1FTDF1761VKB313981997 FORD F-150Styleside

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission hesitated while shifting gears. The contact stated that when the gear changed, the vehicle would jerk. The contact replaced the control sensor however, the failure recurred. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000.

on two occasions now while traversing a slight downgrade (approx 8-10mph) applied brake (per pedal) and vehicle failed to stop! (felt as though it was sliding) which it wasn't. continued to roll! after re-gaining composer and control of the vehicle (avoiding any collision) brake system returned to normal !!!!!!!!! different circumstances could have resulted in collision damage,injury perhaps loss of life!! would appreciate any feedback your engineers have to offer in the matter!! i purchased the vehicle in 1998 and currently displays 87!!! k miles.

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into park(P). The contact stated that when he attempted to shift the vehicle into reverse(R), the vehicle shifted instead shifted into drive(D) and vice versa. Additionally, the contact stated that he had to turn the vehicle off and turn the steering wheel towards the direction of the curb in case the vehicle rolled away, increasing the risk of a crash or an injury. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable assembly had detached from the bracket and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V171000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall and advised the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

1997 Ford F150, had recall 25527072 05S28 performed in March of 2006. The switch installed as part of the recall has failed and brake fluid has leaked from the switched and the harness. It is not apparent that the switch is leaking until the harness connector is removed from the switch. The integrity of the brake system is compromised and the previous recall was for fires because of brake fluid in the wire harness. UPDATE 5/11/23 BRAKE SWITCH HARMESS RECALL 05S28 WAS REPLACED WITH A MITORCRAFT PART SW6350 AND CONSUMER IS REQUESTUING REFUND FOR PARTS FROM FORD.

I filled the fuel tank and let the vehicle set in my drive over night. In the morning as I was approaching the vehicle in preparation to drive to work, I smelled a strong odor of gasoline. I looked under the vehicle and saw a wet spot about 3 feet in diameter. The wet spot was gasoline. As i was investigating the leak, I noticed the front fuel tank retaining band rusted in two and fuel tank hanging low. Further investigation revealed there was a leak from the fuel pump access seal and hose connecting the filler neck to the tank. I had just driven the vehicle 130 miles the day before filling the fuel tank. If it hadn't been for the leaking fuel, I would have not have discovered that the tank was only secured by one badly rusted retaining band and would have continued to operate the vehicle normally and probably ultimately the second band would have broken allowing the fuel tank to fall from the vehicle. Ford informed there was a recall and the vehicle had been repaired in 2011. I purchased the vehicle in Jan. 30, 2012 and drive it daily.

The contact owned a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact noticed smoke coming from the driver's side from the bottom of the front tire. The vehicle then caught on fire. The fire department came to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The cause of the fire was an electrical engine component. There were no injuries and no medical attention needed. The vehicle remained at the residence and was not repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side subframe near the axle of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,788.

MY INTERIOR AND BACK EXTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROADS. THE LIGHT IN THE BACK ABOVE THE TRUCK BED IS BOTHERSOME BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE ATTENTION OF ANOTHER DRIVER CAUSING A ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER ALSO HAS A FORD F150 THAT DOES THE SAME, HOWEVER HER TRUCK ISN'T THE SAME YEAR.

DECEMBER 3, 2020...MY HUSBAND DROVE THE TRUCK OVER TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. AFTER BEING THERE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS HIS FRIEND WALKED IN THE BUILDING WHERE HE WAS AND SAID, 'HEY MAN, YOUR TRUCK IS ON FIRE!' EVERYONE RUSHED OUTSIDE TO SEE THE TRUCK WAS IN FACT ON FIRE. THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO CAME AND FINISHED EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE. IT APPEARS THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NEAR THE TIRE, OR BEHIND THE DASH. I DID NOT EVEN THINK TO CHECK FOR A RECALL, BUT A FRIEND TOLD ME TO CHECK BECAUSE HE WAS AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL. SURE ENOUGH, THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK EXACTLY. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 05V017000 DATE: JAN 27, 2005 FORD RECALL NUMBER: 05528

1. SPONTANEOUS BRAKE FAILURE. PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. 10-20-2020 2. SPONTANEOUS SKIDDING ON WET PAVEMENT AND LOSS OF BRAKING CONTROL. 2ND INCIDENT 0N 10-23-20.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE HIS BRAKES SERVICED. WHILE THERE, HE WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V231000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VANCOUVER FORD, INC. (6801 NE 40TH ST, VANCOUVER, WA 98661) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE RECALL REQUIRED FOR HIM TO CHECK THE PVC VALVE AND THE FUEL LINE. AS PER THE MECHANIC, THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL WAS THEN REMOVED FROM HIS VIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE PCV VALVE AND THE PCV HOSE HIMSELF HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE PREVIOUS RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE AND OFFERED HIM NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.

STEERING WHEEL FRAME IS CRACKED AND ALLOWS FOR LARGE MOVEMENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE MAY RESPOND. ALUMINUM APPEARS TO HAVE SEVERAL HAIRLINE CRACKS AND WARPING AROUND THE COLLAR HOLDING THE STEERING COLUMN AND YOU MAY LOOSE CONTROL WHILE TURNING OR WHEN THE ROAD SURFACE IS UNEVEN AT MID TO HIGH SPEEDS. LOST CONTROL WHILE TRAVELING ON AN S SHAPED CURVE DUE TO LACK OF STEERING AND THEN OVER-STEERING. THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY IN NIGHT CONDITIONS, NO RAIN. VIDEO FOOTAGE IS AVAILABLE VIA A DASHCAM. *TR

LIGHTS DO NOT WORK

MY 3RD DOOR WON'T OPEN AND IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE KIDS AND IT'S THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE TO TRANSPORT THEM AROUND. I WENT TO YOUTUBE AND FOUND THAT SOME CHEAP PLASTIC RETAINERS THAT'S CLIPPED TO CABLES ARE BROKEN. THE RETAINERS OPEN THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. PLEASE HELP. THANKS

I WENT TO OPEN MY 3RD DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY F 150 AND IT WOULD NOT OPEN. I TRIED BOTH LATCHES ON THE OUTSIDE AND IN INNER DOOR FRAME BUT NO LUCK. I WAS PARKED AT THE TIME WHEN I WAS TRYING TO GET SOME ITEMS OUT OF MY BACK SEAT. I HAVE NOTHING TO UPLOAD AT THIS TIME.

I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK THE MORNING BEFORE THANKSGIVING. I SHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AND THE BACK TIRES HIT A PATCH OF WATER AND I STARTED FISHTAILING. I WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A PATCH OF OAK TREES. ONE HEAD ON. ON IMPACT, THE SEATBELT DID NOT RETRACT AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, THE DASH BROKE APART AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MOVED WITH ME AND I HIT THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER HITTING THE WINDSHIELD, THEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. WHEN THE DASH BROKE APART FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MOVING, IT CUT MY SHIN WHICH REQUIRED STITCHES. MY KNEE HIT AROUND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE WHICH DROVE MY FEMUR INTO MY HIP FRACTURING IT IN 3 PLACES WHICH REQUIRED 3 TITANIUM PLATES AND SCREWS. I HAD AN OPEN FRACTURE ON MY ARM WHICH WAS THE HEAD OF MY RADIUS (ELBOW) BROKEN OFF WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH MORE TITANIUM PLATES AND SCREWS. I BROKE THE ORBIT OVER MY LEFT EYE AND SINUS CAVITIES BEHIND IT. I HAD STITCHES AND STAPLES IN MY FOREHEAD THAT WILL NOW LEAVE ME A SCAR FOR LIFE. I SPENT 15 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL, I'VE MISSED A MONTH AND A HALF FROM WORK AND DON'T KNOW WHEN I CAN GO BACK, ACCUMULATED OVER$80,000.00 IN MEDICAL BILLS, AND I'M STILL IN A WHEELCHAIR. ALL OF THESE INJURIES ARE DUE TO FAULTY SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS IN A FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BY MY FATHER AND HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT IN 1997. I WORK AS A RECEPTIONIST AND OFFICE MANAGER FOR A DOCTOR'S OFFICE. MY FACE IS THE FIRST ONE SEEN WHEN PATIENTS COME THROUGH THE DOOR. NOW, IT'S MANGLED AND SCARRED FOR LIFE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT TO REAR FUEL STRAPS FRACTURED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FUEL LINES AND FUEL TANK TO FRACTURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUEL STRAPS, FUEL LINES, AND FUEL TANK DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS INCLUDED. THE DEALER (REINEKE FORD LINCOLN OF LIMA, 419-223-3673, 1360 GREELY CHAPEL RD, LIMA, OH 45804) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, INDICATING THAT THE CONTACT WELDED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR FUEL STRAP. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

I WAS IN A WRECK TRAVELING 25 MO MAKING A TURN TO HEAD WEST AND I COLLIDED WITH A SIMI AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL I WAS TOLD BUT EMTS THAT THE WERE SHOCK THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLY THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, FUEL LEAKED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 258,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD AND A POP SOUND EMERGED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY A HALF A BLOCK THEN THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND THEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER THAT ADVISED HIM THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS REPLACED WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 207,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 68 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL AND WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES STOP OPERATING, ALONG WITH THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW INADVERTENTLY OPENING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS THE CAB NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURES PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NEW COMPUTER WAS NOT OPERABLE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.

I JUST STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY STEERING. I WAS TURNING RIGHT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I HAD TO TUG HARD TO UNBIND AND REGAIN CONTROL OF MY TRUCK. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT THIS JUST STARTED HAPPENING AND HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING. *TR

LINKAGE BRACKET BROKE WONT SHIFT COMPLETELY INTO PARK WONT STRART I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP AND ALSO THE CRUSE CONTROL SWITCH LEAKS BRAKE FLUID BOTH OF THESE HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY FORD BUT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I TOO IT SAID MY VIN # WASNT ON RECALL LIST EVEN THOUGH THESE ARE BOTH ADMITTED TO BE FAULTY BY FORD HOW CAN I GET MINE REPAIRED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE LOOKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SECTIONS THAT WERE RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. THE BUMPER AND STEPS NEAR THE DOORS WERE ALSO RUSTED AND SLIGHTLY DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,582.

MY TRUCK WAS TURNED OFF IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. A NEIGHBOR CAME TO TELL US AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME PUT OUT THE FIRE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE STATE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

STARTED THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT. THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD ON THE PASSENGER REAR OF THE MOTOR. TRIED THE APPROPRIATE HELICOIL REPAIR KIT BUT THERE WERE NO THREADS TO TAP INTO.

MY FORD F150 SOMEHOW GOT WATER IN THE CYLINDER AND BENT A CONNECTING ROD AT111000 MILES.

FUEL TANK STRAPS BROKE AND FUEL TANK FELL TO THE GROUND WHILE IN MOTION AT SLOW SPEED. FUEL FILLER NECK CRACKED AND FUEL CONNECTION AND FUEL PUMP DO NOT WORK. VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND TEMPORARILY SUPPORTED BY STRAPS. ON MY OWN I DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 1997-2004 FORD TRUCKS AND CONTACTED FORD WHO INFORMED, TO MY DISBELIEF, THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. FORD COULD OFFER ME NO HELP.

FUEL TANK STRAPS ARE UNDER RECALL FOR RUST AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK TO START TO LEAK. THE WHOLE FUEL TANK IS RUSTED UP AND IS DANGEROUS. FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE FUEL WILL CATCH ON FIRE AND WILL BE HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AS WELL AS OTHER MOTORISTS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WASHER INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED AND OBSTRUCTED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED, BUT FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 3 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CABLE THAT STRAPPED THE SPARE TIRE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT SOUND AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. UPDATED 02/02/16*LJ *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL AND NOTICE A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRAPS HAD BEEN REPLACED AND THE FUEL TANK HAD A PINHOLE FRACTURE, WHICH WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

ON AUGUST 16, 2015, MY 1997 FORD F150 TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE IN MY SON'S DRIVEWAY WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND CAME OUT, HOWEVER MY SON MANAGED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. ONE OF THE FIREMEN SAID IT APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE ENTIRE CAB IS BURNED UP; OPERATOR AND PASSENGER SIDE, DASH, STEERING WHEEL, SEATS, WINDOWS BLOWN OUT, ETC. IT IS UNREPAIRABLE. SINCE THIS IS AN OLDER TRUCK, I HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE ONLY, NO COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET TELLS ME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY FORD OWNERS. FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, AND I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE TRUCK. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CORPORATION, AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THEY FORWARDED THE INFORMATION TO THE FORD'S OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL. THE "AFFECTED PARTS" ARE MANY MORE THAN IS LISTED. THE ENTIRE CAB WAS AFFECTED BY THE FIRE.

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM VACATION, WITH ABOUT 150 MILES TO GO, THE #2 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE. WITH ABOUT 30 MILES LEFT THE #3 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT. CURSE OF THE FORD TRITON ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MPH WITH NO LOAD AND NOTHING IN TOW THE SUB-FRAME CRACKED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. ON THE DRIVER SIDE IT CRACKED BEHIND THE REAR TIRE. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IT CRACKED IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. THE VEHICLE BOWED AND SMASHED THE TOP OF THE BED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAB. MECHANIC ADVISED THE FRAME DETERIORATED AND COST OF FRAME REPLACEMENT WOULD EXCEED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AT NIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000. UPDATED 09/21/15*LJ UPDATED 11/27/2017*CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.

WHILE DRIVEING AT 60 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD CRASH FROM THE LEFT REAR THEN A GRINDING POP FROM THE LEFT REAR ALL WHILE THE REAR END OF MY TRUCK FELT LIKE IT WAS FISH TAILING ON ICE OR LIKE SOME ONE HUGE WAS SHAKEING IT FROM SIDE TO SIDE I ALMOST LOST IT INTO A FIELD I WAS SO SUPRISED I GOT STOPPED TO LOOK THE LEFT REAR SHACKLE CUT LOOSE BECAUSE IT WAS ALMOST ALL DOTTED AWAY THE LOWER SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES ARE MISS ALIGNED BY 2 INCHES EACH AND THE SPRING END IS NOW PEEKING THRU THE BED THIS TRUCK WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BY MY BEST FRIENDS DAD AND WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF KEPT IN THE GARAGE AND NOT USED TO TOW OR HAUL BUT IT IS RUSTING AWAY SO BADLY THAT THE EXHAUST BOLTS HAVE ROTTED AWAY ON BOTH SIDES AND WILL COST 1500 TO FIX ALOT OF THAT IS THE COST TO GET THE BOLTS OUT OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THEY SAY BUILT FORD TOUGH BUT THEY REALY MEEN FORD BUILT IT AND IF U GET IT WET TOUGH ITS GONA ROT AWAY !

DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED (45 MPH), NO ABNORMAL NOISES OR VIBRATIONS PRESENT. LOUD BANG NOISE CAME FROM WITHIN ENGINE BAY, AND TRUCK BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND STUMBLE VERY BADLY. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND PRECEDED TO FLASH, PUT TRUCK INTO NEUTRAL AND ROLLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE TRUCK WAS SHUT OFF. EXCESSIVE FUEL WAS FOUND ON TOP OF THE ENGINE AT THE THIRD CYLINDER FROM THE FRONT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE (4.6L V8 ENGINE). SPARK PLUG WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WIRE AND LYING ON TOP OF ENGINE. SPARK PLUG BOOT WAS MELTED AND SMOKING SUGGESTING IT WAS PREVIOUSLY BURNING. SPARK PLUG WAS %100 COVERED BY BURNT SOOTY MATERIAL. *TR

CONTACTED RECALL HOTLINE AND THEY STATED MULTIPLE LETTERS WERE SENT OUT FOR THIS PROGRAM SO THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RELATED DAMAGES. I RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE OCTOBER 2014 AND TOOK TRUCK TO GET RECALL FIXED WITHIN 2 MONTHS FROM WHEN I GOT A NOTICE OF RECALL . *TR

HAD FUEL TANK STRAP RECALL DONE ON 3/16/2015 ON MY 1997 FORD F150. PICKED TRUCK UP FROM DEALER ON 3/20/2015 AND TOOK IT TO MY HOME AND PARKED IT BY THE HOUSE. I LEFT MY HOUSE WITH MY OTHER CAR FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS AND WHEN I RETURNED HOME I COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR A GAS. UPON INSPECTION OF MY TRUCK I FOUND GAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAD THEY ARE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY TRUCK WAS FINE WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL AND NOW AFTER THE RECALL THE TANK IS LEAKING BECAUSE THE OLD STRAPS CORRODED AND DAMAGED THE TANK. TRUCK GOES IN FOR SAFETY RECALL AND COMES BACK UNDRIVABLE BECAUSE OF A FIRE SAFETY ISSUE ( LEAKING FUEL TANK ) HOW CAN THIS BE ACCEPTABLE OR SAFE. *TR

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE OVERHEATING, HEATER TEMPERATURE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY INSIDE, MISFIRE ON ONE CYLINDER. I HAVE REPLACED THERMOSTAT, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, AND COILS. DIAGNOTIC CODE STILL READS MISFIRE ON ONE CYLINDER. MISFIRE IS NOT CONSTANT. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND OTHERS STATING THERE IS A RECALL... "RECALL # 99B20". I CAN NOT FIND A RECALL 99B20. I DID NOTICE THERE HAVE BEEN 545 OTHER COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ENGINE COOLING AND MANIFOLD O RINGS, BLOWN HEAD GASKETS ETC DUE TO FAULTY COMPONENTS. I AM ADDING MY COMPLAINT AS WELL FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIVE ACTION, AS I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A REAL RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM/COMPLAINTS. *TR

WHILE STARTING FROM A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE BLEW A SPARK PLUG! I HAVE THE 5.4 V-8 ENGINE. FORTUNATELY THE ENGINE WAS NOT DAMAGED OR ANYTHING ELSE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF ROAD AND HAD TRUCK TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. REPAIRS WERE $600.00. *JS

THE TRUCK WAS PARKED FOR AT LEAST 6 HOURS AND OUR NEIGHBORS COME KNOCKING ON OUR DOOR BECAUSE OUR TRUCK WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. IT MELTED UP EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD. WE GOT THE FIRE OUT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND MADE A REPORT. THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE HOOD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT AND WHO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAMEWORK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,303.

I CAME HOME FROM WORK ON 12/13 2014 AND NOTICED I HAD A WATER PUDDLE UNDER MY TRUCK SO ON 12/14/2014 I PULLED IN THE GARAGE AND DID SOME SEARCHING ONLY TO FIND THE OUTLET TUBE IN THE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING I ASSUMED IT WAS THE RUBBER HOSE AND WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE IT THE OUTLET TUBE BROKE OFF AT THE BASE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REPLACE IT IS TO BUY A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD SO AT THIS POINT MY TRUCK IS STUCK IN THE GARAGE . I CHECKED THE OUTLET TUBE AND FOUND 2 PINHOLES IN IT.THIS IS A CRATE MOTOR REPLACED BY FORD AT 88000 MILES I CAN'T AFFORD THE 500.00 THAT A NEW ONE WILL COSTS SO I'M OUT A VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXTREME FORCE WAS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BY WELDING THE STEERING SHAFT BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT BECAME LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED. TWO YEARS PRIOR, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS GAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RUBBER PORTION OF THE GAS LINE CONNECTED TO DUCT BILL CLIP FITTING ROTTED AWAY. UPDATED 5/4/2015 *JS

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE ENGINE GOT CAUGHT ON FIRE. WHEN I HAVE THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT HE SAID THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THE ROCKER ARM IN THE ENGINE CAME OFF AND HE SAID THE THAT THE VALVES GOT DESTROYED FROM THE ROCKERS. *TR

THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT. A FEW MINUTES LATER SOMEONE SAID THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL IN 10 MINUTES. FOUR OFF DUTY FIREMEN WERE THERE AND COULD NOT PUT THE FLAMES OUT. NEAR BY FIRE STATION WAS CALLED. ITS RESPONSE WAS WITH IN A FEW MINUTES. TRUCK WAS TOTALED. *TR

MOTOR RUNS ROUGH AT TIMES WITH ACCELERATION, CRUISE DONT WORK, AND AFTER CHANGING EVERYTHING 3 TIMES...IT'S A SPARK PLUG BRAND, AND AN UNFINISHED RECALL A PREVIOUS OWNER DIDN'T HAVE FINISHED? ITS A BEAUTIFUL BODY DESIGN...BUT NOW I CANT HAVE RECALLS DONE THAT WERENT COMPLETED BECAUSE OF A CARELESS FIRST OWNER. WHY SHOULD I SUFFER FOR HIS AND FORDS WRECKLESNESS? NOT FAIR. I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD. RECALLS SHOULD NEVER EXPIRE. LETS THINK ABOUT HUMAN SAFETY INSTEAD OF PROFIT N GIVE EVERY OWNER THE OPTION TO SAFELY TRANSPORT THEIR CHILDREN WHEN A MANUFACTURING ERROR OCCURS EVEN IF PREVIOUS OWNERS DONT CARE TO HAVE SHODDY PARTS REPLACED FOR FREE. HOW COULD ONE VEHICLE HAVE THAT MANY MISTAKES? TOTAL DISREGAURD FOR HUMAN LIFE WHEN A TIME LIMIT IS SET ON A POSSIBLY LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM. MISTAKES ARE MADE..BUT SERVICE THEM (CAR OWNERS) WHEN YOUR NOTIFIED. IT COST YOU NOTHING BUT TIME.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME AND RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,166.

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED SURGING UP AND DOWN IN SPEED ERRATICALLY. I DID NOT REALIZE THAT IT HAD TO DO WITH THE SPEED CONTROL, BUT FINALLY TOOK IT OUT OF CRUISE FOR GOOD. THE SPEEDOMETER STILL WAS SURGING UP AND DOWN BETWEEN 4 AND 10 MPH DIFFERENCE FROM WHAT MY SPEED WAS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF FOR A DAY, IT RAN FINE UNTIL I RAN IT ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 40 MILES, THEN IT DID THE SAME ERRATIC SPEED CHANGES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A DEFECTIVE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,599.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AS THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT STARTED TO FLICKER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE BULB HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE BULB HOLDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID A CRASH AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM TWO FRACTURED VERTEBRATES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

MY GRANDSON AND I WENT INTO WALMART AND CAME OUT OF THE STORE. WALKING ACROSS THE PARKING LOT AND SEEN MY 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP ON FIRE. COMPLETE STRANGERS CAME FROM ALL OVER THE PARKING LOT AND STARTED THROWING SNOW ON IT FROM A PILE 50 FT AWAY. A TOWN COP SHOWED UP AND SPRAYED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER ON IT THE THE FIRE COMPANY SHOWED UP AND PUT IT OUT THE REST OF THE WAY. NO ONE WAS HURT. BUT MECHANICS ARE SAYING THAT IT LOOKS LIKE A BREAK SWITCH THAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *TR

MY TRUCK WAS LOOSING WATER TO THE OIL PAN AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO NEED REPLACING IN 2004. FORD CHARGED ME 5200.00 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND SAID THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. NOW THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE IS DOING THE SAME THING. WHY WILL FORD NOT ADMIT THE PROBLEM WITH THE 97 4.2 AND NOT TRY TO COVER IT UP.? I DO NOT HAVE ALOT OF MONEY AND CAN'T AFFORD TO LET THEM KEEP FIXING THEIR PROBLEM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. NEITHER THE DRIVER'S SIDE NOR THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

REAR SHOCK MOUNT CONNECTED TO FRAME RUSTED AND BROKE OFF. *TR

I NOTICED EXTREME RUST THAT HAS EATEN AWAY PARTS OF FRAME AND SUSPENSION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASED ACCELERATION TO 90 MPH. THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FISH-TAILED. AS A RESULT, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A NEARBY MEDIAN BARRIER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FOR ANOTHER 5 MILES. THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL REPEATEDLY, AND THE VEHICLE REDUCED SPEED AND WAS MANEUVERED TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS TRAPPED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THE ABNORMAL ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS NEVER POSITIONED UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR LEVER FAILED TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE SHIFT CABLE AND STEERING COLUMN BRACKET WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TWO RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 97V171000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 97V147000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER OF THE TWO RECALLS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

1997 FORD F150 4.6L 4X4 FUEL LINE IS LEAKING ABOVE THE TRANSMISSION WHERE THE LINES CONNECT BETWEEN THE FUEL FILTER AND THE TOP REAR OF ENGINE. FUEL LINES ARE RUBBING ON THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. FORD HAS RECALLED OVER 600,000 OF THIS MODEL TRUCK FOR THIS PROBLEM IN AUGUST, 2000, (FORD MFG. RECALL# 00S22) BUT AFTER SPEAKING WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY, THEY STATED THAT MY TRUCK WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALLED TRUCKS EVEN THOUGH MY TRUCK FIT ALL OF THE CRITERIA, SUCH AS MODEL, DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF MANUFACTURE TO THE LETTER. I WAS TOLD THAT LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF TRUCKS WERE AFFECTED EVEN THOUGH FORD RECALLED OVER 600,000 OF THESE TRUCKS FOR THIS ISSUE.I'VE HAD A PREVIOUS ISSUE WITH FUEL TANK FALLING OUT OF TRUCK DUE TO FAULTY STRAPS. FORD REPLACED STRAPS, BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR DAMAGED FUEL TANK. THE FUEL SYSTEM IN THIS TRUCK IS VERY SUSPECT. *TR

I WENT TO A AUTOMOTIVE SHOP TO HAVE SOME BRAKE WORK DONE ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK. THE MECHANIC SAID I HAVE SOMETHING TO SHOW YOU & WHAT THEY SHOW WAS ONE OF MY FUEL TANK STRAP WAS BROKEN AND ALSO THEY SAID MY GAS TANK DROP DOWN A LITTLE.SO I CALL A FORD DEALER & THEY SAY THERE NO RECALL ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 FUEL TANK STRAP IN VIRGINIA BUT IN OTHER STATES IT IS. I TOLD THEM ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA , IT IS ! NO HELP FROM FORD DEALER. *TR

AFTER CHECKING MY VEHICLE OVER I NOTICED THAT THE FRAME IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED THRU. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A CONDITION COMMON WITH THIS YEAR OF TRUCK AND STYLE. IS THERE GOING TO BE A RECALL SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY VEHICLES THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM? I HAVE DRIVEN FORDS FOR YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS EXTEND OF RUST IN ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF WHEN IT ROLLED AWAY DOWN A HILL AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S HOME. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND FILED A REPORT OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,076. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE GAS TANK REAR STRAP CORRODED AND SEPARATED FROM THE GAS TANK. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 197,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR LEVER WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK. TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING AWAY, THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN COMBINATION WITH A WHEEL BLOCK BEING PLACED IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE BY A SPECIALIZED TRANSMISSION CENTER AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. ON JANUARY 21, 2012, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V171000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE RECALL CAMPAIGN EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. ... UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING GAUGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FOURTH DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,600.

1997 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE REPAIRED WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF AN A/C PROBLEM. THE A/C CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS MAKING NOISE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS TURNED OFF. AS THE DEALER WAS PREPARING TO INSTALL A NEW A/C CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, THE COMPRESSOR FELL APART WHEN THEY REMOVED THE CLUTCH. SO, THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW COMPRESSOR AS WELL. THE CONSUMER GAVE APPROVAL FOR THE REPAIRS, THINKING THE DEALER WAS GOING TO USE NEW PARTS. ON JUNE 25, 2011, AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE A/C COMPRESSOR SUDDENLY SEIZED AND BROKE THE SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT, WHICH TOOK OUT THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT AND IT ALMOST TOOK HIM HALF WAY INTO THE LANE OF ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE NEXT THE DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE COMPRESSOR AND DRIVE BELT FREE OF CHARGE. THAT IS WHEN THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED RE-MANUFACTURED PARTS HAD BEEN USED. ON JUNE 114, 2012, THE COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED AGAIN AT NO CHARGE. ON OCTOBER 16, 2012, THE COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED AGAIN, BECAUSE IT WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT OPERATING WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE DEALER WAS CONTACT WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 12/5/12 *CN THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BLEW A ROD THROUGH THE OIL PAN. AS A RESULT, THE MOTOR CRATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIRS THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURERER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

THE F150 FUEL TANK IS PRONE TO SEVERE AND DANGEROUS RUST AT THE BASE OF THE FILLER NECK. SO SEVERE THAT IT WILL RUST THROUGH CAUSING THE FUEL TO SPILL PROFUSELY THROUGH THE CRACKED NECK. I AM SURE THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW BECAUSE AFTER CHECKING THE SALVAGE YARDS TO TRY AND REPLACE THE PART I DISCOVERED THAT IT'S NOT A REMOVABLE PART OF THE TANK AND THAT ALL THE TANKS I CHECKED HAD THE SAME CRACKED RUSTED AREA. MEANING THAT IF THE F150'S ARE STILL ON THE ROAD THEY WILL EVENTUALLY SUFFER THIS DANGEROUS FUEL LEAKAGE. *TR

STOPPED TO FILL UP GAS TANK AND AS PUMPING THE GAS STARTED LEAKING OUT OF THE FILLER NECK TO THE TOP OF THE TANK. *TR *JS

1997 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN CONCERNING SAFETY RECALL 11V385000 REGARDING FUEL TANKS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE REPLACED ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2011. PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENT, THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS FUELING HIS TANK. AFTER THE STRAPS WERE REPLACED, HE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL LEAKING ON THE GROUND AFTER FILLING THE TANK. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED A CRACK ON THE FILLER NECK ON THE TANK. THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE AS THEY ONLY REPLACED THE STRAPS. THE HOSE CLAMPS, FUEL TANK AND FILLER SPOUT WERE RUSTED. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ODOR OF FUEL OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED ONE OF THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO PARTIALLY DETACH. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING); HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 246,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FRAME FRACTURED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE BROKEN AND THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING ABILITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST AND CORROSION ON THE SURFACE OF THE FRAME, BUT THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF CRACKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED SINCE THE DRIVER WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 205,000.

4.2L F150 HAD A SLOW LOSS OF COOLANT AND NOT BEING NOTIFIED THAT THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WHICH COULD LEAD TO ENGINE DESTRUCTION, I WOULD SIMPLY ADD MORE COOLANT. THIS CONDITION RESULTED IN COMPLETE HYDRO LOCK AND DESTROYING #5 ROD BEARING. WHILE I CAN WELL UNDERSTAND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH VEHICLES OF 1997 VINTAGE I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND AT ALL FORD NOT ADVISING CONSUMERS OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE THEY SPEND 4K$ IN REBUILDING AND INSTALLING THIS LONG BLOCK AND FINDING OUT THEY HAD SQUANDERED THEIR MONEY ON TRYING TO RESURRECT A DEAD HORSE WITH 86069 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE CORROSION LOCKED REAR WHEELS (RIMS LOCKED TO HUBS) FOR BALANCING AND ROTATING, WHILE VEHICLE WAS SUPPORTED ON HYDRAULIC LIFT, THE MAIN REAR BRAKE LINE FAILED. VEHICLE WAS OPERATED IN SOUTH CENTRAL NY STATE FOR 10 YEARS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MECHANICALLY INOPERATIVE SINCE THAT TIME, THOUGH NUMEROUS NEW PARTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. THE VISIBLY CORRODED BRAKE LINE FAILED DURING ATTEMPTS TO "COAX" THE CORROSION LOCKED RIMS FROM THE WHEELS BY APPLYING LATERAL (90 DEGREE) PRESSURE TO THE SIDES OF THE PICKUP'S BED, WHILE THE TIRES WERE IN CONTACT WITH THE GARAGE FLOOR BUT WITH THE VEHICLE STILL SUPPORTED BY THE LIFT. POINT OF FAILURE WAS JUST IN FRONT AND ABOVE THE REAR AXLE. THIS WAS VEHICLE'S 2ND BRAKE LINE IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR, THE FIRST HAVING OCCURRED ON THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE JUST BEHIND THE CALIPER/WHEEL CYLINDER.

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM TOWN WHEN ALL THE BALL BEARINGS FELL OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SWAY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, IT WAS CONTROLLABLE AT THE LOW SPEED I WAS GOING BUT THANK GOD I WASN'T ON AN INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAY AT A HIGHER SPEED I COULD HAVE RUN OFF THE ROAD OR WORSE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION ! THE TRUCK HAS NOT LEFT MY PROPERTY SINCE BUT I STILL HAVE TO KEEP FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE AND TAGGED FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES AND A LIEN FROM MY BANK ON IT,I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE STARTER ON IT EIGHT (8) TIMES THE PARTS ARE VERY CHEAP BUT IT HAS AN AIRBAG AND MY LOCAL FORD DEALER GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF 200.00 TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPLACE TWO SIX AND SEVEN DOLLAR BEARINGS. WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED SINCE THE BALL BEARINGS ARE VERY TINY AND ARE HARD TO SEE AND IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED MY TRUCK JUST SITS THERE ALL THIS TIME BECAUSE IM AFRAID OF SOMEONE GETTING HURT SERIOUSLY OR KILLED BECAUSE IM AFRAID OF LOSING CONTROL ON THE STEERING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINCE I WAS SIXTEEN AND WAS A BIG TRUCK DRIVER FROM 1979 TO 1996 TILL I BECAME ILL BUT I WOULD NEVER DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH STEERING PROBLEMS, THANK YOU *TR

FORD RECALL 99B29. FRONT COVER GASK UNABLE TO HOLD COOLANT. *TR

WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN 2001, THE ENGINE HAD APPROXIMATELY 82K MILES. I WAS HAVING A HARD TIME STARTING AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD NOT START. AT FIRST THE DEALER THOUGHT IT WAS THE STARTER AND THEY REPLACED IT. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO PEPBOYS TO GET THE STARTER REPLACED. WHEN THEY STARTED THE CAR A MASS OF GRAY SMOKE COME OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. TWO DAYS LATER THE ENGINE FROZE. SINCE I HAD A WARRANTY AGREEMENT I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER, THEY STATED IT HAD HYDROLOCKED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WARRANTY COMPANY SENT OUT A SHORT BLOCK AND FORD COMPLETED THE REST OF THE REPAIRS. AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL, MY DAUGHTER WAS USING MY TRUCK AND SHE DROVE IT TO MY HOUSE AND PARKED IT OUT FRONT. IT SAT FOR 2 WEEKS, WHEN I WENT TO START IT, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. REPLACE THE BATTERY AND IT STILL WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AT THAT TIME THE STARTER SMOKED AND TOOK THE TRUCK TO A MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE STARTER. HE TRIED TO TURN IT OVER AND IT WOULD NOT TURN. HE STATED THEY TRIED USING A TORQUE WRENCH AND STILL COULD NOT TURN THE MOTOR. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENGINE BE REPLACED. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO MY HOME. AFTER READING THE INFO ABOUT ANOTHER TRUCK HYDROLOCKING, I DECIDED TO CHECK TO SEE IF MY TRUCK HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I PULLED THE PLUGS, I HAD COOLANT DRAIN FROM THE #3 CYLINDER AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT LEAK FROM #5 CYLINDER. PREPARING TO REPLACE THE LOWER AND UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HANGING ON BY ONE OF ITS STRAPS. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS FRACTURED AND THE SECOND STRAP WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE STRAPS HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

TRUCK HAS A 4.2 LITER, V-6 ENGINE. A WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN THEN PARKED IN A MY GARAGE. ON THE INCIDENT DAY I TRIED TO START THE TRUCK BUT HEARD ONLY A LOUD, HARD KNOCK WHEN THE STARTER ENGAGED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE BATTERY VOLTAGE CHECKED OUT OK. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE STARTER WAS REMOVED AND CHECKED OUT OK ELECTRICALLY. THE MECHANIC MANUALLY ROTATED THE ENGINE BACKWARD 1-1/2 TURNS (HE COULD NOT ROTATE IT FORWARD) THEN TRIED TO START IT BUT THE ENGINE AGAIN MADE A LOUD, HARD KNOCK SOUND. THE MECHANIC THOUGH THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED OR A PUSH ROD WAS BENT. HOWEVER, SINCE THE TRUCK RAN FINE THE LAST TIME IT WAS USED I FELT THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED DURING ITS LAST USE AND LAST COOLDOWN. I CONCLUDED A GASKET FAILED (OR A HEAD CRACKED) ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ONE OR MORE CYLINDERS DURING ITS LAST COOLDOWN. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED BACK TO MY GARAGE. I REMOVED ALL SPARK PLUGS AND FOUND COOLANT DRAINING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT CYLINDER WHICH WAS CAUSING HYDROLOCK. I ROTATED THE ENGINE BACKWARD 4-1/2 TURNS THEN FORWARD 9 TURNS. THE ENGINE NOW TURNED FREELY. A TOTAL OF 4 TO 6 OUNCES OF COOLANT CAME OUT OF THE CYLINDER. I SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC WHO CHECKED THE FORD ALERT SYSTEM AND FOUND A POSTING FOR THE 1997 4.2L V-6 ENGINES THAT INDICATED THEY ARE PRONE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD O-RING FAILURES. I FOUND MANY REPORTS OF SIMILAR FAILURES FOR THIS YEAR AND ENGINE TYPE. I INTEND TO CHECK IN WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO GET THEIR TAKE ON THIS PROBLEM AND FIND OUT WHY I WASN'T NOTIFIED ABOUT A "RECALL". *JS

NOTICED GAS PORING FROM TANK AS I WAS REFILLING. LOOKED UNDER TO SEE STRAP ROTTED AND BROKEN. SCHEDULED TO HAVE STRAP FIXED FRI 4/6/12 BUT FROM WHAT I READ,THEY WONT FIX LEAK CAUSED BY STRAP. SO TANK WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED AND THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE FUEL TANK DETACHED AND SPILLED NINETEEN GALLONS OF FUEL ONTO THE GROUND. A HAZMAT TEAM WAS NOTIFIED TO ASSIST WITH THE CLEAN-UP AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUEL TANK, SENSORS, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND THE FUEL TANK HOSES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) DUE TO THE STATE THE CONTACT RESIDED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,429.

THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FUEL STRAPS UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING), BUT THE DEFECTIVE STRAPS CREATED A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81000. *JS

AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS PER CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V385000, I FOUND THAT WHEN I WAS REFUELING THE GASOLINE WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR AT ABOUT 1.5 GALLONS. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I THE PROBLEM WASN'T PRESENT TILL THE STRAPS WERE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW FUEL FILLER NECK WHICH WAS NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL, SO I WENT TO PRIVATE SHOP FOR A LESS EXPENSIVE REPAIR. UPON INSPECTION IN REPLACING THE FUEL FILLER NECK, MY MECHANIC NOTIFIED ME THAT I ALSO NEEDED A NEW GAS TANK BECAUSE OF CORROSION OF BOTH THE FILLER NECK AND THE TANK. THIS TANK STRAP RECALL COST ME MORE IN PARTS AND LABOR THAN THE STRAPS ALONE COST FORD. WOULD I HAVE BEEN BETTER OFF LETTING THE TANK DROP AND CATCH ON FIRE IN MY FULLY COVERED 1997 VEHICLE? THE INSURANCE MONEY ALONE WOULD'VE GOTTEN ME A BETTER VEHICLE, BUT I LOVE MY TRUCK! HOPING ENOUGH COMPLAINTS WILL INITIATE AND INVESTIGATION AND RECALL SO I CAN GET MY REIMBURSEMENT. FOR NOW, I WILL HOLD ONTO THE OLD TANK AND ALL THE PARTS IN CASE I NEED PROOF OF PROBLEM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD THE HORN SOUNDING OFF. THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES SOON THEREAFTER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE CHIEF STATED THAT THE FRONTAL AREA ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 161,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL STRAPS WERE CORRODED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REMEDY DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CORROSION ON THE FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL REPAIR AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER THE FUEL TANK MOUNT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME BRACKET HAD ROTTED AND THE RECALL COULD NOT BE PERFORMED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A SLIGHT HESITATION, THERE WAS A NOISE WHEN THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY, THE BRAKE LINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE BRAKES, CALIPERS AND HOSES. UPDATED 04/17/12 UPDATED 04/25/12*LJ UPDATED 05/02/12 *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. NO ONE WAS INJURED FROM THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND TOOK A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT, WHO WAS STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, HEARD A LOUD BANG AND NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SPARE TIRE CABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 314,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO ASSIST. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 225,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 207,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL STRAPS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO LEAK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE STORAGE TANK: ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 230,000. UPDATED 03/14/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TANK FELL OFF IN JUNE AND HAS BEEN LEAKING EVER SINCE. THE STRAPS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE LEAK CONTINUED. UPDATED 03/19/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 4 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING BOX. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BOLT THAT HELD THE STEERING SHAFT IN PLACE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V196000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 02/22/12 *BF UPDATED 03/01/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE ALSO BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 211,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT REPLACED BECAUSE THAT REPAIR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FUEL STRAPS UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING), BUT THE DEFECTIVE STRAPS CREATED A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 133,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING), THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED A LEAK. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER VERIFIED THAT THE LEAK DEVELOPED WHILE PERFORMING THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 118,123.

NOTICED FUEL TANK LEAKING. DEALERSHIP SAID LEAK WAS AT THE STRAP. TANK WAS REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE. ON SEPT. 21, 2011 REPLACED FUEL TANK STRAPS UNDER RECALL 11V385000. IN OCTOBER 2011 I WROTE TO A LETTER TO FORD ASKING THEM TO CONSIDER THE RELATIONSHIP OF REPAIRS. IN JANUARY 2012 I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING "THE REPAIR WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL". AFTER REVIEWING COMPLAINTS POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE, I AM CLEARLY NOT ALONE. *TR

RECALL CORRECTION TURNS TO EXPLOSION DANGER! FORD ISSUED RECALL #11 S 21 ON THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS. BEST FORD OF NASHUA PERFORMED THE SERVICE TO INSTALL NEW STRAPS ON OCTOBER 7, 2011. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RECALL WORK, A VEHICLE REPORT ON BEST FORD LETTERHEAD WAS PROVIDED SHOWING ALL SYSTEMS WERE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. ON OCTOBER 21, 2011, DURING A REGULAR OIL CHANGE THE SERVICE PERSON ADVISED ME THAT MY FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. I IMMEDIATELY REPORTED IT TO BEST FORD ON OCTOBER 21, 2011 TO WHICH THEY REFUSED TO CORRECT THE LEAK. THEY INSISTED THAT FORD WOULD NOT COVER ANY OTHER REPAIRS. I INFORMED THE BEST FORD SERVICE MANAGER THAT FAULT WAS THEIRS AND DID FILE A WRITTEN COMPLAINT. I HAVE RETURNED TO BEST FORD ON THREE ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS AND SENT NOT LESS THAN FIVE EMAILS TO REQUEST A FACE TO FACE MEETING. THEY HAVE IN EACH CASE REFUSED TO FIX THE LEAK CAUSED AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. COMPLAINTS HAVE ALSO BEEN SENT TO FORD MOTOR CO (CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE CEO) AND THEY HAVE LIKEWISE REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH CORRECTIVE ACTION. THE POSSIBILITY OF A FUEL TANK STRAP MAY HAVE BEEN CORRECTED, HOWEVER, MY VERY MAINTAINED F150 IS NOW A PRESENT DANGER OF EXPLOSION. *TR

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK BUILT 1997 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL STRAPS FRACTURED FROM THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSED THE TANK TO HANG ABNORMALLY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE: TANK: ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) AND RECEIVED REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL HOWEVER, THE FUEL TANK CONTINUED LEAKING FUEL AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACED THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 246,000.

REAR SPRINGS, REAR BUCKLE REAR SPRINGS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. GARAGE THAT REPAIRED THE ITEMS INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE FIXED A VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF FORD TRUCKS WITH THE SAME ISSUES. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT WARRANTS SOME INVESTIGATION. NOTE THAT THE TRUCK GASOLINE TANKS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH, FAILED AND RESULTED IN THE TANK FALLING OUT OF THE TRUCK WHILE UNDERWAY. THIS WAS FIXED, ALBIET AFTER 3 YEARS, BY A FORD RECALL THAT WAS INITIATED THIS YEAR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE, EXHAUST SYSTEM MANIFOLD, FUEL TANK STRAP, BRAKE LINE, BOLTS, ERG VALVE, AND THE FRAME WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK OR PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 322,000.

1997 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL AND FUEL TANK *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN HE SMELLED GASOLINE JUST AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT. UPON INVESTIGATION, HE NOTICED GAS ON THE TOP HALF OF THE GAS TANK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. ALARMED, HE LOOKED FOR THE CAUSE AND NOTICED THAT ONE GAS TANK STRAP WAS BROKEN AND THE TANK HAD FALLEN AND WAS HANGING DOWN AT AN ANGLE. THE CONSUMER THEN RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD INFORMING HIM OF A RECALL, BUT FORD WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED FUEL TANK, BUT ONLY THE STRAPS. IT WAS VERIFIED BY THE DEALER, THAT THE TOP OF THE TANK WAS LEAKING. HOWEVER, FORD STILL REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TANK. *JB

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 IN WHICH I NOTICED GAS LEAKING AS I WOULD FILL THE TANK. I FIRST NOTICED IT IN JULY AND IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. I HEARD THAT FORD WAS SOON SENDING OUT A RECALL FOR REPLACING GAS TANK STRAPS ON VEHICLES SUCH AS MINE. SO I WAITED UNTIL A RECALL WAS SENT TO ME BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO ADDRESS A FIX ON THE LEAK. WHEN I TOOK MY F150 TO THE FORD SERVICE MECHANICS IN OCTOBER, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS THE FILLER NECK FOR THE TANK THAT WAS CORRODED AND THAT THIS WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THEY COULD REPLACE THE STRAPS, BUT ONE OF THE STRAPS WAS BY THE SKID PLATE AND IT WOULD DO NO GOOD TO REPLACE THAT ONE, AS THE SKID PLATE WAS HOLDING THE TANK, AND THE OTHER STRAP WAS NOT IN BAD CONDITION. I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FILLER TANK ON MY OWN WITHOUT COVERAGE FROM FORD. AND....BY THE WAY....THE FILLER NECK IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED, SO THE FORD SERVICE GROUP WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ANOTHER COMPONENT AND DO SOME FABRICATION TO REPLACE MY FILLER NECK. I ASKED THE SERVICE TECH WHY MY GAS TANK WASN'T CORRODED, NOR WERE THE STRAPS VERY CORRODED, BUY MY FILLER NECK, WHICH WAS UP UNDER THE TRUCK BOX BODY WAS THE PART THAT WAS CORRODED AND LEAKING. THIS WAS CLEARLY A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT NOT COVERED AS A DEFECT BY FORD.THE TECH GAVE ME HIS OPINION THAT THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW FOR MY PARTICULAR MODEL IN RELATION TO THE WHEEL WELL, SUCH THAT WHEN DRIVING THROUGH SNOW AND SALT, THE TIRES WOULD OVERSPRAY SNOW AND SALT UP UNDER THE WHEEL WELL AND ONTO HOLDING AREAS AROUND THE FILLER NECK, IN WHICH, AFTER TIME, SALT CORRODED THE METAL AND CAUSED THE CORROSION AND LEAKING. I BELIEVE THAT FORD IS AT FAULT FOR THIS DESIGN ISSUE AND HAD CREATED A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FILLER NECK. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO FIX THE FILLER NECK, THAT I SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT, AND THAT I SHOULD HOLD ONTO MY RECEIPTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). AFTER TAKING HIS VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND HAD STARTED TO LEAK. THEY REFUSED TO DO ANY REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT FRO RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER THEN ADVISED THAT THEY WERE ONLY SERVICING THOSE VEHICLES THAT HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 143,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL STRAPS WERE CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO CORRODE AND LEAK. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 260,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ODOR OF FUEL AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKAGE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FUEL TANK STRAP, WHICH WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE FUEL TANK WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FAULTY FUEL TANK STRAPS. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING); HOWEVER THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN HE TRIED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED ABNORMALLY INTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES RUPTURED AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,500.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES WOULD SQUEAK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED AT LOW SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE CONTACT REPLACED ALL OF THE BRAKE COMPONENTS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF ENGINE AND DESTROYED COIL PACK RIPPING THE THREADS OUT OF THE HEAD. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

1997 FORD F-150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL REPAIR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER SHOULD COVER THE COST OF THE NEW TANK AND LABOR. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS 5 MPH AND ABOVE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS FRACTURED FROM THE HARNESS AND A CABLE WAS ALSO FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND HE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 84,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CABLE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE BROKE WHILE DRIVING. THE SPARE TIRE FELL TO THE GROUND. UPDATED 01/19/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 12/16/11 *BF UPDATED 12/23/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING NEAR THE REAR STRAP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CORRODED STRAPS FRACTURED WAS WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE FUEL TANK AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,628.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE, FUEL WOULD LEAK OUT ONTO THE GROUND. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 168,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE PARKED AND SHUT OFF. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE REFUELING, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND APPROXIMATELY ONE GALLON OF FUEL SPILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) AND WOULD BE REPAIRED. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL CONTINUED TO LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NECK WAS FRACTURED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BUT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 239,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 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 INFORMED THAT THE RUSTED STRAPS ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE CORRODING OF THE FUEL TANK, CREATING HOLES IN THE TANK. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT REPAIRS TO THE FUEL TANK WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL NOTICE 11V385000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) AND THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING), THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MANUFACTURER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE DEALER NOT HAVING THE PARTS AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE THE PARTS READILY AVAILABLE. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD TO SEND THE PARTS IN ORDER FOR THE RECALL TO BE COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER SENT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,612.

1997 FORD F150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A RECALL RELATED TO STRAPS ON GAS TANK *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING DUE TO RUST. THE CONSUMER STATED HE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE TANK REPLACED, SINCE THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A RECALL DEFECT. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING GASOLINE WHICH INCLUDED THE ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS THAT WAS PLACED INTO THE TANK THE PREVIOUS DAY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST SINCE IT WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEXT TO A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. LATER THAT NIGHT, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FIRE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A RAPID DECREASE IN THE FUEL LEVEL DISPLAYED ON THE FUEL GAUGE. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE RECALL DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FUEL TANK WAS DAMAGED AS A RESULT TO CORROSION AND THE DEALER STATED THE OWNER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING), THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH A STRONG ODOR AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK WHERE THE OLD STRAPS WERE REMOVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP WAS DETACHED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP HAD FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND THE REAR STRAP WAS SEVERALLY CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,782. UPDATED 11/17/11 *BF UPDATED 11/30/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL STRAPS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE, DAMAGING THE FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE FUEL STRAPS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING), BUT THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FILLER NECK WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REPAIR AND WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO KEEP THE RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS AT HIS EXPENSE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 244,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND SPILLED ONE HALF GALLON OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE TANK WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THAT THE STRAPS WERE FRACTURED AND CORRODED AS WELL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK WAS ENTIRELY TOO CORRODED TO REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000. UPDATED 03/07/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 126,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 1V385000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). PRIOR TO THE CONTACT RECEIVING THE NOTICE, HE HAD ALREADY PERFORMED THE RECALL REMEDY BECAUSE HE HAD ENCOUNTERED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK VENT. AFTER DISCUSSING THE FAILURE WITH THE MANUFACTURER, THEY AGREED TO REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS TO THE STRAPS BUT NOT FOR THE VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE LATCH ON THE DRIVER SEAT FRACTURED, CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL INLET PIPE WAS LEAKING FUEL AT THE FRAME NEAR THE FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT ONLY THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WOULD BE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL, NOT THE INLET PIPE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY COVER THE FUEL TANK STRAP REPAIR AND OFFERED NO FURTHER THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER AND RELATED PROBLEMS BEYOND THE CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CONSUMER FIRST NOTICED A LEAK WHEN FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL. HE FOUND THAT THE REAR TANK STRAP HAD RUSTED APART AND THAT A PORTION OF IT WAS MISSING. THE REAR STRAP IS LOCATED VERY CLOSE TO THE FILLER TUBE AREA AND THE FILLER TUBE CONTACTED THE FRAME. UPDATED 10/21/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRING TO THE FUEL TANK STRAPS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) BUT NOT FOR THE FUEL TANK ITSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THE DEALER ONLY REPAIR THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND NOT THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT BECAUSE THE CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO HANG ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 245,492.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO THE FRAME EXHIBITING EXCESSIVE RUST. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE RUST WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 246,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

FUEL TANK STRAP MOUNT RUSTED AND CAUSED THE STRAP TO COME THROUGH THE MOUNT. THE FUEL TANK WAS HANGING BY THE FRONT STRAP. TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL AND WAS INFORMED ONLY THE STRAPS WERE RECALLED. TRUCK IS STILL AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR THE RECALL TO BE DONE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE SAME OUTCOME AS A STRAP BREAKING. *TT

MY 1997 FORD F150 STARTED ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY EMPLOYER, FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER I PARKED THE VEHICLE FROM A 5 MILE ROUND TRIP. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY MOVED INTO THE CAB OF THE TRUCK BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE. WHEN INSPECTING THE ENGINE AREA WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE EXACT AREA OF WHERE THE FIRE STARTED COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. LUCKILY, NO ONE, INCLUDING MYSELF, WAS INJURED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN OUR HOME WHEN IT STARTED ON FIRE. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, AND IF NECESSARY, SEEK RECOURSE, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PROCEED. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE FUEL TANK LEAKED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF FUEL AND IN ORDER TO RESUME IN OPERATION BOTH OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE SECURED TEMPORARILY WITH ROPE. MOST RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING). THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED WITH THE RECALL REPAIRS BECAUSE IT FAILED TO INCLUDE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT MADE A PREVIOUS REPAIR TO THE RUSTED FUEL TANK STRAPS. AFTER THE VEHICLE SAT IDLE FOR TWO WEEKS, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD A SKID PLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 325,000.

WHILE FUELING MY TRUCK I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE, AFTER STEPPING BACK AND EXAMINING THE SITUATION, I FOUND THAT I WAS LEAKING GAS ONTO THE GROUND, I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE A RUSTED OUT FILLER TUBE, HAD THAT REPLACED AND THEN AGAIN WENT TO GET GAS, AGAIN, I HAD GAS LEAKING TO THE GROUND, THINKING IT MAY HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE GAS TANK STRAPS, THAT I FOUND TO HAVE BEEN RECALLED, I HAD THOSE CHECKED, ONE STRAP IN FACT WAS GONE, BUT SINCE HAVING A SKID PLATE WAS TOLD NO FURTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME, ALSO WHILE INSPECTING THE STRAPS I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TWO LEAKS ON MY GAS TANK, ONE ON TOP AND ONE AT A PINCH-WELD, AT THAT TIME I ASKED THAT I CANT EVEN HAVE MY TANK REPLACED BECAUSE FORD HAS NO STRAPS AVAILABLE TO REPLACE THE NEW TANK WITH. I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY THIS FUEL STORAGE SYSTEM IS HAVING SUCH A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPONENTS RUSTING AS BADLY AS THEY ARE? IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MATERIALS USED FOR THE STRAPS ON THE GAS TANKS, CAN THERE BE ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE MATERIALS TO THE REST OF THE FUEL SYSTEM?

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND A SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE LOCAL MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE BLOWN SPARK PLUG AS WELL AS A COIL, AND ADVISED REPLACING THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO ORDER THE NECESSARY PARTS FOR REPAIRS AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE ONLY TWO ENGINE HEADS AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTRY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,00 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE WAS SPILLING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR THE FAILURE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE WHERE THE FUEL WAS SPILLING FROM. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) AND STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING DUE TO RUST ON THE FUEL TANK STRAPS THAT SPREAD TO THE TANK. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE FILLER NECK BUT IT HAD NOT BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS YET, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

ON JANUARY 8, 2011, 1997 FORD F150 XLT LARIAT BURNED AND TOTALLY DESTROYED OUR HOME AND TOYOTA TACOMA IN CARPORT.FIRE MARSHALL AND FIREMEN STATED APPEARED TO ORIGINATE FROM F150 IN CARPORT. FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR FROM STATE FARM (REPRESENTATIVES FROM FORD PRESENT AFTER DEMAND FROM STATE FARM) STATED FIRE STARTED BY DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL COMPONENT (CONFIRMED BY X-RAY) AFTER LOCATING IN DEBRI UNDER VEHICLE. FORD ACTED AS IF THEY COULD CARE LESS - GUESS NOT SINCE NOT EVEN AN APPOLOGY FOR OUR LOSS AS MUCH CANNOT BE REPLACED. STATE FARM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SUING FORD TO RECOOP THEIR LOSS. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED BY FORD OF THIS DEFECT AND NEARLY LOST OUR LIVES. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED ON THE STEERING BOX. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V196000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 106,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CORROSION OF THE STRAPS LED TO A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE FUEL TANK EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CAUSED BY THE CORROSION OF THE STRAPS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE SOMETHING DROPPED OR FELL. I THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE MY EXHAUST. I WAS ABOUT A 1/2 MILE AWAY FROM HOME AND CONTINUED ON. I TRIED TO PUT MY TRUCK IN THE GARAGE AND IT WOULDN'T GO IN, STILL THINKING THAT IT MY EXHAUST, I GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK AND DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO OUR REPAIR GARAGE AND THEY SAID THAT THE STRAPS HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF AND THAT THE TANK HAD A SMALL LEAK IN IT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL AND THE FUEL TANK WAS FOUND TO EXHIBIT RUST. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE REMEDY OFFERED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED WHERE THE STRAP WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 225,000. UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF UPDATED 2/21/12 *CN

I OWN A 1997 F150 AND AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE ONE OF THE STRAPS ON THE GAS TANK SNAPPED, (RUSTED THROUGH) AND NOTICED THAT THE GAS TANK ALSO HAS A HOLE RUSTED IN IT AND IS LEAKING FUEL. HAVE PICTURES UPON REQUEST. *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE REFUELING, FUEL BEGAN TO SPILL OUT FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY DROVE OVER A BUMPY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 20 THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE FUEL TANK AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE STRAPS WHICH HELD IT IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER NUMBER 3 WHICH WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL IN TRAFFIC OR NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND DETACHED. AS A RESULT, APPROXIMATELY TWO GALLONS OF GASOLINE WAS SPILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT STRAPS, THE FUEL TANK AND THE NOZZLE WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE NOZZLE ONLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/07/2011 *LN *TR

ONE OF TWO STRAPS HOLDING THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. NOTICED THE BROKEN STRAP HANGING BELOW THE VEHICLE AFTER A 40 MILE DRIVE. UNSURE OF WHEN THE STRAP LET GO. IN REMOVING THE REMAINING PIECES OF THE STRAP, IT LITERALLY CRUMBLED APART IN MY HAND. TANK IS NOW HELD IN PLACE WITH A TIE-DOWN STRAP. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MPH THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE THE FUEL DID NOT SPILL OUT OF IT. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED TWO STRAPS FAILED DUE TO CORROSION WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO FALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 119,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A BROKEN STRAP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STRAP WAS CORRODED AND THAT NONE OF THE FUEL SPILLED ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE GAS TANK STRAPS HAVE RUSTED OUT. THE CENTER STRAP HAS COMPLETELY BROKE IN TWO DUE TO RUST CORROSION TILTING THE TANK, AND CAUSING GAS SPILLAGE DURING FUELING CREATING A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSIVE DANGER. *KB

YESTERDAY 7/15/2011 I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT OF LOWES AND SMELLED GAS. I FOUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE GAS TANK WAS WET FROM THE TOP DOWN. I NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE METAL STRAPS THAT HELD THE TANK WAS BROKEN. IT WAS BROKEN AT THE POINT WHERE IT TURNS TO GO UNDER THE TANK. IT APPEARED TO HAVE RUSTED THROUGH. I PURCHASED LARGE PLASTIC WIRE TIES TO HOLD THE TANK IN PLACE SO I COULD GET HOME SAFELY. I STILL SMELLED GAS WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME. *TT

1997 F-150 FORD PICK UP TRUCK HAS 2 FUEL TANK RETAINING STRAPS THAT HAVE CORRODED AND ONE HAS BROKEN. FUEL TANK HAS SUSTAINED CORROSION TO THE POINT WHERE IT LEAKS WHEN FILLED WITH FUEL. THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN BECAUSE IF THE SECOND STRAP SHOULD BRAKE WHILE THE TRUCK IS IN MOTION, THE TANK WOULD DROP TO THE ROADWAY AND THERE WOULD BE A CHANCE FOR SPARKING AND SUBSEQUENT FIRE! ... AS WELL AS ALL THE INCONVENIENCE OF GETTING IT REPAIRED. I WILL HAVE THE STRAPS REPLACED AND THE TANK CHECKED. THIS APPARENTLY IS NOT A CURRENT RECALL ITEM (I ASKED THE LOCAL FORD DEAL SERVICE PERSON IF IT WAS AND NOTHING CAME UP FOR MY VIN NUMBER), BUT CERTAINLY IS A CANDIDATE FOR RECALL, JUDGING FROM THE RESPONSES WHEN ONE GOOGLES ON THE TOPIC. *TT

THE FUEL TANK STRAP ON MY 1997 FORD F 150 HAS RUSTED OUT AND IS NO LONGER HOLDING MY TANK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST, ALSO CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO HANG ABNORMALLY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE STRAP REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE ERUPTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. WITH NO OTHER EXTERNAL FORCES OTHER THAN GRAVITY THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED AND THE TANK FELL TO THE GROUND. NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE STRAPS NEED REPLACING. COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS HAD IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. UPDATED 08/11/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TANK APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. BUT THERE WAS A BREAK NEAR THE CENTER OF THE STRAPS. UPDATED 08/12/11.*JB

FUEL TANK FOUND LEAKING FROM TOP WHILE PARKED IN HOME GARAGE. THE SHOP INDICATED A LARGE RUSTED OUT AREA AROUND FUEL SENSOR. THE TANK WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE STRAPS HOLDING TANK HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND WHERE DEEMED UNSAFE AND ALSO REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 84,000 MILES AND IS ALWAYS GARAGED. THIS IS VERY POOR QUALITY OF MATERIALS AND WARRANTS INVESTIGATING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUALLY LOUD NOSE. THE CONTACT THEN DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS CORRODED AND SEPARATING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RECALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

I HAVE A FORD F150 AND GAS TANK FELL OFF MY TRUCK AND WAS DRAGGING AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DO TO THE GAS STRAP PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THIS IS A HORRIBLE PROBLEM. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DUE TO THE SPARKS AND GAS EVERY WERE.. UPDATED 09/15/11 *BF *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRAPS WERE IN HORRIBLE SHAPE AS THEY WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THEY WERE SPLIT INTO SHEETS AND THE METAL WAS FLAKING OFF. UPDATED 09/21/11

OBSERVED FUEL TANK HANGING DOWN FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. ON CLOSER INSPECTION THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FOUND TO BE HEAVILY CORRODED AND BROKEN ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO FALL AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT STRAP WAS OBSERVED TO BE HEAVILY CORRODED AS WELL BUT LUCKILY STILL HOLDING THE FRONT PORTION OF THE TANK UP. *KB

FUEL TANK IS RUSTED AND THE STRAPS RUSTED AND FELL OFF GIVING THE FUEL TANK NO SUPPORT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP AND THE FUEL TANK FELL ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT BOTH STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 176,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE FUEL TANK, STRAPS, PUMP AND FILTER WERE ALL REPLACED. UPDATED 09/07/11

I LAST DROVE MY TRUCK ON 06/20/2011. WHEN I WOKE UP TO FEED MY ANIMALS I HEARD A SOUND LIKE A BIRD CAUGHT UNDER MY TRUCK. I LOOKED UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE FENDER AND SAW FLAMES. I POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ON FIRE. I GRABBED MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM MY BARN AND PUT THE FIRE OUT.

