Owners have filed 40 complaints
about the 2003 Ford F-550 SD with NHTSA between 2004 and 2018.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 14 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 — 50
Against the median year of the Ford F-550 SD. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
25.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
25.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
25.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
718.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
821.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
410.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
923.7%
150,000+ miles
410.5%
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.
Aug 2004peak 4Jan 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Ford F-550 SD
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.
EA06012Opened 22 Jun 2006Closed 7 Dec 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ENGINE STALLING
IN A DECEMBER 3, 2007 LETTER, FORD ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE CAM POSITION SENSOR (CPS) IN APPROXIMATELY 1.2 MILLION SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ADDRESS REPORTS OF ENGINE STALLING.A NEW DESIGN CPS WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY WILL BE INSTALLED AS A REMEDY.OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER 2007. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE DURABLE, FULL-SIZED, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, RESCUE/EMERGENCY RESPONSE, AND COMMERCIAL OR RECREATIONAL TOWING.CPS FAILURE IS COMPARABLE TO UNEXPECTEDLY TURNING THE KEY OFF SINCE THE SIGNAL IT P...
EA05003Opened 15 Feb 2005Closed 2 Nov 2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ENGINE STALLING
IN A JUNE 7, 2005 LETTER, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 180,000 FORD F-SUPER DUTY, EXCURSION AND E-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES TO CORRECT TWO WIRING RELATED CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-270, FORD NO. 05S34).THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003 AND MAY 31, 2004.ACCORDING TO FORD, VEHICLES WITH THE CONDITIONS MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS OF VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE TH...
EA04006Opened 23 Feb 2004Closed 10 Feb 2005VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC)
FAILURE COUNTS FROM ODI?S ANALYSIS ARE STATED ABOVE; SEE THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCE DISCUSSION IN THE SUMMARY REPORT.FORD DATA CONTAINED DUPLICATIVE REPORTS FOR 4 ODI COMPLAINTS AND 1 CRASH.THREE CRASHES WERE ALLEGEDLY DUE TO INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) PEDAL, ONE CRASH OCCURRED WHEN AN ETC DISABLED VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER MOTORIST, ONE REPORT CONTAINED NO DETAIL.THE INJURIES WERE MINOR.AN ISSUE INVOLVING FIXED ETC PEDALS WAS INVESTIGATED ALSO, HOWEVER FAILURE REPORTS AND POPULATIONS ARE NOT SHOWN ABOVE; SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR DETAIL.ALTHOUGH FO...
Recalls on the 2003 Ford F-550 SD
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
11V352000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Risk: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
07V553000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
07V078000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
04V327000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES, THE ENGINE GROUND STUD THAT ATTACHES THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL EYELET TO THE ENGINE BLOCK MAY BE LOOSE.
Risk: IF THE GROUND WIRE IS LOOSE, ELECTRICAL CURRENT MAY FLOW TO THE RADIO SUPPRESSION STRAP CAUSING IT TO HEAT AND POTENTIALLY MELT OR IGNITE ADJACENT COMPONENTS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 175,541 milesMannford, OKFire
ENGINE
WATTER SEPERATOR VALVE DUMPED FUEL ON THE TURBO CAUSING A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10946265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,541 milesMannford, OKFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WATTER SEPERATOR VALVE DUMPED FUEL ON THE TURBO CAUSING A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10946265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesElkton, MDFire
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
NORCOLD CORP. ISSUED SAFETY RECALL # 10E-049 ON/ABOUT OCTOBER 21, 2010 FOR REFRIGERATOR UNITS IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FOR A POTENTIAL "FIRE" IN THE COOLING UNIT(S). A CERTIFIED RV DEALER CONFIRMED FIRE DAMAGE TO UNIT OWNED AND OPERATED BY COMPLAINANT . NORCOLD CORP. HAS REFUSED TO HONOR SAFETY RECALL(S) AND REPAIR SAID DAMAGED UNITS. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT ONLY HOWEVER ITS A TOTAL LOST. THERE ARE MILLIONS OF SIMILAR DEFECTIVE REFRIGERATOR UNITS BEING USED ON THE NATIONAL'S HIGHWAYS BY UNSUSPECTING RV OWNERS POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY AND HAZARDOUS POTENTIAL FOR A CATASTROPHIC EVENT THAT WILL ENDANGER THE TRAVELING PUBLIC.
