Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Ford F SERIES (LIGHT) problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

120 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

116,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1973 to 2002 model years. Data updated: . 47 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 120 complaints (6.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior3226.7%
Fuel system concerns86.7%
Electrical and battery issues65.0%
Transmission and shifting54.2%
Engine operation32.5%
Steering behavior21.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
7
Engine
6
Engine And Engine Cooling
6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
6
Electrical System
5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
5
Fuel System, Gasoline
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components7
Engine6
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine6
Electrical System5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly5
Fuel System, Gasoline5

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor: 8; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 7; Engine: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 6; Electrical System: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly: 5; Fuel System, Gasoline: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
4
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
7
75,000 to 99,999
6
100,000 to 149,999
14
150,000 and above
14
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0004
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9997
75,000 to 99,9996
100,000 to 149,99914
150,000 and above14

Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 14; 150,000 and above: 14

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (14). 73 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
54
1996
9
2000
1
2003
7
2004
3
2005
8
2006
4
2007
4
2008
2
2009
2
2010
5
2011
4
2012
8
2013
3
2014
2
2015
2
2016
1
2018
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199554
19969
20001
20037
20043
20058
20064
20074
20082
20092
20105
20114
20128
20133
20142
20152
20161
20181

1995: 54; 1996: 9; 2000: 1; 2003: 7; 2004: 3; 2005: 8; 2006: 4; 2007: 4; 2008: 2; 2009: 2; 2010: 5; 2011: 4; 2012: 8; 2013: 3; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2016: 1; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 32 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 479571 · 1995-02-01 (February 1, 1995)

BRAKE PROBLEMS. (2ND VEHICLE ON 480312) (F250) *AW

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 479571 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10326830 · 2010-04-21 (April 21, 2010)

STEEL BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE. SPARE TIRE RETAINER RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING SPARE TIRE TO FALL FROM UNDER VEHICLE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10326830 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 481027 · 1995-02-04 (February 4, 1995)

FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSING FUEL TO BE PUSHED OUT TOP OF ONE TANK WHEN BOTH TANKS ARE FULL, ALSO TANK MAKES POPPING NOISE WHEN FULL. *SKD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 481027 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 480911 · 1995-01-15 (January 15, 1995)

INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 480911 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 480578 · 1995-01-24 (January 24, 1995)

WIRING HARNESS SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FIRE. (F250) *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 480578 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 503221 · 1996-03-21 (March 21, 1996)

WIRING HARNESS LOCATED ON TOP OF TRUCKS FRAME, CUT BY SEAM IN CABS FLOORBOARD, CAUSING SHORT WHICH CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO FAIL. *DSH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 503221 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 481351 · 1995-03-06 (March 6, 1995)

TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHEN CHANGING GEARS. (F150). *SKD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 481351 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 478313 · 1995-01-05 (January 5, 1995)

PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. (F150) *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 478313 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 481240 · 1995-02-13 (February 13, 1995)

CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM MELTED DOWN THREE TIMES, CAUSING COMPUTER TO AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *SKD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 481240 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 478453 · 1995-01-05 (January 5, 1995)

ENGINE STALLS/REVVS AT FULL THROTTLE WHEN A/C OR DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 478453 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 503306 · 1996-04-08 (April 8, 1996)

POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED 13 TIMES DUE TO FAILING AFTER A DAY OR TWO OF TRUCK USAGE. *SD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 503306 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 480745 · 1995-01-19 (January 19, 1995)

FAN BELT BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER BRAKES/STEERING. (F250). *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 480745 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1986
0
1987
1
1988
0
1989
0
1990
0
1991
0
1992
0
1993
0
1994
0
1995
0
1996
0
1997
0
1998
0
1999
0
2000
0
2001
0
2002
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19860
19871
19880
19890
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
19950
19960
19970
19980
19990
20000
20010
20020

1986: 0; 1987: 1; 1988: 0; 1989: 0; 1990: 0; 1991: 0; 1992: 0; 1993: 0; 1994: 0; 1995: 0; 1996: 0; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0

Year-by-year records

Ford F SERIES (LIGHT) model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
197310Not available
197810Not available
198003Not available
198610Not available
198701+1
198860-1
1989600
1990800
1991900
1992900
19931200
19941600
1995100
1996200
19971500
1998100
1999600
2000300
20011000
20021300
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

120 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

39.2%Usable mileage47 / 120 records
98.3%Valid incident date118 / 120 records
100.0%Valid filing date120 / 120 records
98.3%Ordered incident and filing dates118 / 120 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

112.5%
ODI 481859

HUBS REPLACED.