FOUND THE REAR GAS TANK STRAP HANGING DOWN. IT HAD RUSTED THROUGH.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON REACHING HER DESTINATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE FUEL TANK SUSTAINED DAMAGE, AND THE CONTACT USED A SEPARATE STRAP TO REATTACH THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 2/9/12 *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT DAMAGED DUE TO THE FAILURE AND WAS TEMPORARILY SECURED WITH ANOTHER TYPE OF METAL STRAP. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL FILLER NECK HOSE EXHIBITED A CRACK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE FUEL FILLER NECK HOSE WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. CURRENTLY THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA11006 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS FRACTURED AND THE OTHER SHOWED SIGNS OF SEVERE RUST AND COULD FRACTURE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO FILL THE FUEL TANK TO CAPACITY AND ALSO ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140, 000. UPDATED 0831/11*LJ UPDATED 09/01/11

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 25 MPH AFTER WE DECIDED NOT TO TAKE THE FREEWAY TO GET TO OUR DESTINATION. WE HEARD A HUGE CLUNK/DROP NOISE AND SEVERE SCRAPING SOUND SO WE PULLED OFF IMMEDIATELY TO FIND THAT THE GAS TANK IN OUR 1997 FORD F-150 HAD FALLEN AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE STRAP(S) HAD APPARENTLY RUSTED OFF. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THE WORK WILL BE DONE ON MONDAY. WE HOPE THAT ONLY THE STRAPS WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THAT NO DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK OR LINES WAS DONE (OR WILL BE DONE) DURING THE MOVING OF THE TRUCK DURING TOWING OR FOR REPAIR. I AM FEARFUL OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD WE BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60-70 MPH AND SPARKS BEEN CREATED. THE GAS TANK WAS ABOUT 3/4 WAY FULL. *TR

THE STRAPS HOLDING THE FUEL TANK RUSTED AND SNAPPED CAUSING THE TANK TO DROP FROM THE VEHICLE. I WAS ONLY DOING ABOUT 25 MPH AT THE TIME SO THE TANK DID NOT RUPTURE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER BECAUSE I SAW A NEWS REPORT ABOUT A RECALL OF THE STRAPS. TO MY SURPRISE THERE IS NO RECALL AND I MUST PAY OUT OF POCKET. THE STRAPS WERE RUSTY DUE TO THE AGE AND LOCATION, BUT THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. *TR

BROKEN GAS TANK STRAP CAUSING TANK GAS TANK TO LEAK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT HIM OFF WHICH CAUSED HIM TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH WAS VERY LOOSE, AND CAUSED HIM TO LUNGE FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN *TR

1997 FORD F150 FUEL TANK AND STRAPS RUSTED CAUSING GAS LEAK AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/14/11 *BF THE FRONT STRAP FAILED AND THE RUSTING OF THE STRAP CAUSED A RUST HOLE IN THE TANK. THE CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO HIS MECHANIC. THE TANK DID NOT DROP TO THE GROUND, BUT HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING THE FRONT STRAP TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SHOP FOR REPAIRS WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT STRAPS WAS FRACTURED. THE MECHANIC STATED HE WOULD REPLACE BOTH STRAPS AT A COST TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

ON MAY 31, 2011, I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F150 2-WHEEL DRIVE PICK-UP TRUCK AND I HEARD A LOUD NOISE BELOW ME FOLLOWED BY A SCRAPING SOUND. AS THERE WAS TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP FOR APPROXIMATELY 200 YARDS. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, I SAW THAT THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OFF THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY PART THAT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE TRUCK WAS THE FUEL LINE. THERE WAS A LARGE GASH IN THE GAS TANK. SINCE I HAD JUST FILLED THE TRUCK, OVER 23 GALLONS OF GAS WAS LEAKING ON THE STREET. THE LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED. THE STREET WAS TREATED WITH AN ABSORBENT. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED. THE FOLLOWING PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED: FLEX HOSE, VENT HOSE, FUEL VAPOR VALVE, FUEL TANK TRANSDUCER, GAS TANK STRAP KIT, FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP AND THE LABOR TO INSTALL THESE PARTS. THE TOTAL FOR THE REPAIR WAS $1,362.93. IN ADDITION, THE TOWING CHARGE WAS $80.34 AND AT LEAST $110.00 OF GASOLINE WAS LOST. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF RUST NOR HAS IT SEEN EXTREME SERVICE. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED. I BELIEVE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THESE EXPENSES BECAUSE, AS A CONSUMER, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO ASSUME THAT A GAS TANK WILL REMAIN ATTACHED FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD START KNOCKING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE MOTOR AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS BOTH FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAPS BROKE ON A 1997 FORD F150. THE RESULT OF THE STRAPS FAILING WAS A DAMAGED FUEL TANK (SEVERAL LEAKS OCCURRED ON THE TANK CAUSING MASSIVE FUEL LOSS), DAMAGED FUEL TANK SENSORS, DAMAGED FUEL TANK HOSES, AND DAMAGED FUEL TANK HOSE CLAMPS. THERE MAY HAVE ALSO BEEN ADDITIONAL DAMAGED CAUSED TO THE VEHICLES EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE COSTLY REPAIRS INCLUDED A NEW FUEL TANK, HOUSES, CLAMPS, SENSORS, AND REPLACING ABOUT 20 GALLONS OF FUEL. ALL REPAIRS WERE DONE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. *TR

1997 FORD F- 150. CONSUMER STATES FUEL TANK FELL FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.*TGW THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW FUEL STRAP ASSEMBLY, REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND FILTER. *JB

I HAVE A 97 FORD F150. I NOTICED YESTERDAY WHEN I LOOKED UNDER MY TRUCK THE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS BUSTED, AND BOTH WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. *TR

WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH, OUR FORD F150 TRUCK DROPPED ITS GAS TANK ON THE INTERSTATE. THE STRAPS HAD RUSTED THROUGH. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STRAPS. THE GAS TANK WAS HALF-FULL AND WE WERE ON A SMOOTH ROAD WHEN THE TANK DROPPED. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY SO THERE WAS NO FIRE, BUT THE TANK WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND AND WE HAD TO BE TOWED OFF THE HIGHWAY. *TR

GAS TANK STRAP BROKEN GAS TANK DOWN. *TR

THE GAS TANK STRAP RUSTED AND BROKE LEAVING THE TANK HANGING ABOUT TWO INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND. UPDATED 09/14/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED NO FUEL WAS SPILLED AND THE TANK WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE CONSUMER SPOTTED THE PROBLEM WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN HIS DRIVEWAY. BOTH STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/21/11

WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD GAS TANK DROPPED FROM VEHICLE AND WAS DRAGGED ON ROAD CAUSING HOLE IN GAS TANK AND LEAKED ENTIRE GAS TANK ONTO ROADWAY. WE HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO SERVICE STATION FOR NEW GAS TANK AND STRAPS TO BE INSTALLED. GAS TANK AND STRAPS WILL BE SAVED FOR REVIEW. ..UPDATED 09/21/11 *BF UPDATED 09/23/11 *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. UPDATED 09/14/11 *BF THE STRAPS HAD COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY FROM THE POINT IT STARTED TOUCHING THE GAS TANK ALL THE WAY AROUND UNTIL IT CLEARED THE GAS TANK ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE BREAK COULD HAVE HAPPENED ALL THE WAY AROUND AS THERE WAS NOTHING BUT ROTTED AWAY THIN RUST LEFT. THE STRAPS WERE BROKEN COMPLETELY AND THE GAS TANK WAS LAYING ON THE SKID PLATE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE STRAPS AT HIS EXPENSE. UPDATE 09/21/11

STRAPS THAT HOLD GAS TANK BROKE. UPDATED 08/08/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRAPS BROKE AT THE FRAME AND WERE CORRODED AND SHOWED SIGNS OF STRESS FRACTURES IN THE METAL WHERE THE METAL FORMED AROUND THE TANK AND WAS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE FUEL NOZZLE HAD A CRACK IN IT AND HAD PULLED LOOSE FROM THE TANK. UPDATED 08/15/11 *TR

FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED OR BROKE ON MY 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TANK FELL TO THE GROUND. *TR

THE REAR FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAP ON MY 1997 FORD F150 HAS CORRODED AND FAILED. THE FUEL TANK HAS BEEN SUPPORTED FOR AN INDETERMINATE AMOUNT OF TIME BY THE OPTIONAL MANUFACTURER PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE, WHICH WAS ORDERED NEW WITH THE TRUCK.

JUST DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F-150 AND HAVE HAD 2 SPARK PLUGS FLY OUT THE TRUCK. MOTOR THEN RUNS ROUGH AND CONTINUES TO OPERATE FOR SOME TIME BEFORE YOU GET ANY ENGINE LIGHT. AFRAID TO LET WIFE USE TRUCK CAUSE IT COULD CATCH FIRE. *TR

FUEL TANK PARTIALLY DROPPED FROM VEHICLE. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE TRUCK AFTER IT WAS UNUSED FOR 3 WEEKS AND FOUND A PROBLEM WITH THE BREAKS. PEDAL GOING DOWN TO FLOOR. DID NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE TO INVESTIGATE BRAKE PROBLEM AND SAW FUEL TANK REAR HANGING DOWN. DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT WAS LIKE THAT. REAR STRAP RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND FAILED. TANK WAS BEING SUPPORTED BY FILL AND VENT HOSES. HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. *TR

THE FUEL STRAP BROKE CAUSING FUEL TANK TO FALL OFF OF VEHICLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD. FUEL TANK FELL TO GROUND AND WAS DRAGGED CAUSING SEVERAL HOLES IN TANK AND FUEL SPILL. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO ASSIST WITH FUEL SPILL. TANK WAS REMOVED FROM VEHICLE BY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEN TOWED TO SERVICE STATION FOR REPLACEMENT. UPDATED 08/08/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT STRAP FAILED. THE STRAP HAD A PLASTIC COVERING ON THREE SIDES OF IT. THE TOP SIDE WAS NOT COVERED AND IT WAS COVERED IN RUST IN THE MIDDLE. THE REAR STRAP WAS IN THE SAME CONDITION. UPDATED 08/15/11 *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL DRAGGING SOUND. WHEN HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE SAW THAT THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED AND LEANING ON THE GROUND. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND THE STRAPS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ UPDATED 08/05/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK FROM THE FUEL LEAK TANK WHICH CAUSED CORROSION OF ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO AUTHORIZED DEALERS WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 227,720 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.

OUR MECHANIC NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE STRAPS AT THE REAR OF THE GAS TANK WAS MISSING, AND WHEN FILLING UP OUR 1997 FORD F150, THE TANK WAS GETTING CLOSE TO BEING FILLED, GAS STARTED SPEWING OUT OF THE FILL TUBE. WE LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THAT THE FILL TUBE HAD SHIFTED DUE TO THE REAR STRAP BEING BROKEN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ADDING FUELING TO THE VEHICLE ONE OF THE FUEL STRAPS THAT HELD UP THE FUEL TANK BROKE CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO SPILL ON THE GROUND. THE CONDITION OF THE STRAPS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED APPROXIMATELY HALF A GALLON OF FUEL HAD SPILLED ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TELL IF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE BROKEN OR DETERMINE THE CONDITION OF THEM. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA11006(FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ UPDATED 07/15/11

HAD TO REPLACE RUSTED GAS TANK STRAPS BECAUSE ONE RUSTED SO BAD IT WAS HANGING DOWN, ALSO HAD TO REPLACE GAS TANK BECAUSE THE TANK RUSTED RIGHT UNDER THE STRAPS. *TR

AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK, PULLED OUT ON TO THE ROAD, SMALL BUMP IN THE INTERSECTION. RUSTED STRAPS BROKE AND GAS TANK FELL OFF. LUCKY IT WAS RAINING AND ROAD WAS WET OR COULD OF CAUSED FIRE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK STARTED DRAGGING ON THE GROUND DUE TO THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LATER BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS TANK AND CONNECTIONS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/15/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE STRAP HOLDING THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED AND THE SECOND STRAP WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING BOTH STRAPS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

REAR STRAP SUPPORTING FUEL TANK CORRODED AND BROKE. FUEL TANK TILTED AND DRAGGED ON GROUND. AFTER STOPPING, FRONT STRAP ALSO BROKE AND TANK DROPPED TO GROUND. SLIGHT FUEL LEAK. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF FUEL TANK, STEEL STRAPS AND FILLER NECK TUBE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME AND INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT ONE OF THE STRAPS WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

1997 FORD F-150 GAS TANK STRAP FAILED VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION ON 4/20/11. 1. NOTICED UNUSUAL NOISE IN REAR UNDERCARRIAGE WHILE ON HIGHWAY. 2. UPON INSPECTION SAW THAT ONE OF TWO GAS TANK STRAPS WAS BROKEN AND RUBBING DRIVE SHAFT. GAS TANK WAS LOOSE BUT RETAINED BY REMAINING STRAP. 3. MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH STRAPS ON 4/22/11 FOR $110.00. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL STRAPS WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS CORRODED. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA11006 ( FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) THAT HE BELIEVED MAY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 2/03/2012 *LN *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMETLY 35 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRAGGING THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

1997 FORD F-150 . THE GAS TANK STRAPS HAVE BEGUN TO ROT AND HAVE CHAFFED THE GAS TANK TO THE POINT THERE ARE SOME GAS VAPORS ESCAPING. NOT A FULL BLOWN LEAK AT THIS POINT. I WILL BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING TO AVOID FIRE/EXPLOSION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE THE FUEL TANK AND STRAPS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA11006 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 113,000. UPDATED 06/24/11 *BF UPDATED 11/28/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE FUEL TANK WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STRAPS WERE BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA11006 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) BUT NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE TO FULL CAPACITY, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING FUEL ODOR AND A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PUNCTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE STRAPS WERE TOO CORRODED TO EVEN INSPECT OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK. THE GAS TANK STRAP RUSTED THROUGH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED LAST SEPTEMBER, 2010. I CAUGHT IT IN TIME. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND THE GAS TANK DID NOT DROP. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS A RECALL, WILL I BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THIS REPAIR BY FORD? *TR

I HAVE A 1997 F150 WITH A TANK STRAP FAILURE. WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION? *TR

PERIODIC INSPECTION OF THE TRUCK REVEALED THE ROTTED STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANK. CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD FIX IT AND THEY SAID THEY WEREN'T AWARE OF THE PROBLEM OR ANY RECALL. WE THEN SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT FIXED AT A LOCAL AUTO BODY SHOP SINCE FORD WOULD NOT COOPERATE.

F150 PICKUP 1997 4X4. GAS TANK FELL OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK STRAPS ROTTED AND BROKE THE FUEL NECK, CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL ALL OVER THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADDING GASOLINE TO THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND STRAPS FOR $475. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK STRAPS BROKE AND FELL TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE FUEL TANK AND THE STRAPS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED SOMETHING HANGING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 147,008. UPDATED 06/17/11 *BF THE MECHANIC STATED THE GAS TANK HAD RUSTED WHERE THE FUEL STRAPS BROKE. THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF DUE TO CABLE FAILURE. ALSO THE HEAD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING INTO IT.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL TANK HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TIED CORDS AROUND THE FUEL TANK AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE STRAPS THAT SECURED THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA11006(FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 06/0611 *BF UPDATED 06/10/11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR STRAP THAT PRIMARILY HOLDS THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND IT BROKE. THE HOLE IN THE TANK WAS PATCHED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STRAP WHERE THE STRAP WAS LEAKING AND COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE HAD ALSO BEGAN TO DEVELOP RUST AND A POSSIBLE LEAK FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 150,000.

I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F-150 WHEN THE STRAPS FOR THE GAS TANK SUDDENLY BROKE AND GAS STARTED LEAKING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE STRAPS AND GAS TANK TO GET REPAIRED. MY GAS IS STILL LEAKING OUT, SO THAT A FIRE HAZARD AND A WASTE OF MONEY WITH HOW EXPENSIVE GAS PRICES ARE. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD'VE CAUSED A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT HAD THERE BEEN A LOT OF CARS ON THE ROAD, OR EVEN STARTED A FIRE DUE TO THE GAS LEAK. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING 10MPH, AND NOT 70MPH DOWN THE FREEWAY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED NOTICED THAT HIS FUEL TANK WAS HANGING FROM UNDERNEATH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS RUST AROUND THE STRAPS THAT HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 201,000. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 7/15/11

1997 F 150 GAS TANK LEAKING. FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED THROUGH TANK HANGING ON SKID PANEL . *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 162,000. UPDATED 09/07/2011 *LN *TR

GAS TANK STRAPS RUSTED. ONE BROKEN THE OTHER IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. TANK COULD FALL OUT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FRACRTURED FROM THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN SPILLING GASOLINE FUEL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

MY 1997 FORD F-150 HAD THE REAR GAS TANK STRAP FAIL. AT THE TIME, THE TRUCK HAD 96,500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON I-69 IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS. I MANAGED TO DRIVE IT TO NORTHWEST OHIO WHERE IT WAS FIXED THE NEXT DAY BY A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THEY INDICATED THAT THE FORWARD STRAP WAS ALSO NEARLY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE GAS TANK WAS BEING HELD ON MOSTLY BY THE HOSE CLAMP FOR THE GAS FILLER NECK. I WAS TOLD BY THE SHOP THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. *TR

GAS TANK FELL FROM TRUCK. STRAPS HAD RUSTED AND BROKE. *TR

I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 250 SOUTH OF NORWALK, OHIO WHEN BOTH STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANKS BROKE CAUSING THE GAS TANK TO FALL OUT OF THE TRUCK TO THE GROUND. THE FILLER NECK BROKE AT THE TANK. THE GAS LINES HELD TO THE TANK AND KEPT THE TANK DRAGGING UNTIL I STOPPED THE TRUCK. THE REASON I AM NOW REPORTING THIS IS I HAVE HEARD FROM NEWS REPORTS ABOUT THIS INCIDENT IS HAPPENING TO OTHER TRUCKS.

FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED AND BROKE ON A 1997 FORD F150. FUEL NOW LEAKS FROM TANK. *TR

OF THE THREE STRAPS DESIGNED TO HOLD THE GAS TANK IN PLACE ONE IS GONE, THE SECOND HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND IS HANGING DOWN, THE THIRD IS STILL REMAINING IN ITS' ORIGINAL FACTORY POSITION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER TRACKS HE COULD HEAR THE VEHICLE DRAGGING AN OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN INSPECTED AND REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE. UPDATED 08/08/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED ONLY ONE STRAP BROKE, WHICH BROKE IN THE MIDDLE UNDER THE TANK. THE STRAP SHOWED SIGNS OF SEVERE CORROSION. HE REINFORCED THE GAS TANK WITH A NYLON STRAP. UPDATED 08/15/11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,050 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 385,000.

WE NOTICED A GAS SMELL THAT WASN'T USUALLY PRESENT, SO TOOK THE TRUCK STRAIGHT TO THE MECHANIC, WHO CALLED TO TELL US THAT THE STRAPS HOLDING THE TANK WERE ROTTED AND WE GOT LUCKY IT DIDN'T DROP OUT WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE IT WAS HANGING BY A THREAD. AFTER FIXING THOSE, SOMETHING STILL WASN'T RIGHT AND WHEN FILLING UP THE TANK, GAS CAME POURING OUT ON THE GROUND. TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT GAS TANK WAS ALSO ROTTED OUT. UPDATED 08/04/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CORROSION ON THE STRAPS MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CORROSION OF THE TANK. UPDATED 08/15/11 *TR

HI, I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150. LAST FALL (2010) I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 30 MPH WHEN THE GAS TANK ON MY TRUCK DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THERE WERE SPARKS I WAS TOLD AND IT WAS LEAKING. I HAD NO PRIOR EVENTS/AWARENESS THAT WOULD HAVE LED ME TO CHECK ON THE TANK. I HAD A NEW TANK INSTALLED AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. I DID NOT ASK FOR THE OLD PARTS AND ASSUME THEY WERE PROBABLY DISPOSED OF. I ONLY WRITE NOW AFTER SEEING SIMILAR PROBLEMS BY OTHERS REPORTED ON THE NIGHTLY NEWS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION !! UPDATED 08/05/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT STRAP BROKE. UPDATED 08/15/11 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,220 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,240.

FILLING UP FUEL AT GAS STATION WHEN THE STRAP HOLDING THE FUEL TANK WAS NOTICED THAT IT HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE INTO 2 PIECES. WENT TO FORD AND PURCHASED REPLACEMENT STRAP TO REPAIR. *TR

THE FRONT STRAP ON THE TRUCK GAS TANK FAILED AND THE FRONT OF THE TANK DROPPED AND SKIDDED ON THE ROAD PAVEMENT UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO STOP. A SMALL HOLE WAS SCRAPPED IN THE TANK AND GAS WAS LEAKING. THE TANK WAS ABOUT 3/4 FULL AND I COULD NOT MOVE IT TO TRY TO PLUG THE LEAK. I DECIDED TO CALL 911 AND TWO FIRE TRUCKS, ONE STATE PATROL, AND THE FIRE DEPT CHAPLIN (WHO HAPPENED HEAR THE CALL) ALL ARRIVED. THEY WERE ABLE TO JACK UP THE TANK SO THE HOLE COULD BE PLUGGED AND I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE TRUCK HAULED AWAY FOR STRAP REPLACEMENT AND TANK REPAIR. INCIDENTALLY THE TANK ITSELF WAS REPLACED ABOUT THREE YEARS BEFORE THAT AND THE REPAIR SHOP THOUGHT THE STRAPS LOOKED OK AND REUSED THEM, SO I PRESUME THE STRAP DETERIORATION MAY NOT ALWAYS BE OBVIOUS OR APPARENT.

1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP SHORT BED 4.2 6CYL 5 SPEED TRANS. 1 GAS TANK SUPPORT STRAP IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. OTHER IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH. THE GAS TANK WILL EVENTUALLY FALL OFF. THE DANGER IS SELF EVIDENT. JUST NOTICED TODAY. *TR

I HAVE A 1997 F150 4.2 V6 THAT I PURCHASED NEW FROM FORD. I NOTICED THAT IT WAS LOSING COOLANT, BUT COULD NOT FIND A LEAK. IN 2005, WITH ONLY 89000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I STARTED IT UP ONE AFTERNOON WHEN I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH. I DROVE IT HOME AND PARKED IT AND WENT OUT APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR LATER AND STARTED IT UP AND IT HAD A VERY LOUD ROD KNOCK. I WAS JUST RESEARCHING REBUILD KITS AND REBUILT ENGINES WHEN I CAME ACROSS ALL THE POSTS ABOUT HYDROLOCK. I NOW KNOW THAT THIS WAS A SITUATION THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF, BUT DID NOTHING TO CORRECT AND LEFT PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WITH A VEHICLE THAT WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND DID NOT LAST. UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING ALL THIS TIME. I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THEY FOUND OUT AND PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WOULD HAVE HAD PROTECTION ON OUR INVESTMENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE INTAKE GASKET INTO THE CYLINDER IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.

WHILE DRIVING 65MPH ON THE INTERSTATE I HEARD A CLUNK FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF DRAGGING METAL. I ASSUMED THE MUFFLER HAD DROPPED OR SOMETHING INSIGNIFICANT. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE CAUSE AND WAS SHOCKED TO FIND MY NEARLY FULL GAS TANK HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, AND GAS WAS LEAKING BADLY. THE TANK WAS HANGING BY THE FILLER TUBE AND THERE WAS A 2" HOLE ON THE NOSE FROM DRAGGING IT. ABOUT 15 GALLONS OF GAS SPILLED OUT. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO CONTAIN THE SPILL. THE GAS TANK STRAPS HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU AND FAILED. *TR

I HAVE A 1997 F-150 WITH JUST OVER 150,000 MILES AND LOST BOTH STRAPS JUST AFTER FILLING UP AND GOING OVER TRAIN TRACKS @ 25 MPH. THE ONLY THING HOLDING IT ON WAS THE FUEL LINES, HOPE THERE IS NOT MAJOR DAMAGE THERE. I HAD THE TANK REPLACED ABOUT 3 YEARS PRIOR. UPDATED 08/01/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO FUEL SPILL. BOTH OF THE STRAPS BROKE, DUE TO RUST. UPDATED 08/02/11 *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE STRAPS THAT HELD THE TANK HAD SNAPPED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO FALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 192,000.

TRANSMISSION FAILURE, TRUCK HAS 112000 MILES AND THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR, THE FLUID AND FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGE 5 TIMES MORE THAN RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER, I ALSO HAD AAMCO INSTALL A LARGER TRANSMISSION COOLER. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TRANNY IS THE C CLAMP THAT LOCKS THE MAIN DRIVE IN THE TRANSMISSION CAME OFF, AND DESTROYED THE OD DRUM AND GEARS I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT MY VEHICLES WELL MAINTAINED AND AT A COST OF $1,900.56 I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD RE IMBURSE ME FOR THIS , THE TRUCK HAS NEVER HAULED ANY HEAVY LOADS OR PULLING A TRAILER WITH ANYTHING HEAVIER THAN A RIDING LAWNMOWER. I HAVE A 1970 FORD TRUCK THAT IS A BETTER TRUCK THAN MY 1997. I COULD ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO A NEW TRUCK IF DRIVEN LIKE THE COMMERCIALS THEY PRODUCE. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FORD MAN BUT THEY ARE CHANGING MY MIND QUICKLY. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED. IT'S ABSURD THAT A POSSIBLY $5.00 PART COULD CAUSE ME ALMOST 2 GRAND. I AM ABOUT TO BUY A NEW TRUCK AND I WILL BE SHOPPING AROUND AND LOOKING AT CONSUMER REPORTS TO MAKE A DECISION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS DRIVING WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGED. AS HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WINDOWS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CONTACT'S HOME, GARAGE, A SECOND VEHICLE AND OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TIO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE BEGAN WITHIN THE CRUISE CONTROL SAFETY SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE CONTACT WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150. YESTERDAY WHEN I TO GET INTO MY VEHICLE THE AREA SMELLED LIKE GASOLINE, WAS UNSURE IF IT WAS MINE SO I DROVE HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME THE SMELL WAS EVEN WORSE. UPON CHECKING THE FUEL LINES AND GAS TANK I FOUND THAT THE STRAPS ON THE FUEL TAKE RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THEY CONNECT WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE FUEL TO RUST SPECIFICALLY WHERE THE STRAP WAS RUBBING ON IT CAUSING THE TANK TO RUST AND NOW IT HAS A HOLE IN IT. THIS IS GOING TO COST $250-300 IN PARTS ALONE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANY VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE FIXED AT THE COST OF THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

1997 F-150 WAS FUELING UP VEHICLE AND HEARD POP AND LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND THE REAR GAS TANK STRAP HAD BROKEN FREE OF THE SLIDE IN ATTACHMENT ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE TANK. THE STRAP WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION BUT THE REAR SLIDE IN MOUNTING POINT ON THE CROSS MEMBER HAD ROTTED OUT COMPLETELY. THE FRONT SLIDE IN POINT DID NOT HAVE ANY CORROSION ON IT. DEALER DID NOT WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. TRUCK WAS PURCHASED USED FROM A LARGE CAR DEALER IN JUNE 2010. *TR

I JUST BOUGHT A 1997 FORD F150 WITHIN A FEW DAYS I FOUND THAT THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING, LOOKED UNDER AND FOUND STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND CAUSED TANK TO RUST AND LEAK. IS THERE A RECALL BY FORD TO REPLACE STRAPS AND TANK. *TR

MY 1997 F150, ONE GAS TANK STRAP BROKE, JORDAN FORD IN MISHAWAKA INDIANA1/22/11 . IT WILL COST $250.00 WHEN THE PARTS COME IT 1/26/11, WHEN IS THERE A RECALL? *TR UPDATED 08/01/11 *BF UPDATED 2/02/2012 *LN

I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND LEFT AND WHEN I RETURNED IT WAS ON FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD RIPPED THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN AND DRAGGED IT OUT THE GARAGE.. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE SWITCH. I FIND THAT INTERESTING SEEING HOW O HAD CALL FORD LAST SUMMER AROUND JULY2010 FOR I HAD JUST MOVED TO THIS ADDRESS I AM AT NOW. AND I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO OPEN RECALLS... HMMM... SO, I DO STILL HAVE THE TRUCK AT THIS POINT BUT DO PLAN TO HAVE IT TOWED OUT AT END OF THIS WEEK.. WOULD BE GREAT IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE TO THIS. I AM OUT A VEHICLE AND NO MONEY TO REPLACE IT... *TR

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150, I WAS CHANGING THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND NOTICED A LOT OF RUST ON THE FRAME AND BASICALLY EVERY THING ELSE UNDER THE BODY. I TOOK A SCREWDRIVER AND PUSHED IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SUSPENSION TRAVEL STOP. THERE ARE BIG CHUNKS OF RUSTY METAL FALLING OFF OF IT AT LEAST EVERY THREE OR FOUR MONTHS APART. I CAN TAKE MY FINGER AND PUSH THROUGH THE FRONT BUMPER. ALL THE BOLTS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND COLLECTORS ARE RUSTED OFF OR ALL MOST RUSTED OFF. TO FIX THE EXHAUST IT WILL COST AROUND $700.00, IF THE DEALER DONE THE REPAIRS IT WOULD COST MUCH MORE. THE GAS TANK STRAPS LOOKS REAL RUSTY ALSO. IN MY 54 YEARS OF LIFE I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME AND THE UNDERSIDE OF A VEHICLE RUST SO BAD. I LIVE IN THE SOUTH SO THE TRUCK DID NOT SEE MUCH SALT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE, ENGULFED INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS THE AREA WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

WAS FORTUNATE TO NOTICE GAS TANK HANGING DOWN FROM UNDER CARRIAGE... WAS PREPARING TO DRIVE 50 MILE IN ON INTERSTATE... WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO LOCAL DEALER...NOT WHERE PURCHASED... AND THEY INSTALLED A NEW GAS TANK STRAP..WHICH WITH LABOR WAS 93 DOLLARS... WELL WORTH IT WHEN CONSIDERING WHAT COULD HAVE EASILY HAPPENED AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. AM AMAZED THAT EVEN NOTICED UNTIL TOO LATE...THOUGHT IT WAS AN ISOLATED EVENT UNTIL STARTING TO LOOK UP OTHER NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THAT HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR

1997 F150 FORD LARIAT SUPER CAB 4X4 WITH 83,262 MILES, THE VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE RUST ON PANELS, FRAME, FRAME SUPPORTS AND UNDERCARRIAGE COMPONENTS; SOME OF THE FRAME/ FRAME SUPPORTS HAVE SIGNIFICANT HOLES AND HAS NO STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY. THE SAFETY DESIGN INTENT OF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN COMPROMISED DUE TO THE SEVERE RUST; IN A CRASH CONDITION THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS' SAFETY WOULD BE JEOPARDIZED. DECEMBER 3, 2010 THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN THE VILLAGE OF OXFORD, MI. APPROXIMATELY 25 MILE PER HOUR AND THE FRONT GAS TANK STRAP FAILED (RUSTED-OUT). THE GAS TANK FELL TO THE PAVEMENT AND LEFT THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANT INJURIES, BUT GASOLINE CONTAINMENTS WERE LEAKED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY FLATBED TRUCK TO SKALNEK FORD, LAKE ORION, MI FOR REPAIRS COSTING $773.42. *TR UPDATED 1/12/2012 *LN *TR

GEM MODULE FAILURE AT HIGH SPEED. CAUSED 4X4 TO ENGAGE AT HIGH SPEED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ALSO, DURING TURNS, CAUSES LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING. DID SOME RESEARCH OF SEVERAL FORD F150 WEB SITES AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR SIMILAR OR THE SAME PROBLEMS. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE GEM MODULE WAS THE CULPRIT AND THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION IN THE ADJACENT FUSE JUNCTION PANEL. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFESSED THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THESE KINDS OF CONDITIONS AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MANY OF THESE GEM MODULES AND FUSE PANELS BECAUSE OF LEAKS IN THE WINDSHIELD OR HOOD COWLING. THEY FURTHER TOLD ME THAT UNLESS I REPLACED THESE COMPONENTS AND ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT, AT MY EXPENSE, THEY WOULD NOT WARRANTY ANY REPAIRS. AFTER A REPAIR BILL OF $1000.00, FORD REFUSED TO HELP CLAIMING IT WAS NOT A DESIGN OR COMPONENT PART PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THE POSSIBILITY OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE FUTURE OR EVEN DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS.

1997 FORD F150 4.2 LITER ENGINE LEAKED WATER INTO THE ENGINE FROM A FAULTY BOTTOM INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET. THE REPAIRS COST 1486.00. NOTICED THAT MANY PEOPLE ONLINE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND BECAME AWARE THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. *TR

ON 11/20/2010 WHEN I WENT TO GAS UP - THE GAS RAN ON THE GROUND - THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP HAD BROKEN AND THE TANK DROPPED DOWN - PULLING THE FILLER NECK LOOSE. UPDATED 08/01/11 *BF APPROXIMATELY TEN GALLONS FAILED ONTO THE ROAD WAY. THE REAR STRAP FAILED IN THE MIDDLE FAILED. UPDATED 08/02/11 *JB

ON OCTOBER 4 2010 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE 1997 FORD F-150 TO SCHOOL FOR VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE WHEN THE FRONT STRAP HOLDING THE FUEL TANK BROKE FREE THUS CAUSING THE FRONT OF THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN ONTO THE CEMENT ROADWAY THUS WEARING A HOLE IN THE FRONT CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK AND RELEASING GAS ONTO THE CEMENT ROADWAY. SHE CALLED ME RIGHT AWAY TO TELL ME OF THE INCIDENT AND SAID THERE WAS A LITTLE SMOKE BUT NO FIRE AND THAT GAS WAS RELEASING. I THEN TOLD HER TO HANG UP AND CALL 911. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND HANDLED THE SITUATION. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TOWED THE PICKUP TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ALSO DID THE REPAIR WORK OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

1997 FORD 4.2L F150 - 91,000 MILES VEHICLE PROPERLY MAINTAINED, "BABIED" IT. IT NEVER HAD OIL, COOLANT, OR ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS. STARTED VEHICLE AND HEARD AN ENGINE SOUND "POP", AND NOTICED WHITE SMOKE EMITTING FROM TAILPIPE. THE GAUGES WERE READING ALL NORMAL, AS WELL AS OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY SHOP, THEY SAID WITHOUT TAKING ENGINE APART IT SOUNDS LIKE A ROD OR BENT CRANKSHAFT. THEY MENTIONED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD 4.2 ENGINES. IT IS NOW AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER - THEY HAVE NOT EXPLAINED HOW THIS HAPPENED BUT THAT I NEED AN ENGINE REBUILT. REALLY. THANK YOU FORD FOR STANDING BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT. CHEAPER TO BUY A REBUILT ENGINE? DOES IT HAVE THE ORIGINAL ENGINE GASKETS? THEN I CAN EXPECT TO SPEND ANOTHER $4000,00 IN THREE YEARS OR JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. IF YOU HAVE AN ENGINE PROBLEM WITH THE FORD F150 4.2L JUST DO AN INTERNET SEARCH! WHERE IS THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? *TR

PURCHASED A USED 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE ONE OWNER PERSON, THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 58,000 ORIGINAL MILES, THIS TRUCK HAS A 4.2 LITER V-6 ENGINE, WHICH WAS WELL MAINTAINED. AFTER DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OF OWNING IT THE ENGINE SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECT IN ENGINE GASKET, TORQUE SEQUENCE AND OTHER SPECIFIC SPECS, HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM FROM FORD MOTOR CO. AS OF YET. THE ENGINE SUFFERED WHAT IS CALLED HYDRAULIC-LOCK AND WHEN THE ENGINE CRANKED UP IT BENT PISTON RODS IN THE MOTOR AND THE PISTON SKIRTS ARE NOW HITTING THE CRANKSHAFT, REQUIRES A TOTAL ENGINE REBUILD OR NEW ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED SMOKING COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY WATER PENETRATING INTO THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX. THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 0470421440, AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,511 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157, 000. UPDATED 02/17/11*LJ UPDATED 11/30/2011 *LN

GAS TANK FELL OFF 1997 FORD F150 WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT. GAS TANK STRAPS HAD RUSTED THROUGH, LUCKY THE TANK DID NOT IGNITE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN A FIRE BEGAN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TILT TOWARDS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. WHEN THE CONTACT INSPECTED, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE TACK WELDING MARKS ON THE FRAME ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

I HAVE A FORD F 150 PICK UP 1997. THE STRAPS THAT SUPPORT THE FUEL TANK BROKE AND THE TANK FELL ONTO THE ROADWAY. THE TRUCK HAD TO BE TOWED OFF THE ROAD, I WAS VERY LUCKY THE TRUCK DIDN'T CATCH ON FIRE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150 XLT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER 18 HOURS AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DESTROYED. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE ON 1997 F150 30-GALLON TANK DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. TANK DROPPED, CAUSING THE FILLER HOSE TO DISCONNECT FROM THE FITTING AT THE TANK. DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WHEN FUEL STARTED POURING ONTO THE PAVEMENT AT THE GAS STATION. LAST FILL-UP WAS A WEEK PRIOR WITH OVER 200 MILES OF DRIVING SINCE, SO STRAP COULD HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR UP TO A WEEK. WILL REPLACE THE TANK AND STRAPS, WILL RETAIN THE STRAPS FOR 1 MONTH BEFORE DISCARDING. *TR

THE FRONT STRAP SUPPORTING THE FUEL TANK ON MY 1997 F150 FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, BROKE AND ALLOWED THE TANK TO DROP FROM THE FRAME AND DRAG ALONG THE GROUND. THE REAR STRAP WAS STILL INTACT. SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE WAS 30 MPH. FUEL WAS POURING OUT OF THE TANK BY THE TIME I STOPPED AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE TANK WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY (APPROXIMATELY 20 GALLONS). A WRECKER WAS CALLED TO PICK UP THE TRUCK AND BROUGHT TO A REPAIR GARAGE. ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR IS $600.00, WHICH INCLUDES THE TOWING FEE. THE OLD PARTS WERE RETAINED AND IN MY POSSESSION. THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO THE ODI FOR ANALYSIS IF DESIRED. *TR

ONE GAS TANK STRAP BROKE ON MY 97 FORD F150 A FEW MONTHS LATER THE OTHER ONE BROKE. I DROPPED AND DRAGGED THE GAS TANK WHICH BEGAN TO LEAK. I DON'T DRIVE THAT VEHICLE TOO MUCH. I WAS VERY LUCKY THERE WAS NO FIRE OR EXPLOSION. *TR

MY 17 YEAR OLD A HONOR STUDENT WAS GOING TO VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE WHEN THE FRONT STRAP OF THE FUEL TANK LET GO RESULTING THE FRONT OF THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN, GRINDING ON THE CEMENT SURFACE OF THE ROAD WEARING A HOLE IN THE FRONT BOTTOM CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK RELEASING THE FULL 24 GALLONS OF GAS THAT WAS FILLED INTO THE FUEL TANK THE NIGHT BEFORE. THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIRE DEPT/FORD DEALER WERE CALLED TO HANDLE THE SITUATION. LUCKILY FOR MY DAUGHTER -NO FIRE. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FUEL TANK WHILE IT WAS STILL PARTIALLY INTACT WITH GAS FLOWING FROM THE FUEL TANK, THE FIRE DEPT. WAS ABLE TO CONTAIN SOME OF THE 24 GALLONS OF GAS AND THEN CLEAN UP. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TOWED THE 1997 F-150 TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE NEW FUEL TANK, STRAPS AND SENSOR WERE REPLACED. MY INSURANCE WOULD NOT COVER ANY LOSS ON THIS ISSUE. MY TOTAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE FOR THIS -NEW TANK, STRAPS, LABOR, SENSOR, AND TOWING CHARGE-$523.27- GAS REPLACEMENT OF 24 GALLONS-$68.40- TOTAL = $591.67- THE FORD DEALER KEPT THE OLD PARTS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE WAS ALERTED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. HE WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVED FROM THE LOCATION AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED HIM THAT THE FIRE WAS MOST LIKELY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 225,000.

MY 1997 FORD F-150 STARTED TO LEAK COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDER. I DECIDED TO BUY A BRAND NEW MOTOR FROM FORD BACK IN 2005 BECAUSE REPAIR THE LEAKING GASKET WAS NOT WORTH IT. THERE IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE SAYING THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE OR INDEED HAVE RECALLED THESE MOTORS AND I NEVER NEW ABOUT IT. I WAS NEVER INFORMED WHEN I TOOK TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I PAID $2500 FOR A MOTOR FORD SHOULD HAVE PAID AS I AM UNDERSTANDING FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE. *TR

AWOKE TO THE ENTIRE HOUSE FILLED WITH GAS FUMES. FOUND THAT MY GAS TANK STRAPS ON MY 1997 FORD F150 HAD RUSTED AND CAUSED GAS TANK TO RUST THROUGH AND GAS LEAKED ALL OVER FLOOR IN GARAGE. MY VEHICLE HAS A SKID PLATE(OFF-ROAD 4X4), OTHERWISE THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE FALLEN TO THE GROUND. *TR

F150 PICK UP TRUCK GAS TANK STRAPS ARE IN BAD NEED OF REPAIR. FORD DEALER IN MY AREA TOLD ME THEY NEED REPLACED, ARE RUSTED VERY BAD. DON'T FEEL THESE STRAPS SHOULD BE IN THAT BAD OF ORDER. *TR

1997 FORD F150 LONG BED 2WD, REAR GAS TANK STRAP HAS BROKEN ON 09/26/2010. I CAME OUT FROM A RESTAURANT TO SEE SOMETHING HANGING UNDER MY TRUCK AND THE STRAP HAS RUSTED IN HALF! I WAS ABLE TO GET SOME WIRE FROM A FARM STORE TO GET ME BACK ON THE ROAD FOR NOW. *TR

FORD F150 FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED AND FELL OFF. ONLY ONE STRAP REMAINED HOLDING THE FUEL TANK ON THE TRUCK. ALSO CAUSED A FUEL LEAK DUE TO MOVEMENT OF THE TANK. *TR

WALKING TO MY TRUCK I NOTICE THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP BROKEN AND HANGING AND THE FUEL TANK HANGING FROM THE FRONT STRAP ONLY. THE REAR STRAP WAS TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH. THE RUST ALSO RUSTED THE TANK I AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE TANK AS WELL ON 10/3/2010. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATING. THE REAR WHEEL BEGAN SPINNING AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 120 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DEALERS WHO ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,021. UPDATED 01/06/11 *BF UPDATED 01/24/11*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FELL OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED, CAUSING THE TANK TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 03/22/11*LJ UPDATED 05/09/11

REAR FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED THROUGH AND FINALLY BROKE, 1997 F150 XL REG. CAB 2WD, 96L TANK. LUCKY I JUST HAPPENED TO BE LOOKING UNDER THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THIS ISSUE. HAD BOTH STRAPS REPLACED AT A COST OF $118.63 CDN. PART # ST130. *TR

GAS TANK ASSEMBLY -RUSTED STRAPS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE EXHIBITING AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY AND NOTICED THE FUEL STRAPS HANGING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE FUEL STRAPS WERE WELDED, WHICH LASTED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED STATING THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED03/02/11 *BF UPDATED 03/07/11

FUEL TANK STRAP ROTTED OUT TANK HANGING DOWN,,FIXED ONE STRAP NOW GAS TANK IS LEAKING (TANK ROTTED ALSO SMELL OF GAS IN TRUCK CAB!!! FUEL LEAKAGE FROM TANK IF OVER HALF FULL,TOLD D.M.V ,TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT ,TILL REPAIR MADE. *TR

A 1997 FORD F 150 PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS CAUGHT ON FIRE ON IT'S OWN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL CAUSE. *TR

ON SEPT 13, 2010 AT 6:00 PM I AND MY WIFE WERE IN MY 1997 F-150 JUST LEAVING TOWN WHEN THE GAS TANK DROPPED TO THE PAVEMENT. AT FIRST I DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. I THOUGHT THE MUFFLER WAS DRAGGING OR SOMETHING WHICH SURPRISED ME BECAUSE IT IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. I PULLED THE TRUCK OFF TO THE SIDE AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE I COULD SEE THE FRONT PART OF THE TANK ON THE GROUND AND A HOLE HAD BEEN WORN IN IT AND ABOUT 12 GALLONS OF GAS LEAKED OUT. WE WERE THANKFUL A SPARK DID NOT IGNITE IT ALL. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND IT WAS TOWED BACK TO TOWN. THE TANK COULD NOT BE REPAIRED (WHICH WAS IN GOOD SHAPE) AND $591 LATER IT IS BACK ON THE ROAD. *TR UPDATED 08/01/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRAP BROKE IN THE MIDDLE AND THE REST OF THE STRAP WAS IN FAIR CONDITION. UPDATED 08/02/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS REFUELING THE VEHICLE AS SHE NOTICED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME HESITANT TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HANGING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND THE FUEL TANK FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS FAILURE OCCURRED JUST MINUTES AFTER BEING ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MORE DANGEROUS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 161000.

PLEASE ADD MY NAME TO THE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT BREAKING FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE TANK DID NOT FALL OFF. I WIRED IT BACK UP FOR NOW UNTIL THE OTHER STRAP BREAKS OFF. *TR

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR A 1997 FORD F150 XLT TRUCK. IN LATE APRIL/MAY LAST YEAR I NOTICED ONE OF MY FUEL TANK STRAPS HAD RUSTED AND THE TANK WAS HANGING DOWN. I WENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND PURCHASED 2 STRAPS TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE TANK STRAPS THINKING IF THE ONE RUSTED OUT I MIGHT AS WELL CHANGE BOTH STRAPS. I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE BOTH STRAPS MYSELF SO I THOUGHT I WAS GOOD. I DID NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLTS BECAUSE THE BOLT MEETS THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK BEFORE YOU CAN OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLT. HOWEVER, A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER I NOTICED MY TANK WAS LEAKING IN THE AREA WHERE THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK IS SHAPED TO ACCEPT THE STRAP. I REMOVED THE STRAP IT APPEARED THAT THE RUSTING PROCESS HAD WEAKEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK IN THE AREA OF THE STRAP. I HAD TO ORDER A NEW FUEL TANK FROM AN ONLINE SUPPLIER TO SAVE MONEY(PARTS TRAIN) AND WENT BACK TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY AGREED FOR A FEE TO INSTALL THE NEW AFTERMARKET FUEL TANK. I DID HAVE ADDITIONAL COSTS TO REPLACE A FUEL TAKEN SENSOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE THAT WAS RUSTED AND WOULD NOT BE REUSABLE WITH THE NEW FUEL TANK. MY TOTAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WERE APPROXIMATELY $350.00. *TR

THE FUEL TANK STRAPS BROKE ON MY 1997 FORD F-150. I HEARD THE NOISE AND QUICKLY PULLED INTO A SERVICE STATION. THEY FIXED MY PROBLEM. I AM LUCKY IT DIDNT FALL OFF IN THE ROAD AND IGNITE. *TR

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 PIK UP TRUCK. BOTH STRAPS THAT HOLD THE GAS TANK IN PLACE HAVE BROKEN IN TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS. *TR

I SAW THE NOTICE ON THE F-150'S. I JUST CALLED FORD LAST WEEK RE: THIS SAME THING. THEY TOLD ME DUE TO AGE AND MILES ON VEHICLE THEY COULD DO NOTHING. IT BECAME LOOSE AND HANGING WHILE POURING GAS ALL OVER THE EXPRESSWAY ON SEPT 3RD. I WAS VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR RESPONSE, AS I DON'T FEEL THIS SHOULD BE AN ISSUE ANYONE NEEDS TO WORRY ABOUT. MY CASE NUMBER WITH THEM IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 18 HOURS. *TR

ON AUGUST 1, 2010, OUR FORD F150 (VIN [XXX]) STARTED ON FIRE AND BURNED FROM THE ENGINE ON OUT. THE HOOD IS TOTALLY BURNED THROUGH AND THE WINDSHIELD ALSO BURNED. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS RUINED. THE TRUCK WAS IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT THE TIME AND WE WERE ALERTED MY NEIGHBORS WHO SAW FLAMES SHOOTING 10' INTO THE SKY. WE BELIEVE THIS ENGINE FIRE WAS DUE TO ONE OF THE RECALLS OF FORD'S FAULTY SWITCHES OR WIRING THAT IGNITED THE SPARK INTO A FULL BURN. *TR

LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINE FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC BRAKING. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED USING EMERGENCY BRAKE. BRAKE LINE HAD CORRODED THROUGH ABOUT 2-3 INCHES FROM LEFT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER. LINE WAS REPLACED BUT OLD LINE WAS NOT RETAINED. *TR

I PARKED MY CAR IN A PARKING STRUCTURE AT A LUXURY APARTMENT COMPLEX FOR ALMOST 4 HOURS. WHEN I CAME BACK TO GET MY LUNCH MY CO-WORKER YELLED "DUDE YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE" I IMMEDIATELY TRY GETTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FINALLY FOUND ONE 2 MINUTES AFTER I FOUND MY F-150 ON FIRE. THANKFULLY THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER PUT OUT THE FIRE. SOME PARTS UNDER THE HOOD IS ALL BURNT UP. I CONTACTED FORD TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT HAPPENED,BECAUSE BY DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE RECALLS ON THE SAME YEAR AS MY TRUCK. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK MY TRUCK AND HE TOLD ME THAT EVERYTHING THE RECALL IS DESCRIBING,HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK. FORD SAID SOMEONE WILL CONTACT ME WITHIN 15 BUSINESS DAYS, UNFORTUNATELY THAT IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE FOR ME,DUE TO THE FACT I USE MY TRUCK FOR WORK AN DID NOW HAVE TO USE MY WIFE CAR THAT ISN'T REALLY RELIABLE WHEN IT COME TO MY JOB. NOTE THAT VERY SAME DAY I FILLED UP MY TANK WITH 23 GALLONS WORTH OF GAS AND THIS INCIDENT COULD OF BEEN WORST IF I DISCOVERED THE FIRE AT A LATER TIME. I'M REALLY HOPING THAT THIS ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED,BECAUSE I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK AT ALL. *TR

97 F150 WITH 130K ENGINE GASKET BLEW. THIS ENGINE HAD A RECALL ON ENGINE AND TIMING COVER GASKETS, AND WHEN I TYPED MY VIN NUMBER IN ON THE FORD SITE, THEY SAID I HAD NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. I ASKED FORD FOR THE NAME OF THE DEALER WHO LIED AND SAID THEY DID THE WORK AND ONLY GOT PAID FOR IT, AND FORD SAID THEY HAD NO INFO. I GOT THE SHAFT, AND IT COST 5K TO GET ENGINE REBUILT MYSELF. *TR

GAS PEDAL IS STICKING WIDE OPEN EVEN IF NOT PRESSED TO FULL THROTTLE WHEN YOU TAP BRAKE PEDAL OR THE OFF SWITCH FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL IT RELEASES THE ACCELERATOR. DOES THIS NO MATTER IF CRUISE CONTROL IS OFF OR ON. TRUCK HAS BEEN IN AND REPAIRED FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL STARTING FIRES. BUT NOW CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT DEACTIVATING. HAS DONE THIS 11 TIMES SO FAR. *TR

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L V6. ENGINE COOLANT FILLED ENGINE CYLINDER RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. REPLACE ENGINE WITH USED ONE AT A COST OF $3500.00. THIS ENGINE SHOWS SIGNS OF SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE DRIVEN FORDS FOR 30 YEARS, THIS IS THE LAST ONE I'LL OWN. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. HE STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD, UNUSUAL NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND STRIPPED THE THREADS HOLDING THE SPARK PLUGS IN PLACE. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SPARK PLUG WIRES TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A COIL SPARK PLUG KIT. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON MAY 22, 2010, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS LOCATED. THE FIRE SPREAD UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,528.

WHILE DRIVING THE TWO FRONT AIR BAGS UNINTENTIONALLY DEPLOYED. NO CRASH, NO SPEED BUMP. JUST NORMAL DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THEY WENT OFF. *TR

ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL KEEPS RUNNING LOW .TRUCK STARTING TO SKIP OR MISFIRE ON CYLINDER. NO VISIBLE LEAKAGE ON THE OUT SIDE OF MOTOR. *TR

DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN 1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP ON 4 LANE HIGHWAY. HEARD NOISE TOWARDS REAR OF VEHICLE. NO COLLISION SPARE TIRE EXITED BOTTOM OF BED . BOUNCED ON ROADWAY ACROSS TRAFFIC ON OTHER SIDE OF 4 LANE ON COMING TRAFFIC BEHIND THEN AND IN FRONT OF VEHICLES. SOMEHOW NO ONE COLLIDED WITH THE ROLLING SPARE TIRE AS IT EXITED THE ROADWAY TO THE SHOULD OF ROADWAY. TIRE NOW IN BED OF TRUCK NOT UNDERNEATH UNTIL I CAN REPAIR DUE TO BROKEN CABLE THAT SUPPORTED TIRE. *TR

1997 FORD F150 TRUCK. SPARK PLUG EJECTION PROBLEM. 3RD TIME. EVERY TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, NO WARNING, DRIVING REGULAR, THEN IT BLOWS OUT. POPPING CRACKLING HORRIBLE. 2 TIMES SAME ONE, THIS 3RD TIME SAME SIDE BUT DIFFERENT SPARK PLUG. BEEN HELICOILED BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL, PAID DEARLY. *TR

MY FORD TRUCK ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY JUST LIKE THE TOYOTAS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU GUYS, TWICE, AND NEVER HEARD BACK. I CAN MAKE MY TRUCK DO THIS!!! IF SOMEONE WANTS TO LOOK AT MY TRUCK, WHILE IT'S DOING THIS, PLEASE DO!!!MY NEXT STEP IS TO CALL MY CONGRESSMAN. THANK YOU. UPDATED 03/09/10 UPDATED 03/26/10.*JB

1997 F150 BRAKES LOCKING UP AND ENGINE COOLANT LEAK INTO MOTOR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT WORK SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE, INTERIOR, AND BOTH FRONT END TIRES WERE BURNED AND DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP OR THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 270000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND HEARD A LOUD POP, AS IF A TIRE HAD BLOWN OR DRIVE COMPONENT BROKE. MY TRUCK BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND SHAKE AFTER THE NOISE AND CONTINUED WHEN I CAME TO A STOP VERY SHORTLY AFTER THE SOUND. IT ALSO CONTINUED AFTER I CAME TO A STOP AND PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK. ALSO, IT INCREASED IN SEVERITY BUT LESSENED IN TIME INTERVAL, OF AN OBVIOUS KNOCK. I LEARNED I HAD BLOWN A SPARK PLUG OUT OF MY HEAD, TAKING THE THREADS IN THE HEAD WITH IT. THE TWO OPTIONS ARE TO REMOVE THE HEAD FROM THE MOTOR, WHICH COSTS ABOUT WHAT THE TRUCK IS WORTH, OR TO FIX IT WITH THE HEAD ON THE MOTOR AND TAKE CHANCES THAT NO METAL SHAVINGS ENTER THE CYLINDERS. BOTH OPTIONS REQUIRE A HELI-COIL FOR THE HEAD. I HAD TO HELI-COIL MY HEAD TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG SINCE THERE WERE NO THREADS FOR THE SPARK PLUG TO ATTACH TO. *TR

HEADLIGHTS HAVE LOST A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF THEIR INTENSITY DUE TO THE YELLOWING EFFECT OF THE PLASTIC LENS COVERS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH HE SUDDENLY LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL, MOMENTS LATER THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. WHILE COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER A ICE PATCH WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLES REAR END TO SWAY LEFT AND RIGHT BEFORE STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT HAD BEGUN TO ROT AND SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 128000.

SPARKPLUG BLOWING OUT. *TR

HEATER MALFUNCTION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD, F150 PICKUP. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH FAILED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE ACTIVATED HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, AND THEN PRESSED RESET, BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS, HE WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,901.

