Owners have filed 122 complaints
about the 1997 Ford E-150 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 23 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford E-150. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 42
8.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
35.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
47.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
59.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1019.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1528.8%
150,000+ miles
1528.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1998peak 6Nov 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Ford E-150
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
Recalls on the 1997 Ford E-150
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
10V271000
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
ALL IN ONE MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2008 CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH VMI/RICON 6-WAY POWER SEAT BASES. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A DEFECTIVE WELD AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE PIVOTING PLATE AND THE PIVOTING PLATE PIN.
Risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY BE INJURED IF THE SEAT BASE PIN WERE TO BREAK.
09V399000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
08V051000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Risk: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
01V114000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AMBULANCE PREP PACKAGES OR OTHER SEVERE-DUTY APPLICATIONS INVOLVING OPERATION AT OR NEAR THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT WITH FREQUENT TWISTING OF THE VEHICLE BODY, SUCH AS OFF-ROAD, ROUGH ROAD OR SPEED BUMP EVENTS, THE 35 GALLON MID-SHIP FUEL TANK COULD DEVELOP A CRACK WHERE IT CONTACTS THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER. IF THE FUEL TANK CRACKS, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Paris, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, the contact leaned over to the passenger’s side to pick up the cell phone. The contact stated that after sitting back straight in the seat, the air bag deployed unintendedly and without impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s eyes and jaw were injured and required medical attention. The contact’s vision became blurry but has since started to improve. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11626259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesEdgewood, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY HUSBAND HAD JUST STARTED UP HIS E150 ECONOLINE VAN PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE AIRBAG JUST DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO REASON HE WAS NOT IN ANY ACCIDENT HE DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING HE DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. IF HE HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE THAT HE DRIVES EVERY DAY HE COULD HAVE DIED OR KILLED SOMEONE.
NHTSA complaint #11176181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesSmithland, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR WHEN AN EXPLOSION INCURRED WHICH RESULTED IN THE TRUCK BURNING UP. THE MOTOR AREA, FRONT WHEELS AND COMPLETED CAB WERE DESTROYED. GAS TANK DID NOT BLOW UP.
NHTSA complaint #10509987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesWarren, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED AND THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE ABS CONTROLLER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 172,000.
NHTSA complaint #10454528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,900 milesWestland, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. WE PULLED OVER AND IMMEDIATELY GOT THE CHILDREN OUT OF THE CAR. LESS THAN A MINUTE LATER, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS BLAZING.
NHTSA complaint #10422897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Altoona, PAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PURCHASED USED 1997 FORD 150 IN EARLY 2005. DROVE TRUCK TO WORK IN SEPTEMBER 2007. SMOKE ENGULFED CAB. TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT TO GROUND. THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS ALONG WITH CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT. LIABILITY INSURANCE DID NOT COVER EXPENSE. STILL PAYING FOR A TRUCK THAT I DO NOT HAVE. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE UNTIL AFTER TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10224316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Paris, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, the contact leaned over to the passenger’s side to pick up the cell phone. The contact stated that after sitting back straight in the seat, the air bag deployed unintendedly and without impact. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s eyes and jaw were injured and required medical attention. The contact’s vision became blurry but has since started to improve. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11626259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,258 milesAustin, TX
TIRES
The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150 equipped with Milestar Tires, Tire Line: Grantland, Tire Size: 235/75/R15, DOT number: TB20R028. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the tires were bouncing. The contact stated upon checking the tires, his son noticed that the tires were cracked and had holes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the tires were defective. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate vehicle mileage was 150,258. The approximate tire failure mileage was 800.
NHTSA complaint #11423579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesEdgewood, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY HUSBAND HAD JUST STARTED UP HIS E150 ECONOLINE VAN PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE AIRBAG JUST DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO REASON HE WAS NOT IN ANY ACCIDENT HE DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING HE DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. IF HE HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE THAT HE DRIVES EVERY DAY HE COULD HAVE DIED OR KILLED SOMEONE.