Look up ODI 481859 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

222.2%
ODI 480312

BRAKE PADS REPLACED.

Look up ODI 480312 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 478420

BRAKE ROTORS OUT OF ROUND, CAUSING FRONT WHEELS TO LOCK-UP AND VIBRATE. *SKD

Look up ODI 478420 at NHTSA ↗

318.8%
ODI 479522

BRAKE ROTORS TURNED, ALSO REAR DRUMS REPLACED. *SKD

Look up ODI 479522 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
116.7%
ODI 479571

BRAKE PROBLEMS. (2ND VEHICLE ON 480312) (F250) *AW

Look up ODI 479571 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 480400

WHEN CRANKCASE IS FILLED W/OIL, SMOKE GETS INTO ENGINE, CAUSING SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION/RUNAWAY ENGINE, ALSO EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE/STARTING DIFFICULTY.

Look up ODI 480400 at NHTSA ↗

225.0%
ODI 479304

BRAKES FAILED. (F350) (ORIGINAL DOCUMENT ON 478141) *SKD

Look up ODI 479304 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 482508

BRAKES WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. *SKD

Look up ODI 482508 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

212.5%
ODI 478318

WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT/LEFT. *AK

Look up ODI 478318 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 10491004

THE TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY NEXT TO THE GARAGE FOR ABOUT 8 1/2 HOURS. A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENTS AND CAUGHT ONTO THE CORNER OF THE GARAGE. *TR

Look up ODI 10491004 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

110.0%
ODI 10487498 · 125,000 mi

2001 FORD F150 WAS SITTING OUT IN DRIVEWAY OF OWNER'S HOME. HE HAD BEEN HOME APPROX 1/2 HOURS WHEN OWNERS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE CAB OF OWNERS VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10487498 at NHTSA ↗

430.8%
ODI 10474326 · 200,500 mi

A SPARK PLUG WORKED LOOSE FROM THE HEAD AND BLEW OUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEAD AND THE IGNITION COIL. ALL 8 PLUGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, TWO DAMAGED SPARK PLUG HOLES REPAIRED AND TWO IGNITION COILS REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10474326 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 10434959 · 180,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10434959 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 10275301 · 123,000 mi

SPARK PLUG BLOWOUT ON FORD TRITON V8 ENGINE, 5.4 LITER. *TR

Look up ODI 10275301 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

220.0%
ODI 10444443 · 116,000 mi

I HAVE A 2001 FORD PICKUP WITH 116,000 MILES THAT I HAVE BABIED SINCE I PURCHASED IT JUST THIS WEEK I HAD A SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT OF THE HEAD, JUST SO HAPPENED I WAS 45 MILES AWAY FROM HOME, SO A WRECKER CHARGE WAS DUE, TOOK MY TRUCK TO MY USUAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. SO I THEN HAD TO FIND SOMEONE ELSE, ANOTHE WRECKER CHARGE. FORD MUST KNOW FROM ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND VERY COSTLY. FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH ALUMINUM HEADS AND INSTALL A STEEL SLEEVE IN ALL SPARK PLUGS TO TAKE C…

Look up ODI 10444443 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10436256 · 107,590 mi

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF PLUG HOLE, STRIPPING THREADS OF INTAKE CYLINDER HEAD. PLUG WAS FOUND LAYING BETWEEN VALVE COVER AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TR