NHTSA complaint #10461248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCharlotte Hall, MDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS DESCRIBED AS "VIOLENT" WITH FLAMES AT LEAST 70 FEET HIGH. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING VIDEOS AND PHOTOS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10251394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,100 milesHernando Beach, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER IF HE COULD SEE THE DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY THREW IT AWAY. THE REPAIR COST $1,273.35. THERE WERE NO FAILURES PRIOR TO THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,201 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,100. UPDATED 05/12/08 *BF THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PLUG. THE DEALER STATED THE TRUCK HAD A SENSOR WHICH WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE NEW CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #10224611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesAlbuquerque, NMCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LOCKED AROUND HIS CHEST LIMITING MOVEMENT TO THE POINT OF CAUSING SLIGHT WHIPLASH. THE CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO GET A DIET PEPSI POSITIONED IN A CUP HOLDER TRAY. WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS RESTRICTED, HE HAD BECOME INFURIATED WITH THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO GET THE SEAT BELT OFF AND IT HAD GOTTEN TOO CLOSE TO A NARROW BRIDGE GUARD RAIL AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A $500,000 ACCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT WAS PLACED ON THE CONSUMERS DRIVING RECORD, BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING COMMERCIALLY SINCE 1967 AND HAS NOT HAD ANY MAJOR WRECKS THAT CAUSED INJURIES. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED HOME, HE CALLED FORDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND THEY GAVE HIM THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS IRRITATION ON THE TOP OF THE CONSUMER'S PER PICTURES. SINCE THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH SOME FORD EXPLORER AND EXPEDITION OWNERS THAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME SEAT BELT PROBLEMS AND DO NOT WEAR THEIR SEAT BELTS. THE CONSUMER ASSUMED THAT THIS ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF HE DID NOT WEAR THE SEAT BELTS BUT THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW. *AK (11/16/05) THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10138150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 107,550 milesCloudcroft, NM
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FUEL TANK DISINTEGRATED. THE FLOAT FILTER AND FILTER WERE CLOGGED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (VISION FORD, 1500 S WHITE SANDS BLVD, ALAMOGORDO, NM 88310) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,550.
NHTSA complaint #11061627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,550 milesCloudcroft, NM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FUEL TANK DISINTEGRATED. THE FLOAT FILTER AND FILTER WERE CLOGGED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (VISION FORD, 1500 S WHITE SANDS BLVD, ALAMOGORDO, NM 88310) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,550.
NHTSA complaint #11061627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,541 milesMannford, OKFire
ENGINE
WATTER SEPERATOR VALVE DUMPED FUEL ON THE TURBO CAUSING A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10946265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,541 milesMannford, OKFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WATTER SEPERATOR VALVE DUMPED FUEL ON THE TURBO CAUSING A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10946265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,687 milesFredonia, NY
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ENGINE FAILURES, OF WHICH I HAVE THE RECEIPTS, ON MY F500 FORD WITH THE 6.0 DIESEL ENGINE, AT A COST TO ME OF OVER $7,000. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURES, THE ENGINE WAS ONLY OUT OF WARRANTY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. BECAUSE A DIESEL SHOULD LAST FOR A RELATIVELY LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS, I ASKED FORD TO COVER THE BILL. IN SHORT, FORD WOULD NOT GIVE ME THE TIME OF DAY OR ADMIT TO ANYTHING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS I DON' T MAKE THE KIND OF MONEY IT TAKES TO CONTINUALLY INVEST IN AN ENGINE THAT SHOULD STILL RUN FINE. I HAVE ALSO DISCUSSED THIS WITH OTHERS THAT OWN THE SAME ENGINE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THE TYPE OF PROBLEMS THAT I'VE HAD ARE QUITE COMMON WITH THE 6.0 ENGINE. I HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS AND EXPECT FORD TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A POORLY BUILT ENGINE. I'M ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER FOR YEARS AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I AWAIT YOUR REPLY AND CAN SEND YOU A COPY OF THE BILLS AND MY CORRESPONDENCE WITH FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10481643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,687 milesFredonia, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ENGINE FAILURES, OF WHICH I HAVE THE RECEIPTS, ON MY F500 FORD WITH THE 6.0 DIESEL ENGINE, AT A COST TO ME OF OVER $7,000. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURES, THE ENGINE WAS ONLY OUT OF WARRANTY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. BECAUSE A DIESEL SHOULD LAST FOR A RELATIVELY LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS, I ASKED FORD TO COVER THE BILL. IN SHORT, FORD WOULD NOT GIVE ME THE TIME OF DAY OR ADMIT TO ANYTHING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS I DON' T MAKE THE KIND OF MONEY IT TAKES TO CONTINUALLY INVEST IN AN ENGINE THAT SHOULD STILL RUN FINE. I HAVE ALSO DISCUSSED THIS WITH OTHERS THAT OWN THE SAME ENGINE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THE TYPE OF PROBLEMS THAT I'VE HAD ARE QUITE COMMON WITH THE 6.0 ENGINE. I HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS AND EXPECT FORD TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A POORLY BUILT ENGINE. I'M ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER FOR YEARS AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I AWAIT YOUR REPLY AND CAN SEND YOU A COPY OF THE BILLS AND MY CORRESPONDENCE WITH FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10481643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesElkton, MDFire
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
NORCOLD CORP. ISSUED SAFETY RECALL # 10E-049 ON/ABOUT OCTOBER 21, 2010 FOR REFRIGERATOR UNITS IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FOR A POTENTIAL "FIRE" IN THE COOLING UNIT(S). A CERTIFIED RV DEALER CONFIRMED FIRE DAMAGE TO UNIT OWNED AND OPERATED BY COMPLAINANT . NORCOLD CORP. HAS REFUSED TO HONOR SAFETY RECALL(S) AND REPAIR SAID DAMAGED UNITS. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT ONLY HOWEVER ITS A TOTAL LOST. THERE ARE MILLIONS OF SIMILAR DEFECTIVE REFRIGERATOR UNITS BEING USED ON THE NATIONAL'S HIGHWAYS BY UNSUSPECTING RV OWNERS POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY AND HAZARDOUS POTENTIAL FOR A CATASTROPHIC EVENT THAT WILL ENDANGER THE TRAVELING PUBLIC.