NHTSA complaint #11176181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
STEERING
WHILE BACKING OUT OF TIGHT PARKING SPOT 9/1/17, WITH MULTIPLE TURNS OF THE WHEEL, TURNED WHEEL ONE LAST TIME TO PULL FORWARD INTO PARKING SPOT DRIVE AREA BUT AT THAT POINT, HEARD A CLUNK AND ALL STEERING CONTROL WAS GONE. CALLED FOR A TOW. TOW TRUCK DRIVE ASSISTED IN THE DIAGNOSIS NOTING THAT THE STEERING BOX HAD DISCONNECTED FROM VAN FRAME RENDERING STEERING WHEEL CONNECTION LINES USELESS. HAD VAN TOWED HOME. AFTER ONLINE READ, LOOKED AT FRAME THROUGH LEFT FRONT TIRE ACCESS AND SAW THE 3 BOLTS WE READ ABOUT. GRABBED THE TOP BOLT AND IT CAME RIGHT OUT. SAME WITH SECOND BOLT. LAST (THIRD) BOLT WAS A BIT JAMMED DUE TO THE STEERING BOX DROP, BUT ALL 3 BOLTS HAD SHEARED AND ALL STEERING WAS LOST. HAD WE NOT STOPPED AT A STORE FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SUPPLIES ON OUR WAY TO CAMPSITE, WOULD HAVE LOST STEERING SOMEWHERE ELSE, LIKE ON THE FREEWAY, POSSIBLY DURING A SIMILAR TURN SITUATION. WE COULD HAVE KILLED OTHERS OR OURSELVES. FOUND THAT THIS FORD E150 STEERING BOLT ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN DOCUMENTED. WHY WHEN WE HAD THE VAN SERVICED AND SAID THE STEERING HAD FELT "LOOSE", WHY DIDN'T ANY MECHANIC FIND THIS POTENTIAL?? UN-EXCUSABLE SITUATION. OUR PARENTS, CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN ARE CURRENTLY DEPENDENT ON US. HAD WE DIED DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING, WHAT A NIGHTMARE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN. GRANTED, THE 20-YR-OLD VAN IS RUSTY, BUT WE DIDN'T KNOW TO LOOK UNDER THE LEFT FRONT TIRE AREA AND APPARENTLY, MULTIPLE (NON-FORD DEALERSHIPS) MECHANICS DIDN'T EITHER !!
NHTSA complaint #11022067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,380 milesAtlantic Highlands, NJ
STEERING
DRIVING ON BESTBUY PARKING LOT, WENT OVER A SPEED BUMPER HEARD A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. DROVE HOME, STOPPED VAN, GOT HELP, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING TO LEFT, LOUD METAL CLUNK FROM THAT DRIVER SIDE, HELPER ON FLOOR NOTICED THAT BOTTOM BOLT HOLDING POWER STEERING BOX IS GOING IN AND OUT, RUSTED ON FRONT AND BACK OF FRAME, THIS BOX SHOULD BE MOUNTED ON REINFORCED BRACKETS FRONT AND BACK OF FRAME THEN WELDED TO FRAME TO PROTECT OCCUPANTS FROM POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF BOX AND FRAME WITH CONSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT (COULD BE FATAL WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE). SO, WITH THE ENGINE ON, IN PARK, IF THE STEERING IS TURN TO THE LEFT, DRIVER WILL FEEL AND HEAR THE CLUNK.
NHTSA complaint #10933940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,380 milesAtlantic Highlands, NJ
SUSPENSION
DRIVING ON BESTBUY PARKING LOT, WENT OVER A SPEED BUMPER HEARD A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. DROVE HOME, STOPPED VAN, GOT HELP, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING TO LEFT, LOUD METAL CLUNK FROM THAT DRIVER SIDE, HELPER ON FLOOR NOTICED THAT BOTTOM BOLT HOLDING POWER STEERING BOX IS GOING IN AND OUT, RUSTED ON FRONT AND BACK OF FRAME, THIS BOX SHOULD BE MOUNTED ON REINFORCED BRACKETS FRONT AND BACK OF FRAME THEN WELDED TO FRAME TO PROTECT OCCUPANTS FROM POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF BOX AND FRAME WITH CONSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT (COULD BE FATAL WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE). SO, WITH THE ENGINE ON, IN PARK, IF THE STEERING IS TURN TO THE LEFT, DRIVER WILL FEEL AND HEAR THE CLUNK.
NHTSA complaint #10933940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,380 milesAtlantic Highlands, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING ON BESTBUY PARKING LOT, WENT OVER A SPEED BUMPER HEARD A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. DROVE HOME, STOPPED VAN, GOT HELP, WHILE TURNING THE STEERING TO LEFT, LOUD METAL CLUNK FROM THAT DRIVER SIDE, HELPER ON FLOOR NOTICED THAT BOTTOM BOLT HOLDING POWER STEERING BOX IS GOING IN AND OUT, RUSTED ON FRONT AND BACK OF FRAME, THIS BOX SHOULD BE MOUNTED ON REINFORCED BRACKETS FRONT AND BACK OF FRAME THEN WELDED TO FRAME TO PROTECT OCCUPANTS FROM POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF BOX AND FRAME WITH CONSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT (COULD BE FATAL WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE). SO, WITH THE ENGINE ON, IN PARK, IF THE STEERING IS TURN TO THE LEFT, DRIVER WILL FEEL AND HEAR THE CLUNK.