A 1997 FORD PICKUP WAS PUT INSIDE THE GARAGE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE FRONTAL HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. ALSO HE HEARS KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CONNECTION ROD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. HE WAS REFUSED SERVICE BECAUSE HE PURCHASED A VEHICLE FROM A DIFFERENT DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR THE FAILURE. HE WAS THEN ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 219,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

I HAVE A 1997 F-150 4.6 V8 WITH APPROX 270,XXX MILES ON IT. AROUND THREE YEARS AGO I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL RADIATOR AT AROUND 190,XXX MILES, SEEMED FAIR THAT'S A DECENT LIFE I THOUGHT FOR A RADIATOR. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT. SINCE THEN I AM NOW NEED OF MY FOURTH RADIATOR, THE LAST RADIATOR WAS REPLACED IN JAN 2008. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE FOLKS ARE SAYING THAT THE PART IS OUT OF THEIR 12 MONTH/12,000 MILE WARRANTY AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. ALL REPAIRS FOR THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT THIS DEALER FOR THE PAST FIVE OR SO YEARS. MY CONTENTION IS THAT CLEARLY THESE PARTS ARE SUSPECT AND THE REPAIR AND FAILURE HISTORY SEEMS TO SUPPORT THIS. *TR

1. REGULAR BRAKING WAS DISABLED BY MALFUNCTIONING ABS FIRING. FOR NO APPARENT REASON, IN DRY AND SLOW CONDITIONS ON CITY STREETS, BRAKES WERE NOT ALLOWED TO ENGAGE PROPERLY, RESULTING IN THE TRUCK ROLLING FORWARD AS THE ABS SYSTEM FIRED. 2. IN TRYING TO STOP THE TRUCK, WITH THE BRAKES FULLY ENGAGED TO THE FLOOR, THE PEDAL VIBRATED FROM ABS ACTIVITY AND THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD INTO INTERSECTION. AT FIRST THIS ONLY HAPPENED ON THE FIRST STOP OF THE DAY, EVERY FEW MONTHS OR SO. LATER IT HAPPENED FREQUENTLY. I FOUND THAT IF I QUICKLY SHUT OFF THE IGNITION THE (ELECTRONIC) ABS WOULD BE DEACTIVATED AND THE TRUCK WOULD STOP NORMALLY. 3. CHANGING FRONT BEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED SPEED SENSORS SOLVED THE PROBLEM. DEALER PART AND INSTALLATION WAS AROUND $1200, BUT GENERIC PARTS WERE AVAILABLE THAT SHAVED SEVERAL HUNDRED OFF THIS TOTAL REPAIR COST. *TR

1997 FORD F150, WE WERE ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY FROM 30 MPH OUT OF A CONSTRUCTION ZONE BACK TO HIGHWAY SPEED (65MPH). THE TRUCK HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND CRUISE CONTROL. CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVATED. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE STUCK INTO FULL ACCELERATION MODE. SHARPLY APPLYING THE BRAKES HAD NO EFFECT IN SLOWING THE VEHICLE. THE FOOT ACCELERATOR WAS DOWN FULLY, THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT INVOLVED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO LIFT THE FOOT ACCELERATOR WITH HER TOE, BUT IT WAS STUCK DOWN FULLY. IT COULD NOT BE LIFTED. WITHIN 2 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING WELL PAST 100 MPH. CARS AHEAD WERE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IN DESPERATION WE REPEATEDLY HIT THE BRAKE HARD AND SUDDEN WITH FULL EFFORT. THERE WAS A POP AND THE ACCELERATOR CAME BACK UP. THE TRUCK WAS PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THERE WAS NO APPARENT ISSUE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PETAL. IT MOVED EASILY AND NORMALLY. THE TRUCK WAS STARTED AND TEST DROVE, AND EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED NORMALLY. WE CONTINUED DRIVING WITHOUT ANY FURTHER INCIDENT. I ASSURE YOU IT WAS NOT DRIVER FAULT THERE IS SOMETHING THAT ACTIVELY PULLS THE ACCELERATOR DOWN EVEN WHEN THE CRUISE IS NOT ACTIVATED. HITTING THE BRAKE DID NOT STOP THE ACTIVATION. THIS WAS A CLOSE CALL AND WE HAVE VERY CREDIBLE WITNESSES AND DRIVERS TO EXPLAIN IN DETAIL WHAT HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 189000 MILES ON IT AND HAS NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE THAT WE KNOW OF. WE BOUGHT IT USED, AND IT IS IN ORIGINAL CONDITION, NO AFTER MARKET GASKETS OR ALTERATIONS. JAMES GIBSON *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE. AS A CONSEQUENCE, HE WAS UNABLE TO NOTIFY OTHER DRIVERS WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE WIRING ASSEMBLY IN THE BRAKE LAMP CONTROL AT AN EXPENSE OF $115.11. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED , BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 163,000. UPDATED 10/27/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHTS ONLY COME ON WITH EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. UPDATED 10/28/09.*JB

1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L ENGINE. STARTED CAR IN THE MORNING. MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND STOPPED IT. RESTARTED THE MOTOR AND IT RATTLING LOUDLY AND STOPPED IT AGAIN. THE NUMBER ONE PISTON BENT THE CONNECTING ROD. *TR

PULL GEAR SHIFTER DOWN TO D1 AND SMOKE AND FIRE CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN: ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE TRUCK WAS UNABLE TO USE THE OVERDRIVE FUNCTION. REPLACED SEVERAL FUSES AND TRIED AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I DISMANTLED THE STEERING COLUMN AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IS TWO SHORT AND ROUTED AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING IT TO BREAK EVERYTIME THE TRUCK IS PUT INTO D1. FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOR ANY AUTO STORE HAVE ANY PARTS TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE TRUCK IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY DID NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY RECOMMEND THAT I NOT USE D2/D1/OVERDRIVE. *TR

TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. *TR

AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 2 MILES AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE STARTED ABOUT 15 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH IN A RAINSTORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AFTER THE RAIN STOPPED. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE GEM MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND REINSTALLED THE GEM MODULE, AS WELL AS INSTALLED A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. THE WIPERS FAILED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CONDITIONS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE GEM MODULE HE INSTALLED FROM FORD WAS DEFECTIVE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, INCLUDING THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE MECHANIC CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND DETERMINE IF THE AIR BAGS WORK. PRIOR TO THE GEM MODULE FAILURE, SEVERAL COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. AT 30,000 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 10 MPH, THE PIN IN THE STEERING COLUMN FELL OUT. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND MANAGED TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS FAILURE AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 160,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLER SHEERED OFF. UPDATED 05/29/09*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD KICK IN AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THEY REPLACED UNKNOWN MODULES IN THE TRANSMISSION AT THE COST OF $607. THE DEALER ALSO INSTALLED A NEW DASHBOARD SWITCH AT NO COST DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN THERE FOUR TIMES WITH THE EXACT SAME FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 53,000. UPDATED 04-24-09 *BF UPDATED 04/27/09.*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED AND WAS STRIKING AGAINST THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V161000 (SUSPENSION: REAR: SPRINGS: LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY). IF THE CONTACT REPAIRS THE VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER WILL OFFER A TWO MONTH WARRANTY FOR THE REAR SPRING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000. UPDATED 06/12/09 *BF UPDATED 06/16/09

BACK WINDOW LEAKS, PLASTIC FRAME THAT HOLDS GLASS ONTO CAB BRAKES WITH TIME. VARIOUS GLASS COMPANIES HAVE TOLD ME THAT IT'S A COMMON THING WITH THE 97-2000 FORD F-150'S IT'S NOT THE RUBBER NOR A WEATHER STRIP IT'S THE PLASTIC FRAME THAT BRAKES WITH TIME. *TR

MY F-150 WAS RUNNING ROUGH AND HAD A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THEY REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, AND IGNITION COIL FOR A COST OF OVER $500. THEY STATED THAT THE #5 PLUG HAD BEEN FOULED WITH ANTIFREEZE. IT RAN FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH, THEN UPON STARTING MY TRUCK, A LOUD BANGING OR RATTLING NOISE COULD BE HEARD AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. UPON DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THAT A FAULTY GASKET DESIGN CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO ONE OF THE CYLINDERS INSPECTION OF THE CYLINDERS SHOWED COOLANT TO BE POOLED IN THE FRONT, PASSENGER-SIDE CYLINDER. CERTIFIED MECHANICS ATTRIBUTE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER TO BE DUE TO A PREMATURE GASKET FAILURE. IF NOT CORRECTED, THE PROBLEM LEADS TO MAJOR ENGINE DESTRUCTION. DOCUMENTED EFFECTS OF THE COOLANT LEAK ARE WORN OUT BEARINGS AND SURFACES, AND BROKEN OR BENT CONNECTING RODS, NECESSITATING AN ENGINE REBUILD. FORD SENT A TSB TO SOME OWNERS OF THESE ENGINES TO REPLACE THE FAULTY GASKET BUT NOT TO OTHER OWNERS. THE KNOWLEDGE OF A FAULTY GASKET DESIGN WAS WITHHELD FROM SOME 1997 4.2L F150 OWNERS. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION, AND LIKE MANY PEOPLE, HAVE SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. AVERAGE REPAIR COSTS ARE AROUND $4500 DOLLARS. FORD DID NOT NOTIFY OWNERS OF KNOWN DEFECTS AND FORD TECHNICIANS WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN ANYONE, DID NOT NOTIFY ME. *TR

I RECENTLY NOTICED A LOSS OF COOLANT AND FOAMY ENGINE OIL. I FOUND AN ONLINE FORUM EXPLAINING THIS AS A PROBLEM CALLED HYDROLOCKED.FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE 1999 AN HAS ISSUED A TSB 99-20-7 AND ONP 99B29.WHY HAS FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOT BEEN HELD FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ? *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT MADE A CRACKING AND POPPING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BE LIFTED UP FROM THE ANCHORAGE AND TILTED TO THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V196000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR), ALTHOUGH HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN 2008. HE WAS INFORMED BY BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER (FORD OF AMERICA) THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

MY 1997 F-150 4.2L V6 WITH 128,000 MILES STARTED EXPERIENCING AN UNACCOUNTABLE FOR WATER LOSS THAT QUICKLY TURNED INTO A ROUGH IDLE ON COLD STARTS AND THEN VERY NOTICEABLE STEAM FROM THE EXHAUST AT WHAT TIME IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR WITH A SUSPECTED BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DISMANTLING THE ENGINE, THERE WAS WATER IN THE TOP END BUT THERE IS NO INDICATION OF HEAD GASKET FAILURE AND THE HEADS HAVE BEEN PRESSURE TESTED FOR LEAKS AND TURNED OUT OK. IT APPEARS THAT THE INTAKE OR INTAKE GASKET IS THE PROBLEM AND UPON ONLINE RESEARCH IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT FORD HAS HAD PRIOR COMPLAINTS OF INTAKE AND GASKET FAILURES. *TR

WATER INTRUSION INTO GEM MODULE CAUSING FAILURE OF WIPERS, ELECTRIC WINDOWS, INTERIOR LIGHTS AND ENGAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC 4WHEEL DRIVE TO WORK. USUALLY TRIGGERED AFTER RAIN AND LASTING FOR DAYS. SEE TSB 98231 NHTSA 603715. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. *TR

FUEL TANK STRAP REPLACEMENT LEAD TO DISCOVERY OF BROKEN FUEL TANK AT FEED TUBE. RARE OCCURRENCE ACCORDING TO AUTO SHOP AND DEALER SAID NOTHING CAN BE DONE SINCE VEHICLE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE IS 97' FORD F-150. *TR

THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN OVER 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. WE WERE AWAKENED BY OUR LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS, ALERTING US TO THE FACT THAT THE TRUCK HAD BEEN ON FIRE. THEY WERE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY PUT OUT THE FIRE PRIOR TO IT SPREADING TO OUR HOME. THE FIRE ORIGINATED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, UNDER THE HOOD, AROUND THE WHEEL WELL. THIS WAS DOCUMENTED BY OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK AND THE DRIVEWAY HAVE BEEN MELTED, AND THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE OR FIXABLE. COINCIDENTALLY, WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD THIS WEEK STATING THAT THE RECALL ON THIS TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN DONE AND THAT IT COULD RESULT IN FIRE. WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE PARTY ON MAY 11, 2008 AND THIS WAS OUR FIRST NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL. OF COURSE IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK WE REGISTERED IT WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS TO OBTAIN PLATES IN OUR NAME, AND WE WERE ISSUED OUR REGISTRATION. WE OWNED THIS TRUCK EXACTLY 6 MONTHS TO THE DATE WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. IF WE HAD BEEN SENT A NOTIFICATION PRIOR TO THE FIRE, RATHER THAN AFTERWARDS, WE COULD HAVE HAD THIS CRUISE CONTROL RECALL ADDRESSED. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE IS SCRAP. WE ARE HOLDING ON TO THE TRUCK, UNTIL WE CAN REACH A DETERMINATION OF FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS MATTER. *TR

THE FRAME ON MY 1997 FORD F150 HAS RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE SHOCK AND SPRING MOUNTS TO BREAK. FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEMS. *TR

MY 1997 FORD F150 4X4 ON THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD THE REAR SPARK PLUG CAME OUT WHILE DRIVING LOSS OF POWER NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE IT MAKES WEIRD NOISES IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS SPARK PLUG NO LONGER FITS IN THE HEAD WAS THIS A BAD FLAW TO THE 4.6 DUEL OVERHEAD CAM ENGINE .DO I HAVE A CLAIM WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY THANK YOU! *TR

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED DURING RAIN, MANAGED TO PULL OFF ROAD SAFELY. (OTHER ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAILED AS WELL) WIPERS NO LONGER WORK. VEHICLE IS OUT OF SERVICE UNTIL REPAIRED. FORD IS AWARE OF PROBLEMS. SEE FORD TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 98-9-13 AND FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 . *TR

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1997 FORD F-150. I HAD PARKED IT FOR A FEW WEEKS UNTIL I SOLD MY CHEVY TAHOE. WHEN I WENT TO START IT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I CHARGED THE BATTERY AND WHEN I RECONNECTED IT I WENT IN THE CAB AND COULD SMELL BURNING PLASTIC AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WERE ON, EVEN THOUGH THE KEY WAS IN MY HAND. I LOOKED UNDER THE DASH AND FOUND THAT THE GEM MODULE WAS SIZZLING AND SMOKING. I QUICKLY GOT OUT AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT WOULD HAVE STARTED ON FIRE HAD I NOT NOTICED IT IN TIME. IT SURPRISED ME THAT NO FUSES WERE BLOWN. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON THING FOR ALOT OF 1997 - 2003 FORDS AND WAS WONDERING WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED. I WORKED FOR A CHEVY DEALERSHIP IN MARQUETTE MI SO I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT RECALLS AND I FEEL THAT THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND IT SHOULD NOT BE AN EXPENSE PUT ON THE CONSUMER. I THINK THAT WITH THE DECLINE IN SALES FOR THE AMERICAN AUTOMAKERS THEY SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF THESE FAULTY MODULES. I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING IT SO IM NOT SURE HOW MUCH IT WILL COST ME BUT IM EXPECTING IT TO BE BETWEEN $120- $160. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE HAS CHAPARRAL AP TIRES, SIZE LT265/75R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING SEVERELY. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO BALANCE THE TIRES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE OUT OF ROUND. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A THIRD DEALER AND THEY LOADED DOWN THE TIRES WITH WHEEL WEIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS DEFECT WITH THE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF UPDATED 11/26/08*JB

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON SO WHEN I GOT HOME I STARTED TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND FOUND A FUSE THAT WAS BROKEN. I REPLACED THE FUSE AND THREE HOURS LATER WE SMELLED SMOKE IN OUR HOUSE AND FOUND MY SHOP WAS ON FIRE. WE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AFTER THE FIRE WAS OUT FOUND THAT THE TRUCK WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *TR

BOUGHT 97 FORD F-150 TRUCK FROM PRIVATE PARTY.. IT HAD RECALL ON IT WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT IT AND MY TRUCK ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE CAR WAS OFF AND HAD BEEN OFF FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER CALLED BACK AND STATED THAT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT DID NOT APPROVE THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THEY SENT THE CONTACT A RECALL NOTICE, BUT HE CLAIMED THAT IT WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY SENT THE NOTICE TO A DIFFERENT MAILING ADDRESS, WHICH IS WHY IT WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 175,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WATER LEAK IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD OR A FIREWALL THAT CAUSED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO THE FUSE BOX OR THE GEM MODULE. THE FAILURE OCCURS DURING THE RAIN. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RPM, THE FUSE BOX WOULD SHORT OUT. THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 3/5/09 *CN THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AND NO LONGER LEAKS. AN IMPROPER SEAL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE LEAKAGE. UPDATED 03/10/09. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE. A CASE NUMBER WAS OBTAINED AND POLICE REPORT NUMBER PD080825409115 WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS LISTED AS THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

DEFECTIVE ENGINE THAT CAUSES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET TO LEAK COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE OIL. I HAVE HAD THIS REPLACED TWICE AND AM NOW IN NEED OF IT AGAIN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN LTXM/S TIRES, SIZE P235/70/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT ON THE VALVE STEMS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, BOTH PASSENGER SIDE TIRES DEFLATED. THE CONTACT REDUCED THE SPEED AND PROCEEDED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO BOTH VALVE STEMS. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE VALVE STEMS ON THE TIRES. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED WITH THE VALVE STEM DEFECT. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,400 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

1997 FORD F-150 WITH RECALL ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER CHARGED HIM $68.00 FOR A DIAGNOSIS FEE FOR STATING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHARGED THE $68.00. *KB THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER TO REPAIR THE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE WIRING AND OTHER COMPONENTS THAT WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY SWITCH THAT WAS RECALLED. THE TURN SIGNAL DID NOT STAY ON WHEN MAKING A TURN . *JB

WENT TO START TRUCK. HYDRO LOCKED. WOULD NOT START. *TR

THE 97 F-150 HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE NOT STARTED FOR 2 DAYS. SUNDAY MORNING WE WENT TO GO TO THE LAKE AND THE TRUCK STARTED BUT WOULD NOT GO OUT OF PARK,AN ISSUE I HAVE HAD BEFORE,BUT THIS TIME THE ABS LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I HAVE BEEN IN THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR BUSINESS FOR 15 YEARS, SO I HAD A GOOD IDEA WERE TO START LOOKING. THE FIRST PLACE I LOOKED WAS THE BRAKE SAFETY SWITCH LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ITSEL. EVERY THING CHECKED OUT FINE. THAT IS WERE I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM BEFORE SO I THOUGHT IT WAS ANOTHER BROKEN WIRE BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. SO I DECIDED TO CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL,AND NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRICAL PLUG LOCATED AT THE FRONT OF THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED THE ENTIRE PLASTIC PLUG AND WIRES. NOW I DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT I FEEL VERY LUCKY IT WENT OUT BY ITSELF!I LIVE IN THE COLORADO MOUNTAINS AND COULD NOT IMAGINE THE DAMAGE IT COULD OF CAUSED IF IT WOULD HAVE GOTTEN OUT OF CONTROL, AS IT WAS PARKED BY TREES ,SHED, JET SKIS,ETC. AT THIS TIME I AM GOING TO TRY TO REPLACE THE PLUG AND OR WIRING HARNESS AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ON FRONT OF MASTER CYLINDER THAT I BELIEVE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE SMALL FIRE. I WILL CALL FORD DEALER SHIP IN MORNING TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ANY INFO ON PROBLEM. I HAVE ALL OLD PARTS AND HAVE DOCUMENTED THE ISSUE WITH PICTURES. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BOX IS LOCATED ABOUT 3 INCHES FROM THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE SWITCH THAT CAUGHT FIRE. I DO KNOW ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL AND IT MAKES ME WONDER IF ALL OF THESE TRAGIC FORD FIRES REPORTED REALLY DID START FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH? *TR

AS I WAS LEAVING THE ON RAMP TO ENTER HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-25 IN DENVER THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DISCONNECTED WHERE THE STEERING SHAFT MEETS THE STEERING GEAR BOX. THERE WAS NO STEERING CAPABILITIES OF THE PICK-UP. I WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT CAUSING ANY PROBLEMS BUT WAS WITHIN FEET OF BEING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR

VEHICLE RUNNING ROUGH AND SMOKING AT START UP. MECHANIC SAID #4 CYCLE GETTING COOLANT ON SPARK PLUGS FOWLING OUT PLUGS. MECHANIC REPAIRED HEADS AND REPLACED BLOWN HEAD GASKET/TUNED UP ENGINE/ REPLACED FUEL AND AIR FILTER/ SERVICED FUEL SYSTEM / RESURFACED HEADS. *TR

MY F150 TRUCK WAS PARKED UNDER THE CARPORT WHEN THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE AS OUR FAMILY WAS SLEEPING. MY DAUGHTER'S CAR, PARKED BESIDE THE TRUCK, BEGAN TO BURN AS WELL AND THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM SOUNDED. MY FAMILY AWOKE AS THE WINDOWS OF THE HOUSE UNDER THE CARPORT WERE BREAKING OUT AND THE HOUSE FIRE ALARM BEGAN TO SOUND. EVERYONE GOT OUT OK, THANK GOODNESS, AND THE HOUSE WAS SAVED, ALTHOUGH DAMAGED. WE LOST THE TRUCK, CARPORT, RIDING LAWN MOWER, 4 WHEELER AND SEVERAL OTHER SMALL ITEMS. THE INSIDE OF THE HOUSE SUFFERED MAJOR SMOKE AND WATER DAMAGE. THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE STARTED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL PART WHICH FORD HAS A RECALL ON. *TR

FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILURE. CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1,400 DOLLARS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE GAS TANK HAD COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY ABNORMALITIES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 152,000.

1997 FORD F-150, WIPERS QUIT WHILE USING THEM IN RAIN, HEAD GASKET LEAKS OIL ON EXHAUST WHICH INTERN SMOKES AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE FIRE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #08V051000) IN JUNE 2007. THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVDE A DATE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. AS OF MAY 2, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131, 298 AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN HIS PARKING LOT. THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE SATURN VUE NEXT TO HIS VEHICLE WAS BURNED AND DAMAGED. THE EXTERIOR OF THE APARTMENT BUILDING RECEIVED SMOKE AND FIRE DAMAGE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AND A VIDEO. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS REFERENCED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 197,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER MESA A/P TIRES, SIZE P225/70/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE COMPLETELY BLEW OUT, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SHE SAFELY MANEUVERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE EXTERIOR SIDEWALL WAS SHREDDED. THE INTERIOR AND TREAD ON THE TIRE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIOR TO OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS NORMAL. THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED STATED THAT THEY WERE SAFE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 158,000.

I PURCHASED A FORD FACTORY MOTOR 4.2V6 CRATE MOTOR FOR MY F150, BACK IN 2004. THE MOTOR HAS 10,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BLOWN FOR THE 2ND TIME DURING THIS TRUCKS LIFETIME. I HAD IT SERVICED BECAUSE THE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. FORD REPLACED THE SENSOR AND TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN CAME BACK WITH BLOWN MOTOR, AND WILL NOT FIX IT. THEIR ARE CURRENTLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS MOTOR AND NO ONE HAS HAD ANY LUCK WITH IT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THEIR IS ANYONE THAT COULD HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

I HAVE OWNED A 97 FORD F150 XCAB FOR >7 YRS. I KEPT UP ON ALL MAINT & OIL/FLUID CHANGES. I HAVE CARED FOR MY TRUCK AS I HAVE MY OWN KIDS! IT RAN WELL ON FRIDAY NIGHT (4/4/08) THEN ON SATURDAY MORNING HUSB TURNED THE KEY AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO BANG LOUDLY AND SPIT OUT WHITE SMOKE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS OR ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS LEADING UP TO THIS SO I CHECKED THE INTERNET TO LOOK INTO IT. I CAME TO FIND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AND THAT FORD KNEW ALL ABOUT IT! MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 116,000 ORIGINAL MILES IN 10 YEARS! NOT ABUSED. APPARENTLY, FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON A FAULTY GASKET THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE PLUGS/OIL BUT IT WAS NOT A RECALL I WAS OFFERED OR TOLD OF WHEN WE ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE OVER THE YEARS! TODAY I FOUND 2 MORE RECALLS 4 IT ON THEIR SITE (NOT THE GASKET 1) THAT THEY DIDN'T TELL ME OF ON 4/7/08 WHEN ASKED 4 A VIN WHEN CALLING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I ASKED 4 THE PRICE OF A REBUILT ENGINE AS THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T FIX A ROD & QUOTED $5,500. WHEN I ASKED IF IT WAS FOR EVERYTHING, HE REPLIED "NO - PARTS CAN REALLY ADD UP, HONEY"! I TOOK GREAT CARE OF THIS TRUCK! I OPTED TO TOW IT TO ANOTHER ACCREDITED SHOP SINCE THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ME A TOTAL PRICE. NOT INCLUDING 2 TOWS & PAYING $150 TO DIAGNOSE I WAS QUOTED A MIN OF $7,300 TO FIX W/REBUILD +/- 12%. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 4 SOMETHING THAT IS FORDS FAULT? THEY MADE A FAULTY ENGINE & LEFT THOUSANDS OF US TO PAY 4 IT! I CAN EITHER BUY A NEW CAR OR WALK NOW! IM HANDICAPPED W 2 DISABLE ADOPT FOSTER KIDS & HUSB WHO'S A POLICE OFFICER! 1 INCOME/ WE RENT, SO WONT QUAL 4 CASH LOAN! PLEASE SEE THIS: HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-224.HTML WHERE OTHER FORD 4.2 OWNERS NOTED SAME ISSUE & THEIR RESPONSES FM FORD. WE NEED HELP OR DIRECTION ON HOW TO START/JOIN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM TO GET REPAIRS DONE OR $ TO PAY FOR IT! *TR

IN RESPONSE TO FORD'S CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH RECALL. YES, I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF MY VEHICLE AFFECT BY THIS RECALL. BUT HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE WITH THEM TELLING ME THEY HAVE NO PARTS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. ALSO, HAVE NOT ALLOWED THEN TO JUST DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAUSE OF THE LOW POSSIBILITY OF HAVING AN ISSUE. I SPENT MONEY FOR THIS SO I HAVE IT TO USE WHEN NEEDED NOT TO BE DEACTIVATE BECAUSE FORD CANNOT PROVIDE PARTS TO FIX IT. SO AT THIS POINT I HAVE DECIDED IT WOULD BE BEST TO TAKE MATTER IN MY OWN HANDS TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I KNOW FORD IS MAKING EFFORT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BUT FEEL IT IS WEAK BY THE FACT THEY SEND YOU A NOTICE AND THEY HAVE NO PARTS. NOT JUST ONCE BUT TWICE. SO I HAVE FOUND AN AFTER MARKET OEM REPLACEMENT PART TO REPLACE THE AFFECTED PART. BUT NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHETHER THIS PART IS A NEWLY DESIGNED PART AND RESOLVES THE RECALL ISSUE. ONE WOULD ASSUME IT WOULD BE BUT ASSUMPTION CAN BE WRONG. THE PUBLISHED TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS RECALL ISSUE IS WEAK AND THE FORD DEALERS ARE ALSO CLUELESS. SO WHAT DOES THE NHTSA HAVE TO OFFER BESIDED THE DOCUMENTED CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE FORD AND NHTSA. THEIR NEEDS TO BE A DOCUMENT FOR THE INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER USES TO DETERMINE WHAT PARTS ARE GOOD OR SUSPECT. BEING AN SAFETY ORGANIZATION, ONE WOULD THINK THE NHTSA WOULD BE ALL OVER THIS AND HAVE THIS WELL DOCUMENTED, PULISHED AND CONTROLLED AND HELP THE INDUSTRY AND CONSUMERS RESOLVE ISSUE LIKE THIS INSISTED OF RELYING ON CORPORATE AMERICA ALONE. CORPORATE AMERICA HAS ONLY ONE INTEREST WHICH IS PROFIT NOT PERSONAL WELL BEING ! REGARDS. *TR

1) DRIVING LOW SPEED RESIDENTIAL 2) MIDDLE LEAF SPRING REAR DRIVER SIDE BROKE, MOVED FORWARD OVER TIME AND SWUNG INTO TIRE SIDE WALL DESTROYING TIRE. RECALL NHTSA # 98V161000 HAD BEEN PERFORMED IN 1998 TO CORRECT THIS POTENTIAL FAILURE. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THE OPPOSITE SIDE LEAF SPRING IS BROKEN AND COULD DO THE SAME THING OR PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK. 3) BOTH REAR LEAF SPRING SETS NEED REPLACEMENT AND LEFT REAR TIRE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #07V336000). AS OF MARCH 25, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PART IS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE IS VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE DELAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000 AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 F150 FORD PICKUP TRUCK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. AS OF MARCH 24, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. UPDATED 4/23/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRYING TO GET THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE HE IS INFORMED THERE AREN'T ANY PARTS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL EACH TIME THE CONSUMER CALLS TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIRS. UPDATED 04/23/08 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN DECEMBER OF 2007. AS OF MARCH 24, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000 AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 4/23/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERS DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. UPDATED 04/23/08 *TR

NOTICED LOW OIL PRESSURE NOTICE ANTI-FREEZE ALWAYS LOW WITH NO LEAK TO BE FOUND STARTED UP ONE MORNING LOUD CLICKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ENGINE TURNED OVER TWICE, BUT DID NOT START. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A PIECE OF METAL ON THE GROUND ALONG WITH AN OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,843. UPDATED 04/29/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED DUE TO A FUALTY HEAD GASKET. UPDATED

ENGINE LOCKED UP FROM COOLANT FROM INTAKE GASKET LEAK AT 78813 MILES FORDFLEET.COM THERE WAS A RECALL FOR INTAKE GASKET BUT NEVER RECEIVED RECALL 1997 FORD F150 4.2L ENGINE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND. HE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND NOTICED FLAMES A FOOT HIGH ABOVE THE HOOD OF HIS VEHICLE. THE FIRE ULTIMATELY SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND PART OF THE BED OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DAMAGED THREE OTHER VEHICLES THAT WERE PARKED IN THE VICINITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 215,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BOUNCED OFF THE GROUND FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CABLE TO THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO DAMAGES. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FORD RECALL NOTICE NUMBER 05S28 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN DECEMBER OF 2007. THE DEALER CONTINUES TO STATED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND ARE UNSURE AS TO WHEN THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE IN JUNE OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND A MAILBOX, BUT WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V171000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,000.

I HAVE A 97 F-150, V-6 4.2L ENGINE PICKUP. I HAVE ALWAYS A COOLANT LEAK COMING FROM SOMEWHERE, BUT LATELY IT HAS GOT WORSE. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS SUBJECT AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE ALOT OF FORD OWNERS WITH THIS SAME VEHICLE AND ENGINE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. LOSS OF COOLANT. INTAKE GASKETS, HEADGASKETS AND TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKETS. THIS IS NOT ONLY A CONSUMER ISSUE BUT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SEEMS FORD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD AND IT WAS STATED THERE WAS NO RECALLS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. YOU WOULD ASSUME THAT WITH A LARGE POPULATION OF FORD OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES SOMETHING WOULD BE DONE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD ITS LEFT TO THE OWNER TO CONDUCT THE REPAIRS WITH A HEAVY FINANCIAL COSTS. IT CAN ONLY BE ASSUMED FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THAT CONSUMERS ARE HAVING. WHY ISN'T ANYTHING BEING DONE? NOT ONLY DO I HAVE THE TIMING CASE LEAK, BUT NOW I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHEN MY ENGINE WILL SEIZE DUE TO INTAKE OR HEADGASKET LEAKS. *TR

THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTED TO THE MASTER CYLINDER (BRAKES). NO DAMAGE WAS DONE DUE TO QUICK REACTION BUT IT LEFT THE BRAKES WITHOUT POWER AND THE TRUCK WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS. THE PROBLEM IS BELIEVED TO BE RELATED TO THE "SWITCH FIRE" PROBLEM THAT RESULTED IN A WIDE-SPREAD FORD RECALL. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A 1997 FORD F-150 4X4. TRUCK WAS PURCHASED FROM LEASE-HOLDER AND FULL WARRANTY WAS TRANSFERRED TO ME. I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES BUT NOT THE ONE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILURE. ALLOWS ANTI-FREEZE INTO NUMBER ONE CYLINDER. *TR

HYDROLOCK ON 1997 FORD F-150 V6 4.2 ENGINE. WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WAS QUOTED $4500 FOR A NEW REBUILD ENGINE. I WAS CURIOUS OF WHY THE ENGINE WOULD SEIZE AND DID SOME INTERNET SEARCHES ONLY TO FIND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ENGINE YEAR AND BUILD. WHY WAS I NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS PROBLEM IF SO MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED IT, AND WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR IF SYMPTOMS OF THIS CONDITION ARE EVIDENT? *TR

HVAC BLEND DOOR FAILURE, CAN NOT HEAT/AIR CONDITION OR DEFROST CAB. *TR

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2 L ENGINE THAT JUST TURNED 100,000 MILES. I BOUGHT IT SECOND HAND FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP JUNE 1999 WITH ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT. THIS TRUCK WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR OVER THE YEARS. AFTER NOTICING THAT THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS DOWN AFTER A A RECENT REFILL I REFILLED IT AGAIN. I DIDN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS BUT WHEN I WENT TO START IT THE ENGINE MADE A CLUNK AND WOULDN'T CRANK. I SUSPECTED THE BATTERY AFTER A CHARGE YIELDED THE SAME RESULTS. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED BUT STILL THE SAME RESULT AND ALSO AFTER REFINISHING LEAD TERMINALS AND STARTER REPLACEMENT. I CHECKED THE OIL FILLER CAP AND THERE WAS A THICK LIGHT BROWN SUBSTANCE I HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE ON IT AND ALL THE WAY DOWN AROUND THE INSIDE WALL OF THE FILLER TUBE. I SUSPECTED A LEAK IN THE HEAD GASKET OR ELSEWHERE AND WENT TO THE INTERNET SITES FOR CLARIFICATION. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I REALIZED I WAS FAR FROM BEING THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. AS I SUSPECTED THE COOLANT LEAKS VIA THE LOOSE SEAL OF THE HEAD GASKET INTO ONE OR MORE OF THE CYLINDERS. IT APPEARS THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN DEFECT AND RECALL THAT FORD NEVER CONVEYED TO ALL THE OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. *TR

ENGINE FAILURE. *TR

WATER DISCOVERED IN THE OIL OF 4.2L F-150 MOTOR. *TR

DOORS HAVE STRESS CRACKS ON UPPER FRAME,I'VE PAID TO HAVE REPAIRED ONCE,WHEN I APPROACHED DEALER THEY SAID O RECALL ON THAT PROBLEM, WOULD NOT HELP,NOW DOOR SWITCHES KEEP INTERIOR LIGHTS ON TILL IT GOES OFF ON POWER SAVER,DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN MOISTURE CONDITION/RAIN,SNOW SLEET AND SO ON. *TR

97 F150 4.2 V6. STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AT START UP BUT STOPPED AFTER WARM UP. COUPLE DAYS LATER , I STARTED TRUCK AND ROD BLEW. TOWED IN AND WAS TOLD I NEED ANOTHER MOTOR. HAD REMANUFACTURED MOTOR PUT IN $3500. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. IN 2006, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR RECALL NUMBER 05S28. THE VEHICLE HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL HAS NOT BEEN DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR

1997 F150 ENGINE FAILURE 4.2L 6 CYL MOTOR BENT OR BLEW A ROD AFTER SOUND CAME FROM ENGINE AFTER STARTING IT. *TR

FAULTY HEAD GASKET CAUSING OIL AND COOLANT TO MIX. EVENTUALLY HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE TO BENT RODS. *TR

97 F-150 4.2 INTAKE GASKET LEAKING RESULTING IN DAMAGED ENGINE. *TR

ON OR ABOUT DEC 2006, I BEGAN NOTICING THE ENGINE IN MY TRUCK BEHAVING STRANGELY. IT HAD AROUND 85,000 MILES AT THE TIME. I WASN'T ABLE TO HAVE THE TRUCK REPAIRED DUE TO FINANCIAL REASONS, AND I RARELY DRIVE IT ANYWAY, SO THE TRUCK SAT IN MY GARAGE UNTIL I WAS BRAVE ENOUGH TO FACE THE PROBLEM. I KNEW BY THE WAY IT WAS ACTING THAT IT WAS GOING TO COST ALOT. LAST FALL, AUG 2007, I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE 4.2L ENGINE THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN MY TRUCK WAS FAULTY BUT THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO BUT PAY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

MY 1997 FORD F-150 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER ENGINE HAS BEEN CONSUMING ANTIFREEZE AT A LOW BUT STEADY RATE FOR A COUPLE YEARS....I DID NOT KNOW WHY. NOW I DO THE GASKET HAS A LEAK INTO A CYLINDER AND THE TRUCK HAS A MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEM, THAT WILL REQUIRE OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT. FOR SOME TIME I HAVE HAD VERY HARD STARTS WHERE THE ENGINE WILL NOT ROLL OVER WITHOUT DIFFICULTY THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AMONG OTHERS WITH THIS ENGINE. *TR

1997 F-150 XL SB (TRUCK) TWO DAYS AGO, I STARTED THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THAT A LARGE AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND THERE WAS A BANGING ON THE ENGINE. I CHECKED THE FLUID LEVELS..ALL WERE WITHIN THE CORRECT LEVELS..TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE MECHANICS..TOLD ME THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL OF THESE TRUCKS...HE SAID THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKET HAD BEEN COMPROMISED AND THAT THERE WAS COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE..I FOUND A WEBSITE WHERE THERE WERE 100'S OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS V-6 ENGINE (4.2 L). I AM APPALLED THAT FORD WOULD ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN...OH, YES.... I NEVER RECEIVED A TSB REGARDING THIS MATTER..I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 1997 AND I HAVE ONLY 38,891 MILES ON THIS ENGINE....I AM LIVID THAT I HAVE BEEN ROYALLY SCREWED!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

COOLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK UP AT STARTUP. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 262,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 262,264. UPDATED 12/12/07

TRUCK RUNNING GREAT,TURNED ON NEXT DAY LOUD RATTLING WATER OUT THE EXHAUST OIL PRESSURE GONE, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK, POSSIBLE BENT ROD AND MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. 4.2L MOTOR HAS A KNOW DEFECT THAT FORD DID NOT LET THE PUBLIC KNOW. *TR

FORD F150 WINDSHIELD LEAKS, LEADING TO GEM AND FUSE MODULE FAILURE. RANDOM ELECTRONICS CLICKING AND TURNING THEMSELVES ON DUE TO LEAKING WINDSHIELDS DAMAGING THESE ELECTRONIC MODULES. *TR

I AM NOW HAVING THE WATER LEAK ISSUE INTO THE GEM DUE TO FAULTY WINDSHIELD SEAL. IT IS STARTING TO CAUSE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. THE FOLLOWING IS A TSB RELEASED BY FORD: FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 VARIOUS ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS RESULTING FROM WATER INTRUSION INTO THE GEM/CJB SOME 1997-2002 EXPEDITION AND 1998-2002 NAVIGATOR VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS UNUSUAL ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: FRONT OR REAR BLOWER OR EATC STAYING ON WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, RADIO STAYING ON AFTER DOORS OPENED AND KEY OUT OF IGNITION, WIPER CIRCUIT FAILURE CODES, AND MULTIPLE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WITH 'SHORT TO POWER' OR 'LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE' DTCS. THESE SYMPTOMS MOST OFTEN OCCUR AFTER A RAIN OR SNOW. THIS MAY BE DUE TO GEM/CJB WATER INTRUSION RESULTING FROM A WINDSHIELD WATER LEAK. TO SERVICE, REMOVE THE GEM AND CJB FROM THE VEHICLE, SEPARATE THEM AND INSPECT FOR WATER CONTAMINATION OR CORROSION. IF FOUND IN EITHER COMPONENT, REPLACE BOTH COMPONENTS AND COMPLETELY RESEAL THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY SOUL EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES. APPARENTLY FORD IS NOT FIXING THIS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT AT THEIR EXPENSE BUT PASSING IT TO THE CUSTOMERS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FORD ISSUE THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT FOR QUITE SOME TIME. PLEASE HELP WITH RESOLVING THIS ISSUE AS SOME PEOPLE HAVE SPENT IN THE THOUSANDS FIXING ISSUES THAT THIS WATER INTRUSION ISSUE HAS CAUSED. *TR

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN MECHANIC SERVICE VEHICLE HE INFORMED ME THAT COOLANT HAS LEAKED INTO THE NUMBER FOUR CYLINDER AND THAT THIS ENGINE HAS A HISTORY OF HEAD GASKET FAILURES. HE CAN REPLACE GASKET BUT BELIEVES THAT THIS WOULD ONLY BE A TEMPORARY FIX. HE WOULD BE WILLING TO REPLACE GASKET FOR $1600 BUT HE CAN NOT GUARANTEE RESULTS, A REPLACEMENT ENGINE WOULD COST APPROX. $4800. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE WEB IT HAS BECOME APPARENT TO ME THAT FORD HAS LONG KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS FAILED TO TAKE ANY ACTION TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. FORD STATED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. HE BEGAN RECEIVING RECALL LETTERS REGARDING THE WIRING HARNESS IN 2004. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH FORD CONCERNING REPAIRS AND/OR REIMBURSEMENT. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,660. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF

MY F150 XLT 4.2L ENGINE HAD BEEN OPERATING NORMALLY PRIOR TO 9/21/07. THE TRUCK WAS SITTING AT HOME AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT. AS I CRANKED IT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN MAKING A VERY LOUD CLATTERING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE IF SOMETHING WAS HITTING THE FAN BLADE OR SOME SIMILAR EVENT. AFTER INSPECTING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DISCOVERING NOTHING UNUSUAL VISUALLY, I AGAIN STARTED THE ENGINE AND AGAIN THE SAME HORRIBLY LOUD NOISE CONTINUED. I WAS TOLD BY AN AUTO MECHANIC WHO LIVES NEARBY THAT THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A ROD "KNOCK" CAUSED BY CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. AFTER LEARNING OF THE 99B29 RECALL ON THIS 4.2 ENGINE FOR FRONT GASKET DEFECTS THAT CAUSE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE IF NOT STOOPED IN TIME, I CONTACTED THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND LEARNED THAT HE HAD NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY SUCH RECALL, AND HE SPECIFICALLY STATED THAT ANYTIME HE WAS NOTIFIED OF A PROBLEM HE ALWAYS TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AS INSTRUCTED. IN FACT, HIS FATHER WORKED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND HIS FATHER SOLD HIM THE TRUCK AND HE STILL HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY SUCH RECALL. I HAD RECENTLY ADDED ENGINE COOLANT TO THE RESERVOIR BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILURE BECAUSE IT WAS VERY LOW, BUT I DISCOVERED NO LEAKS ANYWHERE NOR ANYTHING ELSE UNUSUAL SO THERE WAS NOTHING APPEARING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. THE ENGINE IS NOW RUINED DUE TO THE FAULTY GASKET BECAUSE THE VEHICLE OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECTIVE CONDITION. IN FACT, THE ORIGINAL OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP MORE THAT ONE YEAR AGO ON MAY 18, 2006 FOR AN ELECTRICAL RECALL (05S28, CRUISE CONTROL) AND THEY SHOULD HAVE AND COULD HAVE ALSO FIXED THE DEFECTIVE GASKET AT THAT TIME, WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED MY TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE FROM EVER HAPPENING... BUT THEY DIDN'T. FORD'S FAILURE TO FIX ALL RECALLED DEFECTS ON 5/18/06 WAS INEXCUSABLE. FORD OWES ME A NEW ENGINE! *JB

1997 F150 4.2L ENGINE FAILURE. *JB. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE ENGINE MAIN BEARINGS, LOWER ENGINE GASKET AND TIMING BELT GASKET COVER WERE REPLACED. UPDATED *JB

1997 FORD F150 4.2L ENGINE - THROWN ROD/ CRUISE CONTROL FIRE POSSIBILITES. *TR

'97 F150 4.2 V8 COOLANT LEAK, ENGINE BLOWN @ 140,000 AFTER SEVERAL HEAD GASKET REPAIRS. *JB

THE FRONT BRAKES ON MY 1997 FORD F150 LOCK UP. WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES GRADUALLY OVERHEAT FROM A FAILURE OF THE CALIPERS TO RETURN TO THEIR NON-BRAKING POSITION. I HAVE REPLACED THE RUBBER BRAKE LINES, REPLACED THE DISK BRAKE PADS. TURNED THE ROTORS, LUBRICATED THE SLIDING PORTIONS OF THE CALIPERS WITH HIGH-TEMPERATURE GREASE AND TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY NEAREST FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BRAKES COMPUTER CHECKED AND REPAIRED. NEVER-THE-LESS, THE BRAKES CONTINUE TO LOCK UP DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS PRESENTS AN EXTREME SAFETY RISK. WHEN DRIVING TO A SAFE LOCATION TO ALLOW THE BRAKES TO COOL DOWN, THE VEHICLE LOSES MOST OF IT'S BRAKING ABILITY AND I HAVE SUFFERED TIRE FAILURE DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP IN THE BRAKES WHICH TRANSFERS IT'S HEAT INTO THE WHEEL CAUSING TIRE FAILURE. ALSO, THE ENGINE HAS TO WORK IN AN UNSAFE TEMPERATURE AREA IN ORDER TO DRIVE TO SUCH A SAFE LOCATION. THIS AFFECTS THE GAS MILEAGE, ENGINE RELIABILITY AND ENDURANCE, WHILE PRESENTING, YET, ANOTHER POSSIBLE SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND CRUISE CONTROL. THIS ADVERSELY AFFECTS THESE SAFETY APPOINTMENTS, ALSO. I HAVE CONTINUALLY ASKED IF THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM OR A SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH MIGHT PROVIDED A SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY NEAREST DEALERSHIP, ANDALUSIA FORD-LINCOLN-MERCURY, INC. AND I AM TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR BULLETINS DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM. THEY HAVE GIVEN ME FALSE INFORMATION IN THE PAST. THEREFORE, I HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR HONESTY WITH THESE ISSUES, ESPECIALLY DEALING WITH SHOP BULLETINS WHICH ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF ONE OF THESE VEHICLE WHO HAS INCURRED THIS PROBLEM. FOR THAT REASON I AM LODGING A COMPLAINT TO YOUR DEPARTMENT. SINCERELY, RON THOMPSON *TR

I HAD MY SPARK PLUGS REPLACED TWICE AT $541 DOLLARS AT A FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THEY WERE "CORRODED". UPON TAKING IT SOME PLACE ELSE GOODYEAR TO BE SPECIFIC THEY PULLED UP A FACTORY RECALL ON FORD F150 FROM 97 BECAUSE A GASKET LEAKS COOLANT ONTO THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSING CORROSION. EMPIRE FORD NEVER EVEN GAVE ME A REASON FOR THIS, JUST KEPT CASHING THE CHECKS, NOW THEY ARE SAYING MY VIN NUMBER WAS NEVER INCLUDED, BUT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THOSE RECALLED, COINCIDENCE, IMPOSSIBLE. *JB

AT 1:50A.M. ON 8/1/2007 OUR 1997 FORD F150, WHICH WAS UNDER RECALL, BURNED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. DAMAGE WAS ALSO DONE TO 2 OTHER VEHICLES, OUR HOME, DRIVEWAY, AND BASKETBALL GOAL. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A ROD PUNCTURED THE OIL PAN AND RUINED THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. HE HAS DISCOVERED SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VIN, SPEED, AND MILEAGE INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE.

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WITH DOORS LOCKED AND IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION. NO ONE WAS NEAR OR IN THE VEHICLE. LOOKED OUT WINDOW AND NOTICED WHAT LOOKED LIKE MIST FROM A WATER SPRINKLER FROM THE FRONT SIDE OF TRUCK. LOOKING CLOSER, I REALIZED IT WAS SMOKE AND THEN SAW FLAMES FROM THE TIRE WELL AND UNDER THE HOOD BY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. CALLED 911. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED VERY QUICKLY, PUTTING THE FIRE OUT. THEIR ASSESSMENT WAS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH HAD CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FIRE CAUSED THE HOOD HYDRAULIC LIFT TO EXPLODE LIKE A ROCKET, HITTING THE WINDSHIELD, CRACKING IT AND THEN SHOOTING OFF INTO THE YARD. THE FRAMES INSIDE THE ENGINE HOUSING BY THE DRIVERS TIRE BURNT THE HOUSING COMPLETELY AWAY. THE WIRING HAS BEEN COMPLETELY BURNED AND MELTED AWAY INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALL THE PLASTIC FLUID CONTAINERS MELTED, THE ENTIRE ENGINE HOUSING, ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS UNDER THE HOOD WERE BURNED UP OR DAMAGED IN SOME WAY BY THIS FIRE. THE TRUCK WILL NOT START OR RUN. NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK, RADIO, HEAT, AIR OR POWER FUNCTIONS WORK. THE TRUCK IS TOTALLY INOPERABLE. I CONTACTED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY DIRECTED ME TO THIS SITE TO LOOK FOR FIRE RELATED DEFECTS AND TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS IT IS BEYOND REPAIR SINCE ALL THE WIRING AND MOST OF THE INSIDES UNDER THE HOOD HAVE BURNED UP OR MELTED. *JB

PURCHASED A 1997 FORD F-150 IN EARLY SPRING OF 2006. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN OR CLOSE TO 100,000 MILES. DROVE THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 1,000 AND 2,000 MILES OVER THE NEXT YEAR. IN LATE MARCH OR EARLY APRIL OF THIS YEAR THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE, A 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER MOTOR SELF DESTRUCTS. ON THE MORNING IN QUESTION, I WENT OUT AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE MOTOR TURNED OVER VERY SLUGGISHLY AS IF THE BATTERY WAS LOW. WHEN THE MOTOR STARTED, IT MADE A TERRIBLE RACKET AND BLEW A CHUNK OF THE ENGINE BLOCK OUT APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF MY THUMB. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET ONLY TO FIND THAT 1997 4.2 L FORD MOTORS HAVE A DEFECTIVE GASKET WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO FLOW INTO THE CYLINDERS. THE GASKET HAD FAILED AND ALLOWED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER(S) OVERNIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HYDROLOCK AND "BLOW UP". FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS, AND EVEN SENT OUT NUMEROUS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE EVEN FOUND EVIDENCE THAT THEY MAY SENT OUT A FEW RECALL NOTICES, BUT NOT TO EVERY OWNER. HUNDREDS OF '97 F-150 OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, AND THEY, LIKE ME, CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE APPROXIMATELY $5,000 TO REPAIR THEIR MISTAKE. I CURRENTLY OWE ABOUT $5,000 ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH AT THIS TIME IS ONLY AN EXPENSIVE LAWN ORNAMENT. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NOT FIRE OR INJURIES WHEN THIS OCCURRED, BUT THEY COULD HAVE. I'M CERTAIN THAT FORD NEVER REPLACED THE GASKET ON THIS VEHICLE, AS THE ONLY RECALL "STICKER" IS ONE FOR THE ENGINE COMPUTER. AS FOR BEING TOO OLD TO BE RECALLED, SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A WIRING PROBLEM ON IT. CERTAINLY FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL, OR AT LEAST PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE INCIDENT DATE IS ONLY APPROXIMATE, AS I CANNOT RECALL THE EXACT DAY THAT IT HAPPENED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE AXLE TUBE WAS FRACTURED. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE CV AXLE AND THE AXLE TUBE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

AFTER STOPPING IN DRIVEWAY MY 1997 F150, 4.6 L WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT SEEMED TO BE LOOSER THAN NORMAL. AS I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO SHIFT INTO PARK A 1 INCH, BRASS, STAR HEAD MACHINED SCREW FELL OUT FROM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR CAME TO REST BETWEEN PARK AND REVERSE. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START IN THIS POSITION, BUT DID START IN NEUTRAL. I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING REVERSE AND DRIVE, BUT ONCE IN GEAR THE TRANSMISSION SOUNDS AND RUNS NORMALLY. THE SAFETY IMPLICATION OF THIS PROBLEM IS THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE TRUCK IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NOT SET OR DEFECTIVE. MY RESEARCH OF THE PROBLEM DISCLOSED TWO RELATED RECALLS OF 1997 FORD VEHICLES; CAMPAIGN NUMBER 97V147000, SEPTEMBER 9, 1997 AND CAMPAIGN NUMBER 97V171000, OCTOBER 7, 1997. BOTH THESE RECALLS INVOLVED SOME FACET OF THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE TRASMISSION HOUSING, JUST AS MINE DID. ON MY TRUCK THERE ARE TWO BOLTS SECURING THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER ARM AND SUPPORT TO THE STEERING COLUMN TUBE. THE SHIFT CABLE IS ATTACHED TO THIS ARM. THE TOP BOLT CAME LOOSE AND FELL OUT, WHILE THE SECOND BOLT WAS VERY LOOSE, IN FACT, THE WHOLE ARM WAS READY TO FALL OUT. THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM. THE SOLUTION WAS TO REALIGN THE SELECTOR LEVER ARM AND SUPPORT TO THE SHIFT TUBE AND REINSERT THE TWO SCREWS, AFTER USING A "LOCTITE" COMPOUND. *TR

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE SITTING IN FRONT OF HOME. ALL WIRING IS DESTROYED AND DASHBOARD MELTED. VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RUNNING FOR AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. HAD NO FIRE INSURANCE ON VEHICLE SO TOOK A COMPLETE LOSS. LATER LEARNED THAT FORD HAD RECALLED THIS MODEL FOR CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY CLAIM NO LIABILITY FOR THE FIRE. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB

I OWN A 1997 F-150 FORD PICKUP WITH THE TRITON V8 4.6L ENGINE. AFTER HAVING 10,5000 MILE SCHEDULE SERVICE TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS AND TUNE UP THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER PLUG BEGAN TO POP-OUT" OF THE BLOCK. SO FAR NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WAS NOT FIXED YET. I KNEW THIS WAS A"COMMON PROBLEM THAT WAS INVESTIGATED BEFORE, BUT I WANTED TO DOCUMENT THAT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, AND FORD NEEDED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT. I WAS TOLD BY MY FORD DEALERSHIP THAT IF I DROVE WITH NUMBER 4 CYLINDER MISFIRING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD IT MAY CAUSE HYDRO LOCK OR FIRE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THAT WAS PRETTY SERIOUS AND SOUNDED LIKE AN ADMISSION FROM FORDS DEALERS THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL, AND WAS WORKING TO FIX THE PROBLEM SO I HAVE NO COMPLAINT AGAINST THE DEALER. HOWEVER, JUST BECAUSE THERE HASN'T BEEN A FATALITY WITH THIS DEFECT DID NOT MEAN THERE SHOULDN'T BE AN ADMISSION BY FORD OF THE DESIGN DEFECT, AND A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY RIGHT HAND BRAKE AND THE ROTOR SHEARED OFF THE HUB. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. DURING THIS FAILURE, THE LEFT HAND BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND THE ROTOR FAILED. A MECHANIC HAS REPAIRED THE FAILURE AND FORD STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000.

1997-F-150 SUPER CAB WITH FACTORY INSTALLED REAR SLIDING WINDOW. THE WINDOW HAS FLOWED WATER/RAIN EVERY TIME. IT SEEMS TO BE COMING IN AROUND THE SEAL WHERE IT MEETS THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. I HAVE TALKED WITH OTHER 97 F-150 OWNERS AND THE SAME THING WAS HAPPENING TO THEIR TRUCKS. ISN'T THERE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE? *AK

I WENT OUTSIDE ONE EARLY MORNING TO START UP MY VEHICLE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP THAT ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE OF MY 1997 FORD F-150 XLT. I TOOK A LOOK AT THE ENGINE; HOWEVER I AM NO MECHANIC. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED BECAUSE OF THE COOLANT LEAKING FROM A GASKET INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING ONE OF THE RODS TO BEND. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE LIQUID WAS NOT ALLOWING THE ROD TO FULLY COMPRESS BECAUSE OF THE PRESSURE CAUSED BY THE LIQUID. NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE TOLD ME THAT THE FORD PICK UPS' ENGINES HAVE THAT PROBLEM AND I WOULD JUST BE WASTING MY MONEY REPAIRING THE ORIGINAL ENGINE. HE ADVISED ME TO SEARCH FOR A REBUILT ENGINE THAT HAD A WARRANTY ON IT. DUE TO THE EXPENSE, MY PICK UP IS SITTING THERE WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THIS IS THE SECOND FORD I HAD PURCHASED BECAUSE I WAS SO PLEASED WITH THE FIRST FORD VEHICLE. HOWEVER AFTER THIS DISAPPOINTMENT, I PURCHASED A NISSAN INSTEAD. I MAKE SURE THAT I TELL ALL MY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES OF THIS EXPERIENCE WITH FORD AND THE UNSATISFACTORY PRODUCT THEY HAVE PUT OUT. NO WONDER THE TOYOTA TUNDRA AND NISSAN TITAN ARE LEAVING FORD BEHIND! "BUILT FORD TOUGH, RIGHT.... *TR

A 1997 FORD F150 PICK UP TRUCK OWNED BY STEVEN QUAGLIATO CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND DAMAGED MY VEHICLE CAUSING APPROX $650 WORTH OF DAMAGED TO THE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BUMPER.

INCIDENT LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BLOW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE AND TROUBLE FREE WHEN A POP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP ; WHO IN TURN CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE REPLY WAS THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. MY LOCAL SERVICE TECH SAID THE REPAIR KIT ALONE WOULD COST $1,000,00. TO REPAIR IT HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ONLY USED 3 THREADS IN THE HEAD THAT FAILED, BUT ARE NOW REPLACING THEM WITH A 7 THREAD HEAD., THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ARE WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY.. I GUESS THE SCARY PART ABOUT THAT IS I STILL HAVE 4 MORE 3 THREAD SPARK PLUG HOLES TO WORRY ABOUT BLOWING OUT,.I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO BUY IT'S TRUCKS. DAMAGE RESULTING IT WILL COST ME AS LITTLE AS $2,500.00 TO REPAIR THE CURRENT PROBLEM ( AND NO GUARANTY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN). OR UP TO $5,500.00 TO REPLACE THE BUILT TOUGH 5.4 TRITON ENGINE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE'S HOOD. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ONCE HE SHUT IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT COOLANT WAS FOUND IN THE CYLINDERS DUE TO A CRACKED HEAD GASKET OR A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER. THE MECHANIC INSTALLED A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY MORE FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 99,600 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,780.

ENGINE THREW ROD, JUST LIKE THE FEW THOUSAND OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET. TREATED THIS TRUCK LIKE A BABY, HEARD FROM A FORD MASTER MECHANIC THAT THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALREADY ,AND HE ACTUALLY LAUGHED AS HE TOLD ME I WAS SCREWED. HAPPENED ONE MORNING WHEN TO START IT AND BAM BLEW ROD. WAS FULL OF OIL, FULL COOLANT, WET SPARK PLUG AMAZING I COME FROM A 4 GENERATION FORD FAMILY AND BECAUSE OF THIS I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN. *AK

RECALL OF THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH IN THE 1997 FORD F-150 SONS TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE IN THEIR GARAGE FORD DECLINED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY**CC THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A COPY OF THE RECALL. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER NEVER SENT A RECALL NOTICE TO THE CURRENT ADDRESS AND FURTHER STATES THEY MOVED TO THE LOCATION IN 2006 SO FORD COULD NOT HAVE MAILED THE NOTICE IN 2005 AND THE CONSUMER DID NOT OWN THE VEHICLE IN SEPT. 2005. THE CONSUMER STATED EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL NOTICE DATE WAS LISTED AS DEC 2006, THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTICE UNTIL SPRING 2007. THE CONSUMER STATED FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF PUTTING A CHILD'S LIFE IN DANGER AND FABRICATING THE TRUTH AFTERWARD. *TR

FORD F150 FIRE CAUSED BY CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. VEHICLE IN GARAGE, VEHICLE TOTALED AND GARAGE DAMAGED.

1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCK, THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE. THE INSURED STATED TO THE FIREMEN THAT IT LOOKED ELECTRICAL . THIS MODEL OF TRUCK HAS BEEN KNOWN TO BURN DUE TO A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THEY INCLUDED A COPY OF THE RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD. THE INSURED WAS NOT SURE IF THE RECALL WAS EVER COMPLETED. THEY STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT WORKED IN SOME TIME. *AK

MY FORD F150 1997 WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE ALARMS SOUNDED. I CHECKED AND THOUGHT AT FIRST SOMEONE MIGHT BE TRYING TO STEAL THE TRUCK THEN. I THEN SAW IT WAS ON FIRE. I GOT THE WATER HOSE AND TOLD MY WIFE TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT. SHE ALSO CALLED A COUPLE OF OUR NEIGHBORS TO HELP. THE VFD CAME ALONG WITH THE SHERIFF AND DEPUTY SHERIFF. NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED.

CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT WORKED FOR A FEW MONTHS. JUST BACKED TRUCK INTO DRIVEWAY FROM PARKED ON STREET. WENT INTO THE HOUSE. WITHIN 5 MINUTES, MY NEIGHBORS ALERTED ME TO THE FIRE. I PUT IT OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS AT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT THE MASTER CYLINDER. VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING FIXED AT THIS TIME. *TR

A COOPER DOMINATOR SPORT A/T TIRE OF THE TYPE THAT IS CURRENTLY THE SUBJECT OF EA 06 -021 EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION WHILE MOUNTED ON THE REAR AXLE OF A FORD F150. THE TREAD SEPARATION LED TO A LOSS OF CONTROL AND VEHICLE ROLLOVER THAT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF ONE MAN AND INCAPACITATING BRAIN INJURIES TO ANOTHER. THE TIRE HAD 7/32 OF TREAD AND WAS IN GOOD CONDITION BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE TIRE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND SHOWED NO SIGNS OF ABUSE OR MISUSE. THE TIRE THAT FAILED WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2004 AT COOPER'S FINDLAY, OHIO PLANT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND A SIGNIFICANT LOST OF COOLANT RESULTED DUE TO A RESERVOIR FAILURE. AT 80,000 MILES, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE OIL PRESSURE FAILURE, WHICH THE DEALER STATED WAS CAUSED BY A BENT PISTON ROD ON THE CRANK CASE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST THE CONTACT BECAUSE THE VIN EXCLUDED THE VEHICLE FROM THE RECALL. FORD CLAIMED TO HAVE ONLY ISSUED A PARTIAL LEVEL B RECALL. THE FAILURE ORIGINATED 6 WEEKS AGO, BUT HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE JUNE OF 2006. THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTING WAITING UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILS TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 850 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER DETACHED FROM THE END OF THE SPARE TIRE RETAINER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH ,AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HIT ANY BUMPS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000.*AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RETAINER WAS AT THE END OF THE CABLE ASSEMBLY USED TO LOWER AND RAISE THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THE TIRE BOUNCED 6FT IN THE AIR AND ALMOST HIT THE CARD BEHIND HIM. UPDATE 05/04/07*TR

WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING WHILE CLIMBING A GRADE. SPEED CONTINUED TO INCREASE WELL PAST 70 MPH SET POINT. I TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE SPEED CONTROL WITH NO SUCCESS. I HAD TO BRAKE AGAINST ACCELERATING ENGINE WITH SPEED CONTROL STILL ENGAGED. THE ONLY WAY I COULD BRING VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL WAS TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, TURN OFF ENGINE, AND COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD. I DISCONNECTED RECENTLY INSTALLED , FORD RECALLED, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL WIRING HARNESS, AND ACTIVATED THE SPEED CONTROL ON/OFF STEERING WHEEL SWITCH. COMBINATION OF ACTIONS DISENGAGED SPEED CONTROL WITH NO FURTHER INCIDENT. ON 4/11/07 HAD VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY FORD SERVICE CENTER; NOTHING OUT OF ORDINARY WAS FOUND. *AK

4.2 ENGINE PROBLEM, THE 1997 FORD F150 HAS 90,000 MILES ON IT, AS OF THIS DATE THE ENGINE MAIN BEARING WORE OUT. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALL WAYS BEEN SERVICED, AND WITH OIL CHANGES EVERY THREE MONTHS OR 3000 MILES SINCE I PURCHASED IT WITH 6 MILES ON IT. AND THIS WAS A ONE OWNER VEHICLE. I THINK THE BEARING WERE WORN BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE ENGINE PARTS FROM THE FACTOR DUE TO THE LEAKING OF LOWER INTAKE GASKET THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALLED THESE VEHICLES. THEY REPLACED THIS GASKET ,BUT STILL SOME OF THESE VEHICLE HAVE HAD COOLANT PROBLEMS . BEFORE THE ENGINES WENT BAD IT HAD TO BE REPLACED , AND THE COST OF THAT ENGINE I WAS APPROXIMATELY $4,000. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP ,AND THE ENGINE WAS CHECKED FOR COMPRESSION, AND THE COMPRESSION WAS LOW DUE TO THE BEARINGS FAILURE. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.*AK

V6 4.2L ENGINE: GASKET FAILURE CAUSING WATER/FLUID FILL UP THE CYLINDER WHICH CAUSES THE ROD TO BLOW.*AK

MY NON-COMMERCIAL TWO WHEEL DRIVE, 1997 F-150 WITH 59747 MILES WITH 4.2 V-6 ENGINE BLEW ITS 4R70W AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION . I WAS NOT ABLE TO GO FORWARD BUT COULD GO IN REVERSE. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF FAILURE AND THE TRANNY FILTER AND FLUID HAD BEEN SERVICED TWO TIMES. IT COST $ 2121.52 TO REBUILD THE TRANNY AT A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP. FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND DID NOT WANT TO DISCUSS ANYTHING WITH ME OR THE TRANNY SHOP TO FIND OUT MORE. ALSO THE TIMING CASE COVER GASKET,BRAKE CALIPERS AND SPEEDOMETER HAVE BEEN REPLACED ALSO. *JB

I JUST GOT MY 1997 FORD F150 XLT WITH THE 4.2L ENGINE BACK YESTERDAY, AFTER PAYING $1430 FOR ENGINE REPAIRS. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 47,700 MILES ON IT. I WENT OUT TO THE TRUCK ONE DAY AND TURNED THE KEY, AND - NOTHING. TURNS OUT TO BE HYDRO LOCK BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT AT THE TIME. I FINALLY GOT IT STARTED, & GOT IT INTO THE DEALER, AND THE TECHNICIAN THOUGHT IT NEEDED TO BE TUNED UP, PLUS I WAS HAVING THE HEAT FADE AT STOPS SO HE FLUSHED & REFILLED THE COOLANT. I MENTIONED THAT I WAS HAVING TO TOP OFF THE COOLANT ABOUT ONCE A MONTH, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THE COOLANT WAS GOING, AND IT WASN'T SHOWING UP IN THE OIL. I GOT IT BACK, AND IT WAS STILL RUNNING REALLY BAD, SO I DROPPED IT OFF AGAIN 2 DAYS LATER. THIS TIME HE THOUGHT IT WAS THE COIL PACK. THEY HAD IT AGAIN FOR ANOTHER DAY, REPLACED THE COIL PACK AND A SENSOR. I GO OUT TO THE LOT AND START IT, AND IT WAS STILL RUNNING REALLY BAD. SO, I GO BACK IN & GET THE TECHNICIAN, AND HE CAME OUT TO CHECK IT HIMSELF, AND HE WAS AMAZED AT HOW BAD IT WAS RUNNING. WE TOOK IT FOR A RIDE, AND IT SMOOTHED OUT A LITTLE, BUT IT WAS STILL NOT RIGHT. I TOLD HIM I WOULD LET HIM CONSULT HIS BOSS, AND CALL THEM BACK ON MONDAY. MONDAY COMES, AND I GO TO START IT TO GO TO WORK, AND - HYDRO LOCK AGAIN. SO, I TAKE MY WIFE'S CAR TO WORK, AND CALLED THEM FROM THERE, AND TOLD THEM WHAT IT WAS DOING. THEY WERE THERE WITHIN A HALF HOUR TO GET IT. THIS TIME I GET A CALL FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER, AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE PUT HIS BEST TECHNICIAN ON IT, AND WOULD CALL. WHEN HE CALLED, HE TOLD ME THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING, AND LETTING COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDERS. I SAID TO GO AHEAD & FIX IT. THEN THEY CALLED ME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THEY FOUND THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED, AND LETTING COOLANT POUR INTO THE CYLINDERS. I ASKED ABOUT GETTING A USED INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND HE SAID THEY WOULD LOOK FOR ONE, AND THEY DID FIND ONE. PLUS, THEY PUT IN A NEW THERMOSTAT. *JB

1997 FORD F150 4.2 V6 OIL PRESSURE FALLS TO ZERO AFTER WARM UP... WITH WARNING. I WAS DECEPTIVELY SOLD THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT WARRANTEE JUST LAST MONTH. MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 66K MILES AND NOW I DISCOVER A BIG ONGOING PROBLEM... JUST BY PLACING THIS TOP LINE IN ANY SEACH ENGINE YOU'LL REACH... HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224 THAT IS 400 HITS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH LEADS TO ENGINE FAILURE. EVEN IF ITS REPAIRED PRIOR TO FAILURE.

MY 1997 FORD F-150 HAS HAD 3 UNCOMMANDED THROTTLE SURGES THAT I COULD NOT STOP UNTIL I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I RODE THE BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN TO AROUND 55 MPH BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP UNTIL I TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND OFF 3 TIMES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT JUST FINE. THEY SEEM TO THINK I DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL...THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON DURING ANY OF THESE EPISODES. THERE WAS AN ARTICLE ON THE INTER NET WHERE A POLICE CROWN VICTORIA DID THE SAME THING AND THE END RESULT WAS AN ACCIDENT.