NHTSA complaint #10461248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBenton, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK INNER LINING WAS DE-LAMINATING AND BEING DRAWN INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY, THE CONTACT DECIDED TO DE-LAMINATE THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10418001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesFishkill, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD DELAMINATED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO CLOGGED UP. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND STALL WHILE DRIVING UPHILL. THE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING $900 TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK SINCE THERE WERE NO WARRANTIES OR RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10389840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesCamas, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
I HAVE 2 FORD F550 TRUCKS (2001,2003). BOTH TRUCKS WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE (37K, 56K MILES). BOTH DIESEL ENGINES. BOTH HAVE ONLY HAD EITHER SHELL OR CHEVRON FUEL PUT IN THEM. NO BIO FUELS. THE INTERIOR OF BOTH MY TRUCKS FUEL TANKS ARE DELAMINATING AND CAUSING THE VARIOUS FUEL FILTERS TO CLOG WITH A METALLIC DEBRIS AND RUST. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS BLAMING THE DELAMINATING ON THE FUEL USED IN THE TRUCKS. MY DEALER (WESTLIE FORD, CAMAS, WASHINGTON) WHERE I PURCHASED THESE TRUCKS CANNOT WARRANTY THE REPLACEMENT TANKS NEEDED TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EPIDEMIC FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY! WORD HAS IT FORD HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH THE NEW COATING ON THE NEW TANKS BUT, I CAN FIND NO ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAYING SO. AVERAGE COST TO REPLACE THIS TANK RUNS BETWEEN $1,500 - $2,500 DOLLARS. HOW MANY PEOPLE MUST DIE WHEN THEIR FUEL SYSTEMS GET CLOGGED BY THE DELAMINATING PARTICLES OF THE FUEL TANK AND STOP DEAD ON A FREEWAY OR FOGGY NIGHT? FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM!
NHTSA complaint #10360708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,038 milesClear Lake, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-550. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE LOSS OF POWER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE, DUE TO THE UNISON RINGS FAILING. THE RINGS ARE A PART OF THE TURBO CHARGER ON THE ENGINE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED TWICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER PLACED NICKEL PLATED RINGS INSTEAD OF THE STEEL RINGS ON THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE RESOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1038 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9500.
NHTSA complaint #10353454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castro Valley, CA
TIRES
HERCULES S-209 TIRE BLEW ALL TREAD LOST MAJOR SEPARATIONS OTHER TIRES NOTICE WIDESPREAD MINOR CRACKING.
NHTSA complaint #10351117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesFlower Mound, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
FUEL TANK DELAMINATION. CLOGS FUEL SYSTEM, AND TRASHES INJECTORS AND PUMPS. NEW TANK, INJECTORS, PUMP. CLEAN FUEL SYSTEM. FORD SAYS BIOFUEL, NEVER USE BIOFUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10334114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesAnnapolis, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SD. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE SHAKING AND WOULD LOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE INSIDE LINING OF THE FUEL TANK WAS PEELING AND CLOGGING THE FUEL LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #10330466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesShipping Burg, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-55O. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD-WAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK FROM THE PUMP. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY. SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR AN IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DELAMINATED DUE TO THE DIESEL FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102000.