NHTSA complaint #10933940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
POWER TRAIN
GEARBOX BOLTS BROKE AWAY FROM FRAME CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10691445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
STEERING
GEARBOX BOLTS BROKE AWAY FROM FRAME CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10691445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesNEW Straitsville, OH
SUSPENSION
I HAVE JUST RECENTLY LOST THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT DUE TO TOO EXTREME RUST OF THE FRAME, FORD DOES NOT MAKE A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS. AND THE FRAME IS NOW CRACKING IN TWO. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO BUY A NEW FRAME REALLY. WELL IT WILL NOT BE LONG TILL THE OTHER SIDE GOES. OR MY FRAME BREAKS IN TWO AND CAUSES SERIOUS INJURY TO ME OR OTHERS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR TRUCK AND FORD DON'T SEEM TO CARE. IF THE FRAME NEEDS REPLACED IT SHOULD BE AT THEIR EXPENSE NOT MINE RECALL TIME. THEIR ARE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS STILL ON THE ROAD I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE.
NHTSA complaint #10671451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesIrondle, AL
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD E150 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SPARK PLUG BECAME DISENGAGED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000.
NHTSA complaint #10553069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesSmithland, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR WHEN AN EXPLOSION INCURRED WHICH RESULTED IN THE TRUCK BURNING UP. THE MOTOR AREA, FRONT WHEELS AND COMPLETED CAB WERE DESTROYED. GAS TANK DID NOT BLOW UP.
NHTSA complaint #10509987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCordova, TN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THIS IS THE EXACT SAME SITUATION OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED ON NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 01V114000 RELATING TO CRACKS/LEAKS TO THE 'MID SHIP' STYLE FUEL TANK. MY VAN IS A 1997 E-150 CONVERSION VAN. UNFORTUNATELY, I AM IN THE SAME SITUATION AS MANY OTHERS IN THE FACT THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER IS AFFECTED IN THIS RECALL. THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF OTHER INCIDENTS REPORTED WITH VEHICLES MYSTERIOUSLY CATCHING ON FIRE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. VERY DISTURBING THAT A MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT AGREE TO REPLACE A LEAKING/DAMAGED FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10502516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCordova, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS IS THE EXACT SAME SITUATION OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED ON NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 01V114000 RELATING TO CRACKS/LEAKS TO THE 'MID SHIP' STYLE FUEL TANK. MY VAN IS A 1997 E-150 CONVERSION VAN. UNFORTUNATELY, I AM IN THE SAME SITUATION AS MANY OTHERS IN THE FACT THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER IS AFFECTED IN THIS RECALL. THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF OTHER INCIDENTS REPORTED WITH VEHICLES MYSTERIOUSLY CATCHING ON FIRE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. VERY DISTURBING THAT A MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT AGREE TO REPLACE A LEAKING/DAMAGED FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10502516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE TRAVELING ON VACATION 600 MILES FROM HOME I EXPERIENCED A WELL KNOWN FAILURE TO FORD TRITON ENGINE OWNERS KNOWN AS A SPARK PLUG EJECTION FAILURE. I WAS TRAVELING @ 65 MPH AND UP TO THE FAILURE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING NORMAL THERE WERE NO ABNORMAL SOUNDS. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE IT SOUNDED AS IF THE EXHAUST OR THE INTAKE WAS COMING APART. I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND REMOVED THE DOGHOUSE AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE TO DISCOVER THE RIGHT BANK AND 2ND CYLINDER FROM THE REAR HAD EJECTED THE SPARK PLUG AND DESTROYED THE IGNITION COIL. I UNPLUGGED THE IGNITION COIL AND THE POWER CABLE FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR FROM THAT CYLINDER AND NURSED THE VAN TO A FRIENDS HOUSE 40 MILES AWAY WHICH TOOK OVER 3 HOURS. I CALLED SEVERAL FORD DEALERS TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY FINISHED THE STORY FOR ME, THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL HUNDRED TIMES AND THE FIX WOULD COST $1000.00 PER CYLINDER NEEDING REPAIRED. THIS IS A KNOWN FORD TRITON FLAW AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH A RECALL. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WHEN THE SPARK PLUG LET GO THERE WAS A EXTREME LOSS OF POWER IF IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT, AND THE RAW FUEL COMING FROM THE CYLINDER ALONG WITH SPARK FROM A LIVE IGNITION COIL IS A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10465105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCincinnati, OH
ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING ON VACATION 600 MILES FROM HOME I EXPERIENCED A WELL KNOWN FAILURE TO FORD TRITON ENGINE OWNERS KNOWN AS A SPARK PLUG EJECTION FAILURE. I WAS TRAVELING @ 65 MPH AND UP TO THE FAILURE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING NORMAL THERE WERE NO ABNORMAL SOUNDS. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE IT SOUNDED AS IF THE EXHAUST OR THE INTAKE WAS COMING APART. I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND REMOVED THE DOGHOUSE AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE TO DISCOVER THE RIGHT BANK AND 2ND CYLINDER FROM THE REAR HAD EJECTED THE SPARK PLUG AND DESTROYED THE IGNITION COIL. I UNPLUGGED THE IGNITION COIL AND THE POWER CABLE FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR FROM THAT CYLINDER AND NURSED THE VAN TO A FRIENDS HOUSE 40 MILES AWAY WHICH TOOK OVER 3 HOURS. I CALLED SEVERAL FORD DEALERS TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY FINISHED THE STORY FOR ME, THEY SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL HUNDRED TIMES AND THE FIX WOULD COST $1000.00 PER CYLINDER NEEDING REPAIRED. THIS IS A KNOWN FORD TRITON FLAW AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY FORD WITH A RECALL. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WHEN THE SPARK PLUG LET GO THERE WAS A EXTREME LOSS OF POWER IF IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT, AND THE RAW FUEL COMING FROM THE CYLINDER ALONG WITH SPARK FROM A LIVE IGNITION COIL IS A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10465105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesWarren, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED AND THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE ABS CONTROLLER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 172,000.
NHTSA complaint #10454528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesCentreville, VA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING BOX DETACHED FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #10432781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,900 milesWestland, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. WE PULLED OVER AND IMMEDIATELY GOT THE CHILDREN OUT OF THE CAR. LESS THAN A MINUTE LATER, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS BLAZING.
NHTSA complaint #10422897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE AN 1997 FORD F150 THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK AND BOTH STRAPS THAT SECURED THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE. THE STRAPS WORE AWAY AT THE GAS TANK WHICH IN TURN CAUSED A FUEL LEAK IN THE TANK ITSELF.
NHTSA complaint #10411880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLapeer, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH AND CAUSED HIM TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 1/19/2011 THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHT LENSES BECAME CLOUDY OVER TIME WHICH CAUSED POOR LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING. UPDATED 03/25/11
NHTSA complaint #10368680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,289 milesFelton, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
HI, THE PART FAILURE IS A FUEL TANK CRACK THAT OCCURS IN THE MID90'S TO EARLY 2000S FORD VANS. THIS DESIGN PROBLEM HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO BY FORD, AND IS ADDRESSED ON A VERY LIMITED LIST OF CERTAIN MODELS AND YEARS UNDER A RECALL NOTICE 01V114000. HOWEVER, THIS TANK CRACK OCCURS ON OTHER NON LISTED VIN NUMBERS AS WELL, SUCH AS MINE. THIS IS THE PROBLEM, THE DOCUMENTED AND COVERED RECALL GROUP VIN NUMBERS PRECEDE MINE AND OCCUR SUBSEQUENT TO MINE, BUT SKIP SEVERAL VINS INBETWEEN. MY CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL TANK, AND THE RESULTING GASOLINE LEAKAGE, OCCUR AS A RESULT OF THE TANK DESIGN, WHICH DESIGN FORD HAS REVISITED FIVE TIMES NOW. SO, THERE IS A GASOLINE LEAK THAT RESULTS FROM METAL FATIGUE, AS THE LONG "HOTDOG" SHAPED FUEL TANK FLEXES AND TWISTS, IN FORD'S WORDS, WITH THE FRAME, AND FAILS WHERE IT RUBS STRAPS OR CROSSMEMBERS. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET A REPLACEMENT TANK FROM FORD, BUT ALL ARE SPOKEN FOR AND BACKORDERED AS THEY ARE BEING SUPPLIED TO THE DEALERS FOR THE VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT LIST OF DEFECTIVE VEHICLES. SO, NO TANKS ARE AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE LIKE ME, WHO HAVE THE PROBLEM, BUT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD'S EXISTING RECALL LIST. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD FOR RESOLUTION, FORD CASE 599552380, FOR SOURCING A TANK AT LEAST FOR NOW. FORD WILL STILL NOT ADMIT TO OWNERSHIP OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PARTICULAR TANK--YET. I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT WITH DOT, CASE #290654, TO HAVE THE RECALL GROUP EXPANDED TO COVER ALL OF US WHO NEED THIS HELP. AS AN ASIDE, THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS REFUSED TO GIVE ME ANYTHING I NEED OR SUPPLY ME ANY SUPPORT SINCE WE COME TO THIS IMPASS AND SITUATION. THEY DO ALSO ADMIT HOWEVER, TO BEING UNABLE TO ASSIST ME BECAUSE OF THE LENGTHY BACKLOG OF PEOPLE NEEDING REPLACEMENT TANKS AND THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THESE TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10352632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,289 milesFelton, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
HI, THE PART FAILURE IS A FUEL TANK CRACK THAT OCCURS IN THE MID90'S TO EARLY 2000S FORD VANS. THIS DESIGN PROBLEM HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO BY FORD, AND IS ADDRESSED ON A VERY LIMITED LIST OF CERTAIN MODELS AND YEARS UNDER A RECALL NOTICE 01V114000. HOWEVER, THIS TANK CRACK OCCURS ON OTHER NON LISTED VIN NUMBERS AS WELL, SUCH AS MINE. THIS IS THE PROBLEM, THE DOCUMENTED AND COVERED RECALL GROUP VIN NUMBERS PRECEDE MINE AND OCCUR SUBSEQUENT TO MINE, BUT SKIP SEVERAL VINS INBETWEEN. MY CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL TANK, AND THE RESULTING GASOLINE LEAKAGE, OCCUR AS A RESULT OF THE TANK DESIGN, WHICH DESIGN FORD HAS REVISITED FIVE TIMES NOW. SO, THERE IS A GASOLINE LEAK THAT RESULTS FROM METAL FATIGUE, AS THE LONG "HOTDOG" SHAPED FUEL TANK FLEXES AND TWISTS, IN FORD'S WORDS, WITH THE FRAME, AND FAILS WHERE IT RUBS STRAPS OR CROSSMEMBERS. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET A REPLACEMENT TANK FROM FORD, BUT ALL ARE SPOKEN FOR AND BACKORDERED AS THEY ARE BEING SUPPLIED TO THE DEALERS FOR THE VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT LIST OF DEFECTIVE VEHICLES. SO, NO TANKS ARE AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE LIKE ME, WHO HAVE THE PROBLEM, BUT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD'S EXISTING RECALL LIST. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD FOR RESOLUTION, FORD CASE 599552380, FOR SOURCING A TANK AT LEAST FOR NOW. FORD WILL STILL NOT ADMIT TO OWNERSHIP OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PARTICULAR TANK--YET. I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT WITH DOT, CASE #290654, TO HAVE THE RECALL GROUP EXPANDED TO COVER ALL OF US WHO NEED THIS HELP. AS AN ASIDE, THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS REFUSED TO GIVE ME ANYTHING I NEED OR SUPPLY ME ANY SUPPORT SINCE WE COME TO THIS IMPASS AND SITUATION. THEY DO ALSO ADMIT HOWEVER, TO BEING UNABLE TO ASSIST ME BECAUSE OF THE LENGTHY BACKLOG OF PEOPLE NEEDING REPLACEMENT TANKS AND THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THESE TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10352632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,289 milesFelton, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS FRACTURED AND RAPIDLY LEAKING GASOLINE FUEL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A POTENTIAL RECALL ON THE VEHICLE BY HIS INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V114000) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,289.
NHTSA complaint #10352033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesOcala, FL
TIRES
I HEARD A LOUD POP AND DROVE ANOTHER 100 YARDS TO MY SONS HOUSE AND THE TIRE WENT FLAT WITHIN ONE MINUTE. IT HAS STEEL BANDS STICKING OUT OF A SPLIT IN THE TIRE. IT HAS A DIP IN THE TREAD AND SIDEWALL WHERE THE STEEL BAND HAS BROKE. THE TIRE IS NOT CUT IT IS SPLIT. THIS WAS ONE OF TWO ON THE REAR , THE OTHER IS STILL ON. I HAVE THE TIRE./ I PUT ON THE SPARE, AND CAME HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10334065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.