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER 1997 FORD F-150 XLT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON COLD DAYS WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STAYED DOWN AND BECAME STUCK WHEN TRYING TO COME TO A STOP. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT THIS SPEED AND TRYING TO COME TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTINUED TO GO AT A HIGH SPEED. THERE WAS RECALL 96V251000 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE VEHICLE ,AND SHE THOUGHT THAT SHE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS DUE TO THE FAULTY THROTTLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 11500.*AK UPDATED 04/05/07. *JB

HYDRO LOCK 1997 FORD 4.2 V6 44,000 MILES. *NM

THROTTLE HUNG THREE TIMES: ONE UNDER CRUISE, TWICE WITHOUT. ALL INSTANCES STARTED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN TEMPS WHERE EXTREMELY COLD. PUMPING PEDDLE TO BREAK ACCELERATION ONLY ALLOWED FOR PARTIAL DECELERATION. REPEATED ATTEMPTS REQUIRED TO REDUCE SPEED. COULD HAVE CAUSED FATALITY IN SECOND OCCURRENCE AS ICY CONDITIONS AND STOPPED VEHICLES COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A MAJOR COLLISION. SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND PUMPING BREAKS ALLOWED FOR A CONTROLLED STOP. EXTREMELY HIGH IDLE REMAINED UNTIL MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO BREAK ACCELERATION PREVAILED. NOTE: FLOOR MATS ARE NOT INVOLVED IN THIS ISSUE. RESEARCH HAS UNCOVERED MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, SIMILAR TO THE EXPLORER OF THE SAME YEAR. WHEN IS A RECALL TO GET THIS CORRECTED GOING TO BE ISSUED... HOW MANY NEED TO BE INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE SOMEBODY DOES THE RIGHT THING!!! *NM

1. FAILURE OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, FAMILY FORD SALES INC., FLORENCE, AL TO NOTIFY CUSTOMER OF DEFECT WITH 1997 4.2 L V6 ENGINE AS PUBLISHED IN FORD SERVICE PROGRAM, NUMBER 99B29 WHICH COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE THROUGH ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILING AND POLLUTING THE OIL WITH COOLANT, RESULTING IN DESTROYED ENGINE. FURTHER FAMILY FORD SALES INC. DIAGNOSED THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE 11/20/02 AND REPAIRED IT FOR $432.08 COST TO OWNER. NO MENTION OF THE FORD NO-CHARGE SERVICE PROGRAM OR POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE WAS GIVEN AT THIS TIME. 2. FAILURE OF 1997 FORD F150 ENGINE WITH 87,522 MILES DUE TO A KNOWN FAILURE TO FORD MOTOR OF FAULTY GASKETS (LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD (FORD TSB 99-20-7) AND ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILING AND POLLUTING THE OIL WITH COOLANT (FORD SERVICE PROGRAM, NUMBER 99B29) NEITHER OF WHICH WERE COMMUNICATED TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ACTION CAUSED $3,061.20 OF DAMAGE DUE TO REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE LONG BLOCK 1/26/2007 THE BABBITT WAS REMOVED FROM ENGINE BEARINGS, RESULTING IN LOW OIL PRESSURE AND ENGINE OIL LIGHT COMING ON WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED BY FAMILY FORD ON 1/5/2007 (COST $73.50). AGAIN FORD SERVICING DEALER/OEM SELLING DEALER DID NOT INFORM CUSTOMER OF ANY ISSUES WITH THIS ENGINE OR EARLIER NO-CHARGE SERVICE PROGRAM. FAILURE TO NOTIFY OR FRAUDULENT ACTIONS BY THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAVE COST ME OVER $3,500 AND THE LOST TIME ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAULTY PRODUCT. VEHICLE VIN IS [XXX]. DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE ALL CLAIMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SUBMITTAL. *NM UPDATED 07/11/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1997 FORD 150, 144,000 MILES. ENGINE KNOCKS AND IS LOOSING COOLANT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH JUST FOUND OUT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 4.2L V6 ENGINE. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FROM FORD STATING A PROBLEM WITH THE MANIFOLD GASKET. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. *NM

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE 1997 FORD F-150 WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DAMAGED THE ENGINE, ELECTRICAL WIRING, PIPING ,AND ANYTHING THAT WAS MADE OF PLASTIC MELTED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COULD PROVIDE PICTURES OF DAMAGED VEHICLE, AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.*AK UPDATED 02/28/07. *JB

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1997 FORD PICKUP F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 01/22/2007 HE WAS MAKING A TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND HE RAN OFF THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE OTHER TIMES WHILE HE WAS DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PLATE IN THE COLUMN THAT IS LOOSE AND COULD PUSH UP AND DOWN AN INCH. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR, AND HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE LAST FAILURE. *AK UPDATED 02/22/07*JB

AT AROUND 5:45 PM EST 1/13/2007 MY HUSBAND WAS WORKING ON OUR COMPUTER WHILE MY SON AND I WATCHED A MOVIE. THE DOORBELL RANG AND I WENT OUTSIDE TO FIND MY HUSBAND'S 1997 FORD F150 WITH FLAMES SHOOTING HIGH OUT OF THE HOOD. I GRABBED MY SON AND CAME BACK INSIDE AND SCREAMED FOR MY HUSBAND. HE GRABBED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT IT WAS FAR TOO INVOLVED. A NEIGHBORHOOD KID HAD BEEN WALKING BY AND SAW THE FIRE AND RANG THE DOORBELL - HE WAITED WITH US DOWN THE STREET FOR THE FIRE TRUCKS. I CALLED 911 AND EVACUATED THE HOUSE AND RAN DOWN THE STREET. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN 5 MINUTES OR SO - WHILE WE WAITED THERE WERE SEVERAL MINOR EXPLOSIONS BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BEFORE IT GOT TO THE HOUSE (ONLY A FEW FEET FROM THE TRUCK) OR THE OTHER CAR PARKED RIGHT NEXT TO THE TRUCK IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE TRUCK IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED - THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD ARE GONE - THE INTERIOR IS BLACK AND DEVASTATED AND THE TIRES ARE MELTED - THE PAINT IS GONE - IT LOOKS NOTHING IT DID A FEW HOURS AGO. *JB

COMPLAINT: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, POOR DESIGN OF LOWER INTAKE PLENUM/MANIFOLD GASKET IN THE ESSEX 4.2L V-6. 1: EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE ORIGINALLY THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF IMPENDING FAILURE. THE INDICATIONS OF FAILURE ARE LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT WITH NO VISIBLE EXTERNAL LEAK, AND COOLANT IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. 2: FAILURE AND IT'S CONSEQUENCES THIS DEFECT ALLOWS COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, CAUSING A HYDRAULIC LOCKING CONDITION WHICH WILL BREAK/BEND ONE OR MORE CONNECTING RODS. THIS RENDERS THE ENGINE UNUSABLE, AND IT MUST BE PULLED, REPAIRED IF POSSIBLE (SOME ARE NOT), AND RE-INSTALLED. 3: FAILURE CORRECTION. IN MOST CASES THE ENGINE CAN BE REPAIRED BY REPLACING A CONNECTING ROD, PISTON, AND CRANKSHAFT, AND ALL THE OTHER ASSOCIATED PARTS THAT ARE INVOLVED WITH THIS LEVEL OF DISASSEMBLY. IN SOME CASES THE CONNECTING ROD WILL BREAK AND DAMAGE THE BLOCK BEYOND REPAIR. THIS HAPPENED IN MY CASE. THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WAS OVER $2000, NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR INVOLVED IN IT'S REPLACEMENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW, AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING IT. HOWEVER, TO THIS DAY THEY WILL STILL NOT OFFER ANY AID, IN ANY FORM, FOR DAMAGES INCURRED DUE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW. *NM

THIS WEEK THE ENGINE IN MY 1997 F-150 BLEW. THE PLUGS WERE WET. COOLANT LEAKED. I WENT ON THE INTERNET TO SEE ABOUT PURCHASING AN ENGINE AND I FOUND A WEBSITE CALLED FIGHT BACK WITH DAVID HORIWITZ. THERE ARE 27 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS THAT ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE. HTTP:WWW.FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHPT=224 YOU NEED TO SEE FOR YOURSELF. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE. *JB

MY TRUCK FORD F150 1997 WAS PARKED ON FRONT DRIVEWAY AND GET ON FIRE BY ITSELF. ENGINE WAS COLD AND TRUCK WAS IDLE FOR MORE THAN 4 HOURS. DAMAGE WAS TOTAL. FIRE MARSHAL WAS AT THE SCENE AND GET TO THE CONCLUSION THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. *NM

TL* - WHILE DRIVING THE TIRE STARTED WOBBLING. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE WAS CLEAR AND SUNNY. THE TIRE DISENGAGED, AND THE CONTACT CAME TO A STOP. THE TIRE WAS NEW, AND ONLY BEEN DRIVEN 15 MILES. THE TIRE ALWAYS TEARS BETWEEN THE BEAD AND SIDEWALL. *AK UPDATED 04/05/07

LOW ON COOLANT- OIL PRESSURE STARTED TO DROP, COOLANT IN OIL. AFTER READING CONSIDERABLY ABOUT THIS ON INTERNET FOUND OUT ABOUT TSP #99B29 AND THE RESULTING ONP DO NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS EVER FIXED I AM SECOND OWNER AND THE ONP EXPIRED IN 2001. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM LEAKING GASKET. MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES REGARDING THIS. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND CANNOT AFFORD A $4000 MOTOR BECAUSE FORD DID NOT GET IT RIGHT AND WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM WITH A RECALL. SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ERRORS. *NM

FIRESTONE STORES AT 11865 W 95 OVERLAND PARK KS 66214 AND ONE AT 7575 WORNALL RD KANSAS CITY MO 64114 ARE FALSIFYING DOT REGISTRATION ON OVER 90% OF TIRES SOLD. PROCESS USED IS THAT A FICTITIOUS NUMBER THAT HAS THE RIGHT SERIES OF CHARACTERS IS USED ON ALL TIRE INVOICES REGARDLESS OF SIZE OR TYPE. THIS IS ALSO ENTERED INTO THE COMPUTER WHICH ACCEPTS THE FICTITIOUS NUMBER AS LONG AS THE CHARACTER STRING IS LONG ENOUGH. THE NUMBER IS GIVEN TO NEW HIRES AS IT WAS ME WHEN I STARTED AND WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO SUPERIOR I WAS FIRED. OVER A PERIOD OF 1 MONTH OVER 700 TIRES WERE SOLD IN THIS FASHION AND NO OTHER EMPLOYEE SAW THE PROBLEM WITH THE POLICY OTHER THAN TO SAY THEY DID NOT WANT TO LOSE THEIR JOB. *NM

MY 1997 FORD F-150 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER MYSTERIOUSLY THROUGH A ROD AT 80K MILES RESULTING IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM PLAGUING MANY FORD CUSTOMERS, YET FORD HAS PROVIDED NO RELIEF. AN EXPENSIVE $4000 REPAIR! *JB

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 4.2L. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN LOSING COOLANT FOR A WHILE! I HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, REPLACED HOSES, REPLACED THERMOSTATS,ETC. MY TRUCK IS NOW HAVING A TICKING SOUND WHEN I START IT IN COLD WEATHER. I HAVE COME TO FIND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD PREVIOUSLY ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS TRUCKS ENGINE FOR A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS RECALL!!! I WAS INFORMED OF OTHER RECALLS LIKE LUG NUT FAILURE, CRUISE CONTROL CABLES,ETC, BUT NEVER ABOUT THE MOST EXPENSIVE, MOST VITAL PART OF THE TRUCK THE ENGINE. THE INFORMATION OF THE RECALL WAS DISCOVER AS I WAS ON THE WEB TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW TO FIX THE KNOCKING SOUND. THE WEB SITE HAD OVER 350 MESSAGES OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM!!! PLEASE HELP!! *JB

COOLANT RUNNING LOW,STARTED MY TRUCK AND IT STARTED KNOCKING VERY LOUD,AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP ALMOST INSTANTLY,HAD TO HAVE ENGINE REBUILT AND NOW IT IS KNOCKING AGAIN. *NM

ON OCCASION, TRUCK WOULD HESITATE, TAKING A BIT OF TLC ON THE GAS PEDAL TO CLEAR IT UP. ONE OCCASION, IN TRAFFIC, ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A NEAR MISS, I ACCELERATED THROUGH THIS. WHITE SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT THE TAIL PIPE. HEAD GASKET FAILURE. LIMPED HOME. ENGINE HYDRO-LOCKED. DIAGNOSIS = REPLACE HEAD GASKETS ($2,100) IN THIS SAME 'WEAK' 4.2 V-6 OR REPLACE MOTOR ($2,500) WITH NEWER 4.2 V-6. REPLACEMENT WILL BE DONE TOMORROW. FORD FAULTY ENGINE / GASKETS - NOT MY FAULT. MY PROBLEM THOUGH. *JB

'97 FORD F-150 4.2L V-6, LOWER INTAKE GASKETS FAILED, LEADING TO HYDROLOCKED ENGINE. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING. TRUCK IS NOW INOPERABLE. *NM

F150 FORD RIGHT SIDE UPPER HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *NM

MY 1997 FORD F150, 4.2L V6, HAS BEEN LOSING COOLANT SINCE ABOUT 2004. MY SON HAD A DIFFICULT TIME STARTING THE VEHICLE ONE AFTERNOON. FINALLY I GOT IT STARTED AND DROVE 5 MILES HOME. THE NEXT AFTERNOON THE CAR STARTED QUICKLY BUT IMMEDIATELY STARTED BANGING AWAY. MY MECHANIC SAYS THE ENGINE IS DEAD - BAD ROD. NOW I FIND OUT FROM THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE BUT FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. TRADE IN VALUE ON THE CAR IS ZERO BECAUSE ALL THE 2ND TIER DEALERS KNOW ABOUT THE ENGINE PROBLEM. I'M OUT THE COST OF A NEW ENGINE (SEEMS ONLY FAIR AFTER MY 96 WINDSTAR NEEDS NEW HEAD GASKETS BECAUSE THEY WEAR OUT AT 30K MILES) APPARENTLY IF YOU KNOW A FORD MECHANIC, HE WILL TELL YOU THE MOTOR HAS BEEN BAD SINCE THE DAY IT WAS FIRST MANUFACTURED. THIS MOTOR SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AND HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE FAULTY GASKET LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE MOTOR IT WOULDN'T HAVE. FROM READING WEB SITES I HAVE FOUND THAT FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THE GASKET AND THEN PULLED IT. I NEVER RECEIVED A BULLETIN ON THE FAULTY GASKET. DON'T EXPECT TO OWN ANOTHER FORD, BUT SOME FINANCIAL HELP WOULD SURE SOOTHE MY FRUSTRATION IF SOMEONE WANTS THE PARTS TO USE TO ACQUIRE COMPENSATION FROM FORD I CAN KEEP THE DEAD ENGINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. *JB

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY, HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF TRUCK AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE A BLOWOUT. AS I CHANGED LANE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER I SAW WHAT APPEARED TO BE PIECES OF TIRE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ONCE PULLED OVER, I GOT OUT TO INVESTIGATE, AT FIRST EVERYTHING SEEMED TO BE OK UNTIL I LOOKED AT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, SAW THAT THE TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED, BUT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, THE SIDEWALLS WERE IN PERFECT CONDITION, BUT THE TREAD HAD JUST PEALED AWAY FROM THE CENTER. *MM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REPAIR FOR NHTSA RECALL # 05V388000, PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, AFTER 2 WEEKS, THERE WAS A SMELL INSIDE THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE OF SOMETHING BURNING. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SERVICE DEALER THAT ORIGINALLY PERFORMED THE WORK, WHO THEN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REPAIR PART OF THE RECALL HAD BEEN FULFILLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, WHO WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE VIN IN THE RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED THE NOTICE.

HYDRO-LOCK ON 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 4.2L V6 CAUSED BENT ROD. ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FORD ON-99B29 WAS EXERCISED IN 2000 WHICH WAS SUPPOSE TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 3 MPH, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED AND EXPLODED. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - *NM

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L V6. ENGINE FAILURE. BROKEN ROD FOLLOWING HYDRO LOCK. PROBLEM PRECEDED WITH COOLANT LEAK AND REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKET. *JB

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP. IT HAS THE 4.2L V6. I HAD 84,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE MOTOR DUE TO A BENT ROD. THE ROD DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY A LEAKING GASKET THAT ALLOWED COOLANT INTO THE CYCLINDER. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS ATTEMPTED TO BE STARTED THE FLUID (DOES NOT COMPRESS) PREVENTED THE PISTON FROM FULL TRAVEL AND BENT THE ROD. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS AND DENIES EVERYTHING. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, I BECAME AWARE OF MANY MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM

I DRIVE AN IMPORTED F150 FROM 1997 (4X4, 5.4 ENGINE). LAST WEEK MY CRUISE STOPPED WORKING. AFTER INSPECTION AND SURFING THE NET, I CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME A LOT OF F150 HAD (HAVE), OIL LEAK TO THE CRUISE-CONNECTOR. A FRIEND OF MINE WHO OWNS A GARAGE, INSPECTED CAREFULLY AND CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION. I WROTE TO FORD.COM TO ASK FOR HELP TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. NO REACTION. I ONLY ASK FOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS I NEED AND THE NECESSARY INSTRUCTIONS TO DO THE REPAIRS, NOT MORE. PERHAPS YOU CAN HELP ME TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. I LOVE THAT TRUCK AND I JUST WANT TO KEEP DRIVING AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE. FOR THE MOMENT I DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE (AS RECOMMENDED ON A LOT OF FORD-FORUMS).*JB

MANIFOLD STUDS RUSTED AWAY CAUSING EXHAUST PIPE TO SEPARATE FROM MANIFOLDS. AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE, EMISSIONS PORTION OF NYS INSPECTION WAS FAILED. REPAIR IS REQUIRED TO PASS INSPECTION, AND IS ESTIMATED BY NEW COUNTRY FORD TO BE APPROXIMATELY $2200.00. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN EXCESSIVE EXPENSE AS A RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURERS POOR DESIGN AND QUALITY OF PARTS. *JB

FORD F-150 V-6 4.2L MOTOR COOLANT CAUSED THE MOTOR TO THROW A ROD. *NM

THE TRUCK STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, WHICH WOULD COME AND GO. THESE PROBLEMS BECAME MORE SEVERE AND NUMEROUS AS TIME WENT BY. AT FIRST IT WAS JUST THE WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON AND THEN THINGS LIKE THE RADIO COMING ON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND NO ONE HAD THE KEY EVEN IN. IT WOULD ALSO SHIFT INTO 4-WHEEL FOR NO REASON. THESE WOULD ONLY HAPPEN ONCE IN A WHILE. THEN ONE DAY WHEN I WENT TO GO TO WORK I OPENED THE DOOR AND EVERYTHING CAME ON JUST OPENING THE DOOR. I GOT IN AND PUT THE KEY IN AND TRIED TO START THE TRUCK BUT THERE WAS NOTHING. I THEN NOTICED THE SMELL OF ELECTRICAL ITEMS BURNING AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK OUT THE KEY. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND ASK IF THEY KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY IMMEDIATELY REPLIED THAT THESE TRUCKS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD LEAKING ON THE GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX. WHEN I TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT THEY SAID THE STARTER, SOLENOID, AND FUSE HAD ALL BURNED UP. THE FUSE BOX ALSO HAD BURNED AT SEVERAL FUSE LOCATIONS AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE NEW PARTS CAME THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THEY NOW HAD PLASTIC COVERS ON THEM TO HELP PREVENT MOISTURE FROM GETTING TO THEM. NOW ALL THIS STUFF BURNED UP IN MY TRUCK WHILE SITTING IN MY GARAGE AT NIGHT WITHOUT IT EVEN HAVING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAVE BURNED MY HOUSE DOWN WITH ME AND MY FAMILY IN SLEEPING. NOW IF THE DEALERSHIP KNEW THIS WAS A PROBLEM HOW COME THIS WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM. IT COST ME JUST UNDER A GRAND TO FIX NOT TO MENTION MY WIFE WON'T LET ME PARK IT IN THE GARAGE ANYMORE BECAUSE SHE'S AFRAID OF A FIRE.

THIS IS SHORT. MY 5.4 BLEW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE HEAD. FORD HEADS ONLY HAVE .250 IN. OF THREADED DEPTH IN HEAD NOT ENOUGH. *JB

UPON STARTING ONE MORNING, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. HAD THE ENGINE INSPECTED AND FOUND THAT AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAD FAILED. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK FELL OUT DUE TO RUSTED STRAPS. THE VEHICLE IS NOT GARAGED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE THAT THE TANK SHOULD NOT HAVE RUSTED OUT. UPDATED 08/01/06. *JB

I BOUGHT A 1997 FORD XL V-6 4X4 FROM NOLLER FORD IN TOPEKA, KS BRAND NEW . I WAS TOLD THIS V-6 ENGINE WAS THE GREATEST THING EVER INVENTED BY FORD. I NOTICED THAT ABOUT EVERY OIL CHANGE I HAD TO TOP OFF THE COOLANT. I CALLED TOPEKA FORD ABOUT THIS APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AFTER I DROVE THE TRUCK--I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS MOTOR. I TOOK THEIR WORD. MY SON IS IN THE MILITARY AT NELLIS AFB IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA. HE DROVE MY TRUCK THERE AND CALLED ME LAST NIGHT SAYING THE MOTOR LOCKED UP.(IT HAS ABOUT 112,000 MILES ON IT) I CALLED THE LAS VEGAS FORD DEALERSHIP AND TALKED WITH FERNANDO AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE FORD V-6---PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS!!!! I THEN CALLED A FORMER FORD MECHANIC AND ASKED HIM WHAT MY SON COULD DO---HE STATED THAT FORD HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE V-6 AND MOST WAS DUE TO SOME HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT) AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEIR ENGINES SEIZE UP DUE TO THIS. I HAVE READ SEVERAL WEBSITES WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME COMPLAINT AS I DO---WHY DOESN'T FORD STEP-UP? I HAVE BOUGHT QUITE A FEW FORDS BUT IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THIS WILL BE THE LAST ONE. SOME FORD OWNERS HAVE HAD FORD SEND THEM A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE GASKET ISSUE---WHY HAVEN'T I???? MY SON IS DUE TO BE DEPLOYED TO IRAQ SOON AND HE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THIS TRUCK. HE DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT, NOR DO I---FERNANDO WAS QUICK TO POINT OUT THAT FOR $4000 IT COULD BE FIXED, I ASKED HOW HE CAME UP WITH A FIGURE THAT FAST AND HE REFUSED TO ANSWER MY QUESTION----WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU???--THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE ON A REGULAR BASIS!!! *NM

I HAD THE 05S28 FORD RECALL PERFORMED ON MY F150 ON 9/12/05 - THEY DID NOT DISCONNECT MY CRUISE CONTROL TO WAIT FOR THE NEW HARNESS - THEY INSTALLED A BRAKE KIT - AT CHRISTMAS TIME - I WENT HOME TO MINNESOTA AND HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE WAY BACK - WHEN I GOT HOME I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH SOMETHING WITH THE CRUISE IN NORTHERN CLIMATES ICING UP AND IF IT DIDN'T STOP WHEN I WAS HOME IN OKLAHOMA TO CALL THEM BACK - IT DIDN'T DO IT ANYMORE SO I DIDN'T CALL BACK. ON JULY 8TH I WENT TO BROKEN ARROW AND AFTER I SHUT MY TRUCK OFF AND PARKED IT - IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. ONLY TOOK ABOUT 8 MINUTES TO BURN. EVERYTHING FROM THE CAB BACK WINDOW FORWARD IS BURNED TO A CRISP. THE FIREMAN SAID THEY WERE WRITING IT UP AS ENGINE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. EVERYTHING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IS GONE - THE BATTERY IS COMPLETELY MELTED AWAY - THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MELTED - THERE IS MORE MISSING AND MELTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE - SO THE FIREMAN SUSPECT IT STARTED THERE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE WAS SO HOT THAT IT MELTED SOME PALLETS OF PVC PIPE THAT WERE STACKED ABOUT 8 FEET FROM WHERE I PARKED THE TRUCK AND THEY FELL OVER ON TOP OF THE TRUCK AND ONE OF THE FIREMEN. THEY GOT HIM OUT AND HE WAS UNINJURED. I LOST MY TRUCK, THE FIREMAN GOT MY TRAILER UNHOOKED WITH MINIMAL DAMAGE, I LOST MOST OF MY TOOLS AND A LOT OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS. POLICE CAME BUT LEFT IT UP TO FIRE DEPARTMENT TO WRITE A REPORT. *JB

BROKEN BOLTS TO THE STEERING BOX. NO INCIDENT INVOLVED. STEERING CONTROL BECAME LOOSE. DIAGNOSIS OF PROBLEM WAS A LOOSE STEERING BOX FROM BOLT FAILURE. ADDITIONAL FAILURES OF REMAINING BOLTS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *NM

1997 FORD F150 4.2 MOTOR FAILURE. I HAVE HAD TO ADD COOLANT A FEW TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAK, KEPT THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3 THOUSAND MILES. THE MOTOR THREW A ROD AND ALL THE OIL LEAKED OUT OF THE BACK OF THE ENGINE. I FOUND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD, AND THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *JB

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON 15-501 HIGHWAY ON ROUTE TO UNC HOSPITAL. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY TRUCK WENT TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL FOR NO REASON AND MY THEN 4 YR OLD AND I HAD A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. WE WERE BOTH IN SEAT BELTS. SHE WAS BELTED IN HER CAR SEAT IN THE BACK AND I IN THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE UPSIDE DOWN THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! WE WERE THOUGHT TO BE DEAD AT FIRST UNTIL MY DAUGHTER STARTED CRYING. WE WERE RUSHED TO UNC HOSPITAL IN CHAPEL HILL FOR CUTS AND CONTUSIONS. AT THAT TIME, I HAD NO MAJOR PAIN, BUT NOW, I CAN HARDLY WALK SOMETIMES BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE TRUCK LANDED IN THE EMBANKMENT UPSIDE DOWN HANGING TWISTED IN MY SEAT BELT .WE WERE LUCKY NOT TO HAVE DIED BUT NOW AFTER 3 YEARS I AM IN CONSTANT LEG, HIP AND BACK PAIN THAT I KNOW WAS DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. NOW WHAT? MY LEGS GO NUMB ALL THE TIME AND I CANNOT EVEN BEND MY BACK HALF THE TIME DUE TO THIS. *JB

I OWN A 1997 F-150 . I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE PARTY WHEN IT HAD 52,000 MILES. THE TRUCK NOW HAS ABOUT 90K MILES. ON MAY 16 I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A RAUCOUS NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ON MAY 17TH I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO AUTO SPECIALTIES, AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THEY IDENTIFIED THE NOISE AS A BENT CONNECTING ROD. THEY DISCOVERED STEAM COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND BELIEVE COOLANT SEEPED INTO THE CYLINDER THROUGH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I ASKED HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED. THEY SAID PROBABLY OVERHEATING. YET, IN THE ENTIRE TIME I OWNED IT, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAS NEVER REGISTERED HIGH, NO STEAM AROSE FROM THE ENGINE AREA. I HAVE ALWAYS CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3K MILES. I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED CORRECT FLUID LEVELS. I HAVE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH THIS TRUCK AND NEVER CARRIED ANYTHING MORE THAN A HALF-TON LOAD. I ALWAYS LET IT WARM UP AND DRIVE IT GENTLY WHILE IT IS WARMING UP. IN ADDITION, THE TRUCK SPEED CONTROL DEVICE WAS REPLACED BY THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ON SEPT. 14, 2005. IN THEIR INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THEY UNCOVERED NO PROBLEMS WITH COOLING OR OVERHEATING. THIS IS THE FIRST FORD I HAVE OWNED, THE FIRST AMERICAN CAR. I HAVE OWNED 1 MITSUBISHI AND 2 TOYOTA PICKUPS WHICH I BOUGHT SECOND HAND. I OWNED THEM UNTIL THEY HAD OVER 125K MILES AND THEY NEEDED NO REPAIRS OTHER THAN NORMAL MAINTENANCE. I HAVE DRIVEN A PRE-OWNED INTEGRA TO OVER 140K MILES WITHOUT PROBLEMS AND A HONDA CIVIC WHICH I DROVE FROM 60K-120K WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST PROBLEM. A TRUCK WITH 90K MILES SHOULD NOT NEED A NEW ENGINE. BY JUST ABOUT ANY MAKER STANDARDS THE ENGINE SHOULD LAST OVER 200K MILES. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SPOKE WITH CHARLES WHO SAID FORD WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM, SINCE THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL. SHOULDN'T FORD BE CONCERNED ABOUT A LEMON, EVEN IF IT IS NOT A COMMON PROBLEM? I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE, SINCE ITS FAILURE IS PREMATURE. *JB

FORD LOWER INTAKE GASKET ON 1997 F150 4.2L ENGINE CAUSING COOLANT LOSS. *NM

HEAD GASKET FAILED ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 4.2 LITER (V6) ENGINE. IT LEAKED INTO CRANKCASE AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. IT IS A TOTAL LOSS OF THE ENGINE AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER ENGINE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER PEOPLE. *JB

BRAKE SYSTEM WENT OUT AT 68,000 MILES, STARTER WENT OUT AT 90,000 MILES, TIE ROD SNAPPED AT 104,000 MILES, REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UPS. *NM

I USED TO BE A PROUD OWNER OF A 1997 FORD F150 4.2 LITER V6. THAT WAS UNTIL TODAY WHEN MY ENGINE HYDROLOCKED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE TRUCK NOW HAS 164000 MILES ON IT, HOWEVER, THE FIRST TIME HAPPENED AT APPROX. 110000 MILES. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE V6 ENGINES, AND THAT FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING DO TO THE "HIGH" MILES. I REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH A COMPLETE NEW SHORT BOCK,AND THE RECOMMENDED BY FORD 4MM HEAD GASKETS INSTEAD OF THE 3MM THAT THEY ORIGINALLY INSTALLED. THIS ENGINE LASTED ANOTHER APPROX 20000 MILES BEFORE IT HYDROLOCKED AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE WARRANTY FROM THE ENGINE SUPPLIER...THANKFULLY. NOW, HOWEVER THERE ISN'T ANYTHING TO DO BUT REPLACE THE ENGINE AGAIN. IT'S NOT WORTH MUCH AS A RUNNING VEHICLE DO TO IT'S AGE, BUT AS A NON-RUNNING ONE IT'S REALLY WORTHLESS. I JUST HOPE THE SOMEDAY FORD WILL BE PRESSURED INTO MAKING SOME KIND OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES AND AT THE VERY LEAST OFFER ADVICE THAT TRULY HELPS THE CONSUMER NOT JUST BAND-AIDS THE ISSUE UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE. ON A SIDE NOT I'M NOT A DISGRUNTLED FORD OWNER I CURRENTLY OWN FOUR OTHER FORD VEHICLES DATING FROM 2003 BACK TO 1986. I JUST HOPE MAYBE I CAN HELP GET SOMETHING DONE BY WRITING THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *NM

NORMAL USE OF 4.2 V6 FORD ENGINE OIL PRESSURE DROPS TO 0 PSIG AT ENGINE IDLE AFTER TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM MY SELF (25 YEARS AUTO MECHANIC 17 YEARS AVIATION TECH) AND SEARCHING THE WEB FOR OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS I HAVE FOUND THE FIX IS REBUILD OR REPLACE THE ENGINE $2000.00 - $6000.00 FOMOCO SHOULD SHARE IN THIS EXPENSE BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANYONE WITH HELP FROM FORD I WILL STATE THAT MANY HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE INJURED MOMENTARILY. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

I HAVE A FORD F150 V6 4.2 WITH A BLOWN ENGINE. I STARTED IT ONE MORNING TO A LOUD KNOCKING AND SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN A FREQUENT PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR. MY TRUCK HAS 81,000 MILES ON IT. *JB

STARTED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, LOUD BANG, WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAILPIPE, AND KNOCKING IN ENGINE. MECHANIC SAYS THE ENGINE IS RUINED - BEND RODS. ONE OWNER VEHICLE WITH 55,000 MILES.

PERIODIC LOW COOLANT LEVELS WITH NO VISIBLE LEAKS, PROGRESSIVELY WORSE LOW OIL PRESSURE, TROUBLE STARTING, STEAM IN EXHAUST COOLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDER CAUSED BENT ROD AND NECESSITATED ENGINE REBUILD. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE FOLLOWED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL AS SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER.

I HAVE A 1997 F150 V-6 4.2L PICK UP TRUCK. I HAVE BEEN LOOSING ENGINE COOLANT AND MY ENGINE OIL LEAKS OUT. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON WITH THIS ENGINE TYPE AND TRUCK. I FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON THIS GASKET BUT THEY DID NOT SEND ME ANY INFORMATION ABOUT IT. THE RECALL ON THE GASKET EXPIRED IN 2005 ( I WAS TOLD BY FORD). I ONLY HAVE 66,000 MILES ON THIS TRUCK. CAN YOU GUYS HELP ME? *NM

I NOTICED MY FORD 4.2L V-6 WAS LOSING COOLANT. BUT, THERE WAS NO LEAKS EXTERNALLY. I WENT OUT TO START IT THE OTHER MORNING, AND IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET, AND FOUND INFO ON HYDROLOCKING AND BAD GASKETS. I REMOVED ALL THE SPARK PLUGS, AND CRANKED THE ENGINE. LOTS OF COOLANT CAME OUT OF CYLINDER 1. NOW, I'M LOOKING AT BEST ALL NEW GASKETS, OR POSSIBLY A NEW ENGINE IF THE TIMING COVER GASKETS WEREN'T REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL. *NM

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK, 4.2L V-6. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK AND WITH NO WARNING THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING VERY BADLY, SHE WAS FRIGHTENED AND DROVE THE TRUCK HOME VERY SLOWLY, WHICH ALMOST GOT HER INTO AN ACCIDENT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH WITH FORD MECHANICS AND PRIVATE MECHANICS, I FOUND OUT THE ENGINE IS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE THE YEARS WERE 1997 AND 1998. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE IN DETROIT WAS NO HELP AT ALL. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK WITH 36,000 MILES ON IT, TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT, AND IT NOW HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL SAYING IT COULD CATCH ON FIRE. UNFORTUNATELY THE TRUCK CAN'T BE MOVED UNTIL I REPLACE THE ENGINE, AND IT IS IN MY GARAGE. IF THIS TRUCK CATCHES ON FIRE AND BURNS MY HOUSE DOWN FORD WILL BE SUED. THERE WAS NO WARNING WHEN THE ENGINE WENT, FAILURE WAS TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE, AGAIN FORD HAS DONE NOTHING. *NM

MY 1997 4.2L V6 F150 WOULD NOT START, REPLACED STARTER MOTOR, PULLED PLUGS FOUND COOLANT IN #1 CYLINDER. I'M CURRENTLY DIGGING INTO THE ENGINE TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. *NM

1997 FORD 150 V6 4.2 L ENGINE FAILURE, NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM FORD ABOUT LOWER INTAKE GASKET RECALL, OR THE RECALL ON THE FRONT COVER GASKET. BOTH DEFECTS CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE BY HYDROSTATIC LOCK, BENDING OR BREAKING THE CONNECTING ROD(S) IN 1 OR MORE CYLINDERS. *NM

(1) NO SPECIFIC EVENTS PRECEEDED FAILURE. (2) DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION BY OWNER, A LEAK WAS DISCOVERED IN A STEEL BRAKE LINE NEAR THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. CAUSE OF LEAK APPEARS TO BE RUST THROUGH. THERE IS EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF BRAKE LINES ON THIS VEHICLE. (3) REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN PERFORMED YET. RUSTED BRAKE LINES WILL BE SAVED AFTER REPAIRS ARE PERFORMED. *NM

11/16/2005 ~ GO IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL AND LUBE. ATTENDANT GIVES ME DETAILS, I HAVE AIR FILTER REPLACED AND COOLANT ADDED BECAUSE IT WAS LOW. 2/23/2006 ~ GO IN FOR MY ROUTINE OIL AND LUBE. I ASK THE ATTENDANT TO LOOK AT THE COOLANT, I TELL HIM THAT IT KEEPS GETTING LOW. SURE ENOUGH HE COMES BACK AND LETS ME KNOW ITS VERY LOW, DID I WANT TO PUT COOLANT IN IT. 4/28/2006 ~ I GO TO MY 97 F-150 TO HEAD OUT TO AN INTERVIEW, SHIRT AND TIE, CUP OF COFFEE AND PAPERWORK IN HAND. PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WONT TURN OVER. IT ISN'T THE "BATTERY IS DEAD" WON'T TURN OVER, ITS A "I WANT TURN OVER BUT I CAN'T" OVER AND I CALL MY MECHANIC. HE ARRIVES AND GETS OUT HIS JUMPERS TO SEE IF IT IS A DEAD BATTERY. WE LOOK AT THE STARTER, ELECTRICAL EVERYTHING AND CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE IT OUT. HE SAYS TO ME, "YOU DON'T HAVE VERY LOW OR LITTLE COOLANT, PUT SOME IN THE RESEVOIR" HE ASKS ME IF I NOTICED ANYTHING ODD, ANY HESITATION THE PREVIOUS DAY, I TELL HIM NO, I LITERALLY DROVE 3 MILES TO GO TO THE MARKET AND THAT WAS IT FOR DRIVING THAT DAY. HE ASKS ME TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND WE TRY AND PUSH IT BACKWARDS TO TURN THE MOTOR OVER. IT WON'T BUDGE, AT THIS POINT HE SAYS THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING IN THE CYLINDER(S), GAS, WATER, OIL, SOMETHING AND WE'LL PULL THE PLUGS AND SEE WHAT COMES OUT. WE PULLED THE PLUGS AND COOLANT CAME POURING OUT OF CYLINDER #2. I HAVE PICTURES ETC OF THE COOLANT AND PLUGS. I FOUND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING ISSUES IDENTICAL TO THIS WITHIN THE SAME TIMBERING OF MILEAGE AND EVEN THE SAME CYLINDER. HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224 HTTP://WWW.FORD-TRUCKS.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=473230 HTTP://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/FORD_ESSEX_V6_ENGINE_(CANADIAN)#4.2 MY MECHANIC IS NOW PRICING A COMPLETE GASKET KIT AND WILL NEED TO TAKE THE MOTOR APART TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE MOTOR SOUNDS AS IF IT IS OK AND WE ARE GOING TO TRY TO REMEDY THE GASKET SITUATION AND SEE IF WE CAN'T GET IT TO RUN NORMALLY. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS HAPPENED MORE OFTEN WHILE TOWING SOMETHING BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SPEWED COOLANT ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES. THE HEADS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ONCE; THE RESERVOIR SYSTEM HAS BEEN CHANGED TWICE. THE EGR VALVE HAS BEEN CHANGED TWICE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.

RE: 97 FORD F- 150 PICKUP W/ 4.2L V 6 IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THIS ENGINE GIVES TROUBLE W/ FAILING HEAD GASKETS . MINE FAILED AT 86,560 MI. ENGINE COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE LEAKING INTO #S 3 & 6 CYLINDERS SO BOTH SIDES OF ENGINE WERE AFFECTED FORD OWES ME $1765 DOLLARS IF THEY KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM PLEASE HELP! *NM

1997 FORD F150 4.2L V 6 ENGINE. WENT TO START THE TRUCK AND IT RAN VERY ROUGH. CUT IT OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, THEY SAID IT HAD A BENT ROD AND WOULD NEED A REBUILT ENGINE AT A COST OF $5,000. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ENGINE ALL WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. NOW I'M STUCK SHOPPING AROUND FOR A BETTER DEAL ON REBUILT ENGINES THAN THE FORD DEALER PROVIDED. *NM

MY 1997 FORD F-150 HAS A LOUD TAPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. IT EITHER BROKE A ROD OR A PISTON. *NM

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.2L V6 ENGINE THAT HAS FAILED WITH 82,000 MILES. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THIS FAILURE IS DUE TO COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE DUE TO AN ENGINEERING FLAW. IT IS ALSO MY UNDERSTANDING THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT CHOOSES TO EXCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY AND LEAVE THE CONSUMER WITH THE BURDEN OF ENGINE REPLACEMENT FOR $4000 TO $5000. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE FAILURES ARE NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM BUT ARE BEING EXPERIENCED BY THOUSANDS OF FORD F-150 TRUCK OWNERS WITH THE 4.2L V6 ENGINE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF A PROBLEM IS THIS WIDE SPREAD AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO BE ACCOUNTABLE A GOVERNMENT AGENCY SHOULD STEP UP AND REPRESENT AS WELL AS PROTECT THE PEOPLE TO SOMETHING THAT AMOUNTS TO OUT AND OUT CONSUMER FRAUD. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT AN IDLE, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE DECREASES TO ZERO FOLLOWED BY A GRINDING NOISE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE TANK IN PLACE BROKE. THE GAS TANK DROPPED 4 INCHES; HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. UPON INSPECTION ONE OF THE TWO BRACKETS WERE CORRODED AND HAD COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. THE BRACKET WAS REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 5/3/2006 - *NM

1997 F150 4.2L V6 60K MILES WATER IN CYLINDER WARPED ROD. ENGINE NO GOOD. CANT AFFORD TO SPEND 5K DOLLARS TO TRY TO REPAIR ENGINE. *NM

BOUGHT A 1997 F-150 USED IN 2001 WITH 62,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE PUT LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE IN THE 4.5 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT AND CHANGED THE OIL TWICE. I HAD NOTICED IN THE PAST THAT I WOULD HAVE TO FILL UP THE COOLANT, BUT COULD NOT FIND A LEAK. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAT GOING IN AND OUT. WENT TO START THE TRUCK AND IT SHOOK AND CAME TO A STOP. STARTED IT AGAIN AND THERE IS NOW AN AWFUL BANGING/KNOCK. I BELIEVE TO BE A ROD OR OTHER INTERNAL PART. HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED BY A PROFESSIONAL, BUT AFTER READING THE FORUMS ON THE FORD 4.2 LITER ENGINES I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT I CAN SELF DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AS HAVING TO DO WITH THE COOLANT LEAK PROBLEMS. I HAVE NOT RAN THE ENGINE AND HAVE NOT HAD THE MONEY TO FIX IT OR REPLACE IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE SOME PROBLEM, SYMPTOMS, AND OUTCOME AS ME. THEY HAVE TO NUMBER IN THE HUNDREDS-THOUSANDS. FORD SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH THIS AND HAVE TO BE FULL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 4.2 MOTOR. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AND A RECALL. ON BEHALF OF ALL THE F-150 OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WE NEED HELP TO RESOLVE THIS. THANKS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND PLEASE INFORM ME IF ANYTHING HAPPENS OR CAN BE DONE AS I HAVE NOT FOUND ANYTHING AS FAR AS A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD. JB

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE ON 1997 FORD F150 4.2L 145K DUE TO LEAKING GASKET IN ENGINE, ALLOWING ENGINE COOLANT INTO ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE TO FREEZE CYLINDER AND THROW A ROD THEN ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED. I NOTICES THAT ENGINE COOLANT WAS DISAPPEARING AND WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAIL PIPE, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON, THEN SOON AFTER THROUGH A ROD AND ENGINE SEIZED UP. MY CAR NOW REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE DUE TO DEFECTIVE GASKET ALLOWING ENGINE COOLANT INTO ENGINE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING THEME WITH FORD ENGINES IN THIS YEAR. *JB

1997 FORD F-150 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED ALONG WITH A TON OF OTHER PEOPLE. HAD TO PAY A HEFTY REPAIR FEE. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO IT, JUST SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM MY TAIL PIPE. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT REAL QUICK AND IT ONLY COST THE ME REPAIR OF THE ENTIRE GASKET. A LOT OF TIMES IT IS A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. MY REPAIR COST $500. *JB

MY TRUCK WAS TAKEN IN FOR A BRAKE REPAIR THE WEEK OF MARCH 6- 10, 2006. WE GOT THE TRUCK BACK DROVE IT A 100 MILES ON THE WEEKEND WITH NO PROBLEMS. ON MONDAY, 3/13/06, I NOTICED IT MISSING AFTER 40 MILES AN HOUR. MY HUSBAND DROVE IT TO WORK THE NEXT DAY TO SEE WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK MY SON TO WORK ON THURSDAY AND IT WAS STILL MISSING. WHEN ON THE FREEWAY, I GOT IT UP TO 65/70 MPH WHEN IT JUST STARTED SLOWLY DOWN. I COULD NO LONGER GIVE IT ANY GAS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL ONTO A LARGE SHOULDER WHERE I HAD IT TOWED INTO A TRANSMISSION SHOP I TRUSTED. ON INSPECTION, THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLOODED WITH WATER AND COOLANT AS WELL AS THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAULTY RADIATOR. I HAD REPLACED THE RADIATOR APRIL 11, 2005. THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST RADIATOR REPLACED. THIS WAS THE 4TH RADIATOR. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT INSTALLED THE RADIATOR AND WAS TOLD THAT MY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. I'M WAITING FOR A CALL BACK WITH AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE AN ENGINE BREAKDOWN WHICH WOULD COST ME, TO FIND OUT WHY IT FAILED. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE WHOLE COOLING SYSTEM IN GENERAL SINCE 1999. RANGING FROM CHANGED HEAD GASKETS, HEATER CORES, RADIATORS, ETC. IT HAS BECOME APPARENT FROM READING ON THE FIGHT BACK SITE: [HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?P=836&PAGE=2&PP=15] THAT THIS A COMMON UNRESOLVED ISSUE WITH THE FORD COMPANY. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT THAT HAS YET TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. I COUNTED OUT 226 COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA SITE UNDER ENGINE AND ENGINE: COOLING THROUGH E/E:C:EXSYS:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAILPIPE. I'VE ALWAYS TRUSTED THE FORD COMPANY AS MY FATHER-IN-LAW RETIRED FROM THERE. WE ALWAYS HAD GREAT SERVICE UNTIL HIS PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP CLOSED. I AM NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT ANY ONE DEALER AS I'VE BEEN TO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE TO SERVICE MY CAR WHEN THEY CLOSED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURE RESPONSIBILITY *NM

OWN A 1997 F150 WITH 4.2 FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. NEVER SEEN THE SMOKE COMING. HYRDOLOCKED ON ME WITH 150,000 KMS WHICH I HAVE HEARD IS KINDA LOW KMS FOR THAT TO HAPPEN. LOOKING AT GETTING A REBUILT BUT WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH THIS. *NM

COOLANT LEAK. *NM

ENGINE FAILURE, FORD 4.2L V6 1997 WITH 102,000 MILES. STARTED ENGINE AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE FROM FRONT OF ENGINE ALSO LARGE PLUMES OF WHITE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST. BROUGHT MY TRUCK TO FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD BEST SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE ENGINE. TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT DEALER. I WENT TO ON-LINE TO RESEARCH ENGINE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AND FOUND 21 PAGES OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. THE SYMPTOMS WERE EXACTLY THE SAME FOR EACH ONE. ONLY THE MILEAGE VARIED. SOME CLAIMED A FORD RE-CALL WAS ISSUED FOR A GASKET PROBLEM TO CORRECT COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE CAUSING INTERNAL FAILURES. I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS RECALL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HAVE FORD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY (AND THE OTHERS) ENGINE FAILURE. IT IS VERY COSTLY. THANK YOU.*JB

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT WHILE RUNNING. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE PLUGS CHANGED ONCE BY THE FORD DEALER. I HAVE READ ON THE FORD F150 FORUMS THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON ON THE 5.4 ENGINE AS THEY HAVE VERY FEW THREADS HOLDING THE PLUG IN. I AM TOLD FORD FIXED THE PROBLEM IN 2002 BUT HAS NOT RECALLED THE EARLIER TRUCKS. *JB

MY FORD F-150 4.2 L ENGINE THREW A ROD ON MARCH 8 2006, WITH LESS THAN 61K MILES ON THE MOTOR. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TOO WATER SEEPING INTO THE CYLINDERS FROM A DEFECTIVE GASKET . I HAVE MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE PER FORD'S PRINTED MANUAL AND HAVE THE RECORDS TO PROVE IT. THE RESULT OF THE PROBLEM HAS COST ME OVER 3,000 DOLLARS FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I EXPECT FORD MOTOR CO. TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY DAMAGES FINANCIALLY. I SPOKE WITH A SERVICE MANAGER AT A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID HE HAS NEVER KNOWN OF FORD TO REIMBURSE A CUSTOMER IN THIS TYPE OF SITUATION. THEREFORE I DECIDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. MY TRUCK IS NOW BEING REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE GARAGE. *NM

1997 F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS EIGHT MONTHS AFTER THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE HE RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (05S28) WHICH INDICATED THAT EH DEACTIVATION SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT AND RESULT IN A FIRE. THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED PICTURES TO THE MANUFACTURER AND HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE STATING THAT THE TRUCK WAS TOO BADLY DAMAGED TO DETERMINE WHAT ACTUALLY STARTED THE FIRE. *NM

97 FORD F-150 4.2, BLEW A ROD AND THEY TELL ME THAT IS GONE COST ME ABOUT $4000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *JB

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 60,800 MILES ON IT AND THE MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE COST WAS MORE THAN THE TRUCK WAS WORTH. I HAD THE TRUCK IN THE SHOP 3 YEARS AGO FOR A WATER LEAK THAT WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE MOTOR. THE TRUCK HAD 36,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DEALERSHIP ASK ME IF THE MILEAGE WAS RIGHT ON THE TRUCK. I TOLD THEM WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND THE COULDN'T BELIEVE I WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *JB

1997 FORD F150 4.2L V 6 ENGINE. ENGINE HYDROLOCKED. #4 CYLINDER FULL OF COOLANT BENDING CONNECTING ROD AND OTHER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. POOR GASKET DESIGN BY MANUFACTURER ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEECH INTO COMBUSTION CHAMBERS. INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET REGARDING MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE SAME TYPE FOR THE SAME ENGINE TYPE. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. $4000 REPAIR COST TO AN ENGINE THAT HAS LESS THAN 75K MILES ON IT. *JB

1. LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT 2.ENGINE DAMAGE KNOCKING COOLANT IN COMBUSTION CHAMBERS, ENGINE KNOCKING LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE FROM DEFECTIVE GASKETS, 3 .FORD WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM. *NM

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2L 6 CYL ENGINE AND I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH COOLANT LEAKING AND WATER PUMP GASKET FAILURES AS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL FORD TRUCK. MY TRUCK HAS 90,000 MILES AND I AM PAYING $1200 DOLLARS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM RECTIFIED. FORD HAS ISSUES TSB'S ON THIS ISSUE SINCE 1999 AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO REIMBURSE OR PROTECT THE CONSUMER FROM THIS RECOGNIZED FAILURE. THIS SHOULD BE AN OFFICIAL RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT MADE TO OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THIS CONDITION RECTIFIED. *JB

BENT OR BROKEN CONNECTING ROD, DUE TO COOLANT LEAK. *JB

ENGINE FAILURE BAD GASKETS LEAKED COLANT INTO ENGINE THREW A ROD. *NM

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 PURCHASED IN 2000 FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP. I NEVER RECEIVED THE ONP RECALL ABOUT A FAILURE IN THE FRONT COVER GASKET AND NOW I AM FACING COSTLY REPAIRS. FURTHERMORE THE REPAIRS WERE NEVER CONDUCTED ON MY VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE DESPITE KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL. *NM

FIRE TO MY 3 DAYS PARKED FORD F-150 . LUCKILY WAS NOT PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE AND WAS IN MY GATED OUTSIDE PARKING. ONLY FRAME IS REMAINING....BAD...*NM

ON THE NIGHT OF JAN. 19, 2006,1:30 AM, WE WERE AWOKEN BY AN EXPLOSION. MY HUSBAND AND I JUMPED UP AND STARTING RUNNING TOWARD THE FRONT DOOR WINDOW AND REALIZED THAT OUR 1997 FORD F150 WAS INFLAMED. MY OTHER VEHICLE WAS PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK, MEANING THAT THE GAS TANK WAS ABOUT 1-2 FEET AWAY FROM THE TRUCK. THE FIRST THING I DID WAS CALLED 911 WHILE RUNNING AROUND TRYING TO PUT CLOTHES ON. MY HUSBAND WAS OUTSIDE WITH A WATER HOSE TRYING TO PUT A HUGE FIRE OUT. WHICH KNOWING IN MY MIND THAT ANY MOMENT WE COULD ALL BLOW UP. BY THIS TIME I HURRIED AND GOT MY 5 MONTH OLD BABY, AND MY OTHER 2 CHILDREN AND RAN OUT OF THE HOUSE. WHILE MY HUSBAND IS STILL TRYING TO HOLD A HUGE FIRE DOWN WITH A HOSE PIPE, I AM WATCHING THE TOP OF MY CARPORT BURN THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVES AND TAKES CONTROL OF EVERYTHING. (GREAT JOB MCFD YOU ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED) AFTER THE FIRE WAS OUT. I THANKED THE LORD FOR MY FAMILY LIVES. THE NEXT DAY I REALIZED THE DAMAGES WE HAD. FIRST,WE HAVE NO TRUCK, OUR CARPORT IS DAMAGED, AND OUR OTHER VEHICLE HAS SOME BURNED DAMAGES. APRX 2 WEEKS LATER FORD HAS GOT IN TOUCH WITH US AND HAS DENIED OUR CLAIM. THEY TOLD US THAT THE TRUCK WAS SO BURNED THAT THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THANK YOU FORD FOR OUR TIME IN NEED WHEN IT IS NOT OUR FAULT.....PEOPLE GET ON THE COMPUTER AND CHECK FOR RECALLS ON YOUR VEHICLES AND GET IT TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE FORD IN NOT FESSING UP. SINCE THE FIRE WE HAVE LEARNED THAT OUR 1997 FORD EXPEDITION ALSO HAD THE SAME RECALL(SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH) KNOWING THAT THE EXPEDITION HAD THAT SAME RECALL I COULD NOT SLEEP AT NIGHT WITH IT PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY. TRUST AND BELIEVE IT IS NOW SOLD. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER FORD IN MY DRIVE WAY. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING UP TO 40 MPH THE ENGINE LEAKS COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDERS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SMOKE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AT HIS EXPENSE. A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSED WATER TO ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND PRODUCE STEAM. UPDATED 03/09/06. *JB

1. LOSS OF COOLANT 2. PRESSURE TEST SHOWED FRONT GASKET LEAKING 3.FRONT GASKET REPLACED AT COST OF $1000.00 , MAY HAVE LOWER INTAKE GASKET LEAK NOW, ALL COMMON SERVICE ISSUE , NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *JB

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 WITH THE 4.2 V-6 MOTOR. THE TRUCK HAD 70, 126 MILES WHEN IT SUFFERED HYDROLOCK. I DROVE THE TRUCK ON A WEDNESDAY, AND IT WAS RUNNING FINE. FRIDAY EVENING WHEN I TRIED TO START IT, I THOUGHT THE BATTERY HAD GONE DEAD. I PULLED THE BATTERY OUT AND HAD IT TESTED, AND IT WAS OK. INSTALLED THE BATTERY AND AGAIN ATTEMPTED TO START THE TRUCK, WHEN I HEARD AN UNUSUAL "KICK BACK." I WAS ABLE TO GET THE TRUCK STARTED, BUT THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND THE SMOKE HAD A SWEET COOLANT SMELL. I PERFORMED SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HYDROLOCK PROBLEMS. I PULLED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND FOUND A CRACK IN THE GASKET. I THEN PULLED THE LEFT SIDE HEAD AND FOUND THE NUMBER 4 CONNECTING ROD WAS BENT. I PULL THE MOTOR AND PERFORMED A COMPLETE REBUILD. *JB

1997 FORD F150 4.2L V-6 WHEN FIRST STARTING ENGINE COLD IT WOULD MISS BAD FOR UP TO 30 SECOND AND THEN WOULD CLEAR UP AND RUN FINE. STARTED LOOSING ANTIFREEZE WITH NO EXTERNAL LEAKAGE, EVENTUALLY ENGINE STEAMED FROM EXHAUST. THE NEXT MORNING I STARTED TRUCK AND THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND I FOUND THAT THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS NEVER ABLE TO GET THE ENGINE TO TURN OVER AGAIN. UPON REMOVING THE ENGINE AND CHECKING THE CONNECTING RODS I FOUND THAT THE NUMBER 1 ROD WAS BENT AND THE BOTTOM OF THE PISTON WAS BROKEN OFF FROM IT HITTING THE CRANK SHAFT. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE ENGINE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DEACTIVATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RECALL LETTER THAT WAS RECEIVED. THE NHTSA RECALL, #05V388000 ON THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SEED CONTROL. THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

BLOWN HEAD GASKET IN 1997 FORD 4.2L V6. *NM

LOSS OF COOLANT IN 4.2 L. V-6 ENGINE. FORD F-150 PICK-UP TRUCK.

THIS CONCERNS A 1997 F-150 FORD PICKUP WITH A 4.2 L 6 CYLINDER MOTOR. I'VE HAD TO ADD COOLANT TO IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND COULDN'T FIND A LEAK OR ANY IN THE OIL. FIVE DAYS AGO WHILE TRYING TO START IT THE MOTOR GAVE A LOUD BANG AND WHITE SMOKE BOILED OUT. NOW IT KNOCKS LIKE A BENT OR BROKEN ROD AND BLOWS WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. I FOUND A WEBSITE ON THE INTERNET WHERE DOZENS OF PEOPLE WITH TRUCKS HAVING THE SAME MOTOR ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BETWEEN 76000-110000 MILES. MINE HAS 109,000 MILES AND FROM THE REPORTS, FORD IS TRYING TO PUT ALL OF THIS ON THE DEALERS AND THE DEALERS ARE JUST WANTING TO FIX THE MOTORS @ $600 -$4000 DOLLARS. THE PEOPLE WITH THE PROBLEM SAY THAT IT IS A FAULTY HEAD GASKET AND THAT THEY WERE RECALLED, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED THAT RECALL. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX A MOTOR THAT WAS FAULTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE THING.*AK

#3 SPAKPLUG BLEWOUT OF MY 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 5.4 LITER ENGINE. I HAVE YET TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM . *AK

NO KNOWN EVENT LEADING UP TO FAILURE. ENGINE MADE A LOUD EXPLODING NOISE AND STARTED POPPING AFTER EXPLOSION. THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS A BLOWN SPARK PLUG AND THAT THE HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED. COST $1600.*AK

GASKET FAILED ON 4.2 LITER FORD ENGINE, CAUSING A ROD TO BREAK. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE GASKET RECALL IN 1999. IT'S GOING TO COST ME $3000 TO FIX. FORD SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR THIS. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS JUST LIKE MINE OUT THERE.*AK

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2L V-6 ENGINE BEGAN GIVING ME PROBLEMS A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT BEGAN HAVING AN ERRATIC STARTING PROBLEM. IT THEN BEGAN TO BLOW OUT WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I CHECKED THE COOLANT SYSTEM WITH PRESSURE GAUGES, AND EVERYTHING SHOWED TO BE FINE. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES, BECAUSE WHITE SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THEN I WENT TO START IT THE OTHER MORNING AND IT TURNED OVER THE ROD IN THE #4 CYLINDER IS BENT DUE TO COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER. I HAVE HEARD THIS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE, AND THINK THAT FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! . THE TECH THEN EXPLAINED THAT THE F-150S HAVE HAD A TREND PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES FOR YEARS; COOLANT WOULD LEAK INTO A CYLINDER CAUSING TOO MUCH COMPRESSION RESULTING IN A BENT OR BROKEN ROD. IT COST ME OVER $2000 FOR SOMETHING FORD KNEW WAS DEFECTIVE. I SENT A LETTER (ATTACHED) TO FORD AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICALLY TELLING ME IT WAS THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY. THIS VEHICLE WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL BUT, BECAUSE OF AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH THE MANUFACTURER, THE ENGINE FAILED. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF STORIES LIKE MINE AT HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224&PAGE=1&PP=15 . I FINED IT EXTREMELY UNFAIR THAT I AND HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE TO BEAR THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF REPLACING A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. *JB

I'LL HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 FOR NO REASON MY MOTOR BLEW A ROD I'LL READ IN THE INTERNET ABOUT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THE MOTOR ARE DEFECT, ISN'T FORD DEALER DURING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS NOT RIGHT I'LL WENT TO WORK IN MY TRUCK CAME HOME FROM WORK, 3-HOURS LATER STARTED MY TRUCK THE ENGINE KNOCK CONTINUES TO BANG, I TURN IT OFF I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRUCK BLEW A ROD. THIS IS VERY ON FAIR I CAN'T AFFORD A ANOTHER CAR. PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS YOU. *NM

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD IN 4.2L V6 (FORD F150) FAILED (MELTED) ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO A CYLINDER RESULTING IN HYDRO-LOCK. THE PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD IN THAT CYLINDER WERE DAMAGED (PISTON SKIRT BROKEN, ROD BENT). SINCE THEN I HAVE LEARNED THAT FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ALMOST SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW ('97) AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT TO OWNERS EXCEPT WHERE THE GASKET FAILED DURING THE REGULAR WARRANTY PERIOD. AS I UNDERSTAND IT FAILURE IS INEVITABLE, AND EVEN SO FORD DID NOT MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO CONTACT OWNERS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. IN MY CASE FORD'S REFUSAL TO PROVIDE A WARNING OF THIS PROBLEM TURNED A RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE REPAIR (REPLACEMENT OF THE GASKET) INTO OVER $1300 IN PARTS AND LABOR. *JB

ENGINE DEAD DUE TO FAULTY GASKETS, COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE RIGHT FRONT STEERING LINKAGE AND TIE ROD BROKE, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. THE DEALER PROVIDED A SOLUTION AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. *AK UPDATED 01/25/06. *JB

PICK UP WONT PASS N.Y.S. INSPECTION ,DUE TO A FALSE READING ON COMPUTER THAT YOUR STATIONS USE ITS COST ME $350.00 SO FAR EVERYTHING SAFETY WISE WORKS PASSES EXCEPT A EMISSION READING , ALL SAFETY THING S PASS . THE TRUCK DON'T SMOKE RUNS GOOD EXCEPT THIS STUPID EMISSION THING THAT READS NOT READY. IT SAYS GO 60 MPH LET COST, THEN SPEED IT UP , NOW YOU KNOW 60 MPH IS PRETTY FAST FOR A TRUCK. I'M A CDL LICENSE HOLDER , AND I'M SRY I'M NOT GOING TO SPEED ON THE RDS IN MY AREA. I'M CERTIFIED TRUCK DRIVER BY THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION , WHO EVER CAME UP WITH THIS SHOULD USE THERE OWN CAR FOR WORK AND SEE THE PRICE WE HAVE TO PAY AS A MAINTENANCE WORKER FOR NEW YORK, NEW YORK MADE THIS LAW NOW TELL ME WHAT TO DO IT S BEEN TO SERVICE STATIONS ,DEALERS , AND THEY CANT FIND THE PROBLEM, PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS SINCE YOU MADE THE LAW. *NM

I HAD PURCHASED A USED FOR F-150 FOR THE DEALER IT WENT THROUGH INSPECTION AND WAS WORKING VERY WELL. HOWEVER AFTER ABOUT SIX MONTHS OF USE IT STARTED TO LOOSE COOLANT, BUT DOT VISIBLY. IT WOULD RUN HOT , I WOULD ADD COOLANT AND CONTINUE. THEN IN APRIL OF 2005 THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE ENGINE HAD HYDROLOCKED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REBUILT. *NM

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2L V-6 ENGINE BEGAN GIVING ME PROBLEMS A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT BEGAN HAVING AN ERRATIC STARTING PROBLEM. IT THEN BEGAN TO BLOW OUT WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I CHECKED THE COOLANT SYSTEM WITH PRESSURE GAUGES, AND EVERYTHING SHOWED TO BE FINE. I DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES, BECAUSE WHITE SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THEN I WENT TO START IT THE OTHER MORNING AND IT TURNED OVER AND FIRED ONCE. THEN IT MADE A REAL LOUD BANGING NOISE, AND WOULD NOT CRANK AGAIN. I CONTINUED TO WORK WITH IT, AND FINALLY GOT IT TO CRANK AGAIN, AND IT WAS KNOCKING. THE KNOCKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE OIL PAN. I PULLED THE ENGINE OUT, AND TOOK IT APART. THE ROD IN THE #4 CYLINDER IS BENT DUE TO COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER. I HAVE HEARD THIS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE, AND THINK THAT FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! *NM

LEAKING COOLANT INTERNALLY DUE TO KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN GASKETS. THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL LEAKS, JUST DISAPPEARING COOLANT LEVELS AND CAR OVERHEATING. AFTER THE COOLANT WAS TOPPED OFF, I TRIED STARTING THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING, THE CAR WOULDN'T START DUE TO HYDROLOCK. WHEN IT DID FINALLY START, THE ENGINE PRODUCED A LOUD PINGING SOUND (SUCH AS A ROD KNOCK). I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GOING FURTHER INTO THE ENGINE TO ASSESS DAMAGE. THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT TO THE MANUFACTURER AS THEY HAVE RELEASED A TSB TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE THIS IS ONLY SHARED WITH THE PUBLIC AFTER DAMAGE IS DONE. PLEASE HELP! *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A NHTSA RECALLS CAMPAIGNS 05V388000 AND 98V007000 REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.*AK

1997 F-150 4.2 ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO KNOWN (BY FORD) DEFECT THAT ALLOWS COOLANT TO LEAK IN TO ENGINE AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE ([XXX] FAILED AT MY SON'S SCHOOL OVER 100 MILES FROM HOME. THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET. UNFORTUNATELY, WE DID NOT REALIZE THIS UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILED. THERE ARE MANY FORD CUSTOMERS ANXIOUS FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO REQUIRE A RECALL TO HELP FINANCE THIS VERY EXPENSIVE (~$4,000) PROBLEM. *NM UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

LEAKING FRONT GASKET AND/OR INTAKE GASKET CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE ON A 1997 FORD PICKUP V6 4.2 . I WAS NOT ADVISE AT NO TIME OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM AND PAID FOR THE GASKET REPAIRS MYSELF. ONLY NOW AFTER A MAJOR FAILURE HAVE I LEARNED ABOUT THE FORD TSB 99-20-7 AND/OR ON P99B29 AND THE DEALER IS LEAVING ME STRANDED. I'M DISABLED, AND NEARLY BROKE. ALSO LATER IN THIS FORM I DON'T KNOW WHAT OEM IS. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER ACTIVATING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE WITH THE OFF SWITCH OR THE BRAKE PEDAL. PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES HARD FOR APPROXIMATELY A MILE AND A HALF. HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED BACK ON THE ENGINE WAS IDLING HIGH. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE FUSE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A SERVICE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. *AK

RECALL ON FORD TRUCK THAT I DID NOT RECIEVE, WHICH MY HAVE SAVED ME FROM GETTING A NEW ENGINE. RECALL#99B29. *NM

I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD F-150 FROM A JACKSONVILLE RESIDENT IN DECEMBER OF 2004 ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, I WENT OUT TO START IT AND HEARD LOUD BANGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ACCOMPANIED BY BELLOWS OF SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND, AFTER THE TECH CHECKED IT OUT, WAS IN FORMED THE ENGINE WAS SHOT. HE THEN EXPLAINED THAT THE F-150S HAVE HAD A TREND PROBLEM WITH THESE ENGINES FOR YEARS; COOLANT WOULD LEAK INTO A CYLINDER CAUSING TOO MUCH COMPRESSION RESULTING IN A BENT OR BROKEN ROD. IT COST ME $4220.00 TO REPLACE AN ENGINE FORD KNEW WAS DEFECTIVE. I SENT A LETTER (ATTACHED) TO FORD AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICALLY TELLING ME IT WAS THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY. THIS VEHICLE WAS METICULOUSLY CARED FOR ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL BUT, BECAUSE OF AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM WITH THE MANUFACTURER, THE ENGINE FAILED. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF STORIES LIKE MINE AT HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224&PAGE=1&PP=15 . I FINED IT EXTREMELY UNFAIR THAT I AND HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE TO BEAR THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF REPLACING A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. *NM

FAILURE OF SPARK PLUG ON F150 1997 4.6L. NO EXTRA CONSEQUENCES EXCEPT COST OF REPAIR OF A FEATURE THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE FAILED. *NM