NHTSA complaint #10297562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,493 milesFairfax, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
ENGINE FAILED AND VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THE CULPRIT WAS THE FORD FUEL TANK THAT HAD DELAMINATED. THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST: $2223.41. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF REVENUE AS THIS VEHICLE IS USED FOR PRODUCTION PURPOSES. FORD DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DEFECTS OF THEIR FUEL TANKS. WITH NO OTHER CHOICE, WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THESE VEHICLES ARE USED FOR COMMERCIAL USAGE DAILY. THIS IS ALSO A FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT HAS BEEN FORCED ONTO US UNFAIRLY. THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THESE FUEL TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10295487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,500 milesFairfax, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE FAILED AND VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THE CULPRIT WAS THE FORD FUEL TANK THAT HAD DELAMINATED WHICH CAUSED DEBRIS TO MOVE THROUGH THE FUEL FILTER AND ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAD O BE REPLACED. THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST: $10,345.00. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF REVENUE AS THIS VEHICLE IS USED FOR PRODUCTION PURPOSES. FORD DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DEFECTS OF THEIR FUEL TANKS. WITH NO OTHER CHOICE, WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THESE VEHICLES ARE USED FOR COMMERCIAL USAGE DAILY. THIS IS ALSO A FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT HAS BEEN FORCED ONTO US UNFAIRLY. THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THESE FUEL TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10293747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,500 milesFairfax, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
ENGINE FAILED AND VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THE CULPRIT WAS THE FORD FUEL TANK THAT HAD DELAMINATED WHICH CAUSED DEBRIS TO MOVE THROUGH THE FUEL FILTER AND ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAD O BE REPLACED. THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST: $10,345.00. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF REVENUE AS THIS VEHICLE IS USED FOR PRODUCTION PURPOSES. FORD DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DEFECTS OF THEIR FUEL TANKS. WITH NO OTHER CHOICE, WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THESE VEHICLES ARE USED FOR COMMERCIAL USAGE DAILY. THIS IS ALSO A FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT HAS BEEN FORCED ONTO US UNFAIRLY. THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THESE FUEL TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10293747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,506 milesFairfax, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THE CULPRIT WAS THE FORD FUEL TANK THAT HAD DELAMINATED. THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST: $1600.00. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF REVENUE AS THIS VEHICLE IS USED FOR PRODUCTION PURPOSES. FORD DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DEFECTS OF THEIR FUEL TANKS. WITH NO OTHER CHOICE, WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THESE VEHICLES ARE USED FOR COMMERCIAL USAGE DAILY. THIS IS ALSO A FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT HAS BEEN FORCED ONTO US UNFAIRLY. THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THESE FUEL TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10293027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,892 milesFairfax, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THE CULPRIT WAS THE FORD FUEL TANK THAT HAD DELAMINATED. THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST: $1600.00. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF REVENUE AS THIS VEHICLE IS USED FOR PRODUCTION PURPOSES. FORD DENIED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DEFECTS OF THEIR FUEL TANKS. WITH NO OTHER CHOICE, WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THESE VEHICLES ARE USED FOR COMMERCIAL USAGE DAILY. THIS IS ALSO A FINANCIAL BURDEN THAT HAS BEEN FORCED ONTO US UNFAIRLY. THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND RECALL THESE FUEL TANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10293031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesSpokane, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND LUNGES FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALMOST LUNGED INTO TRAFFIC WHILE AT IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT ON ONE OCCASION. A COMPONENT WAS REPLACED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #10273607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesHavertown, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
TRUCK WAS RUNNING ROUGH AND WAS LOOSING POWER. THEY REPLACED THE GAS TANK INJECTORS AND A PUMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIESEL WAS EATING AWAY AT THE LINER OF THE TANK. MY TRUCK IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. IT HAS COST HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX. THE TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW FOR SAME PROBLEMS NO POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10260321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCharlotte Hall, MDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS DESCRIBED AS "VIOLENT" WITH FLAMES AT LEAST 70 FEET HIGH. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING VIDEOS AND PHOTOS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10251394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesFT Collins, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
2004 FORD SUPER DUTY W 6.0 LITER DIESEL. FUEL TANK INTERNAL COATING IF FLAKING OFF. ENGINE LOOSES POWER AND STOPS WITHOUT WARNING. MOST OF TANK HAS PEELED OFF WHICH PLUGS UP FUEL STRAINER IN TANK. TRUCK WAS TOWED AND THIS WASHED THE DEFECTIVE MATERIAL FROM THE FUEL STRAINER. NO CODES WERE DETECTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2-3 TIMES BEFORE WE CAUGHT IT. TANK AND INTERNAL PUMP WERE REPLACED AT ABOUT 120,000 MILES AT MY COST. I HAVE ALL THE PARTS. VEHICLE WILL LOOSE POWER IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10251041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,669 milesMT. Sinai, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2008, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING. THE FAILURE PERSISTED FOR TWO DAYS. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AT HIS RESIDENCE AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE THE FOLLOWING DAY, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DELAMINATED, CAUSING PLASTIC DEBRIS TO FLOW THROUGH THE FUEL LINES, FUEL PUMP, AND FUEL FILTER. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL PUMP DOES NOT PUMP FUEL TO THE FUEL INJECTORS, WHICH PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,000. UPDATED 11/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/18/08.
NHTSA complaint #10242923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.