Look up ODI 10436256 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

213.3%
ODI 10158629 · 110,000 mi

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 ANO…

Look up ODI 10158629 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

330.0%
ODI 10023966 · 26,500 mi

ON THIS DATE I WAS SUMMONED TO PICK UP MY 2001 FORD SVT F 150 PICKUP FROM MC GILVRAY FORD IN ATHENS, TX AFTER REPLACEMENT OF MY ENGINE VALVE LASH ADJUSTERS HAD BEEN MADE IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP RIGHT SIDE ENGINE TICKING. THE VEHICLE STILL MADE THE NOISE AND I GOT THE MECHANIC TO LISTEN. I ASKED HIM IF THEY CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS BECAUSE THEY ARE KNOWN TO LOOSEN ON THIS TYPE ENGINE DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING. THE MECHANIC DISMISSED MY CONCERN AND INFORMED ME OF THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE NOISE WAS AND THAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DRIVE IT A WHILE AND S…

Look up ODI 10023966 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10122026 · 28,000 mi

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.. HEAR A LARGE NOISE FROMN THE ENGINE BAY. TRUCK BREAKS DOWN AND I HAVE IT TOWED. 2002 FORD F-150 LIGTHNING. 3RD TIME ITS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.. BLOWING A SPARK PLUG IN THE ENGINE BAY.. THIS TIME... WORSE THEN EVER... READ IT WAS A VERY BAD PROBLEM WITH OTHER TRUCK MADE THIS YEAR ETC.. ONLINE SO I'AM PUTTING A COMPLAINT IN..

Look up ODI 10122026 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.3%
ODI 10135319

MY 1994 FORD F150 BURST INTO FLAMES WITH NO WARNING OR SIGNS OF A PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10135319 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

16.7%
ODI 10165178 · 164,745 mi

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 NO…

Look up ODI 10165178 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10511772 · 160,000 mi

IN HEAVY RAIN THE WIPERS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS QUIT WHILE DRIVING - CAUSED BY A WINDSHIELD LEAK ONTO THE GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX. THIS WINDSHIELD LEAK IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT ON 1997 THRU 2000 FORD F150 PICKUPS. *TR

Look up ODI 10511772 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10487498 · 125,000 mi

2001 FORD F150 WAS SITTING OUT IN DRIVEWAY OF OWNER'S HOME. HE HAD BEEN HOME APPROX 1/2 HOURS WHEN OWNERS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE CAB OF OWNERS VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10487498 at NHTSA ↗

17.7%
ODI 10436256 · 107,590 mi

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF PLUG HOLE, STRIPPING THREADS OF INTAKE CYLINDER HEAD. PLUG WAS FOUND LAYING BETWEEN VALVE COVER AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TR

Look up ODI 10436256 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 480400

WHEN CRANKCASE IS FILLED W/OIL, SMOKE GETS INTO ENGINE, CAUSING SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION/RUNAWAY ENGINE, ALSO EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE/STARTING DIFFICULTY.

Look up ODI 480400 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

430.8%
ODI 10458426 · 120,000 mi

TRUCK STARTED MAKING NOISE EVERY TIME THERE WAS A BUMP. HANDLING FELT LOOSE. DISCOVERED THAT THE RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MECHANIC REFERRED TO THE CONDITION AS "ROT". THIS SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR, A/C AND PROVIDES AN ATTACHMENT FOR THE FRONT FENDERS. I BOUGHT 4 VEHICLES THE SAME YEAR. CHECKED THE OTHER 3 AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I WILL BE FILING REPORTS ON THEM TOO. *JS

Look up ODI 10458426 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

320.0%
ODI 10363019 · 72,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10363019 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10176813 · 140,000 mi

ON 12/12/06 A LADY TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING ME TO BROADSIDE HER. I WAS DOING APPROX 40 MPH AT THE TIME. ALL HER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NONE OF MINE DID, EVEN THOUGH THE ENTIRE IMPACT OF THE ACCIDENT WAS ACROSS MY FRONT END. ADDITIONALLY MY FUEL CUTOFF SWITCH DID NOT FUNCTION. WHEN THE VEHICLES CAME TO REST, AND I RECOLLECTED MY WITS, I REALIZED THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AND AT CLOSE TO FULL THROTTLE. *NM

Look up ODI 10176813 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.7%
ODI 10355710 · 170,000 mi