1997 FORD F150 DEC. 7, 2005 - AIR CONDITIONING CONTINUED RUNNING WITH ENGINE OFF. DEC. 8, 2005 - ENGINE REPEATEDLY TRYING TO TURN OVER WITH TRUCK IN PARK WITH IGNITION OFF AND NO KEY IN IGNITION. I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *JB

OUR 1997 FORD F150 BURNED DEC 5,2005. THE FIRE PROCEED TO OUR 1993 CHVY BLAZER PARKED IN FRONT OF IT AND THEN PROCEED TO OUR HOME. WE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AROUND END OF SEPT BEGINNING OF OCT. FOR THE SPEED CONTROL SENSOR. THE RECALL WAS VOLUNTARY AND PARTS WOULD NOT BE IN UNTIL NOV. OUR CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK, WE WERE NOT REAL CONCERNED AT THE TIME. WE RECEIVED A POSTCARD THE WEEK BEFORE THE FIRE, STILL STATING A VOLUNTARY RECALL AND NOW PARTS WERE NOT TO BE IN UNTIL FEBRUARY 2006. NO WHERE ON THESE RECALLS ARE THE DANGER OF A FIRE DISCUSSED. I THINK THIS RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATORY!! WE CAME HOME AROUND 7:00 PM AND THE FIRE STARTED AROUND 3:00 AM OUR BLAZER ONLY HAD LIABILITY AND PROBABLY WILL NOT BE COVERED. THE INSURANCE IS PROCESSING TWO CLAIMS ( 2 - $1000.00 DEDUCTIBLES) AND WE ALSO HAVE AN MEDICAL CLAIM FOR OUR DAUGHTER GOING IN FOR TOXIC SMOKE INHALATION. WE HAD 6 PAYMENTS TO GO, NOW WE WILL BE LUCKY TO PURCHASE ONE DECENT VEHICLE AND DEFINITELY NEED TWO, WE BOTH WORK! FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF THE CONSUMERS! I HAVE MY DOUBTS THAT WE WILL PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD. MY GRANDFATHER HAULED NEW CARS FOR FORD FOR YEARS, BUT I HAVE NO LOYALTY WHEN I FIND WEBSITES GALORE ABOUT THIS RECALL AND NOTHING IS HAPPENING. HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO SUFFER OR DIE BEFORE THIS IS TAKEN CARE OF!! *JB

COOLANT LEAKING FROM A FAULTY HEAD GASKET INTO THE MOTOR CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE. RESULTING IN FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPLACING THE ENTIRE MOTOR FOR WELL OVER $4,000. THIS IS NOT ONLY A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE BUT MANY MORE. JUST DO A WEB SEARCH FOR FAULTY GASKETS IN 97 4.2L ENGINES. GO TO HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=224&PAGE=10&PP=15 FOR MORE INFO. *JB

MY SON APPLIED HIS BRAKES ON A 1997 FORD F-150 AND TRIED TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, HOWEVER; HE CLAIMS THE STEERING WHEEL "LOCKED" PROHIBITING HIM FROM AVOIDING THE WRECK. HE SAID IT WAS LIKE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE KEY FOR THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING ON 1997 FORD F-150'S OR IF THIS IS SIMPLY A BY-PRODUCT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BREAK FEATURE. *NM

ENGINE FAILURE 4.2 F150 1997. 110,000 MILES FRONT GASKET REPLACED RECALL. NO LOST OF COOLANT UNTIL NOW. MORNING ENGINE MISSED FOR 15-20 SECONDS FOR SEVERAL DAYS PRIOR TO FAILURE. DAY OF FAILURE ENGINE TURNED A SMALL AMOUNT AND WOULD NOT MOVE BY STARTER. ALLOWED TO SET AND STARTED LATER AND WHEN STARTED IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING APART. ALL LUBRICANTS CHANGED REGULAR WITH SYNTHETICS. APPARENTLY A ROD BROKE WHEN COOLANT RAN INTO CYLINDER AND STARTING CAUSE THE ROD TO BEND AND STARTING LATER CAUSED THE BEND TO BREAK. *JB

INTAKE GASKET WENT OUT CAUSING ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK INTO PISTON AND WHEN TRUCK WAS CRANKED UP IT BENT ROD BROKE PISTON REPAIR BILL WAS $1685.00 SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DOWN ABOUT THIS. MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM JUST LOOK UP 1997 F150 INTAKE FORUM THANKS. *JB

DT: CONTACT STATED THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED ON COLD STARTS. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES, BUT THE PROBLEM RECCURED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A V-6 4.2L ENGINE. THIS ENGINE RAN ROUGH AFTER BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WAS THEN SLOWED TO NORMAL CITY SPEEDS. THIS WAS INVESTIGATED AT LEAST THREE TIMES WHILE UNDER THE WARRANTY PERIOD WITH NO TROUBLE FOUND EACH TIME. AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES THIS TRUCK BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND THE SHOP WHICH SERVICED IT TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT SPARK IN THE RIGHT HALF OF THE ENGINE, BUT CAME UP WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESOLUTIONS. I NOTICE THAT I WAS LOOSING COOLANT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND BLINK OCCASIONALLY. THIS CONTINUED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNTIL ONE DAY WHEN I TURNED ON THE ENGINE THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND AN OBNOXIOUS CLATTERING. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED INTO A DEALER AT WHICH POINT I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE WHICH COST $4200. AFTER 55,000 MORE MILES I STARTED LOSING FLUID AGAIN AND EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND TOOK THE TRUCK INTO A DEALER WHICH FOUND NO TROUBLE. THE SYMPTOMS WERE A FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND NO HEAT WHEN THE HEATER WAS TURNED ON. ALSO, LOOSING FLUID WITH WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. FROM OTHER POSTINGS ON VARIOUS ONLINE FORUMS I FOUND OUT THIS WAS A CLASSIC FAILURE FOR THE 4.2L V6 WITH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I SEEM TO BE ON THE VERGE OF ANOTHER BLOWN ENGINE. WHEN I CALLED A DEALER TO SCHEDULE A RETURN VISIT I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS THE SAME ENGINE AS THE TAURUS 3.8L WITH A LONG STROKE HENCE MAKING THE DISPLACEMENT 4.2 LITERS. ALSO, I WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE HAD THE SAME TROUBLE AND MANY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *JB

1997 FORD F-150 I MADE A LEFT TURN ,STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL & THE PEDAL STAYED TO THE FLOOR. ABOUT 100 YARDS LATER I HIT HEAD ON INTO A GUIDE RAIL. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL RECALL. *NM

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L V-6 TRUCK STARTING KNOCKING THIS MORNING WHEN I WENT TO START THE MOTOR. 60,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE HAS LOST ALL OIL PRESSURE AND IS KNOCKING TERRIBLY. I USED IT 2 DAYS AGO AND THIS MORNING IT'S BROKEN. HAPPENED WHILE SITTING UNDER THE CARPORT OVER NIGHT. PROBABLY THE ALL FAMILIAR LEAKING GASKETS THAT HAS PLAGUED EVERY 4.2L V-6 FORD OWNER. *JB

OUR 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCK HAD BEEN TURNED OFF FOR AT LEAST 6 HOURS, SITTING IN OUR PARKING LOT, WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE ON THE NIGHT OF JUNE 23, 2005. THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. UPON HEARING THE FIRE AND COMING OUT TO THE PARKING LOT TO INVESTIGATE, WE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHO CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO OTHER CARS OR BUILDINGS CAUGHT ON FIRE, ALTHOUGH SOME NEARBY HOSES AND BOTTLES OF AUTOMOTIVE FLUID WERE DAMAGED. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL 05V017000 ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE PARTS NEEDED FOR RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT THEIR LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 01/11/06. *JB

WHILE BACKING OUT TO GET ON HIGHWAY CONSUMER FORD F150 HAD NO STEERING. *TS (11/16/05) THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN. THE CONSUMERS FOUND THAT A PIECE ON THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY THAT WAS MADE OUT OF ALUMINUM HAD WORN OUT. *SC

FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF 1997 FORD F150. *TS *JB

97 FORD F150 4.2 L ENGINE, NO GASKET RECALL NOTIFICATION, THROWN ROD DURING STARTUP JUST LIKE THE LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME FAILURE ON HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE SOLUTION FOR CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THE CRUISE WAS DISABLED AS PART OF NHTSA RECALL 05V017000. HE HAS NOT CONTACTED FORD.*AK

SPARK PLUG HAS BLOWN OUT OF MY 1997 FORD F150 FOR THE SECOND TIME. FIRST FIX WAS USING A HELICOIL. SECOND FIX WILL HAVE TO BE THE SAME. ACCORDING TO INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THE WWW, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FIXED ONLY BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE CYLINDER HEAD ($3,000+) THIS IS POOR QUALITY MANUFACTURING AND CORPORATE AMERICA TURNING ITS BACK, ONCE AGAIN, ON THE CONSUMERS THAT KEEP THEM GOING. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. HE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED HIM THAT ALL 1997 FORD F150 ENGINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. HE CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY TOLD HIM THERE WAS NO RECALL INVOLVING NOISE. THE MECHANIC STATED THE WATER PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE WHICH RESULTED IN WATER LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC PREDICTED THAT THE ENGINE MIGHT FUNCTION FOR THREE MORE MILES. *AK

1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK WAS PARKED NEXT TO MY HOME & HADN'T BEEN DRIVEN THIS DAY, AFTER RETURNING HOME AFTER BEING GONE FOR THE DAY I FOUND THAT MY TRUCK HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE! AFTER TALKING TO NEIGHBORS & GOT DETAILS THEY HAD TOLD ME THAT THE FIRE LOOKED AS IF IT HAD STARTED SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE REAR OF MOTOR & THE DASH. AFTER LOOKING AT THE RECALL SITE FOR THIS YR. TRUCK I FOUND INFORMATION THAT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM & AS I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY LETTER FROM FORD ON THIS MATTER AS OF THIS DATE. *NM

WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK FROM TO OTHER GEARS. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A CAMPAIGN ALREADY FOR THIS ISSUE, 97V171000, BUT FORD DOES NOT HAVE MY TRUCK LISTED FOR THIS RECALL. IS THERE A FORD ISSUED RECALL # AND HOW CAN I GET MY TRUCK ADDED TO THIS RECALL SO IT CAN BE ADDRESSED. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, USED. *JB

DT:THE CONTACT STATED THE MIDDLE LEAF SPRING BROKE IN THE REAR OF HER VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE WAS ON THE LEFT SIDE, IT PUNCTURED A TIRE. THE TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SITTING. THE LEAF SPRING WAS REPAIRED AT THIS TIME BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE SECOND TIME WAS THE RIGHT SIDE LEAF SPRING; WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND, STOPPED THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT THE NOISE, AND NOTICED THE LEAF SPRING H BROKE. IT WAS REPAIRED BY CERTIFIED MECHANIC. CONTACTED FORD , THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LEAF SPRINGS, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THIS VEHICLE DUE TO VIN. *AK

THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT EVENT THAT LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE IS THAT THE SPARK PLUGS ARE POPPING OUT OF THE HEADS. THIS HAPPENED ON A 1997 FORD F150 5.4 SUPERCAB PICKUP, IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO A FEW OTHER OF OUR PICKUPS AND TO A COUPLE OF OUR SERVICE VANS. WE HAD TO HAVE THE SPARK PLUG HOLES TAPPED AND RE-DRILLED AND INSTALL A NEW PLUG. IT IS QUITE AND EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE NOT ONLY FOR THE REPAIRS BUT THE DOWN TIME OF OUR VEHICLES. THIS SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING A LOT. COULD YOU PLEASE GET BACK TO ME IF YOU HAVE HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. OR LET ME KNOW IF I AM COMPLAINING TO THE WRONG PLACE. THANK YOU.*JB

1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP WITH 4.2 LITER V6. OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS I HAVE NOTICED THAT I HAVE TO CONTINUALLY ADD COOLANT TO THE RADIATOR. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I CAME ACROSS FORD ONP 99B29 WHICH STATES FORD WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET TO PREVENT SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. (HYDROLOCK LEADING TO BROKEN OR BENT CONNECTING RODS). I NEVER RECEIVED THIS NOTICE AS I UNDERSTAND IT WAS ONLY SENT TO CORPORATE CUSTOMERS. I NOW HAVE OILY RESIDUE THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COOLANT, HARD STARTING, ETC. ALL CONSISTENT WITH DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD/FRONT COVER GASKET LEADING TO INTERNAL ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE. THE FORD DEALER REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE HE SAID I HAD TO REPORT IT TO HIM PRIOR TO MARCH 31, 2001. I NOW HAVE 70,600 MILES ON THE TRUCK. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE I HAVE A CATOSTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE FROM A BROKEN ROD ON CYLINDER #1. *NM

DT: CONSUMER OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE THE PREVIOUS DAY APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. YESTERDAY, AUGUST 16, 2005, AROUND 8:30 PM THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE . HE LOOKED OUTSIDE TO SEE THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE REPORTED. THE CONSUMER ASSUMED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. HE BELIEVED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE BECAUSE HE DID NOT SMELL ANY TYPE OF GASOLINE ODOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONSUMER WAS GOING TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE. *AK *JB

BLOWN GASKET- *NM

CONSUMER CONCERNED WITH VEHICLE RECALL OVER HEATING AND CATCHING ON FIRE. *TS CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE ON THE UNDERHOOD SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE CONSUMER HAS DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS A POROUS SWITCH ON THE MASTER CYLINDER THAT ALLOWS BRAKE FLUID TO GET INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE CONNECTOR THUS CREATING A RESISTANCE THAT WILL CAUSE THE CONNECTOR AND SWITCH TO OVERHEAT. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT 'S VEHICLE HAD A BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON THE REAR BRAKE LINE. THIS HAPPENED ON 10-04-05. HE WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN HE HAD TO STOP SUDDENLY. HE REPORTED HAVING NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS , SUCH AS A LIGHT COMING ON IN THE CAR. THE BRAKES WERE NOT MAKING ANY KIND OF NOISES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HE PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD. HE SMELLED BRAKE FLUID, AND IT WAS LEAKING FROM THE STEEL BRAKE LINE THAT IS MOUNTED ON THE REAR AXLE HOUSING. THE BRAKE LINE SEEMED UNUSUALLY CORRODED. HE TAKES VERY GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND THE CAR IS STORED PROPERLY. HE HAS A LOT OF EXPERIENCE WITH VEHICLES, AND HAS NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. ALSO, T THE GAS TANK WAS SUSPENDED BY TWO METAL STRAPS. THE REAR STRAP WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE GAS TANK WAS LAYING ON THE SKID PLATE. USUALLY, THERE WAS ABOUT ONE INCH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TANK AND SKID PLATE. HE WAS AFRAID THAT THIS MAY CAUSE A GAS LEAK FROM THE GAS TANK .*AK

VEHICLE STARTED ROUGH AND RAN POORLY. PARKED OVERNIGHT, NEXT MORNING ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP. WOULD NOT TURN OVER AND FELT LIKE IT WAS JAMMED. FINALLY GOT IT TO START, RUNNING POORLY AND WHITE SMOKE POURED OUT OF THE EXHAUST. HAD VEHICLE TAKEN TO MECHANIC, WHO FOUND OUT THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS THE PROBLEM WHEN HE FOUND THE PLUGS WERE GUNKED UP AND WHITE LIKE VANILLA PUDDING. ENGINE HAD TO BE SENT OUT AND REBUILT. *NM

THE LATCH FOR THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT QUIT WORKING. THERE WAS NO TRAUMA OR ACCIDENTS. IT JUST QUIT LATCHING. *NM

DT: 1997 F150 FORD SUPER CAB PICKUP TRUCK. THE CRUISE SWITCH CAUGHT THE BRAKE RESERVOIR ON FIRE AND IN TURN, THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE ANY BRAKES. THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND THREW AN OLD TOWEL OVER THE FIRE AND SMOTHERED THE FLAMES. HAD THE ROAD SERVICE TOW IT TO THE PLACE WHERE NORMALLY THE SERVICE WAS DONE ON THE TRUCK, AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS WAS A FORD PROBLEM. THEN, IT WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THE DEALERSHIP GAVE CONSUMER THE MANUFACTURER'S NUMBER, CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID A CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CALL BACK NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, AND ON MONDAY AFTERNOON THE MANUFACTURER DID CALL AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. CONSEQUENTLY, THEY WOULD NOT DO REPAIRS FOR FREE. CONSUMER CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND THEY WERE GOING TO SEND A FIRE INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THAT THIS WAS FORD'S PROBLEM ALSO. MOREOVER, THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS GOING TO SEND A CLAIMS ADJUSTER. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK *JB

DT: 1997 FORD F150. CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 05V388000. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR SEVERAL DAYS PRIOR TO TH EFIRE, , AND THEN IT WAS DRIVEN FOR A SHORT TIME. CONSUMER WAS NOT AT HOME, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ALREADY THERE PUTTING THE FIRE OUT WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED BACK HOME FROM DINNER. *AK

DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE BURNED TWO YEARS AGO ON 10-16-03. SHE WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL ON 9-26-05 CONCERNING THE SCDS. SHE HAS CONTACTED FORD NUMEROUS TIMES ,AND THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED HER AT ALL. TODAY WAS THE FIFTH PHONE CALL SHE MADE TO THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN IT BURNED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY SAID THE FIRE DID ORIGINATE UNDER THE HOOD. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE FIRE AND THEFT INSURANCE AT THAT TIME. SHE CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY TOLD HER THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND URGED HER TO CONTACT HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT E-MAILED PICTURES OF THE TRUCK TO NHTSA IN WASHINGTON, DC IN MAY 05. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN MAY-05 SOMEONE FROM NHTSA CALLED HER, AND IT WAS THEN THAT SHE E-MAILED THEM THE PICTURES. SHE REPORTED OF HAVING NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. BUT HER HUSBAND STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO 9-1-03. SHE REPORTED HER HUSBAND WAS HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING THE TRUCK OUT OF PARK. THE SAME DAY THE TRUCK BURNED.*AK

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE 1997 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED ON 9-24-2005. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FIRE LOOKED LIKE IT STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE ONLY THING LEFT OF THE TRUCK WAS THE REAR END. THE ENTIRE CAB OF THE TRUCK WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS ON THE TRUCK, EVERYTHING WAS WORKING. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT USED IN THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR FIVE HOURS. THE OWNER WAS GOING TO TAKE PICTURES TODAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RULED OUT ARSON. FIRE AND POLICE REPORTS WERE TAKEN. . THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD SEND THE COMPLAINT TO THE CLAIMS DEPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ALSO. FORD TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WOULD SEND THE COMPLAINT OVER TO THEIR LAW DEPARTMENT. THERE WAS ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE LEXUS NEXT TO THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED.*AK

DT: AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2005. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED DUE TO THE HEAT. THIS WAS WHAT HAD ALERTED THE CONSUMER TO THE FIRE. WHEN THE FIRE MARSHALL INSPECTED THE FIRE HE SAID IT WAS DUE TO CRUISE CONTROL. THE FIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CONSUMER'S HOME AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 05S28 ON T SEPTEMBER 23, 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND REPAIR. THE CONSUMER WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

I HAVE A 97 FORD 150 WITH A 4.2 V6 THAT HAS HYDRO LOCKED. I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS TRUCK. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED IT I AM TRYING TO FIND A GOOD PRICE ON A NEW MOTOR. *JB

ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 I NOTICED THAT I HAVE CRACKS ON THE DOORS BY THE WINDOWS, WHILE RESEARCHING THIS I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS TRUCK. WHEN I CALLED FORD SERVICE CENTER FOR HELP THEY TOLD ME TO REPLACE THE DOORS (AT MY COST) AND IF A RECALL COMES OUT I WOULD GET MY MONEY BACK. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE CRACKS AT "F150ONLINE.COM" AND IT SEEMS THAT FORD HAS REPLACED SOME DOORS BUT MOST (AND THEIR ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS) ARE NOT BEING TAKEN CARE OF. CAN YOU HELP? *NM

DEFECTIVE ENGINE. 1997 F150 V6 4.2 L, 73000 MILES AND A ROD IS KNOCKING. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AT FORD. *JB

FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. *AK

ENGINE FIRE NEAR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH VEHICLE DESTROYED. *NM

9-1-05, 8:00 AM, SHERRI ADAMS PARKED THE 1997 F-150 AT L-3 COMMUNICATIONS, GREENVILLE TX. THE TRUCK REMAINED PARKED AND LOCKED ALL DAY. AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 PM SECURITY NOTIFIED SHERRI THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. PARTIAL FIRE DEPART REPORT BELOW. 9-6-05 INSURANCE FIRE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS CAUSE OF FIRE. 9-7-05 INSURANCE ADJUSTER DETERMINED THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. 9-8-05 ADAMS CONTACTED FORD TO REPORT INCIDENT. TO DATE, HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY FORD. FIRE DEPART INCIDENT REPORT: DATE: 09-01-05 INCIDENT: 05-09-001 DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: ON THURSDAY, 09-01-05, AT 1709 HOURS, SECURITY NOTIFIED FIRE CONTROL OF A VEHICLE FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT FOR BUILDING 180. FIRE CONTROL RESPONDED WITH FIREFIGHTER HOPSON IN #7 FOLLOWED BY LT. TURNER IN #8. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT SOUTH OF BUILDING 180 NEXT TO THE FENCE AT MCCULLOUGH BLVD., JUST EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF AVE. D. SECURITY WAS IN PLACE AND ASSISTED. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE THERE WAS HEAVY SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD AREA OF A 1997 FORD F-150 XLT PICK-UP (TX LICENSE # 56Y YHI), BELONGING TO TIM AND SHERRI ADAMS. NEITHER OF THE OWNERS WERE PRESENT OR LOCATED BEFORE FIRE CONTROL CLEARED THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED AND THE LEFT SIDE GLASS WAS SHATTERED TO GAIN ACCESS. FIRE WAS PRESENT IN THE HOOD COMPARTMENT AND UNDER THE DASH ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE HANDLINE OF #7 WAS USED TO KNOCK DOWN THE FIRE AND THEN TO COOL DOWN THE AREA. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED HEAVY DAMAGE IN BOTH AREAS. THERE WAS A VEHICLE PARKED EAST OF THE TRUCK WITHIN 3 FEET BUT IT SUSTAINED NO DAMAGE. PERSONS UNKNOWN NOTIFIED GREENVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHICH RESPONDED WITH AN ENGINE COMPANY. THE FIRE WAS OUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS REQUIRED. FIRE CONTROL REMAINED IN THE AREA FOR COOL DOWN, UNTIL 1740 HOURS. APPROXIMATELY 70 ?? 80 GALLONS OF WATER AND A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF FOAM WAS USED IN THE EXTINGUISHES THE FIRE. *JB

MY 1997 FORD PICKUP BURNED UP IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE ON MAY 29TH. NO KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION. IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 10 HOURS. *JB

WITHIN 1/2 HOUR OF TRUCK TURNED OFF, FIRE ERUPTED, CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. LUCKILY I WAS CLOSE BY AND HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK, I PUT OUT THE FIRE BEFORE THE TRUCK WENT TOTALLY UP IN FLAMES. *JB EXTENSIVE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO GET THE TRUCK BACK UP AND RUNNING. I SPENT ALMOST $3,000.00. I TRIED TO CONTACT FORD SEVERAL TIMES, BUT GOT THE RUN AROUND, AND THEY JUST DUSTED ME, TELLING ME IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT, NO RECALLS, NO DEFECTS. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT THIS SAME TYPE OF FIRE HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER'S OTHER 3 TRUCKS, F-150'S, JUST A WEEK PRIOR TO MINE IGNITING. *JB

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 THIS TRUCK WAS THE MOST DEPENDABLE AUTOMOBILE I HAVE EVER OWNED UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2005. THE TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ALMOST 12 HOURS WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED UP. IT APPEARED TO BE SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL FIRE.*JB

1. DRIVING 5 MPH ALONG SMOOTH DIRT LANE 2. RUSTED BRAKE LINE RUPTURED, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE 3. TOWED TRUCK TO MECHANIC FOR BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT, OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. *JB

DT: ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 THE CALLER SAID PARKED VEHICLE AND 41/2 HOURS LATER IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE FIRE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. A TREE WAS DAMAGED BY THE FIRE. NOTHING ELSE WAS DAMAGED. DEALER GAVE CALLER THE MANUFACTURER'S TELEPHONE NUMBER. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD REPORT IT AND GET BACK TO HIM. *AK

BREAKS . *NM

I HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 97 F150 A LOT OF PEOPLE DO. I HAVE 4.2 V6 THAT LOCKED UP ON ME A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MOTOR FOR A COOLANT GASKET BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ONE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND EVEN THE ONES THAT GOT CHANGE WENT BAD ANYWAY. PLEASE HELP MAKE FORD OWN UP TO THIS ENGINEERING DEFECT AND REPLACE THESE MOTORS. THANK YOU. *JB

1997 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE IS A V-8, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND JUST OVER 85,000 MILES. IT IS A WORK TRUCK DRIVEN DAILY, ABOUT 200 MILES PER WEEK. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH EITHER THE CRUISE CONTROL OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. AT ABOUT 8:15 ON THE EVENING OF AUG. 25TH I RETURNED HOME AND PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY ABOUT SIX FEET FROM THE GARAGE DOOR. I WENT TO BED AT 10:30 P.M. MY NEIGHBOR RETURNED TO HIS HOME AT 12:05 A.M. HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD AND WITNESSED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IGNITE INTO A BALL OF FLAMES. HE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND USED MY GARDEN HOSE TO WET DOWN MY GARAGE DOOR THEREBY PREVENTING MY HOUSE FROM CATCHING FIRE. I WAS FINALLY AWAKEN AROUND 12:30A.M. BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE TRUCK WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, THE INSULATION HAD MELTED FROM THE INSIDE OF MY GARAGE DOOR, THE GARAGE DOOR WINDOWS HAD CRACKED FROM THE HEAT, THE TRIM MELTED, AND THE GUTTERS ABOVE THE GARAGE WARPED. IF NOT FOR THE QUICK THINKING OF OUR NEIGHBOR WE COULD HAVE LOST OUR LIVES. OUR BEDROOMS ARE LOCATED TO THE REAR OF THE HOUSE AND THE GARAGE IS AT THE FRONT, BY THE TIME WE REALIZED THERE WAS A FIRE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO LATE. *JB

I DIDN'T REALLY NOTICE ANYTHING JUST ONE DAY MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD KNOCKING SOUND TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICING AND FOUND OUT I SPUN A ROD I REPLACED THE ENGINE. *JB

DT: CONTACT STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL ON HIS 1997 FORD F150 WENT OUT. THEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS FIXED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. IT WAS SMOKING WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS. THIS HAPPENED ON 9-17-04. HE DISCONNECTED THE SWITCH. HE BOUGHT A NEW SWITCH AND INSTALLED IT, AND NEVER HAD ANY MORE TROUBLE. HE WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT SO NHTSA WOULD BE AWARE THAT THE 1997 FORD -F150 HAD A BAD CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH . HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL HE HAD HEARD IT ON THE NEWS THAT THE 2000 YEAR MODELS HAD A DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. *AK *JB UPDATED 03/29/06

DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ON 1997 FORD F-150 HAVE CRACKS AT REAR OF WINDOW FRAME ABOUT 4 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW. I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THESE CRACKS IN THE DOOR. *JB

DT: 1997 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. A NEIGHBOR ALERTED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A FIRE AT ABOUT 2:45 AM. THE NEIGHBOR SAID THAT THERE WAS A SOUND LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME BECAUSE THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE CONSUMER'S HOUSE AND THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTALED. IT BURNED ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE TOOL BOX. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE DAMAGE. FIRE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED SMOKE INHALATION, AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONSUMER E-MAILED FORD AND ASKED FOR SOMEONE TO CONTACT HIM, AND NO ONE DID. THERE WAS AN ONGOING INSURANCE CLAIM. THERE WAS MASSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. *AK *SC

IN FEB./ 05 CRUISE CONTROL QUITE, MECHANIC COULDN'T FIND PROBLEM, AUG 15/05 ABS LIGHT COMES ON. THINKING BRAKE FLUID IS LOW, I POP THE HOOD AND NOTICE PLUG ON MASTER CYLINDER IS BURNED/MELTED. CAR WONT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, AND NO BRAKE LIGHTS. I GET A NEW PLUG AND HARNESS FROM DEALER AND REPLACE BLOWN FUSE. I STILL HAVE NO CRUISE LIGHT ON ON DASH BUT BRAKES AND CRUISE WORK. DEALER SAID NO RECALL BUT PLENTY OF SERVICE BULLETINS. $15.00 PART

ABS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING 16 TIMES WITH PAUSE THEN REPEATS. NOTICED #13 FUSE WAS BLOWN. REPLACED AND LOOKED UP IMMEDIATELY TO FIND WHITE SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF HOOD. PULLED OUT FUSE TO FIND THAT IT WAS BLOWN (THANK GOODNESS). HEARD ON INTERNET FORUM THAT IT MAY BE THE CRUISE SWITCH ON MASTER CYLINDER. LOOKED THERE AND FOUND SWITCH PARTLY MELTED. DISCONNECTED SWITCH AND BATTERY, REPLACED FUSE AND HOOKED UP BATTERY, BUT NOT THE SWITCH. NO MORE BLINKING LIGHT, BUT NOW NO CRUISE CONTROL, OF COURSE. STILL HAVE YET TO CONTACT FORD ABOUT THE FAILURE.

OWN A 1997 FORD F150 THAT CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH

1997 FORD F150 4.2 L V-6 LEAKING LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET DESTROYS ENGINE!

MY SON TOLD ME HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY BRAKE LIGHTS ON HIS TRUCK, A 1997 FORD F150. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A FUSE SINCE HE SAID THAT HE REPLACED THE BULBS. WHEN I REPLACED THE FUSE THERE WAS A ABUNDANCE OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF SMOKE WITH THE HOOD OPEN WE REPLACED THE FUSE AGAIN. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE ON THE MASTER CYLINDER. WE REPLACED THE PART AND I HAVE KEPT THE OLD PART. I CAN SUPPLY THE NUMBER ON THE PART OR SEND IT ANYWHERE YOU LIKE. *NM

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 1997 FORD F 150 CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT COMPLETELY. THE OWNER PARKED THE TRUCK AT 6 PM IN THE GARAGE AND AT 9 PM HEARD THE HORN. THE OWNER THEN WENT TO THE GARAGE TO CHECK ON THE TRUCK AND FOUND THE TRUCK BURNING. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDER THE HOOD. THE OWNER SAID THE FIRE WAS FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. CLAIMED THAT HE WAS JUST SECONDS FROM LOSING HIS HOUSE. THE OWNER HAD NOT SEEN ANYTHING IN THE TV NEWS OR NEWS PAPERS ABOUT THE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS WITH THE SWITCH. THE OWNER HAD NOT USED THE CRUISE CONTROL THAT DAY OR DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING FUNNY ABOUT HOW THE TRUCK WAS DRIVING. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT, AND AN INSURANCE REPORT WERE ISSUED. PICTURES WERE TAKEN. THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN MOVED FROM THE FIRE LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTALED. LOSS AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE OWNER'S HOUSE, SEVERE SMOKE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE. THE INSURANCE TOOK CARE OF THE SMOKE DAMAGES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK

UPON STARTING MY TRUCK, A LOUD BANGING OR RATTLING NOISE COULD BE HEARD. THE NOISE WAS NOT PRESENT PRIOR TO THAT DAY. I SHUT IT DOWN AND UPON DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THAT A FAULTY GASKET DESIGN CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO ONE OF THE CYLINDERS INSPECTION OF THE CYLINDERS SHOWED COOLANT TO BE POOLED IN THE FRONT, PASSENGER-SIDE CYLINDER. CERTIFIED MECHANICS ATTRIBUTE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER TO BE DUE TO A PREMATURE GASKET FAILURE. IF NOT CORRECTED, THE PROBLEM LEADS TO MAJOR ENGINE DESTRUCTION. DOCUMENTED EFFECTS OF THE COOLANT LEAK ARE WORN OUT BEARINGS AND SURFACES, AND BROKEN OR BENT CONNECTING RODS, NECESSITATING AN ENGINE REBUILD. FORD SENT A TSB TO SOME OWNERS OF THESE ENGINES TO REPLACE THE FAULTY GASKET BUT NOT TO OTHER OWNERS. THE KNOWLEDGE OF A FAULTY GASKET DESIGN WAS WITHHELD FROM SOME 1997 4.2L F150 OWNERS. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THOSE WHO RECEIVED THE TSB AND THOSE WHO DID NOT (BASED ON MY RESEARCH SO FAR) SEEMS TO BE MADE BASED ON WHERE THE TRUCK WAS ASSEMBLED, NOT ON WHERE THE ENGINE WAS ASSEMBLED. ERGO, SOME PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, WITH AVERAGE REPAIR COSTS OF AROUND $4500 DOLLARS, DUE TO FORD NOT NOTIFYING OWNERS OF KNOWN DEFECTS. *JB

DT: THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL FOR THE 2000 FORD F150, STATING IT CAN LEAD TO FIRES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND THE IGNITION WAS OFF. WENT OUT TO THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL. SOME WIRING MELTED. CONTACTED FORD, THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS FOR 2000 MODELS. THE CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED, THEY REPLACED THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THIS HAPPENED ON JUNE 23, 2005. THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE ANY PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE, BUT DID HAVE THE INVOICE FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *AK

I HAVE A 97 FORD F150. THEY ARE KNOWN TO HAVE GASKET FAILURE. I AM ON MY 3RD MOTOR IN IT. THEY DONT MAKE IT 100,000 MILE. YOU JUST START THEM @ THEY WILL BLOW. *NM

WHILE WATCHING CNN NEWS AUGUST 16 2005, A REPORT WAS ON WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL OF FORD VEHICLES THAT HAVE A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. I WAS PARKED AND HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AT THAT POINT, I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM, THEN GRABBED THE WIRING WAY ABOVE THE HEAT SOURCE AND STARTED PULLING THE WIRES UNTIL THEY BROKE LOOSE. THE WIRING WAS ATTACHED TO A SWITCH AT THE END OF MY BRAKE CYLINDER, IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT CRANK AND I COULD NOT REMOVE IT FROM PARK, I HAD TO CALL FOR HELP. A DAY OR SO LATER, I SAW A REPORT ON CNN NEWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM FOR THIS SWITCH AND FORD WAS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD ,IF FORD WOULD HAVE NOTIFIED ME OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAD DRIVEN MY MOM TO VISIT SOMEONE IN A NURSING HOME, OTHERWISE MY TRUCK WOULD HAVE BEEN ON MY CARPORT. IS THERE MORE HIDDEN PROBLEMS THAT FORD IS HIDING THAT COULD, OR WOULD, HAVE DESTROYED MY HOUSE BY FIRE IF I HAD NOT BEEN IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME? IS IT SAFE TO PARK IN MY GARAGE NOW? I ASKED CHEROKEE FORD IN WOOKSTOCK, GEORGIA IF THEY KNEW OF A RECALL ON THIS SINCE IT WAS ON THE NEWS, AND THEY SAID SOME VEHICLES WERE, BUT NOT MINE, AND TO KEEP WATCHING THE NEWS AND IF, (BIG WORD)FORD DID HAVE A RECALL, COME BACK AND THEY COULD REIMBURSE FOR THE PART ONLY, SINCE MY REPAIRS WERE COMPLETE.*JB

MY 1997 F-150 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN IN 18 HOURS. MY TWELVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND A NEIGHBOR PUT THE FIRE OUT. IN SPEAKING WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY THEY HAVE A RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES BUT UNTIL TODAY IT DID NOT GO BACK TO MY YEAR MODEL. DUE TO A TELEVISION BROADCAST ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2005 FORD HAS NOW INCLUDED VEHICLES UP TO 1995 HOWEVER WHEN I SPOKE WITH THEM TODAY THEY ADVISED IT ONLY INCLUDES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT PARTICULAR PLANTS WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER STATED "MORE THAN LIKELY THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH". MY FAMILY AND I WERE FORTUNATE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PARKED IN THE GARAGE WHERE THE DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN SUBSTANTIAL AND RESULTED IN A LOSS OF LIFE AS MY CHILDREN'S BEDROOMS ARE LOCATED ABOVE THE GARAGE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FORD EXTEND THIS RECALL TO EVERY VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF THE PLANT IT WAS MANUFACTURED AND AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT OF MY COSTS HOWEVER FORD IS DENYING ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD OFFER TO HELP MAKE THIS COMPANY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR POOR MANUFACTURING PRACTICES WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *NM

THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS. THE THIRD DOOR HANDLE/LOCK GETS STUCK AND THE DOOR SOMETIMES DOES NOT OPEN OR IT IS HARD TO OPEN, AND OPENS AFTER TRYING REPEATEDLY. *NM

DT: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND SPREAD QUICKLY. FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS IN THE PROCESS OF INSPECTING THE TRUCK, AND THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATOR FROM FORD CHECKING THE VEHICLE. *AK *JB

EL CAJON FORD REPLACED PLUGS. NEVER WARNED ME ABOUT PLUG BLOWOUT. HEARD TICKING FOR 2 WEEKS BUT THOUGHT IT WAS MINOR EXHAUST LEAK. PLUG BLEW OUT DRIVING HOME AT 30 MPH. TOWED TRUCK TO EL CAJON FORD AND SERVICE WRITER SAID FORD WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE HEAD AT $3500 WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE HEAD. I ASKED ABOUT THE DEPENDABILITY OF THE OTHER HEAD AND HE SAID THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS VERY RARE AND USUALLY ONLY HAPPENED WITH THE LIGHTNING AND ONLY 1 PLUG WAS EVER BAD IN EACH MOTOR. I REFUSED REPAIR AT FORD AND HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. *NM

DT: 1997 FORD F150. THE CONSUMER STATES ON AUGUST 10, 2005 H VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS BEFORE THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS PRIOR TO FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY FILED A REPORT. FORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED TO SEE WHY THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER SUSPECTED IT STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

DT: THE CALLER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ONE AND A HALF HOURS LATER IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CALLER THOUGHT A REPORT WAS FILED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CALLER HAD INSURANCE AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. THE MANUFACTURER URGED THE CALLER TO CONTACT THE DEALER IF HE WANTED TO KNOW WHAT WAS BEING DONE. THE FIRE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE DRIVEWAY, AND A TREE WAS DESTROYED. *AK *SC

DRIVING ALONG 26 MILE ROAD AND INDIAN TRAIL. DASH BOARD BEGAN TO SMOKE, I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, AS I EXITED VEHICLE THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. I ATTEMPTED TO REACH IN TO RETRIEVE SOME PERSONAL BELONGS AND BURNED LEG (MINOR). VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A POLICY REPORT WAS FILED. *NM

1997 F-150 PICKUP CAUGHT FIRE AFTER RETURNING FROM THE STORE, 10 MINUTES LATER WE HEAR A HORN BLOWING WE GO TO SEE WHAT IS WAS AND THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. IT IS AN OPEN CLAIM WITH MY INS. COMPANY RIGHT NOW. THIS HAPPENED ON 8-7-2005. *NM

1.WELL FIRST THE CRUISE CONTROL ON MY 97 FORD F150 WENT OUT. THEN MY BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT TOO. REPLACECD BRAKE LIGHTS ,THEN FUSE WENT OUT IN INTERIOR FUSE BOX SO, TRUCK WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. REPLACED FUSE THEN IT BLEW IT AGAIN. REPLACED AGAIN TRUCK COULD NOW SHIFT INTO GEAR. I WENT HOME PARKED TRUCK THE TRUCK IN DRIVE WAY AND DID NOT MOVE IT FOR THE TRUCK FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. WAS WAKEN UP ABOUT 3 IN THE MORNING BY COPS TELLING ME MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE TRUCK ENDED UP BURNT EVERYWHERE BUT THE BED TOTAL LOSS PRETTY MUCH UN DRIVABLE. BURNED A 95 CARAVAN AND PART OF A 2002 FORD EXCURSION. I KNOW HAVE I VEHICLE TO MOVE MY KIDS THAT ARE IN SCHOOL AND MYSELF AND MY WIFE WHICH ALSO NOW HAS SOME SERIOUS NERVE DAMAGE SHE HAS NIGHTMARES OF OTHER VEHICLE BURNING AND CAN HARDLY SLEEP. TRIED CONTACTING FORD BUT C.S. DEPARTMENT PUTS ME ON HOLD ALL DAY. *JB

MY 97 FORD 4.2L, WHICH IS PAID FOR AND HAS 60,000 MILES HAS THROWN A ROD. ACCORDING TO RESEARCH, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT FORD HAS BEEN AWARE OF AND HAS CHOSEN TO DO NOTHING ABOUT. I HAVE FAITHFULLY TAKEN THE TRUCK IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND ALL FACTORY RECALLS. I HAVE A TRUCK THAT IS GOING TO COST ME $4,000 TO REPAIR BECAUSE OF FORD'S NEGLIGENT. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THEIR FAITHFUL CUSTOMERS. *JB

NHTSA: THIS IS IN RELATION TO AN UNDER HOOD FIRE IN A 1997 FORD F150 PERTAINING TO THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH, BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH. ON JULY 23, 2005 A NEIGHBOR CAME BANGING ON MY DOOR YELLING YOUR TRUCK IS ON FIRE. THERE WAS A FIRE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHERE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER IS LOCATED. THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE UNDER MY CARPORT AND HAD BEEN IDLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2.5 HOURS. I RAN TO GET MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. MY NEIGHBOR CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEN CAME OUT WITH ANOTHER FIRE EXTINGUISHER. ANOTHER NEIGHBOR GRABBED HIS EXTINGUISHER AND GAVE IT TO ME AND THAT ALSO FAILED. I GRABBED MY HOSE TO TRY TO MINIMIZE THE FIRE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. I ONLY HAD ON SHORTS (NO SHOES). I RECEIVED SEVERAL BURNS ON THE BOTTOM OF MY FEET THE HOLE THAT WAS MELTED IN THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK CLEARLY SHOWS WHERE THE FIRE WAS LOCATED. THE DAY BEFORE THAT I HAD WENT TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE MY A/C LOOKED AT. THE MECHANIC POINTED OUT THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. ON A FORD RECALL WEB SITE IT SAYS THE FOLLOWING SIGNS COULD INDICATE THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR CRUISE-CONTROL SWITCH: CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY (MINE RECENTLY STOPPED WORKING); BRAKE FLUID LEAKING AROUND THE SWITCH (EXACTLY WHAT THE MECHANIC POINTED OUT); FUSES ARE BLOWN NEAR THE SWITCH, (THAT MORNING THE TRUCK WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR AND A MOBILE MECHANIC CAME OUT AND HE REPLACED THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH FUSE). EVERYTHING POINTS TO THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH RECALL PROBLEM FORD IS HAVING. I CONTACTED FORD TO SEE IF THEY WANTED TO INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION AND THEY SAID NO AND SHOWED LITTLE TO NO CONCERN. *JB

OUR '97 FORD F150 SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE AFTER MY HUSBAND RETURNED HOME FROM WORK. HE HAD BEEN HOME APPROXIMATELY 30 - 45 MINUTES WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCK ON OUR APARTMENT DOOR. WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW, I SAW A HUGE FIRE AT THE BASE OF THE STAIRS. I TOLD MY HUSBAND AND HE GRABBED OUR DAUGHTER AND LEFT THE APARTMENT. I CALLED 911 TO REPORT THE FIRE AND I LEFT THE APARTMENT AS WELL. WHILE WAITING FOR THE FIRE DEPT., THERE WERE OTHER BURSTS OF FIRE WHILE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS IN CONTINUOUS BLAZE. THE FIRE DEPT. DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. *NM

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS TO OSHORT ON 1997 FORD F-150. THE WIRES WERE PULLING AND STRETCHING WHEN MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR CONSUMER FOR ABOUT YEAR AND A HALF. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TURN SIGNALS AND THE HAZARDS LIGHTS DID NOT WORK IN A CERTAIN POSITIONS ON THE STEERING COLUMN. BECAUSE OF THE WIRES ARE GETTING STRETCHED OUT OF THE MULTIFUNCTIONING SWITCH. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, BUT THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. *AK

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 1 HOUR A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. *AK *JB

DT: THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS BURNING. THE CONSUMER COULD SMELL SMOKE WHILE WALKING PAST THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE SMOKE BEFORE THE SWITCH ACTUALLY CAUGHT ON FIRE BY DISCONNECTED THE WIRE LEADING TO THE SWITCH.*AK *NM

I HAVE A 1997 F150 WITH A 4.2L V6 ENGINE. I HAD A LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED A YEAR AGO WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FROM FORD MOTOR ON. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE THE SAME ADDRESS AS TO WHEN I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK. SINCE THE GASKET WAS REPLACED, SEVERAL MONTHS LATER I STARTED HAVING OIL PRESSURE PROBLEMS. NOW I AM STARTING TO HEAR A KNOCK. TALKING TO MY MECHANIC, HE SAID IT WAS A ROD AND BEARINGS. I PULLED UP THE RECALL # 99-20-7 WHICH EXPLAINS THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL LIKE FORD SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES THAT THIS HAS CAUSED. BY THE WAY THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 46,000 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT!! HAVE TALKED TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE IN FORUMS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY SAY NO LUCK OUT OF FORD. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET THIS RESOLVED? HAD A MECHANIC AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND SAID SAME THING. HOW COULD WE GO ABOUT GETTING A LAWYER TO START A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? YOUR HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. BY THE WAY, I DID GET A RECALL FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEM THAT WOULD CAUSE IT TO CATCH FIRE. WHY DIDN'T I GET THE OTHER ONES? *NM

PARKED THE VEHICLE ABOUT 1:15 AT ABOUT 1:43 THE VEHICLE WAS REPORTED ON FIRE. PRIOR TO THE FIRE A FUSE HAD BLOWN MULTIPLE TIMES THAT PREVENTED GETTING OUT OF PARK. AFTER FIRST FUSE CHANGE IT LASTED A COUPLE OF WEEKS THEN IT BLEW AGAIN. THE FUSES THAT WERE USED WERE THE PROPER SIZE. THE OWNER CALLED FORD TO FIGURE OUT WHY COULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT USED OFTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS INSURED BY STATE FARM AND WAS INVESTIGATED. OWNER HAS POST FIRE PICTURES AND WILL SEND.

DT: CONSUMER OWNED A 1997 FORD F150. IT HAD A BLOWN GASKET. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS TURNED ON THERE WAS AN EXTREME KNOCKING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALERSHIP; THEY STATED THAT THE ROD WAS BENT. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 87,000 MILES. *AK

DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. ON JULY 27, 2005 THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. THE FIRE STARTED ON DRIVER'S SIDE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE CHIEF HAD NOT COME UP WITH A REPORT, BUT HE ASSUMED IT WAS ELECTRICAL. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR A TOTAL OF THREE HOURS BEFORE THE FIRE BROKE OUT. . THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMAL BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. *AK

DT: ON JULY 2 2005 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE THROTTLE CABLE BROKE. THE OWNER WAS COMING DOWN A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR WASN'T BEING PUSHED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WASN'T ON, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE, WHILE GOING 50-55 MPH. AFTER ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE TRUCK TOOK ABOUT 3/4 OF A MILE TO COME A STOP. THE VEHICLE FINALLY HIT AN OAK TREE AND STOPPED AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE OWNER'S WIFE WAS INJURED WITH UPPER NECK AND BACK. INJURIES. THE OWNER''S DAUGHTER WAS BRUISED ON THE FACE. THE VEHICLE DIDN'T COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLES. THERE WAS NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR STICKING BEFORE. FORD REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS ABOUT THIS. THE OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE OWNER HAS TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND THROTTLE CABLE. INSURANCE WILL PAY FOR REPAIRS TO THE BODY. ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE THE CRASH, THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THAT WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE REPAIR. AT THIS TIME OWNER IS WAITING FOR THE REPAIR WORK TO BE COMPLETED. OWNER STATED THAT DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING. *JB

4.2 L ENGINE BUSTING RODS.

DT: A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO CONSUMER NOTICED THAT VEHICLE HAD AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, WHICH ALLOWED WATER I TO LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE RODS, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO FAIL AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST TO FIX IT BEFORE THE PROBLEM BEGAN WA S $800. CONSUMER'S BOSS HAD PROBLEMS WITH HIS FLEET OF VEHICLES, AND NOTIFIED CONSUMER OF THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER WAS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS A FABRICATED DEFECT OR A DESIGN FLAW. AT THIS TIME THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT OWNER DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WON'T RECALL VEHICLE SINCE THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET.*AK

CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH (BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH) ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 OVER HEATED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER SITTING FOR 3 HOURS IN THE PARKING LOT AT MY WORK. NO SERIOUS DAMAGE TO TRUCK. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. I WAS AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THE 2000-2001 F-150'S WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL, HOWEVER FORD ALSO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE 1997 MODELS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED . IF THIS FIRE HAD NOT BEEN NOTICED BY ONE OF MY CO-WORKERS I MIGHT HAVE LOSTED THE TRUCK. THIS COSTED ME AROUND $170 WITH TOWING AND I FEEL FORD IS AWARE THEY HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING FOR SAFETY AND AT FORDS EXPENSE.

1997 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD NEAR THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCHES, HE WAS TOLD HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

VEHICLE FIRE INVOLVING THE SPEED CONTROL DISCONNECT SWITCH ((CRUISE CONTROL DEFECT)) ON THIS 1997 FORD F150. LIMITTED BURN IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION, AND THIS FIRE PATTERN/EVIDENCE IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE FAILURE OF THIS VEHICLE COMPONENT. SALVAGE IS PRESENTLY PRESERVED FOR INSPECTION.

1997 FORD TRUCK F250

1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK WITH APPROXIMATELY 122,000 MILES, HAD A FUSE FAILURE THAT WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE. FUSE WAS REPLACED AND 4 DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING A NEARLY TOTAL DESTRICTION OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CAR PORT IT WAS SITTING IN. FIRE OCCURRED ABOUT 2 HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS LAST DRIVEN. THIS FIRE MAY BE RELATED TO THE RECALL OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) ON THE 2000 F-150 TRUCKS.

I HAD BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH MY TRUCK, CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING, HAD SOME FUSES BLOWN UNDER HOOD THAT WERE REPAIRED, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THEN MY 1997 F-150 XLT SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTS IN DRIVEWAY. HAD BEEN PARKED FOR OVER AN HOUR. PERSONS DRIVING BY ALERTED ME TO THE FIRE, WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ON AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF HOOD NEARLY 10' IN AIR. THEN THE CAR ALARM WENT OFF AND AT SOME POINT THE DOORS UNLOCKED THEMSELVES. POLICE AND I EXTINGUISHED FIRE, BUT THERE IS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE.

DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKES WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING. DEALER SAID THAT ONE SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE HAD ROTTED OUT BECAUSE IT WAS WET. CONSUMER STATES THAT IT'S ALWAYS WET AND HE LIVES IN A SALT AIR ENVIRONMENT. *JB THE CONSUMER'S MAIN CONCERN IS THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS NOT REPLACED WITH AN IMPROVED FUEL LINE. INSTEAD IT WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME LINE THAT FAILED. *NM

DT: THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING 20 MIN. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS OR WARNINGS THAT A PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS REGULARLY SERVICED. THE OWNER WAS INSIDE THE HOUSE AND HEARD A POP SOUND AND THEN LOOKED OUTSIDE AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM A HOLE IN THE HOOD. FLAMES WERE ABOUT 2 OR 3 FOOT HIGH. THERE WAS A FIRE INVESTIGATION #0002302 WHICH STATES THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS TECHNICAL PROCESSING CENTER AND CAUSE OF FIRE WAS THE IGNITION OF AN UNSPECIFIED SHORT CIRCUIT ARCH. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IT WAS ALSO REPORTED TO INSURANCE COMPANY. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD OTHER PROBLEMS BEFORE. THE POLICE REPORT # 7619. *JB

DT: THE REAR END IS MAKING A WHINING NOISE. THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE ARE STARTING TO SEPARATE. THE TIRES ARE BRAND NEW PUT ON MARCH 21, 2003. THE TIRES ARE AMERITRAC GENERAL, P255/70R16. THE CONSUMER CAN NOT LOCATE THE NUMBER FOR THE TIRE COMPANY. THEREFORE, HE CANNOT CONTACT THEM. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT HE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE REAR END. THE CONSUMER'S MECHANIC STATES THAT THE BEARINGS ON THE REAR END ARE BAD DUE TO BAD CASING; IT WILL NOT ALIGN ITSELF UP WITH THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE WHINING STARTED. THE MECHANIC STATES IT WILL NOT GROUND IN ORDER TO MAKE IT ACTIVATE THE SWITCH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED FORD, AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN. WHEN HE CALLED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN HE WAS TOLD HE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A SERVICE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BEFORE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR SIX MONTHS, BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKES THERE IS A MUSHY FEELING, AND THE FRONT END SHAKES AND SHIMMIES.*AK

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH THE 4.2L V-6 ENGINE THAT IS NOTORIOUS FOR "HYDROLOCKING" DUE TO A FAULTY LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS HAS BEEN A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE AMONG MANY CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED THIS MODEL AND MANY OF US HAVE BEEN FORCED TO PAY LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY IN ORDER TO REPLACE A BLOWN ENGINE DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING.

ON JULY 11,2005 JASON WENT TO WORK AND PARKED HIS 1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP IN THE PARKING LOT OF HIS JOB ROLLED UP ALL THE WINDOWS AND LOCKED THE DOORS AND TOOK THE KEY.AT APROMENTLY 9.00AM HE WENT OUT FOR HIS BREAK TO FIND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT HIS TRUCK ITS A TOTAL LOSS.THE ONLY THING LEFT IS THE CAB OF THE TRUCK.

DT THIS SATURDAY JULY 9TH, MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UP UNDER THE HOOD, THE VEHICLE SETTING IN THE YARD. IT HAD BEEN SETTING THERE FOR ABOUT A HOUR. HAVE CONTACTED FORD THEY ARE HAVING A CONSUMER CONTACT ME. THE FIRE STARTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THAT WHERE MOST OF THE DAMAGE IS. MELTED EVERYTHING UP UNDER THE HOOD WAS ABLE TO PUT IT OUT BEFORE IT GOT TO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. *NM

1) NO EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE. ORIGINAL OWNER, WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE WITH 98,000 MILES. 2) ENGINE SIEZED DURING START (4.2 LITER WITH APPARENT HISTORY OF MANIFOLD GASKET FLAW LEADING TO FAILURE) 3) VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED DUE TO HIGH COST OF ENGINE REBUILD OR REPLACEMENT

1997 FORD F-150 EXT CAB 4X4 WAS PARKED IN CONSUMER'S DRIVEWAY. AT 1:30-2:00 AM THE NEIGHBORS WERE POUNDING ON THE DOOR. CONSUMER FOUND TRUCK ON FIRE WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT PUTTING OUT THE FLAMES. CONSUMER IS WAITING TO PICK UP FIRE REPORT FROM INVESTIGATOR. *RP *NM

TRUCK WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. NEIGHBOR ALERTED CONSUMER THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM HIS VEHICLE. HE LIFTED THE HOOD AND SAW WHITE SMOKE THEN PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO MOVE IT AWAY FROM HIS GARAGE. AFTER MOVING THE TRUCK HE SAW FLAMES AND PUT THEM OUT WITH WATER. PARTS WERE REPLACED BY FORD DEALERSHIP IN KATY, TEXAS. *RP *NM

DT: A 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED 3 TO 4 HOURS WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS AT WORK WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE ENGULFED TWO OTHER VEHICLE AS WELL. FIRE INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS STILL UNCERTAIN. *AK

I HAD A 1997 FORD F-150 THAT WAS SETTING UNDER MY GRANDMOTHERS CARPORT BECAUSE THE IBS LIGHT HAD CAME ON AND I WAS USING HERE CAR UNTIL I COULD GET THE FORD COMPANY TO COME PICK IT UP TO FIX IT IT SET THERE FROM SUNDAY AND HAD NOT BEEN MOVED OR STARTED AND ON THE FOLLOWING THUIRSDAY BURST INTO FLAMES CAUSEINF A HOUSE FIRE MY GRANDMOTHER LOST EVRYTHING

JUNE 5, 2005- ABOUT 1:30AM, MY WIFE AND I WERE AWAKEN BY THE NEIGHBORS AND THE FIRE DEPT. THEY INFORMED US THAT OUR TRUCK WAS ON FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE HOOD WAS MELTED AWAY AND THE FRONT HALF OF THE TRUCK WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPT. DEEMED THE SOURCE IN THE AREA OF THE MASTER CYLINDER SWITCH AND OR RELAY BOX. NORMALLY WE PARK IN THE GARAGE, BUT THANK GOD I DIDN'T THAT NIGHT. PRIOR TO THIS, THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD BEEN ACTING FUNNY AND MY PARK BRAKE SWITCH BLEW A FUSE. THE TECH AT DUTHLER FORD HERE IN GR TOLD ME TO JUST REPLACE THE FUSE. SO I REMOVED THE 15AMP FUSE AND REPLACE IT WITH SAME. THAT NIGHT IT BURNED.

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1997 FORD F150 XLT. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT OVER A YEAR AGO, AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVERS SEAT WITH ANOTHER BRACKET. THE SEAT BROKE AGAIN. WHEN SITTING IN THE SEAT THE BACK OF THE SEAT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR WHILE THE FRONT OF THE SEAT RAISED UP. THE BRACKET HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *AK

DT: CONSUMER STATES WHEN SHE WENT TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN SHELIFTED THE HOOD, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SENSOR AND UNHOOKED IT. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE STOPPED SMOKING. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THEM IT WASN'T UNDER RECALL ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HADN'T CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK

DT: THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE WIRE WAS BURNED IN TWO. THE CONNECTOR THAT COMES INTO SWITCH WAS BURNT AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR ABOUT A DAY BEFORE IT BURNED. OWNER NEVER SMELLED ANY SMOKE OR SAW ANY FLAMES. THE SWITCH JUST MELTED. THERE WERE NO OTHER MAJOR CONCERNS WITH VEHICLE, IT IS REGULARLY SERVICED. AFTER THE SWITCH WAS BURNED OWNER REPLACED THE SWITCH AND CONNECTOR WITH ANOTHER ONE BOUGHT AT A LOCAL AUTO STORE. THE OWNER HAS NOT YET REPORTED TO FORD.*AK

1997 FORD F150 TIE RODS ARE EXTREMELY LOOSE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR IT WAS DEMONSTRATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE BALL END COULD BE PULLED OUT OF THE SOCKET WITH BARE HANDS. THE SOCKET WAS MADE OF RUBBER. *SC

(1)FORD 1997 4.2 L V6, SLOW COOLANT LEAK/GASKET LEAK RESULTING IN INTERNAL TERMINAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. (2) REPLACING LOST COOLANT EVERY SO OFTEN IS NOT UNHEARD OF FOR A COMMON HIGH MILE ENGINE BUT BY DOING SO, THE PROBLEM IS GRADUALY GETTING WORSE UNTIL THE ENGINE LOCKS UP! (3)THE FIX IS THOUSANDS OF UPSET CONSUMERS SPENDING HARD EARNED DOLLARS REPLACING A FACTORY DEFECTIVE MOTOR WITH ANOTHER FACTORY DEFECTIVE MOTOR AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE! THANKS FORD! FOUND THE PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AFTER RESEARCHING THE WEB. PLEASE HELP! SINCERLY, EX-FORD FAN

EGINE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE GASKET LEAK ON 1997 FORD F150 V6 2.4 ENGINE AT 43,000 MILES

THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR 5 HOURS, OBSERVED FLAMES ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF HOOD, IT WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED. THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING ONE YEAR PRIOR. *JB

DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT AT 4 PM TPARKED THE VEHICLE AND THE NEXT DAY AT 1 AM THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT BURNED THE HOOD, WINDSHIELD, WIRING AND EVERYTHING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THERE WAS A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.*AK

DT: TRUCK WAS PARKED AND ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING, CONSUMER DROVE ABOUT A HALF HOUR BEFORE HE DISCOVERED VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FLAMES WERE COMING FROM DRIVER'S SIDE UNDER HOOD NEAR CAB OF TRUCK. FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY 4 WITNESSES WITH A FIRE DISTINGUISHER. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED. MECHANIC ON SITE OPENED HOOD AND SUSPECTED THE FIRE BEGAN NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE SINCE THIS OCCURRED. *AK

DT: AFTER SITTING FOR 2 DAYS, THE TRUCK STARTING SMOKING. THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. A PLUG IN FRONT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD A SHORT. THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN ORDER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE WIRING IS BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND IT WAS STILL THERE. *AK *SC *JB

DT: CRUISE CONTROL CAUGHT 0N FIRE. HAD REPORTED TO FORD BEFORE THIS CAME OUT BOUGHT ANOTHER CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THEN HAD DISCONNECTEDIT. VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND BURNT THE BRAKE FLUID, BUT WAS IN TIME TO PUT OUT THE FIRE.*AK

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB OTHER VEHICLE'S WERE DAMAGED DURING THE FIRE AND ONE PERSON WAS BURNED ON THE ARM WHILE TRYING TO CONTAIN THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE DAMAGES. *NM

DT: CRUISE CONTROL HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED BECAUSE IT QUIT WORKING, AND BECAUSE OF ITS POTENTIAL TO START FIRE. CRUISE WAS WORKING FINE WHEN I CONSUMER BOUGHT THE TRUCK. *AK

AT 3:15 AM ON JUNE 1, MY 1997 FORD F-150 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. HORN HONKING WOKE MY DAUGHTER WHO FIRST OBSERVED A FIRE FROM A BEDROOM WINDOW. SHE WOKE MY WIFE AND I UP THINKING MY DETACHED SHOP WAS ON FIRE. WE RAN OUTSIDE AND FOUND THE FIRE TO BE A TRUCK ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN LAST AT 7:30 PM AND PARKED ON MY DRIVEWAY NEXT TO A HORSE TRAILER. I CALLED 911 AND BEGAN SPRAYING WATER ON THE TRUCK AND TRAILER. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE FIRE AND FOCUSED ON KEEPING THE TRAILER COOL. WHEN THE FIRE TRUCK FINALLY ARRIVED IT TOOK ABOUT 30 MINUTES TO PUT THE FIRE TOTALLY OUT. AT THAT POINT THE FIRE HAD BURNED THROUGH THE CAB TO REAR SEATS. BASED ON HOW THE TRUCK BURNED, I BELIEVE IT WAS ATTRIBUTED TO A CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH FIRE.

DT: VEHICLE PARKED 5 DAYS, CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK *SB

DT: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE FELT TEMPERATURE IN CABIN GO UP, PULLED OFF ROAD, OPENED HOOD TO FIND LARGE FIRE. *AK

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY GASKET

MY 1997 FORD F150 STARTED ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 10 HOURS. THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION.

1997 FORD F150 DRIVER SIDE INNER TIE ROD END BECAME COMPLETELY SEPERATED DURING OPERATION OT THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL.

1.) ENGINE FAILURE ON 1997 FORD F150 4.2 V6 WITH ONLY 84442 MILES REPLACED MOTOR AT PERSONAL EXPENSE $4019.00 2.) ENGINE DIED ON 10-02-1003 HAD TOWED BACK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS "NOT" RELATED TO THE REPLACED MOTOR AND IT WAS ELECTRICAL - PERSONAL EXPENSE $300 3.) ENIGNE BEGINS RUNNING ROUGH ON 6-6-2005 - DIAGNOSIS FAULTY COIL ASSEMBLY, PLUS AND PLUG WIRES "NOT COVERED UNDER THE REBUILT ENGINE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY - PERSONAL COST: $600

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. *AK

DT: WITHOUT WARNING CONSUMER SAW A SPARK AND SOME SMOKE AND WHILE CONSUMER WAS AFTER A FIRE EXTINGUISHER THE TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES AND EXPLODED AND WAS TOTALED. DEALER GAVE CONSUMER A NUMBER TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WILL GET BACK WITH CONSUMER THROUGH A REPRESENTATIVE. *TT

DT: I OWN A FORD F150 AND I WAS HIT, AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. I WAS HIT IN THE DRIVERS' SIDE FRONT FENDER SIDE. *AK

VEHICLE PARKED APPROX 48 HOURS, CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK, FLAMES COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT

VEHICLE PARKED, HEARD LOUD BOOM, WITNESSED VEHICLE ON FIRE - CRUISE CONTROL WORKED INTERMITTENTLY

DT: 1997, FORD, F-150 WITH 5.4 TRITON MOTOR AND IT BLEW THE SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE HEAD. *AK

I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE HERE IN TUCSON AND READ ON THE INTERNET, MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE A 1997 F150 PICKUP HAVE HAD THE HEAD GASKET GO BAD CAUSING RADIATOR FLUID TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND WAS WONDERING IF THIS IS A COMPLAINT WORTHY OF INVESTIGATION OR SOMETHING THAT IS COINCIDENTAL. I HAD TO HAVE MY ENGINE REBUILT AND IT WAS UNDER 100,000 MILES. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE GASKET.

