incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Component Failure & Part Numbers: The fire necessitated an $18,000 repair (RO #443426). Based on the repair invoice, the following safety-critical components were heat-destroyed and replaced: Secondary Fuel Filter (PC3Z9N184C) Main Engine Wiring Harness (HC3Z12B637A) Inlet Manifold (GC4Z9424A) High-Pressure Fuel Pipes (HC3Z9J280J and BC3Z9E964A) Cowl Grilles (HC3Z25022A68AB/69AC) 2. Safety Risk & Pre-Existing Symptoms: Prior to the fire, the engine exhibited a "surging" idle and erratic RPM behavior, which was reported to the dealer. After the replacement of the aforementioned fuel and electrical components, the surging issue was immediately resolved, confirming the original symptom was a precursor to the fuel system failure. While no injuries occurred, the fire presented an immediate risk of occupant injury and total vehicle loss. 3. Disposal of Evidence (Spoliation): Despite an active liability dispute and an ongoing manufacturer investigation, the dealership (AutoNation Ford Valencia) admitted in writing that they disposed of the failed secondary fuel filter and the main wiring harness. These primary pieces of evidence are currently unavailable for federal or forensic inspection due to the dealer's actions. 4. Confirmation: The fire damage was confirmed by the dealership, and I have paid the repair invoice UNDER PROTEST to retrieve the property. I am seeking a review of this incident under the scope of PE24014.
NHTSA complaint #11713028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. An unknown engine-related message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over safely and noticed there was smoke from the hood and fire. The contact used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. The engine's hot light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to an RV park. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #11668840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and the vehicle briefly lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality once the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power train control module (PCM). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who diagnosed that cylinder #4 had failed, and there was a misfire in cylinders #3 and #5. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11638026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's employer owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while his boss was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact's employer contacted the manufacturer and was provided a case number. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #11624712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact observed an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was an upper oil pan gasket failure. The contact was informed that the gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,334.
NHTSA complaint #11603204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-450. The contact stated that the vehicle had been diagnosed with an oil leak coming from the injector seals. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer and the contact picked up the vehicle after it was serviced. While driving from the dealer at approximately 40 MPH, the contact noticed white-grayish smoke coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over as black smoke began to emit from the vehicle vents as all occupants exited the vehicle. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and the authorities were called to the scene. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire report was filed. The contact, his wife and daughter all experienced mental trauma as a result of the fire; no medical attention was given. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was later taken into possession by the contact's insurance company. The dealer was notified of the failure and denied any responsibility for the fire. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed; the contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was destroyed as a result of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11592921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that upon having the vehicle serviced, he was made aware that there were metal shavings found inside the oil pan, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11591622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the turbo charger. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure immediately reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.
NHTSA complaint #11521728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sudden acceleration while braking. While towing a gooseneck trailer aprox. 25,000 lbs, with the truck in tow/haul mode and the exhaust/engine brake turned on, started down a long winding 8% grade, could feel the engine brake working as normal, holding the truck from gaining speed, as the truck entered the second turn, the truck lunged forward gaining a lot of speed causing me to quickly stab the brakes, the truck continued this type of on/off cycle with quickly acclerating while standing on the brakes to try and control it until I leaned over and swithched the engine brake off, making it necassary to ride the brakes down the grade to maintain a safe speed and not lose control. By the time we reached the bottom, smoke was coming from both the truck and trailer brakes and the stopping power was nearly gone. The truck has done this intermittently without warning and is a major concern for safety. A search on truck forums show a number of people with the same concern. Dealer has been able to reproduce the problem, but does not have a solution. I beleive its a defect in the new 10 speed transmission and tied to the ongoing vibration / shake / hop / bounce we are experiancing.
NHTSA complaint #11471521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
recall #21E04 PCM Reprograming car continúe same lost power fuel volume regulador control circuit low mass or volume air flow circuit low input intake air Temperature circuit high input
NHTSA complaint #11453497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TAILGATE FELL AND DENTED THE HORSE TRAILER. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,838.*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11353814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE HAVE TO REPLACE OUR FUEL TANK BECAUSE THE LINING HAS DELAMINATED. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF THE LINING DETERIORATION.
NHTSA complaint #11310536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS IT STALLED AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO BAYSHORE FORD TRUCK SALES (LOCATED AT 4003 N DUPONT HWY, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720, (302) 656-3160) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,500.
NHTSA complaint #11203250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON A HIGHWAY THE ENGINE BLEW UP. FORD REPORTED THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY GLOW PLUG WHICH FELL INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE CONNECTING ROD TO BREAK AND EXIT THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. FIRE ENSUED BUT WAS SHORT LIVED.
NHTSA complaint #10972100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.