GAS TANK LEAK AT STRAP HOLDING TANK IN PLACE. 2002 FORD F-150 4X4 4.6 LITER. AT THIS TIME I CAN NOT FILL THE VEHICLES TANK TO FULL. THE PROBLEM WILL ONLY GET WORSE WITH TIME. AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE IS ONLY FILLED TO 1/2 FULL. *TR

Look up ODI 10355710 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine90,000–150,000 mi125,000 mi5
ODI 10487498 · 125,000 mi

2001 FORD F150 WAS SITTING OUT IN DRIVEWAY OF OWNER'S HOME. HE HAD BEEN HOME APPROX 1/2 HOURS WHEN OWNERS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE CAB OF OWNERS VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10487498 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10474326 · 200,500 mi

A SPARK PLUG WORKED LOOSE FROM THE HEAD AND BLEW OUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEAD AND THE IGNITION COIL. ALL 8 PLUGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, TWO DAMAGED SPARK PLUG HOLES REPAIRED AND TWO IGNITION COILS REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10474326 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10526147 · 66,000 mi

OIL LEAKING PASSENGER SIDE REAR ON TO THE STARTER AND EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10526147 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling109,693–165,750 mi119,500 mi6
ODI 10434959 · 180,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10434959 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10275301 · 123,000 mi

SPARK PLUG BLOWOUT ON FORD TRITON V8 ENGINE, 5.4 LITER. *TR

Look up ODI 10275301 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10298722 · 227,000 mi

I OWN A 1999 FORD F150, THE SPARKPLUG BLEW UP AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. I HEARD A LOUD POP. *TR

Look up ODI 10298722 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine28,000–130,000 mi110,000 mi5
ODI 10158629 · 110,000 mi

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 ANO…

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ODI 10023966 · 26,500 mi

ON THIS DATE I WAS SUMMONED TO PICK UP MY 2001 FORD SVT F 150 PICKUP FROM MC GILVRAY FORD IN ATHENS, TX AFTER REPLACEMENT OF MY ENGINE VALVE LASH ADJUSTERS HAD BEEN MADE IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP RIGHT SIDE ENGINE TICKING. THE VEHICLE STILL MADE THE NOISE AND I GOT THE MECHANIC TO LISTEN. I ASKED HIM IF THEY CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS BECAUSE THEY ARE KNOWN TO LOOSEN ON THIS TYPE ENGINE DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING. THE MECHANIC DISMISSED MY CONCERN AND INFORMED ME OF THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE NOISE WAS AND THAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DRIVE IT A WHILE AND S…

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ODI 10222989 · 130,000 mi

# 6 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HOLE IN CYLINDER HEAD. *TR

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range142,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10165178 · 164,745 mi

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 NO…

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ODI 10511772 · 160,000 mi

IN HEAVY RAIN THE WIPERS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS QUIT WHILE DRIVING - CAUSED BY A WINDSHIELD LEAK ONTO THE GEM MODULE AND FUSE BOX. THIS WINDSHIELD LEAK IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FORD KNOWS ABOUT ON 1997 THRU 2000 FORD F150 PICKUPS. *TR

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ODI 10487498 · 125,000 mi

2001 FORD F150 WAS SITTING OUT IN DRIVEWAY OF OWNER'S HOME. HE HAD BEEN HOME APPROX 1/2 HOURS WHEN OWNERS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE CAB OF OWNERS VEHICLE. *TR

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator AssemblyToo few reports for a range180,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10458426 · 120,000 mi

TRUCK STARTED MAKING NOISE EVERY TIME THERE WAS A BUMP. HANDLING FELT LOOSE. DISCOVERED THAT THE RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MECHANIC REFERRED TO THE CONDITION AS "ROT". THIS SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR, A/C AND PROVIDES AN ATTACHMENT FOR THE FRONT FENDERS. I BOUGHT 4 VEHICLES THE SAME YEAR. CHECKED THE OTHER 3 AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I WILL BE FILING REPORTS ON THEM TOO. *JS