MY '97 FORD F150 4.2L V6 FAILED IN MY DRIVEWAY UPON STARTING THREE WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING IT. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION, I HEARD LOUD KNOCKING AND BANGING COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND I SHUT IT DOWN. I FOUND OIL POURING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE # 2 CONNECTING ROD WAS SHATTERED WHICH TOOK OUT THE OIL PAN, THE OIL PICK UP TUBE, AND BENT THE CRANK SHAFT. REMOVED UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND FOUND COOLANT IN THE REAR PORT OF THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD.

LOW AMOUNTS OF COOLANT LOSS, KNOCKING IN ENGINE, AND THE ENGINE RUNS POORLY. HAD THE ENGINE LOOKED AT BY THREE MECHANICS, INCLUDING CASTRUCCI FORD IN MILFORD, AND THEY ALL INFORMED ME THAT THE RODS IN THE ENGINE ARE BAD BECAUSE COOLANT IS GETTING INTO THE ENGINE. DIAGNOSIS: NEW ENGINE REQUIRED.

I'VE NOTICED THAT COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO MY ENGINE (BURNING FROM THE EXHAUST) AND THAT FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS, BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED, I COULD HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED IN 2001.

STARTED THE TRUCK ONE MORNING IT HAD A ROUGH IDLE BUT SEEMED TO SMOOTH OUT. DROVE IT OUT TO A JOBSITE AND PARKED IT FOR A COUPLE HOURS. STARTED IT AND WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT AND THERE WAS A BANGING AND KNOCKING SOUND. TURNED IT OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY TOLD ME I HAD THROWN A ROD.

PARKED THE VEHICLE AT 10:00 AND AT 10:30 THE ALARM SOUNDED. WENT TO LOOK AT VEHICLE AND SAW FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. PICTURES POSTED AT HTTP://PLAZA.UFL.EDU/BETHIE21/. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED BEFORE THE FIRE, AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAD GONE OUT. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED BEFORE CHRISTMAS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN EARLY JANUARY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. WE REPLACED THE FUSE AND IT BLEW AGAIN. WE REPLACED IT 3 TIMES AND IT STOPPED BLOWING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSURED BY STATE FARM POLICY NUMBER 8922531-59 4.*AK *NM

OUR 1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT HAD BEEN PARKED THERE SINCE YESTERDAY EVENING, ABOUT 6:30 P.M. AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30 P.M. THE NEXT DAY, OUR DOORBELL RANG, IT WAS THE MAIL LADY. MY HUSBAND ANSWERED THE DOOR,AND SHE ASKED HIM IF HE KNEW HIS TRUCK WAS ON FIRE? IT TOOK A COUPLE OF SECONDS FOR IT TO REGISTER, AND HE SAID WHAT? SHE REPEATED IT. MY HUSBAND HOLLERED AT ME TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE TRUCK'S ON FIRE. I GRABBED THE CORDLESS AND HEADED TOWARDS THE FRONT DOOR. JUST AS I WAS COMING OUT THE FRONT DOOR, MY HUSBAND SAID TURN THE WATER ON. HE ALREADY HAD THE GARDEN HOSE IN HIS HAND, PULLING IT TOWARDS THE TRUCK. HE WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE, BY SPRAYING ON TOP OF THE HOOD, UNDER THE HOOD, UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL WELL, AND INSIDE THE CAB UNDERNEATH THE DASH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HAD THIS FIRE OCCURED FIVE MINUTES LATER, MY HUSBAND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN IT, ON THE HIGHWAY. THANK THE LORD, HE WASN'T! THERE IS STILL QUITE A BIT OF DAMAGE DONE TO OLD BLUE, SO WE'RE WAITING ON OUR INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND AN INVESTIGATOR FROM FORD TO COME OUT AND TAKE A LOOK AT IT. WE ONLY FOUND OUT THIS MORNING ABOUT ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT ENGINE FIRES ON F-150'S.

MY 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE, AND NO LIGHTS WERE ON. I STEPED OUT THE FRONT DOOR OF MY HOUSE, AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I LOOKED OVER AT MY TRUCK, AND SAW FLAMES IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL, AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD SIDE AND BACK EDGES. I GOT THE FIRE EXTENGUISHER FROM THE HOUSE, SHOT UP IN THE WHEEL WELL, THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND PUT OUT THE REST OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE SEEMED TO START IN THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AREA, AND I BELIEVE AS A RESULT OF A DEFECT IN THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE MASTER CYLINDER IS DESTROYED,AN EVAPORATIVE EMMISSION CONTROL VALVE AND SOLENOID ARE DESTROYED, AND SOME WIRING HARNESSES HAVE BEEN BURNT.THE REAR ANTI LOCK BRAKE CONTROL VALVE IS DAMAGED. THE LEFT COWL COVER AND HOOD SEAL MELTED, AS DID THE LEFT INNER WHEEL WELL.I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE TRUCK AT THIS TIME.

DT: CONSUMER PARKED TRUCK WEDNESDAY NIGHT, WHEN HE GOT BACK INTO TRUCK THE NEXT MORNING IT WOULD START ONCE BUT NOT MOVE OUT OF GEAR. IT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. THE ENGINE WAS BARELY RUNNING AND MISSING. THERE WAS A SMELL OF SMOKE. TURNED ENGINE OFF DUE TO THE ODD SMELL. INSPECTED UNDER HOOD. THERE HAD BEEN A FIRE THAT EVIDENTLY BURNED OUT ITSELF. CRUISE CONTROL QUIT EARLIER. THE TRUCK COULD NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. AFRAID TO MOVE OR ATTEMPT TO REPAIR ANYTHING FOR FEAR IT MAY CATCH ON FIRE AGAIN. CONSUMER CALLED FORD, NO RECALL ON THAT PARTICULAR MODEL, BUT THEY WERE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THOSE VEHICLES, BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THERE WAS A RECALL. THE MOST FIRE DAMAGE WAS SEEN ON THE MASTER CYLINDER, SUSPECTED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID MAY HAVE HAD A HAND IN THE FIRE ALONG WITH THE SENSOR. WAS MISSING BRAKE FLUID UPON INSPECTION. *AK

ABS LIGHT CAME ON AS WE WERE PULLING UP TO OUR BACK GARAGE DOOR. WE OPENED THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK TO CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL. THAT AREA OF THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE! WE WERE ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED ALL THE PARTS THAT WERE BURNT (UNFORTUNATELY WE DID NOT THINK TO KEEP THE OLD PARTS). AS A SIDE NOTE, THE TECHNICIAN WORKING ON THE VEHICLE MENTIONED THAT FORD HAS A RECALL OUT FOR 2000 AND NEWER VEHICLES FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH - WHICH THEY HAVE DETERMINED IS THE CAUSE OF FIRES IN THESE MODELS. HE SAID THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IN OUR VEHICLE WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, THE VERY SAME PART THAT FORD HAS THE RECALL FOR. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH THE REPAIR SHOP USED TO REPLACE THE BURNT UP ONE WAS OBTAINED FROM FORD AND IS THE VERY SAME PART THEY ARE USING IN THEIR RECALL. UNFORTUNATELY, OUR VEHICLE IS A 1997 FORD F150 AND THEREFORE DOES NOT FALLING WITHIN THE RECALL.

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT A HOUR WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER HOSE. *AK THE FIRE STARTED AT THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH WAS REPLACED. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE CRUISE CONTROL STOP WORKING. *SC *JB

I HAVE 1997 FORD F150 4.2L PICK-UP THAT HAS THE "FAMOS" ANTI FREEZE INTERNAL LEAK THAT HAS RUINED MY MOTOR. I HAVE 56,000MI ON IT, AND FEEL FORD HAS SOLD MILLIONS OF THESE LEMONS AND ARE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT! IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR "US" WHO GOT SCREWED?

VEHICLE PARKED FOR APPROX 2 HOURS, COLD ENGINE, FLAMES WERE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT, DRIVER'S SIDE WHEELWELL UP THROUGH THE HOOD - FLAMES MOVED TO CAB - FRONT LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW FIRST

DOOR HAS CRACKED DRIVERS SIDE BOTTOM CORNER OF WIDOW MOLDING

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 87,000 MILES ON IT. THE MOTOR IS A 4.2L V6. IT ALL BEGAN WHEN I NOTICED THE ANITFREEZE LEVEL SEEMED TO KEEP GOING DOWN EVEN AFTER I WOULD FILL THE COOLANT JUG TO THE PROPER LEVEL. LAST WEEK I NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR SEEMED HARDER TO START AND THOUGHT THE BATTERY WAS GOING DEAD. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO START MY TRUCK AND WHEN I TURNED THE IGNITION THE MOTOR MADE A LOUD POP AND WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO MY LOCAL GARAGE AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT EITHER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, THE HEAD GASKET, OR THE TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKET HAD FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER MY MOTOR. THIS CAUSED MY MOTOR TO COMPLETELY SEIZE UP. THE END RESULT IS THAT I NOW NEED A NEW MOTOR THAT IS GOING TO COST ME OVER $3,000. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NO RECORD OF THIS HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSE AND SINCE NO WARRANTY OR RECALL WAS IN EFFECT I WOULD RECEIVE NO REINBURSEMENT. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ODD SINCE I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL WEB SITES SAYING THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL 4.2L V6 MOTORS. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL LOOK INTO THIS AND MAKE FORD PAY IF THE GASKETS ARE FOUND TO BE OF POOR QUALITY.

DRIVING ALONG AT 40 MPH, SEVERE ROD KNOCKING ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF 4.2 MOTOR. ANTI FREEZE IN OIL PER TIMING CHAIN COVER, ACID ETCHED CRANK TO ROD BEARING. FORD REFUSED TO FIX-3000 MILES OVER WARRANTY. I PAID $1000 FOR XTENDED WARRANTY TO FIX. DEALER PUT IN NEW REBUILT 4.2, 35,000 MILES ON 2ND ENGINE WHEN ROD KNOCKING ON DRIVER SIDE OF ENGINE. ANTI FREEZE IN OIL, ACID ETCHED CRANK TO ROD BEARING AGAIN! TRUCK SITS IN BACK YARD, EXCELLENT CONDITION. $4000 TO PUT IN NEW ENGINE. FORD CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR TERRIBLE CRAFTSMANSHIP ON 4.2 ENGINE.

1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK WHERE SEAT BELT IN THE FRONT/PASSENGER VEHICLE WILL NOT CLASP ANY MORE. THERE IS NO DEBREE IN THE MECHANISMS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE SEAT BELT FROM CLASPING TOGETHER. HAVE REC'D ESTIMATE FOR $200+ TO FIX THE "ONE" SEAT BELT. CAN I TRUST THE OTHER 3 SEAT BELTS (ONE OF WHICH IS AROUND A BABY SEAT IN THE BACK). I CALLED THE FORD MOTOR VEHICLE CONSUMER SERVICE LINE AT 800-392-3673 AND SPOKE TO A GENTLEMAN NAMED CARSON. CARSON LOOKED UP WARRANTIES ON MY VEHICLE, WHICH I KIND OF FOUND COMICAL. ON A VEHICLE OF ALMOST 9 YEARS OLD, THERE DOES NOT EXIST A WARRANTY. HE ASKED IF I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND PROMPTLY LET HIM KNOW THAT THAT WOULD HAVE EXPIRED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND YES, I DID HAVE THAT. HE SAID THAT THE WARRANTY ON SEAT BELTS IS LISTED AS 5 YEARS OR 50,000 MILES. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT? ARE AIR BAGS THE SAME? I HAVE JUST OVER 100,000 MILES ON MY TRUCK. HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ON SEAT BELTS FOR THE FORD F150, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDS UNDER MY VIN NUMBER. SHOULD THERE BE A FULL SCALE RECALL OF ALL FORD VEHICLES IN AND AROUND THE YEAR 1997 THAT INSTALLED THE SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF SEAT BELT? I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE OTHER 3 SEAT BELTS (AND ONE BEING OVER THE BABY SEAT IN THE BACK) AND ABOUT ALL THE OTHER FOLKS WHO ARE IN DANGER OF THEIR SEAT BELTS JUST GIVING WAY DURING AN ACCIDENT. DONT' WAIT FOR AN ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN AND KILL SOMEONE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO MY SEAT BELT, I WAS SHOCKED. THAT IS THE ONE PART OF THE CAR, BESIDES MY AIR BAG, THAT BETTER NOT EVER GO BAD. THE PART HAS BEEN ORDERED FROM MY SHELL MECHANIC FROM FORD AND HOPEFULLY I WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE NEW SEAT BELT INSTALLED ON TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY (5/23, 5/24) BUT DO I TRUST THE OTHER THREE SEAT BELTS? I SEE FROM THE QUESTIONS FOLLOWING THIS DESCRIPTION, YOU WANT TO KNOW IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT -- NO, THANK GOD. BUT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN.

I PURCHASED A FORD F-150 IN JAN 97 WITH 4.2L V-6 ENGINE, I HAVE FOLLOWED THE SERVICES RELIGIOUSLY, ON OR AROUND JAN 2000 I TOOKED THE VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALER IN PUERTO RICO BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT GASKETS TO BE REPLACED, I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND ASCHEDULED AN APPMT. I TOOKED THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERD 4 DAYS LATER THEY CALL ME AND SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DONE. I WENT TO PICK THE VEHICLE UP AND NOTICE THAT THERE WAS NO WORK DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE ATTENDANT TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT REPLACED THE GASKETS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT LEAKING SO IT DID NOT NEEDED THE GASKETS REPLACED. CAME TO UNITED STATES SINCE I AM IN THE MILITARY IN FORT LEONARD WOOD. I STARTED TO NOTICE A LOSS IN COOLANT THIS CONCERNED ME AND REPLACED THE WATER PUMP THEN IT STARTED LEAKING FROM THE TIMING CHAIN COVER GASKET SO I REPLACED THE COVER THE GASKET AND THE WATER PUMP GASKET ONCE MORE COSTING ME AROUND $900.00. THEN THIS PAST WINTER ONE MORNING I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO MAKE THIS KNOKING KNOICE VERY LOUD KNOICE SO I TURNED OFF AND CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HERE IN ST ROBERT MO, DEALER SELLER SEXTON THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE VEHICLE AND THEN IS WHEN I FOUND THAT THE ENGINE HAS BROKEN A PISTON ROD BECAUSE COOLANT HAD GOTTEN IN THE OIL. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS GOING TO COST ME AROUND $4,500.00 I TOLD THEM THAT I HAD NO MONEY TO PAY FOR THOSE TYPE OF EXPENCES. THEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE GASKETS. I CONTACTED FORD FOR ASSISTANCE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN NOT HELP ME BECAUSE THE WARRANTY IN THE VEHICLE IS EXPIRED. TO THIS SHOULD MAKE NO DIFFERENCE BECAUSE THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM NOT THE OWNERS FAULT MY TRUCK ONLY AROUND 73,500. FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR THIS THEY CLAIMED THAT THIS VEHICLES SPARK PLUGS ARE TO BE CHANGED AT 100,000. MILES HOW IS THIS IF THE ENGINES ARE ONLY LASTING 73,500 MILES. PLEASE NEED YOUR HELP ON ENSURING FORD IS HELD LIABLE FOR THIS. THANK YOU.

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 97 FORD F150 AND THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND WIRING HARNESS AT THE SWITCH. ALSO IT BLEW A FUSE IN THE CIRCUIT THAT KEPT IT FROM BURNING FURTHER. WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK BECAUSE THE ABS CIRCUIT WAS DISABLED. THE CONSUMER BOUGHT MATERIALS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. AFTER WHICH FORD HAD RECALLED LATER MODEL PICK UPS. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM AND OTHER YEARS WERE AFFECTED ALSO. *JB

DT: IN OCTOBER OF 2003, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE DEALER ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SOMETHING NEAR THE CARBURETOR. *TT

DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IN 1997 FORD F150 4.2L V6 ENGINE 70899 MILES. ANTIFREEZE LEAKS INTO NUMBER 4 CYLINDER. WHEN ENGINE STARTS RESULTING "HYDRO-LOCK" SHEARS OFF CONECTING ROD AND DESTROYS ENGINE.

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ONE OF HIS SPARK PLUGS BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING. . THE CONSUMER STATED MAYBE IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT BECAUSE HE HEARD THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT THE SAME VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE HEAD TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS 3300 DOLLARS. *JB *JB

DT: TURN SIGNALS HAVE NEVER FUNCTIONED RIGHT SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT. YOU HAVE TO JIGGLE THE TURN SIGNAL STOCK TO GET THEM TO BLINK. AND YOU HAVE TO HOLD THEM A CERTAIN POSITION BEFORE THEY BLINK. THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. HAVE TALKED TO FORD AND THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD COST THE CONSUMER $800.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HAVE TALKED TO DEALER ALSO, AND THAT WAS NO HELP. *NM

1997 FORD F 150 PICK UP, 4X4 EXTENDED CAB DRIVER'S SEAT NYLON FABRIC IS WORN AND FRAYED. I CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THIS WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A SEAT BELT GET FRAYED AND WORN OUT IN SUCH A MANNER. I HAVE 18 YEARS AS A FIRE FIGHTER AND HAVE CUT DOZENS OF PEOPLE OUT OUT CARS AND NEVER COME ACROSS A WORN OUT SEAT BELT BEFORE. IF THIS BELT FAILS IN A CRASH IT COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I WILL GET IT REPLACED BUT I THINKS THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT NOT OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILTY.

1997 FORD F150 SUFFERED FROM PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE'S GASKETS.*MR THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LOCKUP EITHER FROM COOLANT IN CYLINDER BORES OR CRANK BEARING FAILURE. AT HIGH SPEEDS THIS COULD CAUSE SKID AND LOSS OF CONTROL. ALSO COOLANT LEAKS OUT FRONT OF ENGINE ON GROUND AND TIRES WHEN GOING FORWARD. *BF *NM

UNDER HOOD FIRE ON A 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP. THE FIRE OCCURED ON MARCH 29, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30AM WHEN A NEIGHBOR CAME TO OUR HOUSE TO REPORT THAT OUR TRUCK WAS ON FIRE AND THEY HAD CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. FLAMES WERE ALREADY THROUGH THE HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND COMING OUT THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. MR. CARNES WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED HOWEVER, THE BULK OF THE DAMAGE HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. MR. CARNES SIMPLY PREVENTED ANY FURTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE TO ANYTHING NEARBY. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY HAS TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THEIR FIRE IINVESTIGATOR HAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. WE CONTACTED FORD THE SAME DAY AND WERE TOLD THAT THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTACT US IN 2 BUSINESS DAYS. TODAY IS 5/5/05 AND WE HAVE STILL NOT HEARD FROM FORD. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO FROM HERE, BUT I HOPE THAT THIS WILL PREVENT ANYONE ELSE FROM HAVE TO ENDURE THIS TRAUMA. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY THE CLAIM UNTIL THEY HEAR FROM FORD. WE WAIT IN LIMBO.

UNDER HOOD FIRE ON A 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP. THE FIRE OCCURED ON APRIL 29, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30AM WHEN A NEIGHBOR CAME TO OUR HOUSE TO REPORT THAT OUR TRUCK WAS ON FIRE AND THEY HAD CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. FLAMES WERE ALREADY THROUGH THE HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND COMING OUT THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL. MR. CARNES WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED HOWEVER, THE BULK OF THE DAMAGE HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. MR. CARNES SIMPLY PREVENTED ANY FURTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE TO ANYTHING NEARBY. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY HAS TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THEIR FIRE IINVESTIGATOR HAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. WE CONTACTED FORD THE SAME DAY AND WERE TOLD THAT THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTACT US IN 2 BUSINESS DAYS. TODAY IS 5/5/05 AND WE HAVE STILL NOT HEARD FROM FORD. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO FROM HERE, BUT I HOPE THAT THIS WILL PREVENT ANYONE ELSE FROM HAVE TO ENDURE THIS TRAUMA. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY THE CLAIM UNTIL THEY HEAR FROM FORD. WE WAIT IN LIMBO.

WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL99B29 FOR A TIMING COVER/WATER PUMP GASKET ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 [XXX]. IN NOVEMBER 2004 I WAS LOSING COOLANT AND TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND HE GAVE ME AN EST. OF $1500.00. AT THAT TIME I COULDN'T AFFORD IT. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A RELIABLE REPAIR SHOP FOR $800.00. I HAD JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FROM A CO-WORKER WHO ALSO HAS A VEHICLE MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. I FEEL THAT SHOULD BE DUE REBURSTMENT OF THE REPAIRS FOR THAT FACT I DID NOT RECEIVE THE RE-CALL.THEIR RECORDS WILL SHOW THAT OTHER RECALLS I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT! *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1. PURCHASED FORD F-150, [XXX], WITH 4.2 L SIX AT 15,000 MILES AT SUN STATE FORD OF ORLANDO FL. 2. IN 2004, NOTICED UNEXPLAINED COOLANT LEAKS. 3. ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29, BUT THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT KNOWN AT THAT TIME; FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS TRUCK, BUILT 03/97, IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29, INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. 4. ON 4/22/05 AT 66,713 MILES, LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO A CYLINDER, LEADING TO A THROWN ROD AND ENGINE FAILURE. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. 5. DEALER REFUSED TO HELP EXCEPT TO OFFER A REBUILT ENGINE FOR $4500; FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CALL CENTER RELATED THAT THE RECALL COVERED UP TO 12/31/96, AND THIS TRUCK WAS MADE 3/97. NO OFFER OF HELP NOR APPEAL THERE, EITHER. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

CONTACT STATES: SPARK PLUG POPPED OUT OF HEAD WHILE DRIVING, WAS GOING SLOW BUT CAUSED A JERKING OF THE VEHICLE-NO ACCIDENT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAD EVER HAPPENED. NO REPAIR WORK OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS.*AK

PICK UP TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONSUMER THEN STATED IT MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO DUE A CRUISE TO CONTROL SWITCH.

AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 4HRS.AND UNATTENDED MY 1997 FORD F-150 4X4 TRUCK VIN.# [XXX] CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED IN THE AREA OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WAS OBSERVED FROM THE HOLE THAT WAS BURNT IN THE HOOD ON THE LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE'S HOOD. FIRE REPORT STATES ELECTRICAL AS CAUSE OF FIRE.THE INTIRE ENGINE COPARTMENT IS A TOTAL LOSS.AS IS THE TRUCK ITSELF. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR AND HALF TO ONE HOUR AND FORTY-FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED.*AK *BF *NM

THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED ON THE STREET. THIS OCCURRED 15 HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY FOR A CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT COULDN'T DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF IT, JUST THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND OR WARM WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. *SC *JB

FRONT ENGIN COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29 COST OF RECOVERY BY DEALER 4,700, IT WOULD APPEAR RECALL WAS INADEQUATE AND RESULTED IN ENGIN FAILER.

I PURCHASED A 1997 F150 ON FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2005. TRUCK WAS SEEMINGLY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I DROVE THE F150 TRUCK TO WORK AROUND 40 MILES ON TUESDAY APRIL 26, 2005, PARKED AND WENT INSIDE. ABOUT 2 HOURRS LATER I SAW SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE OPENED THE HOOD, AND FOUND THAT A FIRE HAD ERUPTED ON/NEAR THE BRAKE SYSTEM/BRAKE BOOSTER. WE PUT OUT THE FIRE WITHIN ABOUT 1 MINUTE FROM SEEING THE SMOKE. THE DAMAGE WAS CONTAINED TO THE DRIVER?S SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, INCLUDING; BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR/BOOSTER, POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX/FUSE BOX, WIRING ALONG FIREWALL, HOOD AND PAINT, WINDSHIELD, WIPER MOTOR/WIPER, VENT BETWEEN HOOD AND WINDSHIELD, DASH, INNER DRIVER?S SIDE FENDER. INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED, OUTCOME PENDING.*AK

PARKED F-150 IN GARAGE. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER GOT A CALL TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. FIRE REPORT SAID UNDERHOOD FIRE. TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS.*AK

WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE WIRING OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. *AK *SC *JB

ON MARCH 7TH AT 3 AM IN THE MORNING MY 1997 FORD F-150 BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE. THE TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN 12 HOURS. I WAS AWOKEN BY TWO LOUD BOOMS AT 3 AM. I CHECKED MY HOUSE (BRAND NEW HOUSE 1.5 YEARS OLD) AND THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS NOTED. I OPENED THE DOOR LEADING FROM THE HOUSE TO THE GARAGE, THE F150 WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY HOUSE WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED BY THE ENSUING FIRE.*AK

ON 03/09/2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:50 P.M. (TX TIME) MY NEIGHBOR INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND SHE HAD NOTIFIED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS A 1997 FORD F150 QUAD CAB (I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 08/12/2001 FROM A USED CAR LOT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARK FOR ONLY ABOUT 20 MINUTES, AS I HAD JUST COME HOME FROM WORK. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS INDICATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT. I DID NOT HAVE ANY WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR THE THE INCIDENT; THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN OPERATING NORMALLY ALL THAT DAY. I PUT GAS IN THE VEHICLE AROUND 11 A.M. ON THIS DATE AND CHECKED THE OIL AS WELL, TIRES, ETC.; AS FAR AS I COULD TELL EVERYTHING WAS OK. ON 03/24/2005 THE NBC NEWS AIRED A STORY CONCERNING THE FORD F150, INVESTIGATING A RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL EMISSION WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE INAVERTANTLY CATCHING ON FIRE. MY VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED (AND I DO HAVE PICTURES). MY CONCERN NOW IS THAT THE FINANCE COMPANY (UNITED AUTO CREDIT) IS EXPECTING TO RECEIVE CAR PAYMENTS AND ARE HARASSING ME AND MY HUSBAND DAILY. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WAS CALLED ON 03/10/2005, I CONTRACTED CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND INFORMED THEM OF THE SITUATION AS WELL, I WAS TOLD BY THE FORD COMPANY THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS IN MY VEHICLE AT ALL (WHICH ACCORDING TO YOUR REPORTS IS NOT TRUE). *AK *NM

I HAVE A 1997 F-150 IN WHICH I HAD TWO WHEELS RUST THROUGH SO THAT THE TIRES LEAKED AIR. THE OTHER TWO WHHEELS WERE EX ESSIVELY RUSTED AS WELL. THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE THE 4 WHEELS. I SAW NO RECALLS, SO I SUSPECT THIS IS A REGIONAL ISSUE ( SALT IN WINTER) AS I'VE SEEN OTHER 1997 F-150S WITH SIMILAR RUSTED WHEELS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THIS SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURER RECALL.*AK

WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OWNER WAS GETTING SOMETHING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE TORSION BAR BROKE. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE TORSION BAR. CURRENTLY VEHICLE WAS HAVING A VIBRATION PROBLEM, BUT THE OWNER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A HEAVIER SUSPENSION. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE OWNER'S DRIVEWAY ALONG WITH 2 OTHER VEHICLES WHICH WERE BURNED ALONG WITH THE F-150 WHICH WAS ENGULFED BY FIRE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER 5 HOURS BEFORE THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FIRE. *AK

WENT TO START TRUCK BEGAN KNOCKING FROM MOTOR UPON STARTING.MOTOR THROWN ROD HAD TO BE REPLACED.THIS 1997 F-150 ONLY HAD 93000 MILES NOT EVEN MECH.LIMIT WHAT A LEMON FORD BUILT HERE .*AK

WHILE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A FIRE STARTED FROM THE FRONT LEFT TIRE. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND PUT OUT FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

1997 FORD F-150 WAS PARKED IN GARAGE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE MASTER CYLINDER. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 2 DAYS. THE HORN STARTED BLOWING, AND CONSUMER'S WIFE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE HOOD. PUT WATER ON VEHICLE FROM HOSE, BUT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO STOP FIRE. CALLED 911. BY THE TIME THE FIRE COMPANY CAME VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FIRE. ALSO, THE HOUSE ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE. CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING ABOUT 1 OR 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO OTHER PROBLEMS. CHECKED THE FUSES, AND THEY WERE FINE. ONE EVENING, BEFORE THE FIRE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. FOUND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AT THE PEDAL WAS DEFECTIVE. REPLACED THAT SWITCH. THEN, FOUND A BRAKE LIGHT BULB OUT. REPLACED THAT BULB, AND VEHICLE CAME OUT OF PARK. ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BLINKED REAL FAST, AGAIN THE BULB WAS REPLACED. THIS TROUBLE WITH THE TURN SIGNAL WAS INTERMITTENT. REAR GLASS LEAKED, AND DOOR PANELS WERE CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES. GEICO INSURANCE SENT AN ADJUSTER TO TAKE PICTURES. OWNER FELT CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE FIRE.*AK

UNDERHOOD FIRE ON 1997 F-150 POSSIBLE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. VEHICLE WAS SITTING WIT THE KDY OFF AND CAUGHT FIRE.*AK

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 1 HOUR A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

MY F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE AT WORK, APPROXAMATELY 1 1/2 HRS AFTER RETURNING FROM LUNCH. THE FIRE DEPTA\RTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE TRUCK. THEY DID FILE A REPORT. *AK

AFTER SITTING UNUSED FOR 2 DAYS, THE CRUISE CONTROLL SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS PUT OUT QUICKLY AFTER DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AND PUTTING SODA ON THE SWITCH. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A FORD DEALER WHO SAID IT WAS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL, AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO MY NORMAL REPAIR SHOP FOR CORRECTION. IT WAS CORRECTED WITH A NEW SWITCH. I BELIVE I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR ENTIRE COST.*AK

LOSS OF BRAKES DUE TO BRAKE LINE RUPTURING CAUSED BY RUST.*AK

AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 6 HOURS CONSUMER NOTICES SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER LIFTED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE SWITCH ATTACHED TO THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WHICH WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONSUMER DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLES. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME.*AK

1997 FORD F 150 STARTED ON FIRE AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

1. TICKING NOISE SIMILAR TO VALVE TRAIN NOISE. ENGINE SEEMED DIFFICULT TO START LAST USAGE DAY PRIOR TO FAILURE. 2. ENGINE WOULDN'T TURN OVER. ENGINE DETERMINED TO BE HYDRO-LOCKED. WON'T TURN OVER. 3. ENGINE REPLACED WITH REBUILT ENGINE. (GOOD DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM IS AVAILABLE FROM JASPER ENGINES AT HTTP://WWW.JASPERENGINES.COM/PDF/38_42_TB.PDF). A BUNCH OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTP://FORUMS.TREEMEDIA.COM/FB/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-224.HTML

VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER AN HOUR AND A NEIGHBOR BOUGHT THE FIRE TO CONSUMER'S ATTENTION. FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON DRIVERS SIDE. *AK

WHILE BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OFTHE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK

CAUGHT PROBLEM BEFORE TRAGEDY

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, CONSUMER CAME OUT TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE, AND SAW SMOKE, AND FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

ENGINE FAILURE OF THE 4.2L V6 IN A 1997 FORD F150 TRUCK. BROKEN ROD ON NUMBER 6 PISTON. THIS IS AN APPARENTLY KNOWN PROBLEM AND IS EFFECTING MANY VEHICLES. ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS EQUAL TO THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. ($4000.00)*JB

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 9 HOURS A FIRE STARTED UNDER A THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK UPDATED 2/28/2006 - THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT IT HAD STOPPED WORKING ON 2-18-05. *NM

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 05V0170000 CONCERNING CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR SOME 8 HOURS WHEN THE SMOKE DETECTOR WENT OFF. CONSUMERS IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE HOME, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED. THE HOME AND TWO VEHICLE WERE DESTROYED IN THE FIRE. *AK

AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR TEN MINUTES IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ON IT'S OWN. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT. TEN MINUTES LATER,THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH STARTED THE FIRE INSIDE OF THE TRUCK. *AK

1997 FORD F-150 4.2L ENGINE LOSS OF ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND LEAKING ENGINE COOLANT, LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, 70 MPH OIL PUMP FAILED AT 89200 MILES CAUSING ENGINE TO THROW A ROD AND SPIN BEARINGS. THIS RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE. *AK I PURCHASED A REMANUFACTURED 4.2L ENGINE FROM FORD TO REPLACE THE FAILED ENGINE. LD ENGINE CORE WAS TURNED IN FOR CREDIT. *AK

'97 FORD F150 V6 4X4 4.2L, 2000 RECALL TO REPLACE MOTOR. REPLACED BY FORD. REPLACED WITH SAME PROBLEMATIC ENGINE. FORD KNOWING THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE HAD NOT BEEN SOLVED. ONLY 48,000 ML ON RECALLED ENGINE THAT WAS REPLACED. WITH ONLY 48,000 ML ON NEW ENGINE, LEADS TO MANAFOLD GASKET LEAKAGE, HEAD LEAKING AND THROWING A ROD. WHICH ALLOWED WATER IN THE OIL. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ASSIST IN CORRECTIONG THIS PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR CO. AT FAULT REPLACING A RECALLED ENGINE WITH SAME ENGINE KNOWING THE PROBLEM WOULD ARISE AGAIN. *AK

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE BURNING VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE BEFORE THE HOUSE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. *AK *SC *JB

ONCE THE ENGINE IS STARTED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER GEAR. THERE IS AN OVERRIDE PROCEDURE BUT IT IS INCONVENIENT. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR, THEY TOLD ME FORD HAD PUT A STOP ON SUPPLYING THE CRUISE CONTROL BRAKE SWITCH. SO IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GET THIS REPAIRED UNTIL FORD REPLACES THE PART WITH ONE NOT DEFECTIVE. AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION, THEY REMOVED THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO AVOID FIRES AT OR AROUND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. HOWEVER, BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING FROM THE PART AND DRIPPING. IN THE PAST MONTH I HAVE HAD TO REFILL THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR TWICE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKES WILL NOT FUNCTION UNLESS THE PART IS REPLACED. THE DELIMMA SEEMS TO BE FORD WILL NOT ALLOW THE PART TO BE REPLACED AND YET THEY DO NOT OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE.

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE 15 MINUTES AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE PARKING . LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. HOW THE FIRE GOT STARTED WAS NOT DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND THE CONSUMER LEFT A VOICE MAIL TO THE MANUFACTURER.*AK

1997 FORD F-150 PICK UP. CAUGHT FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE. VEH HAD BEEN IN DRIVEWAY FOR OVER ONE HOUR. TOTALLY DISTROYED

FORD F150 4.2 V6 W/110K MILES FAILED IN MY DRIVEWAY UPON STARTING TWO DAYS AGO. AFTER TURNINIG THE IGNITION I HEARD LOUD KNOCKING AND BANGING COMINIG FROM THE ENGINE AND SHUT IT DOWN. I NEVER GOT A RECALL I HEAR THERE WERE TWO OF THEM. I CALLED THE DEALER BUT RECEIVED NO HELP. THE FAILURE IS PREVALENT AND CONSISTENT WITH NO OFFICIAL ADMITTANCE YET FROM FORD THAT I'VE FOUND. THE DEALERSHIP EVEN EXPLAINED TO ME THEY UNDERSTOOD IT AS AN ENGINEERING DEFECT OF EXPECTATION. WHAT ELSE DOES IT TAKE? SO I ASK NHTSA FOR YOUR HELP PLEASE!!!!

WHILE BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE HOME. EIGHT HOURS LATER,THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DRIVER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH OUT THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK

WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DRIVER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND DECLARED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK *SC *JB

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 4X4 4.6 LITRE PICKUP. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL DEACTIVATE ON ITS OWN. WHEN I PRESS RESUME, IT WILL PICK BACK UP AND WORK FINE FOR AN UNDETERMINED PERIOD. IT IS A RANDOM DEACTIVATION PROBLEM. DUE TO THE RECENT RECALL OF FORD TRUCKS REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL DEAVTIVATION SWITCH PROBLEM AND MY SYMPTOMS, I HAVE DISCONNECTED MY CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION AND CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP. THEY WOULD NOT LOOK AT MY TRUCK UNLESS I PAID THEM FOR THE EVALUATION OF MY PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD PAY FOR WHAT I FEEL IS A RELATED PROBLEM TO THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. I AM WILLING TO PAY FOR A NEW SWITCH IF NEEDED HOWEVER I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR THE LABOR. I AM MAKING THIS REPORT DUE TO NEWS I HEARD TODAY THAT 1997 MODELS OF PICKUPS WERE NOW BEING INVESTIGATED FOR THIS PROBLEM. I WANTED TO BE MADE PART OF THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS. I WILL BE HAPPY TO MAKE MY VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY YOUR AGENCY IF NEEDED.*AK

TRUCK STARTED; HOWEVER, WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE. CONNECTOR FOR CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF ON BRAKE MASTER CYLINDAR WAS BURNT. OCCURED WHILE IN PARKING LOT WITH ENGINE SHUT OFF. APPEARS THAT THE BRAKE RELAY LEAKED BRAKE FLUID INTO CONNECTOR CAUSING SHORT. FORD DID NOT REPLACE CONNECTOR. CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. FORD ONLY REPLACED BRAKE RELAY AT MY COST. DID NOT REPLACE FRIED CONNECTOR.*AK

TRUCK WOULD SUTTER AT STOPS AND HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING WITH LOSS OF COOLANT.*AK

ENGINE MOTOR CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH SHORTED OUT, FLAMES APPEARED AND BURNT THE BRAKE BOOSTER.*AK

1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK POSSIBLE DEFECT OF "TIE ROD ENDS". *BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THEY SHOULD PAY FOR ALL REPAIRS. *JB

WHILE PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS.*AK

MY TRUCK IS A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 140000 MILES LAST WEEK I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE AUTO SHOP BECAUSE I COULDNT FIND OUT WERE THE ANTIFREEZE WAS GOING I WAS TOLD THAT 4.2LITER HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A HEAD GASKET WAS THIN AND-ANTIFREEZE LEAK IN MOTOR AND WASHING OUT BEARING. *AK

LUGS:NUTS CAME LOOSE ON BACK REAR TIRE.........HUB CAME LOOSE AND RUINED THE WHEEL PULLED IN DRIVEWAY AND HUB WAS JUST HANGING THERE WITH THE LOOSENED LUGNUTS.HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM YEARS AGO AND HAD IT SUPPOSEDLY FIXED....TOOK TO FORD DEALER AND WAS CHARGES $500.00. *AK

PARKED VEHICLE AT 7:40 AM AND 10 MINUTES LATER A WITNESS SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL. NO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FIRE. HAD NOT USED THE CRUISE CONTROL IN A VERY LONG TIME. THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD SOMETIMES CLICK VERY FAST, INDICATING A BULB WAS OUT, BUT NO BULBS WERE DEFECTIVE. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR OR MORE. A NEW ENGINE WAS INSTALLED ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO. NO AFTER MARKET EQUIPMENT. VEHICLE WAS INSURED, BUT A CLAIM WAS NOT MADE DUE TO MINOR DAMAGE. MECHANIC, WHO REPAIRED VEHICLE, INDICATED THAT SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAUSED THE FIRE.*AK

WHILE BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK

ENGINE HEAD GASKET CRACKED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150, WITH A 4.2 LITER ENGINE, AND 82,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS I NOTICED A GRADUAL DECREASE IN THE COOLANT LEVEL, HOWEVER, I COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE THE LEAK WAS OCCURRING. ALSO, FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS LEADING UP TO THE OCCURRENCE, I NOTICED THE ENGINE WOULD KNOCK WHEN I WOULD START IT UP. IN OCTOBER OF 2004, AFTER STARTING THE TRUCK, I SAW WHITE EXHAUST SMOKE AND HEARD THE #1 PISTON RATTLING. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH OWNERS OF '96 THRU '98 MODEL FORD CARS AND TRUCKS, WITH 3.8L AND 4.2L ENGINES. I HAVE ALSO SEEN FORD TSB'S THAT PROVE THEY HAVE KNOWN FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS, THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKETS HAVE A HIGH INCIDENCE OF FAILURE, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CRANKCASE. ALSO, THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS CAN FAIL, WHICH CAUSES COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE #1 CYLINDER. WHEN AN ENGINE IS STARTED WITH WATER IN THE CYLINDER, THE PISTON ROD IS LIKELY TO BED OR BREAK. THE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY PROBLEM, AS WELL AS THAT OF MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS. THE REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM IS AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT, COSTING ABOUT $4,000. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ENGINEERING DEFECT, LEAVING MANY UNSATISFIED CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR THEIR FAULTY ENGINES. I HAVE NOT HAD MY ENGINE REPLACED YET. *JB

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. CONSUMER REPLACED THIS SWITCH BACK IN MAY,2004. CURRENTLY, THE REPLACED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS BEGINNING TO LEAK AGAIN.*AK CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND THE MASTER CYLINDER SWITCH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AGAIN. *TT

ON NOVEMBER 23,2004 VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE. CONSUMER HEARD A HORN BLOWING, WENT OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, AND SAW VEHICLE BURNING. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. *TC

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS OFF FOR 2-3 HOURS BEFORE THE FIRE STARTED.

FORD F150 1997 DEFECT GASKETS AND COOLING SYSTEM LEAKED. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THE SAME MAKE/MODEL THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. *JB

IN FALL OF 2003, HAD COOLANT LEAK AT 60,000 MILES. COOLANT WAS POORING OUT OF FRONT OF MOTOR. FORD DEALER SAID IT NEEDED NEW FRONT ENGINE GASKET. THEY SPLIT THE $500 COST WITH ME. ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER, THE TRUCK BEGAN KNOCKING LOUDLY. HAD NEW HEADERS PUT IN . . . DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NO HELP FROM FORD. VERY GOOD CARE IS GIVEN MY VEHICLES. THE TRUCK WAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED ON SCHEDULE, NEVER USED OFF ROAD OR FOR TOWING. VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT A TRUCK TREATED LIKE A CAR WOULD HAVE SUCH PROBLEMS.

WHILE PARKED IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER STATES TWO DAYS PRIOR THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

05V017000/FORD CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER 9 HOURS. THE NEXT MORNING THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER SEAT. THE OWNER CONTACTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND HAD THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED. OWNER ALSO CONTACTED THE FORD MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD THE OWNER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

DEFECTIVE GASKETS CAUSED COOLLENT TO LEAK INTO MY ENGINE - BENT THE ROD AND DAMAGED THE VALVE - REBUILT ENGINE -

CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BURNT. *AK

PARKED THE VEHICLE AT 7:30 PM AT 3:30 AM THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE FUSE IN THE SHIFT INTERLOCK CIRCUIT BLEW 2 TIMES KEEPING THE CONSUMER FROM GETTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE CONSUMER DID NOT USE THE CRUISE CONTROL THEREFORE DOES NOT KNOW IF IT WAS WORKING. NOT INSURED. WILL E-MAIL PHOTOS. *NM

HAVE OWNED A 1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP TRUCK FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AND HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD THAT IT HAS A THROWN ROD (SECOND TIME IN THE LAST 2 YEARS). *JB

THE RPM'S INCREASED AND THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE ON THE ROAD TO 80 MPH WHILE IT WAS DOWN HILL. THE DRIVER HAD TO STOMP ON THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY CONSUMER. *JB

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB

I HAVE A 97 FORD F150 XL WITH A 4.2L 6CYL ENGINE. THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SMALL LOSS OF COOLANT AND NEITHER FORD SERVICE TECHS NOR PRIVATE MACHANICS COULD EVER FIND THE LEAK. WELL IN JAN 2005 AFTER THE TRUCK SAT IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS AND I STARTED THE TRUCK AND THE ENGINE BLEW. TOWED IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND MECHANIC SAID THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE. $4000 PLUS TO FIX IT. AFTER SERCHING THE INTERNET I FIND THAT THIS IS A VERY WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM. I AM TRYING TO SELL THE TRUCK TO GET A LITTLE MONEY TO HELP BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE. HELP!*AK

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AT ABOUT 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. OWNER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.*AK

THE VEHICLE WITH 4.2L ENGINE COMMENCED TO RUN ROUGH AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK

PARKED TRUCK AT AROUND 11:00 PM AND AT AROUND 9:00 AM TWO DAYS LATER HEARD HONKING SOUND, TRUCK WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES HAD BLOWN OUT. PRIOR TO FIRE THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. VEHICLE HAD CRUISE CONTROL. SPEAKERS WERE AFTER MARKET, AND WERE INSTALLED YEARS BEFORE THE FIRE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE HOUSE ON THE ROOF. VEHICLE WAS INSURED BY FARMERS INSURANCE POLICY #1904033-16-53. FIRE INVESTIGATOR WAS JEFF ABRAMS 281-558-9396.*AK

I HAVE ONE OF THE F-150'S 1997 FORD TRUCK THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH NO ONE IN THE TRUCK AND ENGINE OFF. TOTAL LOSS; CONTACTED FORD WITH NO SATISFACTION FROM THEM; THEY COULD HAVE CARED LESS. TRUCK IS IN MY BACK YARD AND CAN E-MAIL YOU PICTURES; IF YOU CAN PROVIDE ME WITH THE CORRECT ADDRESS. *JB

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE FOR 3 1/2 HOURS. OWNER DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM THE CENTER OF THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. *AK *TC

LOSS OF ANTI-FREEZE OR COOLANT BOTH DOORS STARTING TO CRACK REAR SLIDING WINDOW LEAKING. *JB

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK

FORD 1997 F150 ENGINE FAILURE - COULD BECOME VAPOR LOCKED CAUSING ENGINE TO SEIZE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *JB

1997 FORD F-150 FRONT ENGINE GASKET IS CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE OIL PAN WHICH HAS DAMAGED THE BEARINGS. I NOW NEED A NEW ENGINE. FORD HAD A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN 1999 BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HONOR THE RECALL NOW. THEY STATE THE RECALL TIME FRAME HAS EXPIRED. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE NEIGHBOR CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK......NO MONEY PAID TO CONSUMER BY INSURANC ECOMPANY.VEHICLE STILL STORED IN STAFFORD COUNTY AN DIS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS.

120K MILES, ADDING A LITTLE COOLANT OCCASIONALLY, FORD DEALER AND LOCAL MECHANIC CAN FIND NO REASON, CRANKED CAR ONE MORNING AND IT THREW A ROD THROUGH THE OIL PAN... ENGINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTH UP TO THIS POINT... FORD REPLACED A GASKET FOR ME OUT OF WARRENTY WHEN THE TRUCK STRANDED ME 1500 MILES FROM HOME...COOLANT HAD LEAKED ALL OVER PARKING LOT AT THAT TIME...NOW I FACE A $4,000 REPAIR...I CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3-4000 MILES. *AK

THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CAUGHT ON FIRE ON ITS OWN WHILE IT WAS PARKED. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY OWNER.*AK

THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE TRUCK SAT FOR A DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE MELTED THE ENGINE COMPONENTS, DESTROYED THE ENTIRE HOOD, AND TOTALED THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. *AK

WHILE BRAKING THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE PROBLEM REPEATED ITSELF ON ITS OWN. DRIVER LIFTED UP THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABS BRAKING MODULAR. THIS CAUSED SPARKS FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. DRIVER WILL CONTACT A MECHANIC FOR AN APPOINTMENT. *AK ON SECOND CALL. THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION ABOUT 1 YEAR PRIOR TO THIS COMPLAINT. ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS AGO THE FUSE ON THE CIRCUIT CONTAINING THE SCDS BLEW. REPLACED FUSES ABOUT 2 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THE FUSE LASTED SEVERAL WEEKS. THE SECOND ONE DID NOT LAST LONG. THEN LEFT FUSE OUT. NEXT TIME WAS UNDER HOOD AND REPLACED FUSE SAW SPARK AT SCDS AND FUSE BLEW AGAIN. ALONG WITH THIS PROBLEM THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS COMING ON ON THE DASH AND STAYING ON. AFTER DISCONNECTING THE SCDS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WENT OUT. THE CRUSIE CONTROL STILL WORKED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AFTER DISCONNECTING THE SCDS ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR.

MY 1997 FORD F150 CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY 15 MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. I DROVE HOME (APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES) THE MORNING OF JANUARY 1, 2005 AND PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER 15 MINUTES MY TRUCK SECURITY ALARM SOUNDED AND I WENT OUTSIDE TO INVESTIGATE. FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK MAINLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY PUT THE FIRE OUT. MY MECHANIC, GEORGE WATSON, INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND DECLARED IT A TOTAL LOSS. I FEEL THE FIRE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH THAT FORD HAS IDENTIFIED AS A HAZARD IN THE 2000 F150 MODELS.*AK

MY FORD 1997 F-150 CAUGHT FIRE OUTSIDE A COFFEE SHOP. IT HAD BEEN OFF FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. SOMEONE CAME AROUND AND TOLD ME THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS REPORTED TO BE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND LED TO THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. I HAVE NOT FIXED THE TRUCK YET. *AK

AN ENGINE ROD WENT THROUGH THE OIL PAN UPON START-UP.*AK

PARKED FORD F 150 (1997) IN DRIVEWAY AT ABOUT 9:30 P.M. NOTICED NOTHING UNUSUAL EXCEPT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT HAD BEEN GLOWING AFTER THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED. APPROXIMATELY AT 11:30 P.M. WE WERE AWAKEN BY OUR DOG, AND FOUND THE F 150 ON FIRE. THE HOOD AREA WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAME AND FLAMES WERE REACHING 20 FEET IN THE AIR. F 150 WAS TOO DAMAGED TO FIND CAUSE, PER INSURANCE COMPANY. INSURANCE CLAIM PAID $10,000.00. DAMAGE CAUSED TO HOUSE, PAINT BUBBLED EXTENSIVELY ON WOODWORK, RAIN WATER DRAIN ALONG ROOF MELTED. A NUMBER OF ITEMS WERE LOST IN THE FIRE THAT WERE IN THE CAB. EMOTIONAL TRAUMA OF EVENT IMPACTED WHOLE FAMILY.*AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE THE RESIDENCE. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. OWNER CONTACTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE HOOD MELTED, AS WELL AS THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *AK

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE CAUGHTON FIRE. DRIVER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK

WHILE BEING PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. WHEN VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE DUE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL.*AK

1997 EXPEDITION SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY 45 MINUTES AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE CAME AND PUT OUT WHAT WAS ALMOST A CATASTROPHIC HOUSE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TO REPLACE IT WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE WE BOUGHT A 99 EXPEDITION. WE WERE OUT $8000 IN THE TRADE. THE OLDER EXPEDITION HAD ONE CAR PAYMENT LEFT ON IT BEFORE THE FIRE. NOW I AM HORRIFIED THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER ON IN THE DRIVEWAY.*AK

AFTER BEING PARKED 45 MIN. MY 97 FORD F-150 WAS SEEN BY A FRIEND TO BE ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. IT IS VERY EVIDENT THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (THE SAME ONE USED ON 2000 AND 2001 MODELS THAT FORD IS VOLUNTARILTY RECALLING) WAS THE CULPRIT. THE TRUCK WAS EXTINGUISHED RELATIVELY QUICK AND IT IS VERY EASY TO SEE WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD QUIT WORKING PRIOR TO THIS FIRE AND THE TRUCK WAS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF PARK.*AK VEHICLE WAS INSURED. BUT NOT REPORTED. PHOTOS WILL BE SENT TO BRUCE YORK.

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM IT. CONSUMER PUT THE FIRE OUT PRIOR TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVAL.*AK

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON FREEWAY CONSUMER HEARD AN EXPLOSION FROM ENGINE. WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR HE SAW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THIS WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK

GASKET LEAKED WATER INTO CRANKCASE OF MY 97 FORD F150 WITH A 4.2 ENGINE. HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR A LITTLE MORE THAN $4000.00. FORD KNOWS OF PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT COMPENSATE COST. THERE ARE A LOT OF ANGRY FORD OWNERS OUT THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY FORD TRUCK HAD ONLY 68000 MILES ON IT.*AK

TIE ROD BROKE AT A VERY GENTLY USED 40,000 MILES. *AK

WHEN USING THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER THE WHOLE LIGHTER GOT TOO HOT AND WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE DASH. IT BURNED THROUGH PLASTIC AND WIRE BURNED IN HALF. VERY DANGEROUS. THIS COULD HAVE BURNED UP THE WHOLE DASH. BURNED MY WIFE'S HAND AFTER IT WENT THROUGH THE HOLDER. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. *AK THE PART THAT WAS ON FIRE WAS THE DEACTACH SWITCH ON THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CRUSE CONTROL. *SC *EH

THE CONSUMER ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND WITH OUT WARNING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY TURNING THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF. AFTERWARDS THE INCIDENT HAPPENED REPEATEDLY. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESET THE CRUISE CONTROL, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. THE CONSUMER DROVE TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. JB

COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL.WHILE AT WORK ON 9-23-2004, AROUND 12:00 A.M., MY TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR EIGHT HOURS. IT WAS PARKED IN A GORE AREA ON I-70 WHERE WE WERE WORKING. THE FIREMEN SAID IT HAD TO BE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT STARTED IN THE ENGINE. MY TRUCK WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.*AK *TC

I HAVE AN 1997 F150 FORD TRUCK. IT WAS PARKED AT 5:30 BETWEEN 9:30-10:00PM IT CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO REASON. IN THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE WIRES THE HOT SPOT BEING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. PARKED AT 5:45. AT 10:00 PM HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE THUNDER. NEIGHBOR CALLED AND INFORMED OF TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BURNED AND EXPLODED. THE FIRE SEEMED TO BE MORE INTENSE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE FIRE DAMAGED THE CAR PORT. HAVE PHOTOS AND WILL E-MAIL TO BRUCE YORK. PRIOR TO THE FIRE A FUSE HAD BEEN CHANGED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE HAD CRUISE CONTROL BUT DO NOT KNOW IF IT WORKED THE MONTH BEFORE FIRE BECAUSE IT HAD NOT BEEN USED. VEHICLE WAS INSURED BY STATE FARM. CLAIM #53E484047. CLAIM REP KELLY JACOBS. *JB

ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE'S FRONT GASKET. LEAKING A JUG OF COOLANT EVERY TWO TO THREE HOURS. WILL COST ME OVER $700 TO FIX. CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX, SO I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC PROVIDED ME WITH A DOCUMENT FROM FORD ADVISING DEALERSHIPS THEY KNEW THE PROBLEM EXISTED, BUT DIDN'T RECALL THE VEHICLE. GOT STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR OVER AN HOUR IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER. LUCKY MY 3 YEAR OLD WAS NOT WITH ME. IF THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM, THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE VEHICLE. *NM

FORD F 150 SAFETY ISSUE. *BF THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED ON 08/14/03 AND DIED BY 03/01/04. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE ODOMETER STOPPED AT 69K MILES, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP, THE BRAKES WENT OUT DUE TO CALIPER PIN FALLING OUT AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. SIX MONTHS LATER THE FLY WHEEL CONSUMED THREE STARTERS AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AGAIN. *SC *JB

RECALL 97V147000 CONCERNING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH IT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS THOSE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED. THE GEARS WOULD POP AND MAKE THE VEHICLE JUMP.*AK *TC

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THEN,FIRE INSPECTOR INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE FIRE WAS STARTED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 2-2.5 HOURS WHEN OWNER HEARD LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE (PROBABLY LF TIRE BLOWING). WENT OUT AND FOUND TRUCK ON FIRE. THE WINDSHIELD WAS STILL INTACT AT THAT TIME. HE DIDN'T USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, SO DIDN'T KNOW IF IT QUIT WORKING OR NOT. #13 (SPEED CONTROL), #14, #24 AND #25 FUSES BLOWN. OWNER: KURT VANDERWEST (WHO OWNS A FIRE SPRINKLER COMPANY!), PHONE 714-521-5878 PHOTOS E-MAILED TO BRUCE YORK

CONSUMER SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. LATER, CONSUMER ENTERED THE VEHICLE. TURNED THE IGNITION ON, AND VEHICLE STARTED BUT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. THEN, CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE , OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THERE WAS A FIRE INSIDE THE HOOD. THE DEFECT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL RELAY. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONSUMER.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES LEAKED FLUID. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE SWITCH ON THE MASTER CYLINDER STARTED TO LEAK ON THE ABS WIRING AND STARTED THE FIRE. *SCC *JB.....*AK

THE CONSUMER MADE A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH AND TIE ROD CAME OUT OF THE SOCKET. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *JB

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE REPORT LISTED THE CAUSE AS A MECHANICAL FAILURE WHICH STARTED IN THE ENGINE. *AK

BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH, LOSS OF BRAKES. *AK

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK

MY ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET HAS FAILED IN LINE WITH FORD'S RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY LEAKING A GREAT DEAL OF COOLANT THROUGH THE FAILED FRONT COVER GASKET. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS. THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF HELPING ME OR FIXING MY TRUCK. *JB

COOLANT LEAK IN #4 CYLINDER. WHITE SMOKE FROM BURING COOLANT IN ENGINE. ROUGH IDLE AND HARD START UP. POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. CURRENTLY AT FORD DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE GASKETS.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CONSUMER'S HIT A FENCE POLE TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK

ON THE 1997 FORD F-150 BOTH THE DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR ARE COMMING APART, AND I HAVE SEEN THIS ON OTHER FORD F150'S OF THE SAME YEAR, ITS WERE THE DOOR MEETS THE WINDOW FRAME,. *AK

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 00V231000; FORD ISSUED A FUEL LEAKAGE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS EXPERIENCED FUEL LEAKS FROM THE GAS TANK. DEALER WILL REPAIR AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 00V231000; FORD ISSUED A FUEL LEAKAGE RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT WAS EXPERIENCING FUEL LEAKS FROM THE GAS TANK. DEALER WILL REPAIR AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK

VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN IT WAS PARKED. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND ENGINE TO CATCH ON FIRE. CONSUMER WILL INFORM MANUFACTURER.*AK

BALL JOINTS. *JB

PICKED UP 1 YARD OF MULCH AND WAS UNLOADING, SMELLED BURNING RUBBER, AND SAW FLAMES IN WHEEL WELL. PUT OUT FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. OPENED HOOD, AND SAW FENDER BURNED, PLASTIC BRAKE NEAR MASTER CYLINDER BURNED, AND FUSE BOX AND WIRING BURNED. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS BAD WIRING. MECHANIC FELT IT INVOLVED THE BRAKES. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL HAD NOT WORKED FOR NEARLY SIX MONTHS BEFORE FIRE.*AK

GASKET FAILURE CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSED THE CYLINDER ROD TO KNOCK AND THE ENGINE TO FAIL. MUST REPLACE THE ENGINE AS A RESULT. *AK

VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES APPLIED.*AK

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON DUE TO FUEL VAPOR RECOVERY FAILURE. CAUSED BY PIECE OF PLASTIC BREAKING OUT OF FILLER NECK. THEY WANT $300 TO REPLACE.*AK

I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP FROM THE ENGINE. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND POPPED HOOD TO INVESTIGATE. THE BACKFIRE CONTINUED UPON STARTING ENGINE. BROUGHT CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE ENGINE HEAD. FORD HAD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THE ENTIRE ENGINE HEAD SHOULD BE REPLACED. $3400. FURTHER, I SAW THE SAME REPORT ON KARE 11 NEWS BY JANE SHORTAL. CHECK OUT KARE11.COM FOR COMPLETE ARTICLE. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT FORD REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE IT.*AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK

COOLANT LEAKING IN TO CRANK CASE DUE TO DEFECTIVE GASKETS, PLEASE SEE HTTP://WWW.LEAKINGFORDS.COM/ FOR DETAILS.*AK

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH AND WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*AK

WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A SEVERE SHAKE IN THE ENTIRE VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO COME LOOSE. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE REAR RIGHT FRAME BROKE ABOVE THE TIRE. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS.*AK

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 AND JUST HAD A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT THE HEAD. I HAVE DONE A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORDS 5.4 WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *JB

RECALL 97V147000,TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AFTER VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THIS WAS DUE TO TA DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *TC

CRACKS ON DOOR FORD 1997 TRUCK. JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA THERE ARE 18 TRUCKS IN THE PARKING LOT 12 OUT OF THE 18 HAVE CRACKS.. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT BY FORD!!!!!!!!*AK

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V196000 CONCERNING STEERING GEAR. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK

THE SHIFTER CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE. IT WILL NOT GO INTO PARK AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO KEEP SLAMMING IT. *JB

VEHICLE HAD A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE THAT RAN PARALLEL WITH THE GAS LINE WHICH HAD CORRODED AWAY. OWNER CALLED THE DEALER WHO WANTED TO CHARGE HIM $450.00. PLEASE PROVIDED FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

CONSUMER CLAIMED THAT ELECTRICAL LIGHT,WINDOWS, AND LOCKS WERE INOPERABLE. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. CONSUMER WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION THIS WEEK. *AK THE A/C UNIT, DOME LIGHT, AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *SC

TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL.*AK

THE TRUCK HAS A ROD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKET AND MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER. AT COLD START, THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER CAUSED THE PISTON ROD TO BREAK. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $5000. *NM

ABS BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND REAR BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE BRAKES WERE 60% DEFECTIVE. *AK THE DEALER LATER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE'S REAR ABS VALVE WAS STICKING. *NM

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST STEERING POWER. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT BROKE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SC *JB

CRACK IN DRIVER'S DOOR AT CORNER OF WINDOW APPROX. 3/4 INCHES LONG.*AK

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKED ANTIFREEZE INTO MOTOR AND RUIENED MOTOR. HAD TO HAVE MOTOR REPLACED.*AK

REAR WINDOW LEAKS WATER AROUND WINDOW SEAL.*AK

THE FUSE WHICH CONTROLLED THE ABS SWITCH ON AND OFF BURNED. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE FUSE AND 25 MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRED. THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW A LOT SMOKE COMING FROM THE ABS. *JB

CONSUMER REQUEST A RESPONSE TO A QUESTION HE SUBMITTED TO NHTSA RE THE 4.6 LITER ENGINE EXPLODING IN HIS 1997 FORD F-SERIES PICKUP TRUCK. *MR THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE EXPLODED AS THE CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *NM

THE PICK UP ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEING PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE PICK UP WAS TOTALED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER WILL INSPECT THE PICK UP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.*AK THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *NM

FIRE ORIGINATED IN LR QUADRANT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OWNER HAD PARKED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY 15-30 MINUTES PRIOR TO FIRE. VEHICLE NOT RUNNING AT TIME OF FIRE. ORIGIN IS AT OR NEAR MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER.*AK

I HAVE A 1997 FORD 150 4.2 L V6 TRUCK . DO TO FORD USING A FALTY GASKETS TO BUILD THE ENGINE I HAVE EXPERIANCED ENGINE FAILURE. FORD IS NOT WILING TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH THEY RECALLED THE ENGINE FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT. WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, DURING A SELF INSPECTION, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING HAD CRACKED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH REAR DRIVER'S SIDE 'SAND PASSENGER SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK. *AK *TS

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE THEN SEIZED UP. *JB

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM INDICATED IN SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 996754 WITH MY 1997 FORD F150 ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ONLY. EVEN THOUGH THE CRACK IS NOT YET VISIBLE ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR REMOVAL OF THE BELT MOULDING WILL MOST LIKELY REVEAL THE CRACK (FORD ENGINEERING DESIGN FAULT) IS PRESENT. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND EVEN THE THOUGH VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRENTY FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FULL COST OF THE REPAIRS TO FIX THEIR ENGINEERING PROBLEMS.*AK

FIRESTONE TIRE - 235/70 R16 WILDERNESS HT DOTW208IPT186. WHILE DRIVING, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE TIRE ONLY HAD 24000 MILES ON IT. *JB THE TIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL, FRAME BRACE AND MUFFLER BRACKET. *NM

AN EXPLOSION WOKE US UP AT APPROX 4:00 AM ON JULY 06. OUR 1997 FORD F150 PICK UP WAS ON FIRE AND DESTROYED A 2001 4 RUNNER, 2001 LARSON BOAT, CARPORT ETC.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 2 DAYS AND MOVED ONCE A VERY SHORT DISTABCE DURING THAT TIME. THE FIRE SEEMED TO COME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE CRUSIE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND WE HAD TO REPLACE A FUSE BECUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. WE REPLACED THE FUSE 3 OR 4 TIMES. ON THE LAST TIME WE JUST PARKED THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FUSE WAS REPLACED AND DID NOT DRIVE IT. THE ONLY ELECTRONIC AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT WAS A STEREO PROFFESIONALY INSTALLED A YEAR BEFORE THE FIRE. THE FIRE DID NOT SPREAD TO THE HOUSE BUT DID SPREAD TO ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CAR PORT, AND A BOAT. 35MM PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE BEEN TAKEN AND WILL BE SENT TO BRUCE YORK. VEHICLE WAS INSURED LIABILITY ONLY.

