OPERATIONS. OTHERS OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE ARE AMBULANCES, WRECKERS, ETC. I TALKED TO A FORD TECH AND ALL DEALERS THAT WORK ON THESE HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. WHY DIDN'T I. MY DRIVERS ARE IN D
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Oct 11, 2013FL
FORD F-550 WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE CAB OF THE TRUCK WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES SECONDS LATER VEHICLES CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH HAD BEEN REPLACED UNDER FORDS RECALL OF THE PART ACCORDING TO CONCERNS OF VEHICLE FIRES BUT WAS OBVIOUSLY STILL FAULTY. *TR
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jul 6, 201160,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD F550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAS TANK WAS FAULTY SINCE HE HAD IT REPLACED IN 2007 AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO CORROSION. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Power Train
Filed Sep 14, 2010PA
THE FORD F-550 WITH THE 7.3L POWERSTROKE ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS A FLAW IN ITS DESIGN. THE FLEXPLATE (FLYWHEEL) ON OURS CRACKED ALL THE WAY AROUND THE BOLTS HOLES IN AUGUST OF 2009. THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR (2010). WE COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS AT FIRST. IT SIMPLY GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER. HAD WE GONE MUCH LONGER WITHOUT FIGURING IT OUT, THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO PROPEL ITSELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE FLYWHEEL HAS TO BE REPLACED, WHICH COSTS $599.00 WITH PARTS AND LABOR. *TR
Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Feb 25, 201098,450 milesKS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD F550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK HAS DETACHED FROM THE INNER STRUCTURE OF THE TANK. THE MATERIAL WAS IN THE FUEL INJECTOR AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND SHUTS OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP, FUEL SENDER, FUEL FILTERS, AND THE FUEL INJECTORS. THE REPAIRS HAVE REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH WHILE STALLING. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,450.
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jun 18, 200950,000 milesTX
2000 FORD F-550 FUEL TANK LINER FAILURES. TANK LINER COMING APART CAUSING THE FUEL TANK NEEDING TO BE RELINED, AND REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. *TR
Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jun 18, 200950,000 milesTX
2000 FORD F-550 FUEL TANK LINER FAILURES. TANK LINER COMING APART CAUSING THE FUEL TANK NEEDING TO BE RELINED, AND REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 26, 200839,009 miles00
DRIVERS SIDE FRAME CROSSMEMBER HAS SEPARATED FROM FRAME RAIL.....BROKEN RIVETS AND WELDS....#8-2B IN THE FORD WORKSHOP MANUAL PAGE 502-02-2 DENOTES CROSS MEMBER AS PART OF THE COMPLETE FRAME ASSEMBLY...........UNSURE HOW TO PROCEED CORRECTLY WITH MINIMAL HELP FROM FORD AFTER NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS. *TR
TiresCrash
Filed Jun 26, 2007CA
2000 FORD F-550 FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL AND DRIVE INTO A DITCH. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).*JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Mar 7, 2007149,256 milesSD
WAS DRIVING ALONG IN MY FORD F550 PSD WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. PULLED OVER THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR FIVE MIN. AND RESTARTED TRUCK. NEXT DAY IT DID THE SAME THING THIS TIME AS WE WERE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT. RESTARTED AND DROVE BACK TO CAMP GROUND AND CHANGED THE CPS (CAM POSITION SENSOR) THE PROBLEM NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. GLAD I WAS NOT TOWING THE FIFTH-WHEEL AT THE TIME. *JB
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector
Filed Jan 26, 200726,188 milesCA
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF A 2000 F550 SUPER DUTY TRUCK WAS TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER MADE A HARD LEFT U-TURN AND THEN A HARD RIGHT AND THE STEERING SHAFT SNAPPED, CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,188. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. THE INDEPENDENT FACILITY DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE STEERING BOX SHAFT BREAKING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND THE GENERAL MANAGER WAS AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. *AK
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 2 MPH IN A PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL SPUN FREELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE STEERING BOX SHAFT HAD BROKEN CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 4/6/2006 - *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 20, 200520,000 milesIN
200 FORD F-550, MISS IN ENGINE UNRESOLVED THRU DEALERS AND OTHER SHOPS, BEEN THIS WAY SINCE NEW, CONSULTED WITH LAST 2 OWNERS, SAME ISSUE, I REPLACED ALL 8 INJECTORS, INJECTOR HARNESS,ROCKER ARMS, STILL ENGINE MISSES AT 24-2600 RPMS, WHITE/BLUE SMOKE, HARD COLD STARTS, ROUGH IDLING, PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE RESOLVED I PURCHASED TRUCK TO ADD TO FLEET IN DECEMBER 2004 AND NO ONE INCLUDING FORD CAN FIX THIS TRUCK AFTER SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IN REPAIRS IVE READ REPORTS FORD HAD ISSUES NOT YET RESOLVED ON THESE TRUCKS. IS THIS THE CASE,? HAS IT BEEN RESOLVED , AND IF SO WHAT CURE FIXED THESE TRUCKS? *JB
Tires › Valve
Filed Dec 21, 2004MI
RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR FORD F550 TRUCKS CONCERNING THE VALE STEMS USED ON 19.5 INCH TIRES. *BF ONE OF THE VEHICLE'S TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VALVE STEM FAILED CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE TIRES SIDEWALL. ON ANOTHER OCCASION ONE OF THE DUALLY WHEEL TIRE VALVE STEMS FAILED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR DUALLY TIRE VALVE STEMS WITH THE TREAD NUT ON TOP. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. *NM
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Oct 12, 200485,000 milesPA
WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE STEERING BOX SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
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: Oct 13, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.