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ODI 10458434 · 210,000 mi

CHECKED THE CONDITION OF THIS TRUCKS RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT AFTER ANOTHER TRUCK BOUGHT THE SAME YEAR HAD ONE THAT ROTTED AWAY AND FAILED. THIS PART SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR, A/C AND PROVIDES AN ATTACHMENT FOR THE FRONT FENDERS. THIS VEHICLE'S RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH IN SPOTS AND LARGE FLAKES OF RUST FALL OFF WHEN IT IS DISTURBED. IT WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND 3 OTHERS BOUGHT THE SAME YEAR HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *JS

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ODI 10458436 · 181,000 mi

CHECKED THE CONDITION OF THIS TRUCKS RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT AFTER ANOTHER TRUCK BOUGHT THE SAME YEAR HAD ONE THAT ROTTED AWAY AND FAILED. THIS PART SUPPORTS THE RADIATOR, A/C AND PROVIDES AN ATTACHMENT FOR THE FRONT FENDERS. THIS VEHICLE'S RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH IN SPOTS AND LARGE FLAKES OF RUST FALL OFF WHEN IT IS DISTURBED. IT WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND 3 OTHERS BOUGHT THE SAME YEAR HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *JS

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Fuel System, Gasoline140,000–163,500 mi159,000 mi5
ODI 10363019 · 72,000 mi

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

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ODI 10399962 · 159,000 mi

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

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ODI 10401527 · 163,500 mi

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

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Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2001: 2 complaints · 2002: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001002
2002011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20011000
20021300

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:RotorService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation ComponentsEngineEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator AssemblyFuel System, Gasoline
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor—0000000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components0—0000
1
ODI 480400

WHEN CRANKCASE IS FILLED W/OIL, SMOKE GETS INTO ENGINE, CAUSING SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION/RUNAWAY ENGINE, ALSO EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE/STARTING DIFFICULTY.

Look up ODI 480400 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine00—00
1
ODI 10487498 · 125,000 mi

2001 FORD F150 WAS SITTING OUT IN DRIVEWAY OF OWNER'S HOME. HE HAD BEEN HOME APPROX 1/2 HOURS WHEN OWNERS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE CAB OF OWNERS VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10487498 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine And Engine Cooling000—0
1
ODI 10436256 · 107,590 mi

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF PLUG HOLE, STRIPPING THREADS OF INTAKE CYLINDER HEAD. PLUG WAS FOUND LAYING BETWEEN VALVE COVER AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TR

Look up ODI 10436256 at NHTSA ↗

00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0000—000
Electrical System00
1
ODI 10487498 · 125,000 mi

2001 FORD F150 WAS SITTING OUT IN DRIVEWAY OF OWNER'S HOME. HE HAD BEEN HOME APPROX 1/2 HOURS WHEN OWNERS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO FIRE DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE CAB OF OWNERS VEHICLE. *TR

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1
ODI 10436256 · 107,590 mi

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF PLUG HOLE, STRIPPING THREADS OF INTAKE CYLINDER HEAD. PLUG WAS FOUND LAYING BETWEEN VALVE COVER AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TR

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0—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly0
1
ODI 480400

WHEN CRANKCASE IS FILLED W/OIL, SMOKE GETS INTO ENGINE, CAUSING SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION/RUNAWAY ENGINE, ALSO EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE/STARTING DIFFICULTY.

Look up ODI 480400 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Fuel System, Gasoline0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 481240

CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM MELTED DOWN THREE TIMES, CAUSING COMPUTER TO AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *SKD

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ODI 478453

ENGINE STALLS/REVVS AT FULL THROTTLE WHEN A/C OR DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON. *AK

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ODI 480745

FAN BELT BROKE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER BRAKES/STEERING. (F250). *AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10110006

DUAL GAS TANKS, SMELL OF GAS, OVERFLOWING AND PRESSURE IN ONE TANK. COMPLAINED BEFORE BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. *JB

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ODI 480911

INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. *AK

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 503306

POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED 13 TIMES DUE TO FAILING AFTER A DAY OR TWO OF TRUCK USAGE. *SD

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 164,745 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10165178 · 164,745 mi

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 NO…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b