FORD HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS AND WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GASKET PROBLEM. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT PROVES OF THIS EXISTING PROBLEM WITH 1997 F-150 SERIES TRUCK. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN AT NORRIS FORD FOR 3 MONTHS, THE BILL IS 4600.00 TO DATE. *AK

WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT IT, AND NOTICED THAT BOTH FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES WERE TURN INWARD. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH INNER TIRE RODS HAD POPPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ALSO, ENGINE STEAMED A WHITE MIST. DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT REAR PASSENGER'S TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. GENERAL, GRABBER ST, P235/70R16. THERE WAS APPROXIMATED 50,415 MILES ON THE TIRE. *NM

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH VEHICLE STARTED SHIFTING TO THE LEFT. STEERING WHEEL KEPT TURNING INTO CIRCLES. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT STEERING SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE OF OVERDRIVE. OVERDRIVE WILL GO OUT ALL AT ONCE, LOOSING SPEED AND BECOMING A HAZARD IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. *AK

I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD F-150 JUNE 11, 2001 FROM TWO RIVERS CHEVEROLET ON 2/04/02 A HOLE WAS PATCHED IN THE RADIATOR OF THE VEHICLE. ON 9/02/02 THE RADIATOR HAD ANOTHER HOLE IN IT AND THIS TIME HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON 9/27/02 THE HEATER CORE BEGAN LEAKING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AT THAT TIME I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICAL BACK TO THE RADIATOR SPECIALIST AND HE SUGGUESTED THAT THE VEHICAL MIGHT HAVE ELECTRYOLISIS, SAID TAKE THE VEHICALE TO THE FORD . I DID THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CORE AND I HAD SUGGESTED TO THE SERVICE TECHNIAN THAT IT COULD HAVE ELECTROYLISIS. THE SERVICE TECH. SAID THAT, THAT WAS NOT VERY POSSIBLE. ON 12/03/02 I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME FORD GARAGE FOR LEAKING OF ANTIFREEZE, THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. ON 3/10/03 I WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY AND THE HEATER CORE WENT AGAIN I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL FORD GARAGE IN THE AREA THAT I WAS IN AND THEY REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AGAIN. ON 5/21/03 THE HEATER CORE WENT AGAIN AT THIS TIME I WAS IN A DIFFERENT PART OF THE COUNTRY AND AT EVERY FORD GARAGE I WENT TO I TOLD THE STORY TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR. THE HEATER CORE WAS REPLACED. ON 10/29/03 THE HEATER CORE AGAIN FAILED AND I TOOK IT BACK THE SAME FORD GARAGE THAT I LAST HAD IT AT. AGAIN THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CORE AND THIS TIME TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS ELECTRYOLISIS IN THE VEHICALE. THEY REPLACE HEATER CORE. ON7/12/04 THE HEATER CORE WENT AGAIN I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME FORD GARAGE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AND THIS TIME THE RADIATOR HAD A HOLE IN IT AGAIN. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD PROABLY NOT GO AWAY AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SPECIALIST AND THEY TOLD ME IF THEY HAD HAD THE VEHICALE WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. BUT NOW ITS BEEN GOING ON TOOK LONG AND THERE WAS A SLIM CHANCE THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM. NOW WITH NO HELP FROM THE (FORD).*AK

COMPLAINT REGARDING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ON 1997 FORD F150. *MR *SC *JB

I OWN A 97 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.2L, V6. ON JULY 16, 2004, THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO 2 MECHANICS AND BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED, WHICH ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER. AT COLD START, THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER CAUSED THE PISTON ROD TO BEND. MECHANICS STATED THAT NEW ENGINE WOULD COST $3,000 - 3,500 TO REPLACE. *LA

MY 1997 F-150 THE DOME LIGHTS WONT GO OFF . I HAVE SEEN AT LEAST 3 OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM

I HAD A TUNE-UP PERFORMED BY THE FIVE-STAR FORD DEALERSHIP IN NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS IN JULY 2001. ON JULY 3, 2004, I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. I LATER FOUND THAT THE #3 SPARKPLUG HAD BLOWN FREE FROM THE ENGINE AND HAD STRIPPED ALL THREADS FROM THE ALUMINUM HEAD. THE FORD DEALERSHIP DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE HEAD OR FOR DAMAGING THE HEAD BY IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE SPARKPLUG. *LA

FIRE IN 1997 FORD F-150. WITNESS SAW INITIAL FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON DRIVERS SIDE NEAR BULKHEAD. RECOVERED HEXPORT BODY BUT SWITCH CONTACTS MISSING. *LA

VEHICLE ENGINE EXPLODED AS CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. *MR A PROFESSIONAL EXPLAINED TO CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. *LA

MAY 27TH, 2004, I DROVE MY FORD F150 PICK UP FROM A WORK SITE TO MY HOME ARRIVING AT ABOUT 9:40 P.M. I NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON, AND DOUBLE CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE BRAKE WAS OFF. THE LIGHT REMAINED ON AND I THOUGHT I WOULD CHECK THAT OUT ON THE WEEKEND. THE TRUCK RAN NORMALLY ON THE RIDE HOME. I WENT TO SLEEP AND WAS AWAKENED BY OUR DOG'S BARKING AT 12:30 A.M. TO DISCOVER THAT THE FORD F150 PICK UP WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BEGINNING TO SPREAD TO THE CAB. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY ARRIVED QUICKLY AND IT TOOK ABOUT FIVE MINUTES WITH THE HOSE FULLY ON THE FIRE TO PUT IT OUT. THERE WERE PERSONAL ITEMS LOST IN THE TRUCK, THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE, PAINT BUBBLED, PLANTS WERE KILLED, THE DRIVE WAY WAS STAINED AND DAMAGED, AND WE WERE ALL TRAUMATIZED.*AK

VEHICLE'S ENGINE HAS SEVERE MOTOR DAMAGE.*MR WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A TICKING SOUND WHICH DEVELOPED INTO A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE GAUGES SHOWED A RAPID LOST OF OIL AND A RISING TEMPERATURE, BUT NOT TO A CRITICAL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN PISTON ROD THAT HAD EXITED THE MOTOR THROUGH THE OIL PAN. *JB

WHILE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED CONSUMER WAS READY TO SHIFT PARK PAIL INTO REVERSE AND BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOORBOARD. DEALERSHIP SERVICED VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE. *AK

REAR SLIDING GLASS WINDOW LEAKING IN THE INSIDE TOP LEFT SECTION. TAKEN TO FORD DEALER WHO IN TURN SUBCONTRACTS OUT TO A LEAK SPECIALIST. I WAS INFORM BY THE SERVICE DESK THAT HE INFORM THEM THAT I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE REAR WINDOW AT A COST ESTIMATE OF A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS. I IN TURN CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND OF COURSE MY VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH 82,000 MILES. I WAS INFORMED BY FORD MOTOR CO. THAT THE DEALERS ARE FRANCHISED AND WHAT EVER POLICY THEY HAVE IN PLACE FORD CO. CAN'T CONTROL. *AK

I HAD JUST ARRIVED BACK IN LAKELAND FL FROM A TRIP TO THE EAST COAST. I STOPPED AT A STORE TO BUY A FEW THINGS AND WHEN I CAME OUT AND STARTED MY 5.4 LITER F- 250 LIGHT DUTY TRUCK IT BLEW A SPARK PLUG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT WAS THE SECOND PLUG FROM THE REAR. MY TRUCK IS A 1997 FORD WITH 100500 APPROXIMATELY MILES ON IT. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM FOR REPAIR. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF TRITON ENGINES BLOWING SPARK PLUGS. I HAPPENED TO KNOW A PERSON THAT WORKED IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ACCORDING TO THAT INDIVIDUAL IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM NORMALLY REQUIRING A NEW HEAD AT A COST OF AROUND $3000 BUT SOME COULD BE REPAIRED BY LNSTALLING A NEW PLUG IF I WAS LUCKY. HOWEVER FORD WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW PLUG REPAIR. UPON GOING ONLINE I FOUND OUT THAT ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVEING THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD IS DONING LITTLE OR NOTHING ABOUT IT. I FOUND THAT PRIOR TO THE PLUG BLOWING MOST PEOPLE WERE HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE ON A COLD START. I HAD HEARD THAT THE WEEK PRIOR TO MY PLUG BLOWING. AFTER THE REPAIR THE NOISE WAS GONE FOR ABOUT 4 DAYS. WE HAD A COLD FRONT COME THRU AND WHEN I STARTED MY TRUCK THAT MORNING THE NOISE WAS BACK AND MUCH WORSE. I TRADED MY TRUCK AS A RESULT. NO OLD PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THEY DISCARDED THEM. THEY ALSO ASSURED ME THAT THEY HAD RETORQUED ALL THE PLUGS. I HAD HAD ALL THE PLUGS REPLACED AT APPROX. 80,000 MILES BY A FORD DEALER. BIGSERT MAKES A KIT FOR INSTALLING AN INSERT IN TRITON ENGINES. IT COMES COMPLETE WITH ALL THE SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB. IF THERE IS NOT A DEMAND FOR SUCH A KIT COMPANIES WONT GO TH THE EXPENSE OF DISIGNING SUCH A KIT. *AK

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLEAN THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL ENGINE STARTED. *AK

WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER DRAINED THE OIL PAN AND FOUND A HALF A CUP OF WATER BEFORE THE OIL CAME OUT. THE CONSUMER FOUND ON A WEB SIGHT THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD A PROBLEM WITH TWO GASKETS ON THE ENGINE. THE DEALER IS NOT CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. *LA

LOCATION OF EXHAUST PIPE IS AFFECTING BRAKE EQUIPMENT. *MR DUE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE BEING PLACED IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE, THE HEAT DETERIORATES THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PANEL AFFECTING THE BRAKES AND SHATTERING THE CENTER WHEEL HUB. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER OF HAVING THE MUFFLER TAIL PIPE RE-ROUTED TO THE REAR OF THE TIRE AS SUBSEQUENT MODELS OF THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB

HOOD PRIMARY LATCH MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE BLEW OUT. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE. FORD WOULD NOT PAY RESTITUTION FOR THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THE PARKED IT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED LATER ON, IT EXPLODED. THE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE. *SC *JB

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH CONSUMER TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. VEHICLE ENDED UP IN A DITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO VERIFIED THAT THE STEERING ARM FELL OFF THE STEERING BOX. *AK

WHILE AT FORD DEALER HAVING STATE INSPECTION DONE, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAUSGHT ON FIRE.

HORN STOPPED WORKING, KEEPS BLOWING FUSES. TRAILER TOW LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. DEALER REPORTS THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH BAD AND REPLACED. ALSO FOUND A SHORT CIRCUIT AT THE STEERING COLUMN

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A V6 4.2 LITER MOTOR. LAST WEEK TO MY SURPRISE MY TRUCK STARTED KNOCKING. I FOUND THE REASON FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY HEAD GASKET DESIGN BY FORD. I HAD CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON MY TRUCK MANY TIMES BEFORE, AND AS EARLY AS JANUARY, 2000 (WHEN I STILL HAD MY WARRANTY) I CHECKED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL, BUT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM LIKE MANY OTHER 1997-1998 4.2 LITER OWNERS. TODAY THIS LEAVES ME WITH A USELESS TRUCK THAT NEEDS AND $4000 ENGINE REPLACEMENT. I JUST FEEL THAT I SHOULD OF BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS DESIGN FLAW BEFORE IT HAPPENED, AND MY TRUCK SHOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *LA

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS WHEN A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

ELECTRICAL LIGHTS/WINDOWS, AND LOCKS WERE INOPERABLE. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO COME ON. CONSUMER WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION THIS WEEK. *AK

CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY SEEMED TO BE DEAD. THE NEXT DAY THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE AGAIN. THE DRIVER COULD HEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC STATED WATER HAD SEEPED DOWN INTO THE CYLINDERS. *JB

JUST LIKE THE THREE OTHER PEOPLE I FOUND ON THIS SITE MY HUSBANDS F150 CAUGHT FIRE. WE HAD WENT TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE AND HAD BEEN PARK ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF WHEN THEY ANNOUCED THAT A TRUCK WAS ON FIRE! WE RAN OUT TO FIND IT WAS OURS. THE FIRE DEPT. SAID IT WAS AN ELECTICAL PROBLEM THAT STARTED THE FIRE. M.V. IN LA. *AK

MY 19'97 FORD F-150 HAD AN ELECTRICAL FIRE YESTERDAY. IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR OVER THIRTY MINUTES WHEN SOMEONE TOLD ME IT WAS ON FIRE. AFTER I PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME. THEY SAID THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE FUSE BOX AREA. I HAVE READ THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME FIRE I HAVE HAD.*AK

MY 1997 FORD F-150, WHICH HAS BEEN PRIMARILY DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY, AND HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT IT'S LIFESPAN, JUST THREW A ROD AT 107,000 MILES. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT THIS LOW MILEAGE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY COMPLAINTS ON RECORD REGARDING THIS AND THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE IT WITH FORD. *JB

FAILED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS IN FORD 4.2 LITER ENGINES. I THINK ENOUGH OF THESE HAVE FAILED TO REQUIRE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REPAIR OR REIMBURSE THOSE OF US WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THE REPAIR COMPLETED OR HAD TO REPLACE OUR ENGINES DUE TO THE FAILURE.*AK

I HAVE A FORD F150 TRUCK WITH THE 4.2L ENGINE. VIN # FTDX1725VKA71538 MY LEFT LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILED. THIS ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO A CYLINDER AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE. THE DAMAGE IS DESCRIBED IN FORD'S TSB ARTICLE # 99-20-7.*AK

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED FOR FIVE HOURS. *PH CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT CRUISE CONTROL, TAIL LIGHT FAILED. CAUSE OF FIRE WAS UNKNOWN, HOWEVER, CONSUMER HAD A TELL TALE INDICATION THAT CRUISE CONTROL DE-ACTIVATION SWITCH COULD BE THE CAUSE. SINCE THE SWITCH WHEN IT CATCHES FIRE IT IGNITES THE BRAKE FLUID THUS CAUSING VEHICLE TO BURN. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INCIDENT. *LA

STEERING FAILURE: MY 1997 FORD F150 HAD A STEERING FAILURE. VIN:[XXX]. THE STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED FROM THE POWER STEERING BOX. THE STEERING SHAFT CONNECTION IS ALUMINUM AND THE GEAR ON THE POWER STEERING BOX IS STEEL. THE ALUMINUM WORE AND THE STEEL, NATURALLY DID NOT. BASIC ENGINEERING FAILURE. DESCRIBED EXACTLY IN RECALL NO. 03S02 A VERY THOROUGH SEARCH SHOWED NO RECALLS OR MAINTENANCE NOTICES. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, IF YOU HAVE A 1997, FORD F150 HAVE THE CONNECTION OF THE STEERING SHAFT TO THE POWER STEERING BOX CHECK IMMEDIATELY. I CANNOT IMAGINE A WORST FAILURE IN A VEHICLE. NO STEERING. *NM *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I AM SENDING IN A FULL LETTER TO EXPLAIN THE "FAILURES". IT CENTERS AROUND TSB 99B29 AND LACK OF OWNER NOTIFICATION OF A BAD FRONT COVER DESIGN THAT CAN LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE, WHICH OCCURRED IN THIS CASE. ADDITIONALLY, I HAD A TIE ROD FAILURE THAT WAS NOT ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT LATER BROKE WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, MY CRANK SHAFT PULLEY / DAMPENER ASSEMBLY FELL OFF WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING (70 MPH). THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES INCLUDING DOOR LOCK / KEY STICKING.*AK CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 03V196000 COMPONENT: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR. THE ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED. *TC THE SERPENTINE FAILED, THE TRANSMISSION HAD AN AKWARD SHIFT, THE WIPERS OPERATED PERIODICALLY BY THEMSELVES ON HIGH SPEED, THERE WAS LITTLE HEAT COMING FROM THE VENTS THROUGH THE FLOOR. *JB

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE RUBBER CAP CAME OFF THE TIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. FIRESTONE. WILDERNESS, P235/70R16. *AK

REAR WINDOW OF 1997 F150 LEAKS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED WINDOW, AND NEW UNIT LEAKS. PROBLEM SEEMS TO EXIST IN 1997-2003 F150'S.*AK

1997 FORD F150 IN ACCIDENT, FRONT COLLISION WITH ROAD SIGN AT 65 MPH, THEN ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND LANDING ON ITS TOP. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB

AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN LEFT REAR TIRE WAS PUNCTURED. THIS WAS DUE TO THE REAR LEAF SPRING POPPING OUT. DRIVER FELT LUCKY THAT HE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN INSTEAD OF A RIGHT TURN BECAUSE LEAF SPRING COULD HAVE PUNCTURED THE GAS TANK. *AK

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I REPLACED IT WITH AN ENGINE FROM A 2000 MODEL. ONE YEAR LATER I'M HAVEING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE NEW ENGINE. WHILE RESOVLING THE PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING I LEARNED SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. IT SEEMS THAT TSB #99-20-7 WAS ISSUED BY FORD. IT DESCRIBES MY PROBLEMS IN DETAIL. I CAUGHT IT MUCH EARLIER THIS TIME AND WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET BEFORE ANY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY 2000 ENGINE. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE RESONSIBILITY AND FIX THE ISSUES RELATED TO THEIR TSB #99-20-7. ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS IS THE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE IS NOT WIDE SPREAD. THE ISSUE IS OFTEN MIS-DIAGNOSED AS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, WHICH IS TWICE THE COST TO FIX. SO CONSUMERS ARE PAYING THE PRICE FOR FORDS COVER-UP. A WEB SITE IS SETUP WITH A PLETHORA OF INFORMATION REGADING THIS ISSUE. WWW.LEAKINGFORDS.COM. *AK

COMPUTER CONTINUES TO GIVE ACODE OF MISFIRE ON NUM 5 CYLINDER. TOOK TO 3 FORD DEALERSHIPS; ALL THEY DID WAS INSTALL NEW SPARK PLUG, PROBLEM PERSISTS. BEEN INVESTIGATING AND TRYING DIFFERENT INDEPNDENT SHOP FO REPAIR *AK

WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THE DRIVER FEELS LUCKY HE WASN'T DRIVING IN TRAFFIC OR ON HIGHWAY. THE DRIVER SAYS, "TIE ROD ENDS ARE FAILING." PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

1997 F-150 REAR WINDOW LEAKING - TOOK IN TWICE DURING WARRANTY AND TOLD THEM ABOUT HEARING WATER IN TRUCK THEM CHECKED DRAIN IN DOOR AND SAID NOTHING WRONG - ONLY HAVE 62000 ON TRUCK SO I DID NOT DRIVE IT MUCH BUT NOW I FOUND WERE WATER WAS COMING IN THROUGH GASKET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A BIG PROBLEM AND DEALER SHIP ARE HAVING OUTSIDE VENDORS DOING WORK I THINK THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BECAUSE THEY KNEW THIS PROBLEM AND CHANGED DESIGN

I HAVE HAD THREE KELLY SAFARI TIRES,235-70-16,SPLIT IN THE SIDEWALL,THESE THREE TIRES HAVE SPLIT IN THE LAST 9 MONTHS. *AK

FORD F-150 COMPLAINT ON 4.2L /V6 ENGINE. ENGINE HAD TOTAL FAILURE AT 69K DUE TO ENGINE COOLANT LEAK INTO MOTOR. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES FOR GASKET PROBLEM NOTED IN OWNER NOTIFICATION BULLETINS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED BY FORD. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM DUE TO POORLY ENGINEERED FAULTY PARTS USED BY FORD IN THIS MOTOR. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND ALL V6 F-150 OWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR DAMAGES BY FORD. I NEED TO PAY FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. *JB

LIKE JB, WHO FILED AN EARLIER COMPLAINT MY 1997 FORD F-150 ALSO SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 10 HOURS OVER NIGHT. THE ENGINE HAD NOT BEEN RUN, WAS NOT HOT, AND HAD NO MALFUNCTIONING PARTS TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I WAS AWAKENED BY THE SOUND OF MY TRUCK'S HORN. THE FIRE BURNED THE ENGINE COMPLETELY, DESTROYED THE HOOD, CAB, AND THE ENTIRE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK BEFORE IT COULD BE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE MARSHAL INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF MALICIOUS INTENT OR VANDALISM. ACCORDING TO THE FIRE MARSHAL, THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ELECTRICAL RELAY JUNCTION BOX LOCATED OVER THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE. *AK

WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE. CONSUMER TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO STOP ACCELERATION. *AK *MR

WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN ICY HILL, THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK. THE DRIVER HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE TO STOP THE THROTTLE FROM STICKING. DRIVER LOST POWER BRAKES AND STEERING, BUT WAS ABLE TO COME TO A SAFE STOP. *AK *JB

UPON LEAVING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER SMELLED A STRONG COOLANT ODOR. CONSUMER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE TO TRACE FROM WHERE THE ODOR WAS COMING. CONSUMER, WHO WAS A MECHANIC, DETERMINED THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE WITHOUT A RECALL OR PAYMENT.*AK

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F150 WITH 55000 MILES. ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH I HEARD A LOAD POP THE TRUCK THEN BEGAN POPPING AND MAKING ALOT OF NOISE. LOST POWER IMEDIATELY WAS ABLE TO GET TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO DEALER WHICH FOUND THE SPARKPLUG BLOWN OUT AND REPLACED THE CYL HEAD AND NUMEROUS OTHER PARTS TO THE TUNE OF $4000.OO. AFTER SEARCHING THE FORUMS ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INSIDENT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY DIFFERENT VEHICLES WITH THE 5.4 ENGINE. I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THEY ARE PLANNING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS OBVIOUS ENGINE DEFECT AND THEY WERE UNINTERESTED IN MY PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED A FEW VEHICLES AND MOST I HAVE KEPT TILL WELL PAST 100,000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A SPARKPLUG BLOW OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD.*AK

UNDER HOOD FIRE AFTER VEHICLE PARKED FOR 6.5 HOURS. CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ON 11/27/03 AND WAS NOT REPAIRED.

NOTICE ENGINE COOLANT EXTREMLY LOW ADDED 1+GALLONS NOTICED STILL LOOSING COOLANT. TOOK 1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L V6 AND ONLY 75,700 MILES ON ENGINE TO FORD DEALER FORD DEALER STATED "NO EXTERNAL LEAK FOUND AND CAN NOT FIND ANY POSSABLE INTERNAL LEAK. BUT NEED TO REPLACE INTAKE SET PART#F652-9433-C, EGR GASKET PART#F6AZ-90476-B, TIMMING GASKET PART#YF2Z-6020-AA, F. CRANK SEAL PART#F18Z-6701-A, W/P GASKET PART#F65Z-8507-BA, INTAKE BOLTS PART#N606526.5100 AND N605894.5309, T-BODY GASKET F75Z-9E936-AA, AND IMRC BUSHINGF5RZ-9F955-AB" APARENTLY FORD HAS AND HAS HAD A GASKET PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE DELT WITH.*AK

WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ALL 4 TRUCK WHEELS SUDDENLY LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED THE TRUCK TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY SERVICING THE TRUCK TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *NLM THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURED ONE. *NM

LOWER INTALKE MANIFOLD LEAK ON 1997 F-150 4.2L CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO SPEMD 3000.00 ON A NEW MOTOR.*AK

BREAK FAILURE FORD 1997 F150 VIN. [XXX]. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 45 MIN. BEFORE STARTING OUT, I DROVE TO A STOP SIGN (ABOUT 200 FT) WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED (10-15 MPH) NOTHING HAPPENED, I USED BOOTH FEET ON THE PETAL AND APPLIED ALL THE FORCE I COULD TO SLOW DOWN AND IT TOOK ABOUT 75 FT TO STOP. I WENT TO A SIDE STREET AND PARKED WITH ENGINE OFF, CHECKED THE BREAK FLUID IT WAS FULL. TOOK TRUCK TO NEAREST REPAIR SHOP FOR CHECK OUT. TRUCK WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT 10 MIN. WITH ENGINE OFF WHEN MECHANIC STARTED IT AND TESTED BRAKES THEY WERE WORKING AT THAT TIME (ABS LIGHT WAS ON). TOOK TRUCK TO FORD DEALER IN OSCODA MICHIGAN ( ZUBEK AUTO SALES 511 STATE ST, OSCODA MI. 989-739-3261) AFTER CHECKING IT OUT THEY FOUND A BAD ABS SENSOR, THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY IDEA WHY I HAD NO BRAKES. BUT THEY HAD ANOTHER F150 IN THEIR SHOP THAT HAD A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, THEY HAVE HAD TECHNICIANS FROM FORD (DETROIT) LOOK AT THE TRUCK AND THEY DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHILE DRIVING THROTTLE STUCK, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGH RATE. CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WAS OF NO AVAIL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

FRONT ENGINE GASKET LEAKING CALLED DEALERSHIP ANY TELL ME THAT MY TRUCK WASNT A RECALL . BUT SEEMS TO ME THAT OTHER FORD TRUCK OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WHIT THE FRONT ENGINE GASKET LEAKING. IT WILL COST ME ABOUT $700.00 TO REPAIR. HOPE THE FORD COMPANY DOES SOMETING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *AK

FOIA REQUEST ANY RECORD RELATING TO FIRE RISK TO THE FORD F150 TRUCK WITH ENCLOSED VIN NUMBER, AS TO WHY IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN V-231, VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BY FUEL SYSTEM FIRE. *PH (NAR) *CB *JB

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. *AK

RECENTLY MY 1997 FORD 150 4.2L STARTED CLATTER.. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER 4.2L EFI OWNERS FROM 1997-2001 THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE HAS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM OF SORTS.. I WAS WANDER IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER SPECIFIC COMPLAINTS? IT IS GOING TO COST ME BETWEEN 4,000 AND 5,000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.. WHILE MY TRUCK HAD A BIT OVER 100,000 MILES I'VE MET AND SPOKE WITH SEVERAL OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SIGNIFICANTLY LESS MILEAGE WITH IDENTICAL PROBLEMS. I'VE MAINTAINED THE TRUCK WITHIN FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS.. DURING THE NORMAL COURSE OF EVENT, IS WAS USING 1QUART OF OIL PER 2,000 MILES WHICH SEEMED A BIT DISTRESSING. ARE THERE ANY PENDING CLASS ACTIONS AGAINST FORD MOTOR FOR THIS PARTICULAR CONDITION AND IF SO WHERE CAN I BE INFORMED OF THE PROCESS? *LA

WHILE DRIVING THROTTLE STUCK. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE INTO A DITCH. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

1997 FORD F150 W/ 4.2L ENGINE. THE GASKETS FAILED AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING A BLOWN ENGINE. RECALL FOR FRONT COVER GASKET WAS COMPLETED AND I STILL HAD THE ENGINE FAILURE. TERRIBLE. 5000 DOLLARS FOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. *CB

"LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7." *CB

WHILE COMING TO A STOP THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A DITCH. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

I STARTED UP MY 1997 FORD F-150 XL WITH A 4.2L V-6 AFTER WORK ONE DAY TO HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING. I OBSERVED THAT MY COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW HOWEVER THERE WAS NO MILKY LOOK TO THE ENGINE OIL. I RAN A COMPRESSION TEST ON MY ENGINE TO FIND THAT THERE WAS NO COMPRESSION ON CYLINDER 1 INDICATING THE CONNECTING ROD HAD BROKEN. I AM AWARE THAT FORD HAS ISSUED A TSB FOR A GASKET FAILURE HOWEVER IT HAS EXPIRED. *CB

REQUEST FOR ANY NEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL OF FORD F-150, AND FIRES CAUSED BY A FAULTY FUEL LINE. *PH (NAR TRANSFERED TO EXE SEC FOR CONTROL) *CB *JB

WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BINDS AND MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. THE CONSUMER HAS TO USE EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM

COOLANT IS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE- LIKELY DUE TO GASKET FAILURE - HEAT NON- FUNCTIONING AS A RESULT

OVER DRIVE WENT OUT SOME WERE AROUND 56000-58000 MILES NOW AT 94,000 MILES THERE IS NO REVERSE

LIGHTS STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY - HAVE TO REMOVE FUSES - BACK UP LIGHTS AND DOME LIGHT WON'T GO OUT. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF. BOTH TIE ROD ENDS HAVE FALLEN OFF (AT DIFFERENT TIMES) ENGINE IS GONE. INFERIOR GASKETS LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE AND DESTROYED MAIN BEARINGS. JUNE 2001 FRONT EENGINE SEAL LEAKED ANTIFREEZE ONTO GROUND. TWO LETTERS TO FORD MOTOR CO (ADDRESSED TO WILLIAM CLAY FORD) HAVE BEEN ANSWERED BY DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN THE EXECUTIVE OFFICES: DUNCAN ALDERSON AND D KULLA. BOTH HAVE ADVISED THAT FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS EVEN THOUGH I ADVISED THEM I KNEW OF THEIR TSB'S TO THEIR DEALERS ADVISING THAT THESE TRUCKS WERE ASSEMBLED WITH DEFECTIVE GASKETS IN THE ENGINES. I NOW HAVE A TRUCK THAT I CANNOT DRIVE AND NO ASSIST IN GETTING IT FIXED,

I HAVE THE SAME DOOR CRACK AROUND THE WINDOW AS MANY OTHERS. I TALKED TO THE DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM, B UT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS TYPE OF DEFECT. I THEN WENT TO THE FORD DEALER IN TOWN TO SEE IF FORD WAS DOING ANUTHING TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE AND SAVE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE DOOR. I WAS TOLD THEY HAD A REPAIR KIT THAT WAS BEING INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE BUT I AM OUT OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY AND WILL HAVE TO PAY BETWEEN $500 AND $700 TO REPAIR.

WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY F-150 TRUCK ON HIGHWAY S-22, WEST OF BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE. I PULLED OVER TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD AND GOT OUT. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER WHO WAS DRIVING BEHIND ME PUT OUT FLAMES IN THE CAB WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THEN THE CAB BURSED INTO FLAMES AND HE PULLED ME AWAY FROM THE TRUCK AND CALLED THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ON HIS RADIO. THOUGH THE TRUCK WAS TURNED OFF THE FIRE CONTINUED AND ENVELOPED THE TRUCK IN FLAMES, DESPITE THE WATER PUMPED ONTO IT FROM THE FIRE TRUCK. I LEARNED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR F-150 TRUCKS FOR A DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE THAT COULD (NO DOUBT HAS) CAUSE FIRES. FORD MOTOR COMPANY CLAIMED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK BECAUSE IT WAS MADE IN WAYNE AND ONLY F-150'S BUILT IN NORFOLK AND KANSAS CITY WERE INVOLVED. YET MY TRUCK BURNED TO A SHELL. IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THE FIRE WAS SUCKING FUEL FROM THE TANK EVEN THOUGH I HAD SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, OBVIOUS THAT THE LEAKING FUEL HAD IGNITED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE GOT WELL-ADVANCED BEFORE I WAS EVEN AWARE OF IT AND WAS TOO BIG TO BE PUT OUT BY A HAND-HELD EXTINGUISHER. FORD HAS DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DISASTER TO ME. THEY CLAME THE CASE IS CLOSED. I REOPENED MY CASE AGAINST FORD IN DECEMBER, 2003 BECAUSE I LEARNED OF COMPUTER WEBSITES DEDICATED TO ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DEFECTS IN MANUFACTURE OF VEHICLES. *AK

WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL WOULD BE TOO LOOSE, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR.*AK

CRACK IN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BY WINDOW . *AK

DRIVING VEHICLE IT HARD SHIFTS FROM 1 - 2 AND SOMETIMES FROM 2 - 3 AT SPEED LESS THAN 30 MPH AND WHEN DOWN SHIFTING FROM 2 - 1, BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DICK PARKER FORD DEALER AND HAD TRANSMISSION FLUSHED ON RECOMENDATIONS. THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK AND ASKED FOR IT TO BE REPAIRED AT MY COST. WAS TOLD THAT PROBLEM I STATED WAS NOT WHAT THE MECHANIC WAS LOOKING FOR. RESTATED THE PROBLEM AND TOOK THE MECHANIC FOR A TEST RIDE WHERE HE ACKNOWLEDGED THERE WAS A HARD SHIFT. LEFT VEHICLE WITH MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. NEXT DAY I WAS TOLD NO DIAGNOSTICS ERROR CODES WERE FOUND AND THAT I THE OWNER SHOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD GO AWAY. (HAVE DEALER DOCUMENTATION STATING THIS). *AK

1/28/03 - HEATER CORE FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. 11/29/03 - HEATER CORE FAILED AGAIN AND WAS REPLACED. FORD DIDN'T CHARGE ME FOR ANOTHER CORE BUT I DID HAVE TO PAY AGION FOR THE LABOR, $400.00. THIS PART SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER 11 MONTHS. *AK

THE TRUCK STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK UP. THE STALLING OCCURRED MORE OFTEN IN WARM TEMPERATURES. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IDLE AIR INTAKE VALVE, WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *NM *MR

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD THAT CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK INSIDE THE ENGINE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO GET THE TIRES ROTATED WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT LEAF SPRING BROKE. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE GAS TANK COULD HAVE BEEN PUNCTURED. *AK

ON A COLD START MY FORD F-150 BROKE A ROD DUE TO ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE. THIS IS A KNOWN FORD DEFECT IN WHICH FORD SENT OUT A TECHNICAL BULLETIN BUT WHO WILL NOT COVER THE $4,000 DOLLAR REPAIR.*AK

DURING AN OIL CHANGE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE SEVERELY WORN. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

FAILURE OF FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET ON 4.2L ENGINE IN 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCK.*AK

WHILE BACKING UP HEARS A NOISE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # 15692 THAT DESCRIBES THE EXACT PROBLEM, A CONSTANT SNAPPING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *PH

WHILE LEAVING A GAS STATION THE PASSENGER SIDE TIE ROD CAME OUT OF IT'S SOCKET. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FOR A SHORT TIME BUT WAS ABLE TO STOP SAFELY. THE CONSUMER REPAIRED THE TIE ROD. THE BALL JOINT WAS DRY AND RUSTED. THE BALL JOINT WAS WORN DUE TO NO GREASE. THERE IS NO WAY TO GREASE IT OR TO CHECK TO SEE IF IT NEEDS TO BE LUBRICATED. *AK *NM

THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TWICE ON IT'S OWN. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 20 MPH, THE DRIVER SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND STOOD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ABOUT ONE CITY BLOCK. THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED IT WAS AT 55 MPH WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE DRIVER AGAIN SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, AND THE ENGINE KEPT REVVING. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DRIVER THEN PLACED HIS FOOT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO PULL IT UP. *AK *SCC *JB

FIRESTONE TIRE TREAD SEPARATION. MODEL "WILDERNESS", SIZE 23570R16, DOT-W2081PT176, TIRE MILEAGE 8,308 ON 11-07-03. CIRCUMSTANCES: WHILE ENTERING THE TOWN OF CLINTON, LA. AT 45MPH, HEARD LOUD SHARP THUD AND MY 1997 FORD, F150, IMMEDIATELY VEERED ACCROSS THE DIVIDED CENTER LANE TOWARD AN ON COMING LOGGING TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED TO MY RIGHT AND STOPPED IN THE FRONT YARD OF HOUSE #12780. UPON EXITING VEHICLE DETERMINED THE SUBJECT LEFT REAR TIRE TRED HAD SEPERATED (ALTHOUGHT STILL ATTACHED TO TIRE) DAMAGED THE FENDER AND SCRATCHED THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE EXTENDING TO THE GAS CAP. THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN AUGUST 03. DURING A CONVERSATION WITH A FIRESTONE REP. MY TIRE DEALER WAS ADVISED THAT THIS PARTICULAR TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE 17TH WEEK OF 1996 AND I SHOULD REPLACE MY TIRES (TAYLOR'S AUTO REPAIR, FRANKLINTON, LA.) THE TIRE WAS SENT TO FIRESTONE WITH TWO EXTIMATES OF DAMAGE. FIRESTONE'S RESPONCE WAS THERE WAS NO MATERIAL DEFECT AND THE SEPERATION WAS A RESULT OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE THEREFOR THEY HAVE NO INTEREST IN MY CLAIM, OR RESPONSIBILITY. THE SUBJECT"NEW TIRE "WAS MADE BEFORE MY VEHICLE CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLEY LINE. THE TIRE IS CURRENTLY STILL AT FIRESTONE AWAITING ANY DIRECTION FROM FOR RETURN (21 DAYS FROM THEIR LETTER OF 11-20-03) I HAVE ALSO TAKEN PHOTO"S OF THE SUBJECT TIRE & DAMAGE. IS THIS AGENCY INTERESTED IN VIEWING THE TIRE? IF SO, PLEASE ADVISE MAILING ASAP. THANKYOU, RIJ. *AK

WHILE ON A TRIP TRAVELING THROUGH TENNESSEE ON A STEEP MOUNTAIN PASS IN HEAVY RAIN LATE AT NIGH THE REAR TIRE ON DRIVER'S SIDE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO KEEP VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL WHILE CROSSING THREE LANES OF HEAVY TRACTOR TRAILER TRAFFIC. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE TIRE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INNER CASING SEPARATED FROM THE OUTER CASING. THERE WAS STILL PLENTY OF TREAD ON THE TIRE WHICH DID NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE BLOW OUT IN ANY WAY. TWO TENNESSEE STATE POLICE OFFICERS AGREED THAT CASING SEPARATION APPEARED TO BE THE CAUSE. *AK

THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK RIGHT. *NLM

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM., ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ON A WET OR SLICK SURFACE. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT ABS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT WOULD NOT ABSORB THE COST.*AK

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.2 L ENGINE, WHICH JUST TURNED OVER 81,000 MILES. I HAVE FOLLOWED THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE TO A "T", CHANGING THE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES, (WHICH I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR) TRYING TO MAKE IT LAST AS LONG AS POSIBLE. IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS THE TRUCK WILL BE 7 YEARS OLD AND STILL LOOKS AS GOOD AS IT DID THE DAY I DROVE IT OF THE LOT. YESTERDAY MORNING, I STARTED UP MY TRUCK AND IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE WAS COMING APART. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS NOT FIRING ON TWO OF THE CYLINDERS, THAT ONE OF THEM WAS ONLY FIRING AT AROUND 40%, AND THAT A VALVE WAS KNOCKING. TECHNICALLY, THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN. I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY DENIED ANY EXISTING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PATICULAR ENGINE . I READ SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT WERE CONSISTANT WITH MINE AND WISH THAT SOMEONE WOULD EXPLAIN WHY FORD IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I HAD ALL THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON SCHEDULE BY FORD DEALERSHIPS. I AM SO DISTRAUGHT ABOUT THIS THAT I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT AND WILL ADVISE ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE SAME.*AK

UPON REVERSING OUT OF AN ALLEY AT 5 MILES INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING GEAR. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF STEERING. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WENT ONTO THE SIDEWALK.*AK

THE TOP OF THE BACK WINDOW LEAKS, CAUSING WATER TO DRIP INTO THE CAB OF VEHICLE. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE WINDOW AND THE TRACK NEED TO BE REPLACED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK

EMAIL FM JOEY GANSZ (AR) INQUIRING IF THERE IS ENOUGH INFORMATION & COMPLAINTS TO REQUIRE FORD TO RECALL THE ENGINE GASKET ON THE 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCK. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS DUE TO A FAULTY GASKET WHICH ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDERS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO ADMIT THERE WAS A PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH A SERVICE BULLETIN (SB 99-20-7) WAS ISSUED. *NLM *JB

I OWN A 1997 FORD F150 THAT IS DEVELOPING A CRACK IN THE DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AT THE LOWER REAR CORNER OF THE WINDOW, APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY MAKE MY VEHICLE LESS SAFE IN A SIDE COLLISION. *LA

ON NOV. 5TH I PARKED MY 1997 F150 TRUCK AT WORK AT 7:00AM. BETWEEN 10:30 AND 11:00 I GET A CALL THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS PUTTING A FIRE OUT UNDER NEATH MY TRUCKS HOOD. IT TOOK 4 HOURS AFTER THE TRUCK WAS PARKED TO START A FIRE. IF IT WASN'T FOR ME PARKING CLOSE TO A GUARDS STATION IT WOULD OF BEEN WORSE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD OF HAPPENED AFTER I PARKED IN MY GARAGE AT HOME WHICH WOULD OF PUT ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER. AFTER THIS FIRE I CALLED THE FORD HEADQUARTERS AND MADE A COMPLAINT. I ALSO DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET UNDER 1997 BRAKE MASTER CLLINDER FIRES BECAUSE THATS WHERE THE FIRE FIGHTERS SAID IT STARTED AND I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND NUMEROUS ARTICLES ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK

WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AT 45 MPH BRAKES FAILED. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE AND A GRIND NOISE WAS HEARD. SOMEHOW, VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. *AK

1997 FORD PICKUP DLERARM,PITTMAN ARM, TIE ROD END REPLACEMENT-FROZEN-CREAKING: LOWER BALL JOINTS WORN; WE ALREADY REPLACED BRAKES,THE PISTONS FROZE CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE ALL ROTORS AND BRAKE PAD AND PISTONS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK WHY DID THIS HAPPEN WITH ONLY 34,152 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. IS FORD USING POOR QUALITY PRODUCTS. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE, WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HAVE THIS EXPENSE AT THIS LOW MILEAGE.

UPON STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER HEARD A TAPPING NOISE. THEN THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER. ENGINE HEAD GASKET DEVELOPED A LEAK WHICH CAUSED WATER TO GET INTO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, THE PISTON CONNECTING ROD SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING SHAFT SNAPPED AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE STEERING CONTROL. *TS *SCC *JB

WHEN DRIVING IN ANY STANDING WATER TIRES SLID WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES.*AK

GENERAL AMERI 550 AS TIRE BLEW OUT 18 AUG ON 1997 FORD F-150 REAR PASSENGER SIDE ON OPEN ROAD AT ROUGHLY 22,500 MILE. SECOND TIRE BLEW OUT YESTERDAY, 19 SEPT., ON OPEN ROAD AT ROUGHLY 23,820 MILES ON SAME TRUCK AND SAME REAR PASSENGER LOCATION. THIRD TIRE USED AS REPLACEMENT FOR BLOWN TIRE FOUND TO HAVE BULGE APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AFTER 2D BLOWOUT. AGAIN, SAME WHEEL LOCATION ON SAME TRUCK. TIRES ARE ALL GENERAL TIRE AMERI 550 AS AND ORIGINAL TIRES ON TRUCK. TRUCK NOW HAS 23,921 TOTAL MILES. TRUCK HAD NO LOAD WHEN TIRES BLEW. *LA

EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND STUDS ARE CORRODEING AND WARPING. 1997 4.6 ENGINE. FORD F-150. SHOP WHERE I HAD SERVICE DONE REPORTS THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SIMILAR SITUATIONS WITHIN A WEEKS TIME. COULD THERE BE A PROBLEM HERE? MANIFOLDS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO CORRODE LIKE THIS. *LA

WHEN ACCELERATING TO 40 MPH, THERE WAS A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING TO VIBRATE. *AK NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE SHOES HAD BEEN INSTALLED. THE TIRES WERE CHANGED. THE VIBRATION CONTINUED BETWEEN 40 AND 50 MPH. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE ROTORS, BUT REPACKED THE BEARINGS. *SCC *JB *JB

VEHICLE HAD COOLANT LEAK INTO CYLINDER #3 CAUSING RINGS TO COLLAPSE AND LOSS OF COMPRESSION IN CYLINDER. THIS IS GOING TO REQUIRE A REBUILD ON THE ENGINE THAT HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. *LA

HEAT SHIELDS LOOSE ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TWO CLAMPS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. I HAD THIS FIXED 2 YEARS, PREVIOUSLY. I WAS CHARGED $70.50 FOR THIS TO BE CORRECTED AGAIN. IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE QUALITY OF THE CLAMPS THAT ARE BEING USED BY FORD. *LA

BROKEN HOOD RELEASE. MANY OTHER PEOPLE I'VE TALKED TO HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR '97 & '98 F150'S. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS FOR FORD SUV'S, WHY NOT THE F150? I WAS CHARGED $173.46 FOR THIS TO BE CORRECTED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT HE HAD JUST HAD ANOTHER LATCH FAILURE PRIOR TO MY CALL TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. *LA

WHILE DRIVING STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED FROM THE GEAR, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. RELATED RECALL 03V196000, BUT MANUFACTURER ADVISES THAT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE'S MANUFACTURING DATE FALLS WITHIN THE RANGE SPECIFIED.*AK *PH *NLM

PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE ON 1997 FORD F150. *MR THERE WAS A LOUD TAPPING NOISE WHICH HAD COME FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER WHICH DESCRIBED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, BUT LESS THAN 25K MILES LATER, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. *SCC *JB

I OWN A 1997 FORD F-150, AND I BELIEVE THAT THE TRUCK'S MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN MAINTAINED THE ENTIRE TIME SINCE I HAD IT. MY TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED NOR HAS IT EVER PULLED A TRAILER OR BEEN USED FOR HAULING. WE HAVE PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO MY TRUCK OVER THE PAST YEARS. THE TRUCK HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. IT HAS RUN POORLY, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON MANY TIMES. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO FORD FOR SERVICE, AND WE HAVE PERMITTED ALL OF THE REPAIRS THAT FORD HAS RECOMMENDED. IN APRIL, I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO WOODY ANDERSON FOR SERVICE... $1100 LATER, THE TRUCK STILL FALTERED WHEN STARTING, AND CONTINUED TO RUN "ROUGH". THE SERVICE TECH AT WOODY ANDERSON TOLD ME THAT TRUCKS RUN ROUGH. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO SEARS, AND THEY SAID HER BATTERY WAS BAD, SO WE HAD IT REPLACED. THE TRUCK STILL RAN ROUGH AND DID NOT START PROPERLY. LAST FRIDAY (3 OCTOBER 2003) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN! ON SUNDAY, I ATTEMPTED TO START MY TRUCK ... AND THE ENGINE MADE A HORRIFIC SOUND. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF IMMEDIATELY, AND HAD IT TOWED TO WOODY ANDERSON ON MONDAY MORNING. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAS "FALLEN APART," AND WOODY ANDERSON WANTS $4000 TO PUT IN A NEW ENGINE! I FEEL THAT REPLACING THE ENGINE IS FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY. OUR RECORDS SHOW THAT WE HAVE DONE OUR PART IN KEEPING THE TRUCK'S MAINTENANCE CURRENT. IT WAS OUR EXPECTATION AND BELIEF THAT FORD WOULD DO THEIR PART AND SERVICE OUR VEHICLE PROPERLY. THE FACT THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AFTER NUMEROUS SERVICE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM(S), INDICATES TO ME THAT THE SERVICE THE TRUCK RECEIVED WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN THE ENGINE PROPERLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN TWO DAYS BEFORE THE ENGINE'S FAILURE. WHETHER OR NOT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS RELATED TO THE ENGINE'S FAILURE I DO NOT KNOW, BUT IT DOES SUPPORT THE FACT THAT PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE WERE NEVER RESOLVED. *LA

CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT. ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND COULDN'T FIX THE ENGINE LIGHT. *AK

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L V-6 MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AT 68,000 (ORIGINAL) MILES WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDERS. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AT COLD START THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDERS CAUSED PISTONS/ROD TO BREAK AND ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN LOUD KNOCKING AND POURING WHITE SMOKE OUT OF EXHAUST. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN HARD. THE COST TO REBUILD THE MOTOR (FROM FORD) WAS $3500.00. WHEN MY MECHANIC CALLED TO ORDER THE REBUILT ENGINE FROM FORD, HE WAS TOLD THEY HAD JUST PLACED AN ORDER FOR 50 IDENTICAL ENGINES. THEY ALSO TOLD HIM THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THESE ENGINES ALL THE TIME. IT'S A SHAME THAT FORD WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN FIXING THIS PROBLEM AND TRY TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD PRODUCT AGAIN AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE THAT I COME IN CONTACT WITH ABOUT THIS VERY UNFORTUNATE PROBLEM THAT FORD WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT. *LA

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. THE OTHER THREE TIRES ALSO CONTAINED CRACKS AT THE SAME PLACED WHERE THE TREAD SEPARATED. *AK *JB

THE CONSUMER STATED FUEL LEAKED FROM THE GAS TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FILLER TUBE WAS RUSTED AT THE TANK 360 DEGREES AROUND AND 100% THROUGH.*AK *JB

CYLINDER #2 PISTON OF 97 F150 TRUCK BLEW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF ALUMINIUM HEAD. THIS HAS APPARENTLY BEEN A PROBLEM OF FORD VEH. NOW ON 2004 FORD TRUCKS THEY USE CAST IRON HEADS. I REPAIRED MY TRUCK MYSELF WITH A HELI COIL BUT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FORDS RESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE PUT THIS IN THE PILE OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE........ I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AGAIN.........THIS INCIDENT OCCURED IN DEC 2000 WITH ONLY 54,000 MILES. MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE ON THERE WAY BACK HOME TO DALLAS FROM AMARILLO, TX. (CHANGED CONSUMER INFO PER 10/25/05 CONSUMER CALL - C. ROSE)

"LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7."

VEHICLE'S METAL WHEEL RIMS HOLD WATER AFTER IT RAINS.*MR THE RIMS WERE DESIGNED IN A WAY THAT ALLOWED THEM TO RETAIN WATER AFTER IT RAINED OR CAME IN CONTACT WITH STANDING WATER. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE RIMS TO CORRODE AND RESULTED IN SEPARATION OF THE RIM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM. *NLM

CONSUMER FELL ASLEEP WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. VEHICLE CROSSED OVER ONE LANE, BUMPER CAUGHT ON EMBANKMENT, AND ROLLED OVER STARTING WITH FRONT END. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, DRIVER HIT HIS HEAD ON PASSENGER WINDOW. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

DRIVER FELL ASLEEP WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, VEHICLE CROSSED ONE LANE, BUMPER GOT CAUGHT ON EMBANKMENT, AND VEHICLE ROLLED OVER . SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER, HIS HEAD SHATTERED THE PASSENGER WINDOW. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

COOLANT WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, AND WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE ROUGHLY. DRIVER SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WOULD NOT RESTART IT. DEALER FOUND THAT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY HEAD GASKET. *AK

WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A STRONG ANTI FREEZE ODOR, AND THE WINDSHIELD FOGGED UP. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS NO LONGER WORKING.*AK

ENGINE FAILURE, TRANSMISSION FAILURE

WHILE DRIVING ON A NORMAL PAVED ROAD AT 25 MPH FRONT END SUDDENLY STARTED SHAKING. THIS WAS CAUSED BY TIE ROD END FALLING APART AND SEPARATING, NOT DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. *AK

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO CYLINDERS.*AK

F-150 1997 FORD FILL LINE TO TRANSMISSION BROKE, ALLOWING LOSS OF FLUID. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. *AK

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILS CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE.SO IN THE MORNING WHEN YOU START YOUR CAR THE ENGINE HAS BLOWN.THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED,CAN NOT BE REBUILT.*AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE PROBLM. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. DEALER WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND HAS FIXED IT ON DIFFERENT TIMES.*AK

I HAVE A FORD F150 1997 WITH BRIDGESTONE, DUELER H/T TIRES, SIZE P245/70/R16 106S, DOT ENMT CBF 1900 19905D689P2.MY HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING HOME FROM WORK TODAY ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE UNEXPLICABLY SEPERATED WITHOUT WARNING. LUCKILY MY HUSBAND WAS NOT HURT. THERE WAS DAMAGED CAUSED TO THE TRUCK'S WHEEL WELL AND FENDER.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH HIT A RAIL ROAD TRACK AND VEHICLE STARTED TRAVELING TO THE LEFT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO TIE RODS , *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD SEPARATED FROM GEAR, BALL AND SOCKET FELL OFF, RESULTING IS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS DRIVING REAR END SHIFTED, CAUSING THE SHIFTER TO LOOK TOWARD THE DRIVER SEAT. ALSO THE PIN THAT HELD THE REAR END WAS ROUNDED OFF.*AK

BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS HAVE ABOUT A 1/4 INCH CRACK IN THEM JUST AFT OF THE WINDOW LOWER CORNER. FOR SOME REASON THESE CRACKS WERE FIXED ON FLEET TRUCKS BUT NOT PERSONAL TRUCKS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING ENGINE WOULD DIE OUT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

A SHORT IN THE WIRING AROUND THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE BRAKES CAUSED THE RESEVOIR TO CATCH ON FIRE AND BURN.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE VIBRATES VIOLENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

MY PASSENGER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT NEARLY TIPPING MY TRUCK OVER. I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND PULL TO THE SIDE WHILE THE CARS BEHIND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO AVOID HITTING DEBREE FROM THE TIRE. I NOTICED THAT MY TIRE HAD NOT BLOWN BUT THE ENTIRE TREAD WAS MISSING. THE TIRES ON MY TRUCK ARE THE WILDRENESS AT P255/70R16 DOTW2CO 1PX 158. IN MY OPINION ALL THESE TIRES BLOW OUT THE SAME WAY AND SHOULD ALL BE RECALLED! *AK

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING PASSENGER REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. FIRESTONE, WILDERNESS AT, P25570R16. *AK

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE BY BLOWN HEAD GASKET WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICAL. COMMON AMONG 1997 & 1998 FORD F-150S WITH THE NEW V6 4.2 ENGINES.*AK

AFTER HEAVY SNOWS THE SHIFT LINKAGE IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON A 5.4L 4X4 WILL BECOME PLUGGED WITH SNOW. WHEN PLUGGED THE SHIFT SELECTOR CAN ONLY BE SHIFTED BACK INTO NEUTRAL AND NOT REVERSE OR PARK.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVEL BROKE OFF. THERE WERE WIRES HANGING ALL OVER. CONSUME RCALLED THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A BUTTON ON THE LEVEL TO LET ONE KNOW THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG, BUT NO LIGHT CAME ON. HE WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR, BUT HE HAD IT REPAIRED. HE NEVER SAW ANY LIGHT COME ON.*AK

THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A COOLANT LEAK. THE PIPE WHICH LEAD TO THE RADIATOR RUSTED AND CAUSED THE COOLANT TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE 1998. *NLM *CB

I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL RIMS AND TIRE SIZE ,AND MY SPEEDOMETER IS OFF BY EIGHT MILES PER HOUR. MY SPEEDOMETER SAYS I AM GOING EIGHT MILES PER HOUR SLOWER THAN I REALLY AM.*AK

PROBLEMS WITH RUBBER HOSE, RUST AND CORROSION TO THE METALLIC BRAKE LINES.*MR *CB

MY 1997 FORD F150 WITH 4.2L V-6 MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO CYLINDERS. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AT COLD START THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDERS CAUSED PISTONS/ROD TO BREAK AND ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN LOUD KNOCKING AND POURING WHITE SMOKE OUT OF EXHAUST. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN HARD. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP SAYS THE LOCAL MACHINE SHOP THEY USE FOR REBUILDS HAS SEEN AT LEAST 24 OF THESE ENGINES SINCE JANUARY 1ST, 2003! ESTIMATES TO REBUILD OR REPLACE THIS ENGINE RANGE FROM $2,000 TO $4,000. WE HAVE NOT YET DECIDED WHAT TO DO - SCARED TO GET NEW ENGINE FROM FORD BECAUSE SAME PROBLEM MAY STILL BE PRESENT.*AK

DRIVER SIDE FRONT BRAKE HAS LOCKED UP IN MOIST WEATHER CONDITIONS. SKID OCCURRED. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH MY 1997 F150 4X4 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP. THE MIDDLE, RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE AND WAS EJECTED WITH GREAT FORCE FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, AND I REMEMBER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD IN AUGUST 1998 DETAILING THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER, EARNHARDT FORD, ON OCTOBER 10, 1998, AND THE DEALER INSTALLED CLIPS ON THE FRONT PORTION OF BOTH SPRINGS. I RETRIEVED THE EJECTED PIECE OF THE BROKEN SPRING FROM THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND I NOTICED THAT THE BREAK WAS RUSTY. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN IN ARIZONA OR NEVADA SINCE NEW, SO TO ME THIS INDICATES THAT THE SPRING PROBABLY HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR SOME TIME. ALSO JUST PRIOR TO THE SPRING EJECTING, I HAD BEEN INVOLVED A VERY MINOR REAR END COLLISION (THE CAR THAT HIT ME ONLY BROKE MY HITCH COVER). I THEORIZE THAT SOMEHOW THE FORCE OF THE CAR HITTING THE BACK OF MY TRUCK MUST HAVE REPOSITIONED THE BROKEN SPRING IN SUCH A WAY THAT PLACED STRESS ON THE FRONT RETAINING CLIP SHEARING IT AND ALLOWING THE SPRING TO BE EJECTED. I USE MY TRUCK FOR COMMUTING WHICH IS HARDLY SEVERE DUTY USE. LEAF SPRINGS SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER ONLY 87K MILES, AND IF THEY DO BREAK, THEY SHOULDNT EJECT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS IN THE RIGHT-HAND LANE AND THE SPRING EJECTED INTO A VACANT DIRT LOT SO NO ONE WAS HURT AND NO PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED. I HAD BOTH REAR LEAF SPRINGS REPLACED AT GAUDIN FORD, IN LAS VEGAS ON APRIL 25, 2003. I ASKED THE DEALER IF FORD WOULD COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THEIR ANSWER WAS NO. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD STEP UP AND COVER THE COST OF MY REPAIR. THIS WAS NOT AN INEXPENSIVE FIX. WHAT HAPPEN TO ME IS EXACTLY WHAT FORD WARNED AGAINST THEIR AUGUST 1998 RECALL LETTER. REAR LEAF SPRINGS SHOULD NOT FAIL AFTER ONLY 87K MILES OF NORMAL USE, AND FACT THAT THE MIDDLE SPRING WAS EJECTED SHOWS THERE IS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE. I STILL HAVE THE PART OF BROKEN SPRING THAT I RETRIEVED FROM THE LOT.

CONSUMER STATES STEERING HAS FAILED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SELF CONTAINED BALL JOINTS. THESE BALL JOINT DO NOT NEED TO BE GREASED. OVER TIME THE BALL JOINTS DEVELOP A SQUEAK AND NEED REPLACING. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN DRIVING AND WIND BLOWING VEHICLE'S FRONT END WANDERS EXCESSIVELY, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL.*AK

CONSUMER WAS ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO HIGHWAY AND DEPRESSED GAS PEDAL FOR ACCELERATION, B UT VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT POWER FOR ACCELERATION AND JERKED EXCESSIVELY.*AK

ENGINE FAILURE ON FORD 4.2L V6. *AK

THE VEHICLE LOSS STEERING AND TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A SLIGHT TURN. THE DEALER STATED THE STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED. THE CONSUMER FOUND A RECALL BUT WAS TOLD THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. RECALL# 03V196000 *AK *SCC

HOOD POPS UNLOCKED WHILE DRIVING.SEAT BELTS ON FRONT SEATS DO NOT RETRACT FULLY WHEN UNBUCKLED, HANG ON FLOOR BETWEEN SEAT AND DOOR. UPON OPENING OF DOOR, THE LOOSE BELT LOOP FALLS PAST THE DOOR SEAL AREA AND UPON DOOR CLOSURE BECOMES LODGED BETWEEN DOOR AND JAMB. WHEN VEHICLE RE-ENTRY IS MADE BY DRIVER OR PASSENGER, AND BELT IS PUT ON, A FALSE TENSION IS ACHIEVED BY DOOR JAMB SEAL. THIS LEAVES UP TO 10 TO 14 INCHES OF LOOSE BELT THAT FEELS LIKE IT IS ACTUALLY TENSIONED AS TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANT. THIS LOOSE BELT SLACK CONTINUES AS THE BELT EXTENDS AND RETRACTS IN NORMAL, NON INERTIA LOCKED MODE. ONLY UPON HEAVY BREAKING, OR FORWARD FORCE BY OCCUPANT DOES THE BELT SLIP PAST THE LOWER DOOR JAMB SEAL AND EXTENDS THE BELTS REACH. THIS CAN CAUSE A FATALITY FOR ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FOUR REASONS. FIRST, ON FRONTAL IMPACT, THE BELT ALLOWS THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER TO BE THRUST FORWARD AND EITHER COME INTO UNDUE CONTACT WITH THE DASH OR STEERING WHEEL. SECONDLY, THE FALSELY TENSIONED BELT ALLOWS THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER TO BE PROPELLED TOO CLOSE TO A DEPLOYING FRONT AIRBAG, CAUSING UNDUE FRONTAL CONTACT WITH AIRBAG WHICH CAN RESULT IN INCREASED INJURY OR DEATH. THIRDLY, ON PICKUP TRUCK MODELS EQUIPPED WITH KEY DEACTIVATED FRONT SEATS OCCUPIED BY CHILDREN, THE LOOSENING BELT CAN REACH THE YOUTH PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT RIGHT INTO WINDSHIELD. AND FOURTH, IN PASSENGER PICKUP TRUCK MODELS, WITH THE AIR BAG TURNED OFF BY KEY SWITCH, UNTENSIONED BELT DOES NOT RESTRAIN A BABY / CHILD CAR SEAT, LIKELY CAUSING THE SEAT TO BE RENDERED INEFFICTIVE AND POSSIBLY MORE HAZARDOUS IF IT WERE NOT USED AT ALL.HE BELT ASSEMBLIES MADE FOR FORD BY TRW. THIS CONDITION WAS EVIDENT WHEN VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN YEAR OLD , GOT PROGRESSSIVELY WORSE , FIRST INCIDENT FALL 1997. I WAS FIRST TITLED OWNER, BOUGHT DEMO. ELBOW INJURY IN 2003. I'M A FORMER MI. LIC.MASTER MECHANIC .I HAVE TESTED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN SIMILAR FORD VEHICLES ON USED CAR LOTS AND HAVE OBSERVED SAME EFFECT IN MANY FORD F-150'S. *AK

CABLE OF SPARE TIRE CARRIER BROKE, CAUSING SPARE TIRE & SUPPORT BRACKET TO FALL ONTO ROADWAY.*AK

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED WHICH LEAKED ANTI FREEZE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. *NLM *CB *NLM

THE SHOULDER BELT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RETRACTED BACK INTO THE HOLSTER. THE BELT COULD NO LONGER BE USED UNTIL REPAIRED. THE OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE. A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE SEAT BELTS DECEMBER 1996 FOR MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENT. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #96V256000. *NLM *SCC *JB

MY COMPLAINT IS ON A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT 11 TIRE,SIZE P235/70R16.DOT #W208 1PT 216 .WHILE DRIVING FROM SILVER POINT,TN. TO COOKEVILLE,TN.VIA INTERSTATE-40,THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BEGAN SEPARATING IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE WILDERNESS AT TIRES WHICH WERE RECALLED IN 2001.THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AT THIS TIME BUT,AT THE SAME TIME THERE COULD HAVE BEEN.I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE WAS SUCH A RECALL OR INVESTIGATION OF THIS BRAND OF TIRE AS WAS WITH THE ABOVE MENTIONED.THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SITE.HAVE A GREAT DAY.HAROLD HOUSTON. *AK

CONSUMER STATES RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS FINE. DEALER NEVER LOOKED AT CAR.*AK.

THE ENGINE ROD PISTON BLEW, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE NON DRIVABLE. *NLM PH *JB

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. *AK THERE WAS ALSO A SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *PH *JB

PROBLEMS WITH STEERING ON 1997 FORD F150. *MR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN RECALL # 03V196000. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT IN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AND CONTINUED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED FOR HER FAMILIES SAFETY AND THE POSSIBLE SIDE AFFECT WHICH MAY OCCUR. *SCC *JB

THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE KEEPS GOING FLAT. CAUSE IS UNKWOWN. *AK

DEALER STATED THE TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY SO HE HAS TO PAY $400. *AK

COOLANT LEAKING AT FRONT COVER GASKET AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD. 1997 FORD F-150 4WD. VIN#[XXX]. I PURCHASED VEHICLE USED. HAVE RECALLS AND SERVICE BULLETINS BEEN MAINTAINED ON THIS VEHICLE? I WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO JACOB GEORGE FORD, HOUTZDALE, PA FOR FULL INSPECTION TOMORROW. ANY INFORMATION ON THE MAINTENANCE WOULD BE USEFUL FOR US TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

CONSUMER STATES THE EXHAUST IS LOCATED AT THE RIGHT SIDE, CAUSING THE TIRES TO OVERHEAT AND BLOW UP. IN JULY FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT SIZE 23570R16 DOT W2081PT WERE REPLACED BY GOODYEAR ,AND PROBLEM STILL RECURRING. DEALER STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT FIRESTONE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT TIRE BLEW UP DUE TO OVERHEATING. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

TIE ROD FAILURE. THE LEFT INNER TIE ROD BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN CONTROLLING TRUCK. *JB

CONSUMER EXPERIENCE TIRE BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING. NAR 06/18/2003 *MR *CB

MY 1997 FORD F150 SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS OVERNIGHT. THERE WAS A SHORT HORN BURST, FOLLOWED BY A POP, THEN A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 6:30 AM, WHILE I WAS STILL IN BED, HALF-ASLEEP, AFTER MY CLOCK RADIO HAD JUST COME ON. A NEIGHBOR LOOKED OUT OF HER WINDOW AFTER HEARING THE HORN, BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYONE AROUND THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN HEARD THE POP, AND SAW THE FIRE START. SHE CALLED 911, THEN CALLED ME. BY THE TIME I GOT OUTSIDE, THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAME. I RAN BACK IN THE HOUSE TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, BUT BY THE TIME I GOT BACK OUTSIDE, THE ENTIRE CAB WAS ALSO ON FIRE. A STUNNED CROWD OF NEIGHBORS AND I WATCHED AS THE FIRE TRUCK ARRIVED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. *JB

THE TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH THE EXHAUST EXITING IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, WHICH CAUSED EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE TIRE AND A BURNING SMELL. THE HUB CAPS AND WHEELS WERE DISCOLORED, AND THE REAR AXLE SEAL LEAKED, ALL THESE PROBLEMS WERE CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH WAS DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT. THE REAR OIL SEAL LEAKED OIL. *MR *PH *JB

COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, WENT THROUGH 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY. FORD MOTOR WARRANTY SAID CONTACT GARAGE IT WOULD BE UP TO THEM TO REIMBURSE ANY REPAIR COST BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS OFF WARRANTY, GARAGE ALSO SAID THEY WOULD NOT CONTACT FORD WARRANTY TO DISCUSS PROBLEM INSTEAD GAVE ME A NUMBER TO CALL. HOWEVER I DID TALK TO A FORD MOTOR REP FROM SLC,UT HE WAS VERY SORRY ABOUT MY PROBLEMS. ON APPROX. MAY 20TH 2003 I WAS NOTIFIED BY A FRIEND FOR MOTOR WAS RECALLING THIS PARTICULAR MODEL FOR A STEERING PROBLEM THE GARAGE SAID IT WAS A LOWER STEERING, FORD MOTOR WARRANTY SAID IT WAS AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING PROBLEM QUOTE "NOT UPPER OR LOWER" COULD BE EITHER AND THAT MY PROBLEM WAS UPPER STEERING AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER RECALL. ? DOES FOR MOTOR HAVE A MUCH LARGER PROBLEM THAN THEY ARE WILLING TO ADMIT, THEY WILL NOT TALK TO ME THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO MY E-MAILS AND I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? I HAVE CONTACTED ATTORNEY GENERAL STATE OF IDAHO WANTING FOR THERE RESPONSE. THANK YOU . *AK

WHILE MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS STEERING WHEEL BECOMES HARD TO TURN DUE TO POWER STEERING.*AK

I DROVE TO WORK THAT MORNING AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I WENT TO MY TRUCK TO LEAVE WORK THAT EVENING AND WHEN I CRANKED MY VEHICLE IT MADE A LOUD POP LIKE A BACK FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND STARTED RATTLING IMMEDIATELY. I SHUT MY TRUCK OFF AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE IF I NOTICED ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY AND FOUND NOTHING OUT OF PLACE. I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I HAD SUFFERED INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE AT START UP AND WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. THE COST WOULD BE ALMOST $4000.00. I GOT A SECOND OPINION FROM ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO WORKED AT ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA AND WAS TOLD THAT THESE PARTICULAR ENGINES (THE 4.2L IN THE 1997 MODEL YEAR) HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE GASKETS ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER (WATER CANNOT BE COMPRESSED SO IT KICKED BACK AND BENT THE ROD) CAUSING INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM AND THAT FORD HAS SINCE CORRECTED IT IN SUBSEQUENT MODEL YEARS. IT IS APPARENT THAT FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT CHOOSES NOT TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE AFFECTED CUSTOMERS. I DID CALL FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MANUFACTURED AT THE PLANT THAT THE RECALL COVERED. I ASKED WHY THE RECALL WAS NOT BROADENED TO INCLUDE ALL 4.2L ENGINES SINCE THIS IS EVIDENTLY A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I ALSO WANTED TO KNOW IF I HAD ANY RECOURSE AT ALL AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE AND IF FORD DECIDED TO BROADEN THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL I MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND IN THE FUTURE. IF THE RECALL WOULD HAVE INCLUDED MY VEHICLE I WOULD NOT BE LODGING THIS COMPLAINT NOW. IF YOU KNOW THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS TO CORRECT IT AND KEEP YOUR CUSTOMER BASE. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY RECOURSE THAT I MAY HAVE IN TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED? ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *JB

DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS HAVE STRESS CRACKS LOCATED AT THE LOWER REAR SECTION OF THE WINDOWS NEXT TO THE WINDOW MOLDING. CURRENTLY THESE CRACKS ARE APPROXIMATELY 1/4 INCH LONG. I BELIEVE THESE CRACKS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. *AK

THE STARTER WENT OUT TWICE ON MY 1997 FORD F150 4.6LT AND I JUST BOUGHT IT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO, IT ONLY HAS 94,684 MILES ON IT.*AK

STEERING HAD TOO MUCH PLAY CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

ON JUNE 7TH, ONE OF THE GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S TIRES ON MY TRUCK FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON I-77. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE THAT HAS FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE FIRST SEPTEMBER 2002. IT APPEARS THAT ONE OF THE BELTS SEPARATED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. GOODYEAR REPLACED THE FIRST TIRE AT NO CHARGE, BUT I AM GOING TO HAVE THEM REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND. THERE WERE NO PUNCTURES OR EVIDENCE OF PRESSURE LOSS NOTED ON EITHER TIRE. GOODYEAR CLAIMS THE DAMAGE WAS RESULTANT OF TIRE PRESSURE LOSS. THIS TIRE WAS THE REPLACEMENT TIRE FOR THE ONE THAT FAILED LAST YEAR. THE MILEAGE ON THE FIRST ONE WAS ABOUT 7000 MILES AND THIS ONE WAS ABOUT 5500. *JB

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL # 03V196000, HOWEVER AFTER THE MECHANIC STARTED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE, HE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT ALL THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, AND TO TAKE THE CAR AND THEY WOULD CALL CONSUMER WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVED, THE CONSUMER FELT UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, AND THEREFORE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE SHOP FOR 4 DAYS. *JB

REAR WINDSHIELD LEAKS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK

THERE IS A CRACK IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHERE THE WINDOW STARTS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST STEERING CONTROL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

ENGINE MOTOR WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE, AND HAS NO OIL PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE BLOWING UP. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK

WHILE TIGHTENING BY HAND, THE LUGS: NUTS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEELS BROKE OFF AT THE STUDS.*AK

WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK FUEL WILL SPILL OUT, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

AFTER 2 DAYS OF RAIN I WENT OUT TO START MY 1997 FORD, F150. RAIN WATER HAD LEAKED IN FROM FIREWALL AREA ON TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AREA AND LEAKED IN THROUGH A FUEL INJECTOR FITTING AND FOUND ITS WAY TO A PISTON . THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO START THE STARTER ENGAGED AND ABRUPTLY STOP AFTER 3 MORE ATTEMPTS AT STARTING THE ENGINE IT TURNED AND STARTED.THE ENGINE HAD SEVERE BANGING NOISE(ABOUT 100 DECIBELS ).I WAS TOLD I HAD A BENT PISTON ROD FROM WATER BEING ON TOP OF PISTON AND THE ENGINE WAS RUINED!*AK

NAR 6-03-2003 *MR DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS RUINING THE ENGINE. *CB

ABS BRAKE PROBLEM. ABS BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED A COUPLE OF TIMES. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. DEALER WAS ALSO CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.*AK

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE REPAIRS DONE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH VEHICLE'S CALIPER SEPARATED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING MY FORD F-150. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME MY BRAKE LINES WERE TWISTED. THE SECOND TIME WHICH OCCURRED 1-1/2 YEARS LATER, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD POSSIBLE BE A VALVE OR A CYLINDER PROBLEM WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW FLUID TO THE BRAKES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. MY WHEEL GETS EXTREMELY HOT AND SO DOES MY TIRE. THE VEHICLE PULLS EXTREMELY HARD TO THE RIGHT AND SMOKES EMERGES FROM THE WHEEL. I AM AFRAID THAT MY TIRE COULD POP IF THIS OCCURS AGAIN. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND I WILL NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK UNTIL I GET SOME EXPLANATION FROM FORD ON THIS PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 5/25/2003. IT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. VERY UNSAFE... CAN YOU HELP ME? *NLM

1. THE FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 WAS DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL AT ONE TIME ON THIS PROBLEM BUT WAS CHECKED BY A FORD DEALER AND NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG. APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE IT FOR FREE AND SO I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT MY COST OF $600.00. 2. AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS. MY WIFE HAD A WRECK IN THE SAME VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP LIKE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO. I TRIED TO GET FORD TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THAT WOULD HAPPEN AND THEY SAID THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD HAVE TO HANDLE IT. THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT SOLVED. ALSO THE ABS DID NOT WORK. *NLM

97 F150 BEGAN TO HAVE AN UNPREDICTABLE COOLANT LEAK, NEVER GOING BELOW MINIMUM COOLANT LEVEL. WITHIN THE WEEK NOTICED WATER IN THE OIL AND WENT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION. WHEN I STARTED THE TRUCK THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING, PROVING TO BE A DAMAGED ROD. LATER RESEARCH SHOWED THAT THIS IS COMMON IN THE 4.2 LITER V-6 ENGINE DUE TO FAULTY GASKET. FORD RAN A "CAMPAIGN," BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION AS TO THE PROBLEM. *JB

CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BROKE 4 BOLTS AND CAME OFF HARMONIC BALANCER ON 1997 FORD F150 CAUSING LOSS OF ROWER STEERING,ALTERNATOR,AND WATER PUMP FUNCTIONS. *NLM

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB

MY 1997 FORD F-150 4X4 SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR 12 HOURS OVER NIGHT. THE ENGINE HAD NOT BEEN RUN, WAS NOT HOT, AND HAD NO MALFUNCTIONING PARTS TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I WAS AWAKENED FRIDAY MORNING BY A JOGGER BEATING ON MY FRONT DOOR SCREAMING THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. IT BURNED THE ENGINE COMPLETELY, DESTROYED THE HOOD, CAB, AND THE ENTIRE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK BEFORE IT COULD BE PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE LOCAL FIRE MARSHAL AND ARSON INVESTIGATOR INVESTIGATED THE FIRE AND FOUND NO SIGNS OF MALFUNCTIONS. *JB PARKED THE VEHICLE AT 6:00 PM AT AROUND 6:00 AM THE NEXT MORNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE SEEMED TO BE HOTTEST ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE. THE TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS TOTALLY MELTED. THE TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT FAIL. SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRE THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. ONCE IN A WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. AT ONE POINT AN INTERLOCK SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL WAS REPLACED BECAUSE COULD NOT GET THE VEHCILE OUT OF PARK. WILL E-MAIL PICTURES TO BRUCE YORK. ONLY AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT WAS A STEREO PROFESSIONALY INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD LIABILTY INSURANCE.

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH THE WATER PUMP AS STATED IN RECALL 00 V 094 000, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

INCIDENT = IN 2000 FORD MOTOR COMPANY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON FORD F-150 PICKUPS TO COVER A KNOWN DESIGN PROBLEM INVOLVING A GASKET THAT KEPT COOLANT FLUIDS FROM LEAKING INTO THE CRANKCASE AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. THEY ONLY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING GASKET TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T LEAKING AND THEN EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR ANOTHER 12 MONTHS. JUST AS THEY KNEW IT WOULD, APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS LATER (APRIL 27) THEIR REPLACEMENT GASKET CRACKED AND COOLANT FLUID LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE THROUGH THE CRANKCASE, AND MY ENGINE SEIZED UP. DAMAGE RESULTING = MY ENGINE BEGAN TO CLATTER, AND I DROVE STRAIGHT TO A DEALERSHIP. I AM NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ($3,600.00 PLUS TAX). IN TALKING WITH THE AUTHORIZED REPAIR DEALER IN CLARKSVILLE, TN WHERE THE TRUCK BROKE DOWN AND MY USUAL AUTHORIZED REPAIR DEALER HERE IN NASHVILLE, APPARENTLY THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY OF THE F-150'S THAT RECEIVED A NEW GASKET AND AN EXTENDED 12 MONTH WARRANTY. AGAIN, FORD KNEW THERE WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM (WHICH BY THE WAY BOTH PLACES TOLD ME FORD CORRECTED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS) AND ONLY OFFERED A BAND-AID APPROACH TO DEALING WITH IT. IN TALKING WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONSUMER AFFAIRS, I HAVE REQUEST THAT THE COST, OR AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE COSTS, OF MY NEW ENGINE BE PAID BY FORD. THE REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TOMORROW, APRIL 29. NEEDLESS TO SAY, FORD HAS NOT RESPONDED OR OFFERED TO PAY FOR MY NEW ENGINE. *NLM

DOOR CRACKING ON BOTH FRONT DOORS, 1997 F150 PICKUP. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED, BUT WITH THE ESP WARRANTY, THE DEALER WOULD NOT FIX IT...SAYS NOT COVERED. *NLM

ON APRIL 12, 2003 WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F 150 SUPER CAB PICKUP VIN [XXX] I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING TO INVESTIGATE I DISCOVERED THE MIDDLE LEAF OF THE REAR LEAF SPRING HAD BROKEN IN HALF AND THE FORWARD HALF WAS DANGLING IN THE AIR HELD THERE BY THE CLAMP THAT WAS INSTALLED AT THE DEALER (BONNELL MOTORS) WHERE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK AS PART OF NHTSA RECALL 98V16000. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION I NOTICED THE MIDDLE LEAF ON THE LEFT REAR LEAF SPRING APPEARS TO HAVE SHIFTED AS IT IS NO LONGER EVEN WITH THE OTHER TWO LEAFS. I ALSO TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BROKEN MIDDLE LEAF FROM THE RIGHT SIDE AND IT APPEARS THAT A MAJOR FRACTURE EXISTED FOR SOME TIME BEFORE THIS FINALLY DECIDED TO FAIL. MY FIRST ACTION WAS TO CALL FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO INFORM THEM AND TO FILE A COMPLAINT OF WHAT HAPPENED AND TO SEE IF THIS TYPE PROBLEM HAD BEEN REPORTED AND IF SO WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE. I ADVISED THEM OF THE RECALL ISSUED BY NHTSA (98V16000). HOWEVER I WAS TOLD THAT RECALL WAS ISSUED BY A THIRD PARTY NOT FORD AND THERE HAVEN'T BEEN COMPLAINTS RECEIVED OR RECALLS ISSUED FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM BY FORD. NEXT I WAS ADVISED BY FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BONNELL MOTORS AND TALK THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH THEY WOULDN'T MAKE ANY ASSURANCES FORD WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR AS THEY WORK ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS BETWEEN FORD AND DEALERS TO DETERMINE IF THE SITUATION WARRANTS IT. UPON MEETING WITH A SERVICE WRITER AT BONNELL MOTORS I WAS ADVISED THEY NEVER SAW THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM BEFORE, IN FACT THEY HAVE NEVER HAD TO ORDER LEAF SPRINGS BEFORE. THE SERVICE WRITER ADVISED ME THAT FORD'S STATEMENT ON SPRINGS WAS IF THE VEHICLE IS OVERLOADED OR UNDER LOADED CAN RESULT IN LEAF SPRINGS BREAKING. THE SERVICE WRITER LOOKED UP HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPLACE BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT LEAF SPRINGS. THAT COST WOULD BE $615.00, AND IF HAD 2,000 FEWER MILES FORD WOULD HAVE PAID ALL BUT A $250.00 DEDUCTIBLE. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONSUMER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, AND IT CONTINUED TO TURN WITHOUT STOPPING. THE CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING BOX. *JB

I HAVE CRACKS IN BOTH MY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ABOUT 2" ABOVE THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOWS. I LOOKED AT 24 OTHER F-150'S AND FOUND THAT 21 OF THEM HAD THE CRACKS AS WELL. *JB

THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *JB PH

FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE AREA AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS. VEHICLE AT A COMPLETE LOSS. FIREFIGHTERS COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF FIRE OTHER THAN IT ORIGINATING IN MIDDLE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *NLM

MY RIGHT SIDE WHEEL/THE LUG/NUTS ARE RUSTED OFF AND THE LUG CAP COMPLETELY MELTED OFF FROM WHERE THE EXHAUST COMES OUT FROM IN FRONT OF THE WHEEL. THE LUGS WILL NOT TIGHTEN ON THE WHEEL. I PURCHASED THE F-150 TRUCK USED AND NEVER WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL ON THE LUG/NUTS. THE OWNER BEFORE ME PURCHASED THE TRUCK FROM JOHN MEGAL DEALERSHIP IN DAHLONEGA GEORGIA. *NLM

THE TRUCK HAD A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT COVER GASKET AND MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER. AT COLD START, THE COOLANT IN THE CYLINDER CAUSED THE PISTON ROD TO BREAK. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD COST $4000. TO REPLACE. *NLM *TT

WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE STEERING COULD BE TURNED COMPLETELY AROUND AND AROUND. THE CONSUMER POPPED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE ROD THAT ATTACHED TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND GEAR BOX DETACHED DUE TO A BOLT THAT HAD COME OFF. *NLM

FORD F150 V6 TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. ENGINE THREW A ROD ON THE #1 CYLINDER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY CARED FOR AND NOT DRIVEN HARD AT ALL. THE INTERNET IS ABUNDANT WITH COMPLAINTS OF THIS ENGINE. *NLM

ENGINE FAILURE AT 73000 MILES, FOLLOWED ALL FORDS RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE. *JB

A TIE ROD FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT ENGINE SEAL AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED RESULTING IN AND ANTIFREEZE LEAK. SOME OF THE VEHICLES LIGHTS (DOME LIGHT AND DASH LIGHT) STAYED ON ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. *AK *NLM

I HAD PURCHASED THIS TRUCK ON DEC 19, 2002. THE NEXT DAY I DROVE IT TO TAMPA FL. WHILE ON THE WAY THERE AND WHILE IN TAMPA I HAD A FEW BRAKE FAILURES. WHEN I WAS COMING TO A STOP THE PEDAL SEEMED TO GET SOFT, THEN THEY WOULD GET REALLY HARD AND START PULSATING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. I WOULD HAVE TO LET OFF THE BRAKES, AND TRY AGAIN. I WAS LUCKY THAT IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNING AND MOST OF THE TIME I WAS NOT IN A LOT OF TRAFFIC, I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ON DEC 29,02. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. IN JANUARY IT MUST HAVE HAPPENED TO ME ABOUT A 12 TIMES, ALL WITH THE SAME EFFECTS. IN FEB 03, I TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM WAS BACK AGAIN NOW HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY, NOW MARCH AND THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPEN TO ME JUST ABOUT EVERY WEEK AT LEAST 4 TO 5 TIMES A WEEK. ON THE MORNING OF MAR 28 03, I WAS TAKING MY CHILD TO DAY CARE WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT. I COULD NOT STOP THE TRUCK, I LET OFF THE BRAKES ABOUT 2 MORE TIMES, THEN I FINALLY JUST APPLIED THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD AND GOT IT TO STOP A FEW INCHES FROM THE CAR THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME AT THAT POINT I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID BRING IT IN. I DROPPED IT OFF THE SAME DAY. WHEN I CALLED THEM THE FOLLOWING WEEK ON APRIL 1 2003. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER AND A CHECK VALVE. THEY TOLD ME THAT WITH ALL THE INFORMATION THAT I HAD GIVEN THEM AND FROM WHAT OTHER MECHANICS SAID IT WOULD HAVE TO BE THE THREE COMPONENTS THEY REPLACED. THAT NIGHT MY TRUCK WAS READY. I WAS VERY CONFIDENT THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM BUT I WAS WRONG ON APR 06 03. WHILE OUT AND ABOUT AND COMING HOME I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE TRUCK THEN SEEM TO SLOW DOWN, THEN THE BRAKES GOT HARD AGAIN AND STARTED PULSATING AT THE BOTTOM. *JB

THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLY FAILED. *JB

INTERIOR COURTESY LIGHT AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL STAY ON AFTER CLOSING THE VEHICLE DOORS. STAYS ON FROM 1 TO 30 MINUTES BEFORE TURNING ITSELF OFF, WHILE "DOOR OPEN" ALARM SOUNDS. DEALER NOT NOTIFIED. ORIGINAL DATE OF PROBLEM AUGUST 2000 (RANDOM OCCURRENCES). CURRENTLY EVERY TIME DOOR IS OPENED AND CLOSED. *JB

BOTH FRONT DOORS ARE CRACKED AT THE LOWER REAR OF THE WINDOW OPENING. I WAS WONDERING IF THIS IS CONSIDERED TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE, AND IF THERE IS A RECALL PLANED. *NLM

THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON MY 1997 FORD F150, 98V161000, RELATING TO FRACTURED LEAF SPRING. ACCORDING TO FORD, THIS SAFETY RECALL WAS APPLIED TO MY VEHICLE IN 2001. I HEARD A NOISE FROM THE BACK OF MY TRUCK WHEN STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION, AND BEGAN LOOKING AROUND. I SEE THAT THE CENTER LEAF SPRING ON THE REAR OF MY TRUCK IS BROKEN, EXACTLY THE PROBLEM THAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 98V161000 (98S18 PER FORD). I CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THEY SHOW NO OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGNS AGAINST MY VIN. AFTER ABOUT 5 ATTEMPTS TO GET SOMEONE AT FORD TO EXPLAIN THIS RECALL TO ME, I FINALLY GOT IN TOUCH WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE NAMED TISHA. SHE INFORMED ME THAT THIS RECALL HAD BEEN APPLIED TO MY VEHICLE BY LEIGH FORD, AND THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER THIS REPAIR. I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS. 1. SAFETY CONCERN. THE LEAF SPRING IS BROKEN, AND MAY CONTACT THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSE A LEAK AS DESCRIBED. FORD DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. WAS THIS RECALL APPLIED CORRECTLY? WAS THE FRACTURE THERE TO BEGIN WITH, AND JUST OVERLOOKED? I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS SAFE TO EVEN DRIVE THIS UNTIL THIS IS REPAIRED. 2. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND FORD SHOULD PAY TO HAVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE REPAIRED CORRECTLY AND IMMEDIATELY. *NLM

THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW TWICE AND CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK. THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED FOR SOME 1997 F150'S BUT NOT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE DUE TO VIN. *NLM *NLM

THE VEHICLES REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WITHIN TWO DAYS OF EACH OTHER. *NLM *SCC *NLM

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET LEAKED-REPLACEMENT AT 350.00 IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN THIS RECALL. AFTER REAIRING THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE FAILED AND IS NOW BEING REPLACED AT 3500.00 DOLLARS. FORD'S RECALL IS INADEQUATE.

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS CRACKED. *NLM

I LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL ON MY 1997 FORD F-150 EXTENDED CAB PICK UP TRUCK. THE STEERING ROD HAD COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING GEAR. I QUESTIONED THE FORD DEALER WHO MADE THE REPAIRS AS TO HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN. THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM BEFORE. SINCE THEN I WITNESSED ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE ENCOUNTER THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. DUE TO LARGE AMOUNT OF EXPLORERS, EXPEDITIONS AND F150'S ON THE ROAD TODAY, THIS WAS VERY CONCERNING TO ME. FORTUNATELY IN BOTH CASES WE WERE TRAVELING AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW AND NEVER HAD WORK DONE ON THE STEERING PREVIOUS TO THIS PROBLEM. *NLM

THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHICH CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NLM

GOODYEAR TIRE HAD LOW PRESSURE, CAUSING THEM TO BLOWOUT. IN ADDITION, CONSUMER REPLACED WHEELS:CAP/COVER/HUB, AND EXHAUST SYSTEM.*AK

A BOLT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE, AND CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB

REAR SLIDING WINDOW LEAK, RESEALED MULTIPLE TIMES TO NO AVAIL.... LEAKS BOTH FROM WHERE FRAME ATTACHES TO BODY AND FROM CRACKS IN WINDOW FRAME ITSELF, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES AT TOP. WINDOW FRAME REQUIRES REPLACEMENT WITH NEWER MANUFACTURED UNIT (DIFFERENT DESIGN FROM NEWER MODEL YEAR). *NLM

THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF A KNOCKING NOISE.*JB

HEATER CORE FAILURE. ALL INDICATIONS THAT THIS IS COMMON TO FORD, BUT THE DEALER DENIES IT. THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE A HIGH FAILURE RATE.*JB

THE CLUTCH SEAL SHRUNK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD WHICH CAUSED FLUID TO RUN OUT. *JB

THE VEHICLE HAS STRESS FRACTURES ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 2-3 INCHES ABOVE THE WINDOW BASE. *NLM

THE DOME LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAYED ON.*JB

AFTER CLOSING DOOR, INTERIOR LIGHT, CARGO LIGHT ALONG WITH DOOR AJAR LIGHT SOMETIMES WILL NOT SHUT OFF AFTER GETTING INSIDE VEHICLE. THIS MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING WITH A LOT OF FORD PICKUPS.

REFER TO TSB 99207 LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. COOLANT WILL GET INTO EITHER THE INTAKE OR EXHAUST PORTS, WITH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. MOST FAILURES ARE OCCURING BETWEEN 60 AND 80K MILES. JUST PAST MOST FORD WARRANTIES. THEY INSTALLED A HIGH FAILURE GASKET IN THE 1997 F150 WITH THE 4.2L V6 FOR APPROXIMATELY A YEAR, AND NOW PEOPLE ARE REAPING THE BENEFITS OF THE REPAIR COST TO CORRECT. IF YOU REFER TO WWW.F150ONLINE.COM AND SEE THE MESSAGE BOARDS, THE PROBLEMS ARE BEGINNING TO POUR IN AS THESE TRUCKS REACH THIS MILEAGE. FORD DID NOT NOTIFY ANY OWNERS AND SHOULD HAVE DONE SO, SO THAT THE OWNER MAY HAVE TAKEN THE APPROPRIATE AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS WITH THE DEALER.

THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN JOINT BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES NOT TO TURN WITH THE STEERING WHEEL.*JB

THE LEFT REAR SPRING ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE LEFT REAR SPRING WAS REPAIRED. *AK *JB AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, IN DECEMBER 2002, THE RIGHT SPRING HAD BROKEN. THE CONSUMER RESEARCHED TO SEE IF OTHER VEHICLE'S HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM, NINE WERE FOUND. THE DEALER ACTED AS THEY WEREN'T AWARE OF THE RECALL # 098V16000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED HIS MONEY BACK FOR THE REPAIR OF THE LEFT SPRING. SCC

BROKEN FRONT TORSION BAR (RS) ON A 1997 FORD F150 4WD. NO CRASH, NO PROPERTY DAMAGE . SAW PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION WHILE SEARCHING FOR RECALLS. ALSO SPOKE TO FORD DEALER WHO STATED THIS WAS NOT UNCOMMON.I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY THIS INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED SO QUICKLY.

WATER WAS FOUND IN THE OIL DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE IN AUG 2002. THE VIN WAS TRACED BACK TO BE PART OF THE TIMING CHAIN COVER RECALL. WHEN THE VEHCILE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER, THE DEALER CLAIMED NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL. WHEN FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONTACTED, THEY DID ACKNOWLEGE THE RECALL, AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE RECALL. WE NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER, AND WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED. WE MADE THE DECISION TO PAY $800 FOR THE RECALL REPAIR (WHICH THE DEALER HAPPENED TO HAVE A KIT IN STOCK). SIX MONTHS LATER, THE ENGINE HAS APPARENTLY BLOWN ANOTHER GASEKET (SOUNDS LIKE THE MANIFOLD GASKET FROM OTHERS EXPERIENCE) AND FILLED THE #1 CYLINDER WITH WATER. OTHER INTERNAL DAMAGE IS UNKNOWN, THE ENGINE WILL BE REPLACED RATHER THAN REPAIRED AGAIN.

WITH NO PREVIOUS INDICATIONS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG, UPON STARTING ENGINE HEARD LOUD CLACKING SOUND, SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO MECHANIC. WHO SAID IT WAS AN INTERNAL PROBLEM THAT COULD ONLY BE FIXED BY FORD DEALERSHIP OR A MACHINE SHOP. IT WAS A HOLIDAY SO WE TOOK IT TO A MACHINE SHOP WHO VERIFIED HIS PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER WITH THE SAME MODEL ENGINE BEFORE THAT A ROD WAS BENT WHICH CRACKED THE PISTON, CAUSED FROM A "DEFECT IN FORD'S INTAKE HEAD GASKET", WHICH LEAKED WATER INTO THE ENGINE. HE ALSO STATED ONE MORE CRANK OR RUN A LITTLE LONGER THE PISTON WOULD HAVE SHATTERED AND GONE THROUGH THE CRANK SHAFT WHICH COULD HAVE ENDANGERED ANYONE IN IT'S RANGE (HWY, ETC.). THE ENGINE IS NOW BEING REPAIRED AND WHEN FORD WAS CONTACTED THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEM WITH THE GASKET AND ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THE MACHINE SHOP HAS A "SERVICE NOTIFICATION" THAT THE GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL NOT LEAK. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF FORD HAD SENT NOTICE TO OWNER'S. I FEEL FORD SHOULD OWN UP TO THEIR DEFECTIVE PART AND PAY FOR COSTS OWNER'S LIKE MYSELF HAVE ENCOUNTERED. I HAVE A NOTICE OF RECALL FOR A DIFFERENT GASKET LEAKING COOLANT WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP, #99B29.

TIRE BLEW (THE TIRE TYPE IS GENERAL AMERI*550AS). PH

GAS PEDAL STUCK AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL ON PAVEMENT. *DT

THE PAINT WAS OXIDIZING IN SEVERAL PLACES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOTHING BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *NLM

CRACK IN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SHEET METAL AT THE LOWER REAR OF THE BELT MOLDING.SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 996754 BULLETIN SEQUENCE NUMBER: 845 DATE OF BULLETIN: 9908 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: SB608461

DOOR CRACKS ON RIGHT AND LEFT DOORS 2" UP FROM BOTTOM OF WINDOW. RUST ON BOTTOM OF RIGHT AND LEFT DOORS

WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKES WERE APPLIED, VEHICLE PULLED TO RIGHT AND BRAKES STARTING SQUEAKING. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE EQUIPMENT THAT HOLDS THE BRAKE CALIPERS BREAKING, WHICH LEFT THE CALIPER NOT MOUNTED. TS

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BACK WINDOW FELL OUTWARD WITHOUT WARNING ALL IN ONE PIECE. TS REAR WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT

FOIA REQUEST ANY NEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL OF THE 1997 FORD F-150 PICKUP TRUCKS AND FIRES CAUSED BY THE FAULTY FUEL LINE, THE CONSMERS 1997 FORD 150 WAS DESTROYED BY A FIRE IN NOVEMBER 2000, REF ES2001081176/S/ SHELTON 3/10/2001 *PH (NAR) *CB THE CONSUMER WANTD TO KNOW IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL #00V23100. *JB

REAR WINDOW LEAK

FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT IN 1997. RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL WAS INADEQUATE. PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770847

THE HEAD GASKET ON MY "97" FORD F150 FAILED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING FILLING #4 CYLINDER WITH COOLANT AND BENDING A ROD. NO WARNING, NO OVERHEATING, WATER IN THE OIL, ETC. ONLY A FLICKERING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT WAS SIMPLY A FACTORY DEFECTIVE GASKET AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BLOWN CONSIDERING MILEAGE AND UP KEEP AND MAINTENANCE DONE TO THIS VEHICLE. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I AM FINDING THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THAT FORD HAS HAD MORE THAN A FEW GASKET FAILURES WITH THIS ENGINE. *PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770846

CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL EXPERIENCED PULSATION WHILE DRIVING. THE SERVICE CENTER STATED THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THE DEALER FAILED TO INFORM THE BUYER OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO PURCHASE. SCC *JB

THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *TT *NLM

THE SPARE TIRE THAT IS MOUNTED ON VEHICLE IS RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME OR BODY OF VEHICLE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO BE WORN IN 8 DIFFERENT PLACES. CONSUMER NOTICED THIS WHILE CHANGING A FLAT, THE RUBBER TREAD HAD WORN DOWN TO THE PLASTIC. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *TS

UPON STARTING VEHICLE THERE IS A CONSTANT BANGING NOISE. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER STATES VEHICLE SPUN A ROD, AND CAUSE COOLANT TO GET IN OIL AND ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

LEFT AND RIGHT HEAD GASKETS FAILED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO CYLINDERS. ****DIMMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS******770825. *AK *JB

1997 FORD F150. *PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770822

POWER STEERING GEAR BOLTS BROKE. THERE WAS A POP NOISE AND CONSUMER COULD TURN STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION BUT FRONT WHEELS WOULD NOT TURN. DEALER REPLACED BROKEN BOLTS FROM GEAR. REPAIRED POWER STEERING LEAK AT HOSE FROM RESERVOIR TO PUMP. *TT

CONSUMER STATES THE REAR WINDOW GLASS IS LEAKING WATER INTO CABIN OF VEHICLE. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM WITH THE ASSEMBLY OF THE GLASS. DEALER NEEDS A SPECIAL FORD PART DUE TO GLASS ASSEMBLY BEING PART OF VEHICLE'S FRAME. TS REAR WINDSHIELD REPLACED. *TT

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING.THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. TS

1997 FORD F150. *******DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02*******770803. *AK *JB

1997 FORD F150. *PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770804

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE RESULTING IN BENT CONNECTING ROD REQUIRING MAJOR ENGINE REPAIR. *****DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS *******770801. *AK *JB

THE STEERING SHAFT BECAME DETACHED FROM THE STEERING GEAR BOX.

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD GASKETS. ALSO STATED THAT WENT OUT TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE AND WHITE SMOKE CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HA A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. TS

I OWN A FORD F150 TRUCK BOPOUGHT NEW IN MARCH OF 1997. I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A LOW TIRE AND THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT THE WHEEL WAS LEAKING AIR AND SHOWED ME THE PROBLEM. THE AREA AROUND THE VALVE STEM WAS VERY RUSTY AND WAS LEAKING AIR THROUGH THE STEEL MATERIAL OF THE WHEEL. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ANY OF THE MANY VEHICLES OWNED BY ME IN THE PAST. A QUESTION TO THE LOCAL DEALER INDICATED NO RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS FROM FORD REGARDING THIS MATTER. I CONSIDER THIS TO SOME DEGREE A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE LOW TIRE PRESSURE CONTRIBUTES TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCIDENTS. I HAVE THREE OTHER WHEELS THAT MAY WELL BE AFFECTED. I HAVE YET TO CONTACT THE COMPANY DUE TO THE NATURE OF BUSINESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS. I WILL APPRECIATE YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS PROBLEM AND PERHAPS INVESTIGATING WHETHER IT IS WIDESPREAD OF NOT. THANKS MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

1997 FORD F150, HEATER/DEFROST DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY ALL THE TIME, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT BLOWS COLD AIR. IN BAD WEATHER VISABILTY IS GREATLY REDUCED.

1997 FORD F150 XLT SUPERCAB. DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS--------------770779. *AK *NLM

DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BY WINDOW CRACKED.CALLED FORD SIDE WILL NOT FIX SERVICE BULLETIN 996754

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A SUDDEN STOP IN FRONT. AND THE CONSUMER HIT HIM FROM BEHIND AND THE DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A SUDDEN STOP IN FRONT. AND THE CONSUMER HIT HIM FROM BEHIND AND THE DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO 99-20-7. DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS--------770763. *AK *NLM

CONSUMER STATES TIE RODS BROKE WHILE DRIVING CAUSING WHEEL TO MOVE ERRATICALLY. CONSUMER NOT ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED IN 1 YEAR. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED AT 40K MILES. MR

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 04/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT IN 1996 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. DT

THIS LEAK HAS POSSIBLY DAMAGED MY ENGINE IT WAS A FORD DESIGN FLAW WHAT CAN I DO? I ATTEMPTED TO SEND YOU THIS REPORT ON 12/07/02 BUT IT WAS NOT COMPLETE WAS THE MESSAGE THAT WAS SENT BACK TO MY E-MAIL. THEREFORE, I AM SENDING THIS TO YOU AGAIN I UNDERSTAND THAT A RECALL NUMBER 99B29 HAS BEEN PLACED BY FORD BUT IT DOES NOT COVER THIS PROBLEM. WHAT CAN I DO? PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD AND LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO HERE! DT

1- LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL AND CYLINDERS, CAUSING ENGINE HYDROLOCK. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. 2- ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 03/1996, IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE FAILURES. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD THEY TOLD ME TO BAD. DT

A TAPPING NOISE HAS OCCURED IN THE ENGINE. A FORD MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS A SPUN ROD BEARING. FORD CLAIMS THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP ME FOR A MALFUCNTION CAUSED BY A BAD FRONT COVER GASKET LEAK. THIS CAUSED THE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE OIL, MIXING WATER WTIH OIL. I KNOW I'M NOT THE FIRST TO REPORT THIS. I WAS INFORMED BY OTHER OWNERS TO FILE A COMPLAINT AS WELL. DT

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.. TS

THIS WAS A RECALL. IT WAS REPLACED BUT NOW IT LEAKS. *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****76953

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 06/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR IT BECAME STUCK. TS SCC *JB

WHILE DRIVING THE PICKUP TRUCK THE BRAKES FAILED TOTALLY. INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE ROTTED AT REAR AXLE FLEX HOSE CONNECTION. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN BACKED INTO FRESH OR SALT WATER (AS IN LAUNCHING A BOAT). THE TRUCK HAS SPENT ALL IT'S YEARS IN NEW ENGLAND AND SALT IS USED ON THE ROADS IN WINTER. I DO NOT BELIEVE A TRUCK. JUST UNDER 5 YEARS OLD SHOULD HAVE THE BRAKE LINES RUST OUT AND CAUSE A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. EITHER THE BRAKE LINES ARE OF THE WRONG MATERIAL OR WRONGLY POSITIONED. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF I HAD BEEN AT HIGHER SPEED AND IN TRAFFIC. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN EMPLOYED IN NORMAL PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION ONLY. DT

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES' TURN KEY HEARD A LOUD BANGING COMING FROM ENGINE, TURN OFF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, DEALER LOOKED AT MOTOR REMOVED ENGINE COVER, IT CHECKED OUT FINE. MECHANIC STATED COOLANT IS GETTING INTO ENGINE FLUID THIS WILL DESTROY ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

UNDER HOOD FIRE AFTER SITTING FOR 3 HOURS WITH THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FIRE STARTED AT MIDNIGHT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR SAYS THE ORIGIN WAS AT THE MASTER CYLINDER.

HEAD GASKET FAILURE COOLANT IN CYLINDER. DT

NHTSA# 8719-98-V-095-161-000 REAR LEAF SPRING, THE CENTER LEAF OF THE SPPRING CAN FRACTURE AT THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE SPRING SEAT. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A NOISE AND THE SPRING IS FALLING APART. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. TS

"ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL WAS INADEQUATE." DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED, CREATING COOLANT LEAK. FORD RECALL 99B29 AFFECTED 141,800 1997 FORD F-150 4.2L ENGINES. FORD DID NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN THIS RECALL BUT IT HAS SUFFERED THE SAME GASKET FAILURE. DT

ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29 INDICATING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKETS FAILED, ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE OIL. ISSUE IS ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH TSB ARTICLE NO. 99-20-7. DT

I WENT OUT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE MOTOR LOCKED UP. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF SEVERAL CASES OF THIS SAME ENGINE FAILING AND I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING SOMEONE WILLING TO REBUILD IT. DT

THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE FORD RECALL 99B29. AFTER CONTACTING FORD. THEY REFUSE TO EXTEND THE RECALL. IT IS MY BELIEF, THAT THE RECALL WAS TOO NARROW IN SCOPE AND SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCKS. MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM (LEAKING GASKET WHICH IN TURN PERMITS THE COOLANT TO LEAK ANTIFREEZE INTO THE ENGINE, THEREBY DAMAGING THE ENGINE). THE 1997 FORD F-150 WAS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NEW MODEL DESIGN AND APPARENTLY FORD IS NOT STEPPING UP TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. MY RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WITH THE 1997 F-150 WHEN THE TRUCK HAS REACHED 60,000-70,000 MILES AND AFTER THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE FORD DEALERS AS WELL AS CORPORATE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM AND ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS RECALL WAS NOT BROAD ENOUGH TO COVER THE MANY TRUCKS THAT HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM. HAD MY VEHICLE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK IMMEDIATELY TO MY DEALER TO HAVE THE WORK PERFORMED, THEREBY AVOIDING ANY POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK'S ENGINE. INSTEAD, I WAS NOT THE RECIPIENT OF A RECALL LETTER AND FORD TELLS ME MY TRUCK IS NOT INCLUDED. IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT MY TRUCK EXPERIENCED THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEMS WHICH THE RECALL SPECIFICALLY STATES: " 1997 FORD F-SERIES 150, EQUIPPED WITH 4.2 L ENGINE; VEHICLE MY EXPERIENCE ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKET; THEREBY CAUSING SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED". THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY TRUCK AND HOW FORD CAN NOT CLAIM LIABILITY IS UNCONSCIONABLE. I WOULD ASK THAT YOU PLEASE LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS DEFECT AND TRY TO GET THE RECALL BROADENED IN SCOPE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. DT

ENGINE LIGHT IS ON RELATING TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROLS STUCK OPEN, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT AIR/FUEL MIXTURE AND LOW VACUUM PRESSURE. DT

FRONT ENGINE COVER GASKET FAILED IN LINE WITH RECALL 99B29. FORD DOES NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK, BUILT 05/97 IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 99B29, PROVING THE ORIGINAL RECALL HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DT

NO SUMMARY. DT

SIDEWALL SEPERATING FROM TREAD. COULD SEE STEEL CORDS ON BOTH FRONT TIRES. DT

HAD JUST PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CENTER OF F150 WITH LEFT FRONT FENDER. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES AND TREATED IN EMERGENCY ROOM. TS

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE REAR END WILL SWAY TO THE LEFT AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS

CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER TAKING OFF THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. MR

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. MR

CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR FRAMES ARE CRACKING DOWN THE CENTER BELOW THE WINDOW. MR

CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THE BRAKES WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING A REFUND FOR THE COST OF BRAKE REPAIR. *YH *SCC

WHILE TRAVELING 30-35 MPH A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF TRUCK WHICH THE DRIVER DID HIT. THE TRUCK SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE ENBANKMENT. AFTERWARDS, THE TRUCK WENT AIR BORNE AND THE IMPACT ONCE HITTING THE GROUND DUG 7" INCHES INTO THE GROUND. NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNDER NONE OF THESE CONDITIONS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS TS

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEM WITH A CRANK RODS DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS

THE CONSUMER IS CONCERN AT THIS TIME HE RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE COIL SPRING. THE RECALL NUMBER #98S18 AND HE HAD THE REPAIR DONE ON OCT 5TH 1998. AT THIS TIME THE PROBLEM IS STILL EXIST. TS

HIT FROM BEHIND/RAMMED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AT APPROX 30 MPH; ABS DID NOT WORK (BRAKES LOCKED INSTANTLY); AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON EITHER IMPACT; SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK TO RESTRAIN PASSENGERS. MR

FORD KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING DOORS AND WILL NOT FIX THEM. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MR

ENGINE REPLACEMENT/ I HAVE BEEN A FIRM BELIEVER IN FORD PRODUCTS AND STILL BELIEVE THAT FORD MAKES A GOOD PRODUCT...I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE POSITION I WAS PLACED IN LAST WEEK...I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED MY FORD TRUCK THE BEST THAT I COULD AND NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH IT FOR THE 6 YRS I HAVE OWNED MY TRUCK...I HAVE EXPERIENCED A FEW STALL OUTS A FEW TIMES BUT NOTHING THAT I TOOK TO SERIOUS, I FIGURED MAYBE A SPARK PLUG PROBLEM...THE FACT THAT MY ENGINE WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT AT 86000 IS BEYOND ME. LOOKING INTO THE COMPLAIANCE INVETIGATIONS SUMMARY I REALIZED THAT I AM IN COMPANY WITH MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT...I FEEL THAT THIS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURES ENGINE AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT ENGINE. MR

CONSUMER STATES THAT WITHOUT WARNING THE TWO FRONT DOORS WILL STICK AND IT WILL BE HARD TO OPEN FOR THE CONSUMER TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A RECALL ON THE REAR LEAF SPRING CLIP TO PREVENT LEAF SPRING FROM PUNCTURING TANK. CONSUMER STATES FEELS THAT RECALL WAS NOT PROPERLY CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATER AND BRAKE ARE TOO CLOSE. CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO BRAKE AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT A HOUSE. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE BACK BRAKES WILL LOCK UP. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *MR THE CONSUMER STATES THAT FORD WILL NOT AGREE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. *SCC

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ROTORS AND PADS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND REPAIRED A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. NLM

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS. DOTW208IPT187, P23570R16 104 S. CONSUMER STATED AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *NLM ON SAME DAY, ANOTHER TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. WEATHER WAS CLEAR. THE ROAD WAS DRY. TREAD REMAINING ON EACH TIRE WAS 7/32". *TT

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. VEHICLE'S FUEL LINE HAD BEEN FIXED 2 MONTHS PRIOR UNDER RECALL 00V231000. NLM *JG

FIRESTONE HAD ME TAKE IT TO A TIRE STORE(D&D TIRE) AND HAD ALL 5 TIRES INSPECTED AND THE 4 ON THE GROUND HAD TREAD SEPARATION IN THE OUTER BELTS OF THE TIRES, AND ONE OF THE TIRE'S HAS ONLY APPROX. 15000 MILES ON IT , I REPLACED IT BECAUSE OF ROAD HAZARD CUT IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE OEM,I FEEL THAT THE TIRE PROBLEM STARTED AT ABOUT 24000TO 26000 MILE ON THE TRUCK BECAUSE IT STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT AT THAT TIME I HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECK AND IT SHOWED GOOD, NEVER THINKING IT WAS THE TIRE'S BECAUSE THE TREAD LOOKED GOOD ON ALL OF THEM, I WISH NOW I WOULD HAVE HAD THEM CHECKED BY A TRAINED EXPERT. *AK

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 5-6 HOURS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.*AK

BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN CHANGED TWICE. THIS WAS CAUSED BY RUSTED ROTORS WHICH WENT BAD, CAUSING LOOSE REAR BRAKES. DEALER HAS BEEN AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

HEAD GASKET HAS GONE OUT, CAUSING A ROD IN ENGINE TO BREAK. AND ENGINE HAS BLOWEN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION*AK

CONSUMER STATE WHILE DRIVING THE REAR FLEX BRAKE LINE CHAFFED THROUGH CAUSING IT TO RUB AGAINT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. *TT CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAUSE WAS FORD HAD CLIPPED AND TUCKED THE BRAKE LINE UP. CONSUMER IS SEEKING A REFUND, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED. *YH *DT

HEAD ON THE VEHICLE THAT MEETS ENGINE HAS CRACKED, AND IS LEAKING WATER. IN DOING SO ENGINE IS ABLE TO OVERHEAT. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANAFOLD GASKIT CAUSED ENGINE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO CYLINDER ON TOP OF PISTON WHEN ENGINE WAS STARTED THE CONNECTING ROD BENT CAUSING ENGINE FAILURER

WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS OTHER THAN WET, THE ABS SENSOR'S INPROPERLY ENGAGE SENDING THE BRAKES INTO A FRENZY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ALL BRAKING ABILITY IS LOSSED UNLESS YOU SMASH DOWN ON THE PEDAL. THIS HAS HAPPEND TO ME ON DRY LAND GOING OVER A MAN HOLE COVER ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO STOP SHORT BUT COULDN'T. I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE, BUT IT IS SOMETHING FORD HAS NOT WANTED TO ADDRESS. I KNOW PROBABLY HUNDREDS MORE WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON THIS TRUCK. THIS IS A MAJOR MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESS BY FORD IMMEDIATLY. FIRST IT WAS THE TIRES GOING ON THE EXPLORERES, DON'T LET IT BE THE BRAKES FAILING ON SOME FAMILIES TRUCK CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES OR POSSIBLY DEATH!*AK

2/01 VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO LITHIA FORD IN CONCORD TO DIAGNOSE OVER HEATING. COOLING SYSTEM WAS CHECKED AND STATED C.S. WAS HOLDING AT THAT TIME, TORE DOWN MOTOR, FOUND BAD BEARINGS, OIL PAN MILKY, HEAD GASKET BAD. REPLACED W/4.2 ENGINE WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXT WARRANTY, OTHER RECOMMENDED FIX CLUTCH DISC THROW OUT BEARINGS. 11/2000, PWR STEERING HOSE BAD, REPLACED,10/01 CK ENG LIT ONE,, IDLE AIR CNTROL VALVE REPLACED,6/02 OVERHEARING, NEW THERMO,COOLNT FLSH, OIL CHANGE, NEW BRAKES RECOMMENDED, DONE.9/4/02, OVERHEATING AGAIN, RECOMMENDED NEW RADIATOR/WATER PUMP, INQIRED ON PCV MODIFICATION RECALL, THEY WILL REPLACE.*AK

BELTS BROKEN IN 2 RADIAL TIRES AT ONE TIME; NO ACCIDENT OR ADDITIONAL DAMAGE. NO VISUAL DAMAGE TO OTHER FRONT TIRE BUT STEERING STILL ERRATIC AT ROAD SPEEDS.*AK

RENEE BORSTAD ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER. CONSUMER INCURRED A MAJOR EXPENSE FOR REPAIRS TO A DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD GASKET. AFTER LEARNING IN THE PROCESS OF THE REPAIRS THAT FORD HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECT AND ISSUED TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THE DEFECT, THE COMPANY HAS REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES PAID. *JG

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES AND STAYS ON. HAD VEHICLE CHECK, THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM GROSS LEAK WAS DETECTED CODE PO455.CONTACTED DEALER.*JB

TRUCK AND BEEN PARKED THE PREVIOUS DAY WITH NO PROBLEM, UPON CRANKING THE NEXT DAY MOTOR STARTED KNOCKING. INSPECTION SHOWS BENT PISTON ROD ON # 3 CYLINDER WHICH ALLOWDE THE PISTON TO STRIKE THE CRANK SHAFT. THIS WAS CAUSED FRON THE HEAD GASKET ALLOWING FLUID TO SEEP INTO THE CYLINDER.*AK

I CONTACTED COURTESY FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL,SO I REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH AUSED ENGINE BECAUSE I COULDN'T AFORD A NEW ENGINE. AS A RESULT THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE ENGINE DIDN'T RUN HOT, BUT THERE WAS FLUID FOUND IN THE 1ST CYLINDER, THE CRANKSAFT WAS TWISTED, THE CONNECTING ROD WAS BROKE, AND THERE WAS A CHUNK TAKEN OUT OF THE BLOCK. ON THE SECOND ENGIN I FOUND FLUID IN THE FIRST CYINDER AND THE ENGIN WILL NOT RUN. I HAVE RECENTLY SPOKE WITH SOME MACHANICS(THAT WORK FOR FORD)AND THEY SAID THAT"ABOUT 90% OF THE 4.2 L V6 FROM 1997 HAVE BEEN RETURNED."*AK

STEERING COLUMN FAILED AT STEERING SHAFT GEAR INPUT.... COULD SPIN THE WHEEL LIKE A FRISBY AFTER GOING OFF THE ROAD. NO SOUND, NO NOISE, NO WARNING..AND, THANK GOD, NO BODY AROUND.

THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A CHRONIC BRAKE PROBLEM. THE PREVIOUS OWNER TRADED THE VEHICLE IN DUE TO BRAKES THAT WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY AND SUNNY KING FORD WOULD NOT REPAIR. SUNNY KING FORD SALESMAN LIED TO ME SAYING THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK BASED ON HIS STATEMENT. I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD TO LEAVE THE TRUCK WITH THE ON AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BEFORE THE BRAKES WORKED SATISFACTORILY. NOW, WHILE DRIVING DOWN US HWY 280 AT ABOUT 60 MPH THE 4.2L 6 CYLINDER ENGINE, WITH ONLY 68,000 MILES ON IT, THREW THE #6 ROD, BLOWING UP THE ENGINE. SUNNY KING FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT LATER TELLS ME THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY IT HAPPENED, IT JUST DOES SOMETIMES. I REGULARLY SERVICE MY VEHICLES AND THE ENGINE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED AT A KWIK OIL CHANGE LOCATED AT 3635 MARY TAYLOR ROAD BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35235 (205-655-4788) ON 7-2-2002, 14 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE BLOWING. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS MORE THAN I'VE HAD IT, AND I'VE ONLY OWNED IT FOR 6 MONTHS. WHEN THE ENGINE BLEW SUNNY KING TOLD ME IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I PAID THEM AN ADDITIONAL $3,375.99 SO I WOULDN'T BE MAKING $360 PER MONTH PAYMENTS ON A JUNK VEHICLE I COULDN'T DRIVE.WHY HAS MY FORD TRUCK BEEN SUCH A PIECE OF JUNK?*AK

LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. STABILIZER BAR FELL OFF FOR THE SECOND TIME

ON BOTH OCCASIONS WHILE TAKING TURNS AT LOW SPEED TIE RODS SNAPPED WHERE THREADED ROD ATTACHES TO MAIN HOUSING OF TIE ROD. IN BOTH CASES I WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE BEFORE STRIKING EITHER ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR OTHER OBJECTS. WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS I ASKED THE DEALER IF THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURENCE HE HESITATED THEN SAID NO. THEN WHILE WALKING TO SERVICE AREA TO FILL OUT FORMS I PASSED TWO OTHER TRUCKS WITH SAME PROBLEMS OF SNAPPED TIE RODS. WHILE RELATING THIS STORY TO SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICE OFFICERS WHO DRIVE SIMILAR VEHICLES, THEY REPORTED THAT THEY WERE ON THERI THIRD AND FORTH SETS OF TIE RODS FOR THEIR VEHICLES.

WHLE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED A SPARK PLUG BROKE. AS A RESULT OF BROKEN SPARK PLUG, ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING SEVERELY. TRUCK HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF DAMAGES TO HEAD AND ROCKER ARM. *AK *YH

PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR RIM CRACKED AT WELD WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. CONSUMER NOTICED THE TIRE WENT FLAT, WHEN PULLING THE VEHICLE OVER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK JLG

HEATER CORE FAILED. INSTANTLY FOGGED INSIDE OF ALL WINDOWS. IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. AT 65 MPH THIS COULD BE LETHAL! WHY, HAS THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED?*AK

SAME PROBLEM ON RECALL OF 1995-1996 FORD MINI VANS. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

WINSHIELD WIPERS RARELY WORK ON INTERMITTENT SETTING AND IF THEY DO THEY ARE NOT CONSISTANT IN TIMING. ABOUT 30% OF THE TIME THE WIPPERS WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. WASHERS WORK ONLY 20-25% OF THE TIME.*AK

EXHAUST PIPE IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO TIRES. THE HEAT FROM EXHAUST PIPE CAUSES THE TIRES TO MELT AND RIM TO CORRODE. AK SCC

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. OIL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH OF VEHICLE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 15MPH TIE ROD: INNER BROKE OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.*AK

I HAVE NOTICED THAT I HAVE DEVOLPED CRACKS ON MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR. IM CURIOUS TO KNOW WHY SOME SORT OF ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I HAVE READ ON CERTAIN FORD WEBSITES THAT AS MUCH AS 65% OF F150 PICKUP TRUCKS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IM WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.*AK

WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT, THIS WAS DUE TO A BROKEN LEAF SPRING WHICH HAD GOUGED THE TIRE, APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. *SLC

CONSUMER NOTICED DEEP CRACKS AROUND THE OUTER EDGES OF THE TIRES, CONSUMER TOOK THE TIRES TO A FIRESTONE STORE AND AFTER AN INSPECTION, WAS INFORMED THAT THE TREAD WAS BEGINNING TO SEPARATE, THESE TIRES WERE A PART OF RECALL 01T016 THAT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED, HOWEVER THE FIRESTONE STORE STATED THAT SINCE THE RECALL WAS OVER WITH, THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE FOR THE CONSUMER, FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES, NO FURTHER SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. *SLC

PASSENGER SIDE TYROD FAILED AT THE BALLJOINT ON HIGHWAY AT 65MPH. WE HAD A MECHANIC REPLACE THE TYROD AND HE DISCOVERED THE DRIVER'S SIDE TYROD EXTREMELY WORN. NO CRASH INVOLVED-THANK GOODNESS. THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE REPORTED. WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THE FORD-F150 WITH JUST OVER +65,000 ON VEHICLE. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS. THANKS. K. PAGANO. *AK

THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY FRONT COVER GASKET ON THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED COOLANT LEAK IN TURN CAUSING AN OVERHEAT SITUATION WHICH LEAD TO AN INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE, WHICH MAY ALSO LEAD TO AN ENGINE FAILURE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE T&W FORD DEALERSHIP IN WILLIAMSTOWN, KY WHERE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT COVER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE GASKETS AND ALSO O2 SENSORS AT A COST OF 1500.00, I DID THE WORK OF GASKET REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF 60.00. *AK

HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AFTER ABOUT AN 8HR DRIVE, ALL ON THE INTERSTATE, 65MPH AVG SPEED, WHEN I BEGAN TO NOTICE A STRANGE VIBRATION AND ASSOCIATED STRANGE THUMPING SOUND. PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE HAD GONE FLAT. CALLED AAA AND THE REPLACED WITH THE SPARE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE TIRE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FLAT IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A SECTION OF THE TREAD, ABOUT 5 INCHES, HAD PEELED AWAY FROM THE TIRE CORE. THE 3 REMAINING TIRES WERE CHECKED FOR PROPER INFLATION AND WERE ALL FOUND TO BE IN THE 35PSI RANGE. WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND IN THE LOW 90S. ALSO THE REMAINING TIRES WERE INSPECTED FOR ANY SIGNS OF FAILURE AND NUMEROUS CRACKS BETWEEN THE TREAD AREA AND SIDEWALL WERE NOTED AND ALL TIRES WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS AN ESTIMATED 50% OF ORIGINAL TREAD REMAINING. *AK

ROD BEARING FAILURE AT ONLY 73000 MILES. *AK

HORN ASSEMBLY WILL NOT WORK AT ALL, AND AIRBAG LIGHT APPEARS ON DASHBOARD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK. CONSUMER STATES THE HORN WOULD NOT STOP BLOWING, AND THE AIRBAG WOULD ALSO HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECASUE THE HORN CONTACTS WERE ON THE SAME MODULE AS THE AIRBAG.*JB

TREAD BEGAN TO SEPARATE - CAUGHT BEFORE TIRE FAILED. *AK

HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHORTED OUT AND STARTED TO SMOKE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, AND WHEN DOING SO, BRAKE LINE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. CONSUMER COULD NOT STOPVEHICLE. HAD TO STOP VEHICLE WITH PARKING BRAKE ON. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AKI

THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. WE TURNED THE KEY ON TO START THE ENGINE AND THE ROD WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE AND OIL PAN. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS INDICATING ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEH DID NOT USE ANY OIL. IT RECIEVED ITS OIL CHANGES REGULARLY. IT HAD BEEN RUNNING JUST FINE. THEY PUT A NEW ENGINE IN IT AND NOW IT VIBRATES MAKES A POPPING NOISE AND RUNS LOUD. THEY TOLD US THIS IS ALL WITHIN FORD SPECS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. WE PAID OVER $13000 FOR A VEH THAT TOOK A DUMP AFTER 10 MONTHS. WE COULD NOT EVEN GET THIS DEALERS SALE MANAGER TO RETURN A CALL. EVERYONE ELSE AT THE DEALER SAID WELL IT WORKED GOOD FOR 10000 MILES. I CALLED FORD AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND THAT IS IT. THEY ALSO DID NOTHING FOR US. I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH ANYONE. I FINALLY WENT OVER THERE AND CORNERED THE MANAGER AND HE SAYS HE DOESN'T REMEMBER AND I SHOULD CALL HIM ON MONDAY. WHICH I WILL. ALSO THEY TRIED TO STICK US WITH AN EXTRA $1100 BILL FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFTING GEAR. WE ENDED UP PUTTING A NEW CLUTCH IN ALSO AT THIS TIME. WE HAD THIS PROBLEM WHEN WE BOUGHT IT AND THEY TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG THAT IT GROUND GOING INTO 2ND GEAR BECASUE WE WERE GOING TO FAST. ACTUALLY THE CLUTCH CLEARED THAT PROBLEM. THEY TRYED TO SAY IT WAS THE SYNCRONATION GEARS AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPALCED. WHICH WAS NOT TRUE. THE CLUTCH FIXED THIS PROBLEM. THEY ALSO AT THIS TIME ARE NOT PAYING FOR THIS EVEN THOUGH WE BOUGHT IT THAT WAY AND I BROUGHT THAT UP AT THE TIME WE TEST DROVE IT. I FEEL THEY NEED TO BE CHECKED OUT AND ALSO I AM WONDERING IF THIS FALLS UNDER THE LEMON LAW. WE WOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE THE VEHICLE BACK IF THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO STAND BEHIND THERE DEFECTIVE ENGINE. I WAS UNSURE OF WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE 2 PT BELT , 3 POINT BELT OR MANUFACTURE BELT SO I DID NOT CHECK ANYTHING. THANK YOU CHRIS PAULEY. *AK

ALUMINUM WHEEL SPLIT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE WHILE GOING 40-45MPH ON STRAIGHT SMOOTH ROAD. SUDDENLY THER EWAS A NOISE, AND THE PASSENGER FRONT END FELL TO THE GROUND. FORD WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

MUTIFUNCTION SWITCH CUT HEADLAMPS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT APPOXIMATELY 45 MPH. NO PRIOR WARNING, NO FLICKERING JUST INSTANTANIOUS DARKNESS. SIDE MARKER LIGHTS AND TAILLIGHT S CONTINUED TO OPERATE. WAS IN A WELL LIGHT AREA OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS IF AT HIGHER SPEED ON AN UNLIGHTED ROAD. THE SQUEAL ON THE PITMAN ARM IS A NUISANCE. NOTE WHEN I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED, DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DENIED ANY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM E WITH EITHER COMPONENT - WHAT A JOKE I NOW FIND BOTH ITEMS APPEAR ON YOUR WEBSITE. THERE SHOULD BE SOME ACCOUNTABILITY OR PENALTY FOR THE DEALER FOR NOT BEING HONEST ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THESE COMPONENTS.*AK

TIE ROD END BROKE IN TWO WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. DEALER AND FACTORY BOTH REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE FAILURE, AND THEY IMPLY THAT BECAUSE I DID NOT GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGES, I SHOULD NOT EXPECT ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE OR INVESTIGATION ON THE MATTER. I CONSIDER IT EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT THE FAILURE WAS IN A PARKING LOT, HAD IT BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THERE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHER INNOCENT PARTIES.*AK

VEHICLE WAS HIT AT 30 MPH BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK *YH

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING SPARK PLUGS BURNED OUT, AND VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AND HAS SERVICED VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM TWICE. BUT HAD NO SOLUTION FOR PROBLEM. *AK

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *MJ

INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT FROM PARK INTO GEAR. THE DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK