2003 FORD F-150 Power Train Problems

Ford placed a decal on the rear differential that wraps all the way around the axle. This decal holds water and has caused any area touching the decal to rust excessively. Ford has told me that this will cause they rear differential fail. When this happens it will likely be when I'm driving with my wife and two young kids. The only way to know that this issue exists is to either get under the truck and remove the decal which causes and also covers the damage, or to have the axle give out while driving. This was recently discovered while working on the vehicle. I don't currently have pictures as the vehicle is in for other repairs, but I can get pictures once I get the vehicle back.

Transmission

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEAR AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO PARK THEN NEUTRAL AGAIN FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION AND TURN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,341.

Mileage: 86,341

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MATHEWS FORD NEWARK (500 HEBRON RD, NEWARK, OH 43056, (740) 522-2181) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. AFTER EACH FAILURE, THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY UNIT WAS REPLACED BY THE SAME DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,950. *JS *JS

Mileage: 31,950

TRANS WENT OUT A MONTH AFTER INTAKE CRACK HAD TO BE REPLACE ALMOST $1,650 TOGETHER ALSO BALL JOINTS AND TIEROD ENDS NO GOOD SHOCK NO GOOD BRAKE ARE FALLING AND REAR END IS GRINDING THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD HELP AND THERE'S "MORE".

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. HAD NOT BEEN RUN IN OVER A WEEK. COMPLETELY BURNED UP AND CAUSED DAMAGED HOME. VEHICLE BURNED HAD SEVERAL EXPLOSIONS AND BURNED AT A HIGH TEMP UNTIL IT WAS EXTINGUISHED BY FIRE FIGHTERS.

MY REAR DIFF IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AT 50 TO 55 MILES AN HOUR ON MY 2003 FORD 150. THE REAR DIFF IS ON THE RECALL LIST, BUT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE I HAVE A SALVAGE TITLE. IN NO WAY WAS MY VEHICLE DIFF COMPROMISED IN CONNECTION TO THE SALVAGE TITLE. IT IS SIMPLY DEFECTIVE AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE. IM WONDERING IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE LOUD NOISE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN SNOW WHEN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Mileage: 20,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150 4WD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE OVER SNOW AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT THEN ENGAGED THE ACCELERATED AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE BUT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,200.

Mileage: 72,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FWD ENGAGEMENT GEAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PLACE WHEN DRIVING IN ICY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ACTUATOR FOR THE GEAR SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000. UPDATED 02/09/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 05/06/11

Mileage: 51,000

FORD F-150 SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT, COMMON IN F-150'S. *TR

BLOW OUT OF SPARK PLUG ON 2003 FORD F-150 4.6L TRITON V8. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE ROAD WAS SLIPPERY AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER LOCATED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FRONT SHIFT FORK AND THE SUB SHIFT FORK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING $ 1,009 TO HAVE THE FRONT AND SUB SHIFT FORKS REPLACED. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER DIDN"T TAKE A REPORT OR OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,879 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,921.

Mileage: 66,879

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE INDICATOR FOR THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED. AS A CONSEQUENCE HE BRIEFLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH INCREASED HIS RISK FOR A VEHICLE CRASH. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,792.

Mileage: 55,400

DIFFERENTIAL REAR END FACTORY DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

SIMILAR TO OTHER COMPLAINT, I DISCOVERED THAT MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS NOT ENGAGING WHEN I TURN IT ON USING THE SWITCH ON THE DASH. MY INDEPENDENT EXCELLENT MECHANIC (I WOULD NEVER USE THE FORD DEALER HERE) FOUND THAT A WIRE ON THE TRANSMISSION CASE HAD BEEN SIMPLY DISCONNECTED. HE RECONNECTED IT - NO CHARGE. WORKS FINE. P.S. I TEST THE OPERATION EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS NOW TO MAKE SURE IT IS WORKING JUST IN CASE I NEED IT. *TR

Mileage: 659,344

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WORKED SPORADICALLY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VACUUM SWITCH, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM DIAPHRAGM MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND THE SHIFTING FORK CONTROL. AFTER THE REPAIR, THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,300 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 3/11/09 *CN UPDATED 03/13/09. *JB

Mileage: 69,300

WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOWSTORM THE SHIFTING FORK ON THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BROKE DISENGAGING THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL. I HAVE FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW AND THAT FORD HAS REDESIGNED THIS SHIFTING FORK. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN NEXT TO ME WHEN THE FORK BROKE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 43,000

MY 2003 FORD F150 SUPERCREWCAB FX4 4X4, WAS IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AS I PROCEEDED TO ENTER HIGHWAY 39 FROM MY DRIVE. THE VEHICLE KICKED OUT OF FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WITH THE ROADS BEING WET WHICH CAUSED MY TRUCK'S BACK TIRES TO SPIN OUT. MY TRUCK THEN FISHTAILED AS IT THREW ITSELF INTO A DITCH. THE PROBLEM WITH IT POPPING IN AND OUT OF FOUR WHEEL DRIVE IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME THAT I USE IT. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALER YET, BUT HAVE READ SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE THAT TALK ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 127,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F150. IN AN ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFT FORK FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,661 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,650.

Mileage: 55,650

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE ELECTRONIC 4-WHEEL DRIVE DISENGAGED AND SHIFTED INTO 2-WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WAS ACTIVATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD INSTALL A NEW SHIFT FORK KIT MADE WITH DIFFERENT MATERIAL. AS OF DECEMBER 13, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 53,000.

Mileage: 53,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006, THE VEHICLE'S COIL PACK FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE IT FAILED, THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING EXTREMELY ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN DECEMBER OF 2006, SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN, A SECOND COIL PACK FAILED, AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE CV BOOT. THE SECOND COIL PACK WAS REPLACED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE CV BOOT HAD BEEN REPAIRED. UPON RETURNING HOME, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE CV BOOT HAD ONLY BEEN TURNED ON THE OTHER SIDE AND WAS NOT REPLACED. IN ADDITION TO THE FIRST CV BOOT NOT BEING REPAIRED, THE OTHER AXLE BOOT HAS DETACHED COMPLETELY OFF THE SHAFT. THE VIN, PURCHASE DATE, AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 55,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

2003 FORD F150 4X4. A HEAVY SNOW STORM HIT NORTHEAST ON 3/16/07. I HAD MY PREGNANT WIFE AND THREE YEAR OLD SON IN TRUCK COMING BACK FROM A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DID NOT ENGAGE. WE WERE STUCK FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON EVENT WITH THE FORDS AND THERE SHIFT ON THE FLY 4X4 SYSTEM. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ON GOING PROBLEM BUT TOLD ME IT WAS MY PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE SYSTEM AND AGAIN STATED "IT WAS MY PROBLEM!" THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED OCCURENCES YET NOTHING HAS BEEN CORRECTED. TRUCK IS GOING IN FOR REPAIR ON FRIDAY AND MECHANIC STATED IT IS APPROX $500 TO REPAIR. THE VACUUM SOLENIOD AND VACUUM LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED. FORD WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE VACUUM PROBLEM WHEN I SPOKE WITH THEM. VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS WITH A FAMILY RELYING ON A 4X4 WHEN NEEDED.

Mileage: 50,000

WHILE DRIVING I BEGAN TO DOWNSHIFT BUT WAS UNABLE. THE STICK WAS REAL LOOSE AND I COULD NOT FIND THE GEARS. THE ANALOGY (IT WAS LIKE A BROKEN ARM IT JUST WOBBLED) THIS WAS SCARY NOT KNOWING HOW TO GET MY TRUCK (FORD EXPLORER,SPORT TRAC) IN GEAR. I MANIPULATED THE SHIFT AND FINALLY GOT IT TO FIRST AND PARKED IT. THE SHIFT HAD TO BE MOVED WAY RIGHT OR WAY LEFT TO ACCOMPLISH THIS PROCESS OF GEAR CHANGING. GUESSING WHAT GEAR YOUR IN IS NOT WHAT I WANT WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO THE PATTCHETTS FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE SHIFT IN PLACE HAD WORKED THERE WAY LOOSE AND THAT ."IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE"RONNIE, SERVICE MANAGER STATED. RONNIE STATED THAT WAS ALSO COMMON FOR THE SHORT STICK MUSTANGS. THIS IS REAL UNSAFE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS THIS OCCURRENCE HAPPEN TO THEM. *NM

Mileage: 60,804

DRIVING IN MY BACK YARD, TESTING NEW SNOW TIRES, SPEED APROX. 25 MPH, HIT 10" DEEP HOLE, BROKE AXLE, DIRECTLY BEHIND BRAKE DISC, REAR WHEEL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, PICTURES AVAILABLE. HAD TO REPLACE AXLE. *NM

Mileage: 40,448

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 50-55 MPH AND MY 4X WHEEL DRIVE KICKED ON WITHOUT ME ENGAGING IT, THEN BY ITSELF AGAIN IT TURNED OFF. THE NEXT NIGHT I WAS TURNING A CORNER AND IT DID IT AGAIN, IT WENT ON AND OFF BY ITSELF. MY BOYFRIEND DID NOT BELIEVE IT AND THEN AN HOUR LATER HE WAS DRIVING AND I DID IT AGAIN. I TOOK IT THE DEALER DAYS LATER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS . THEY SAID THEY TRIED TO PROVOKE IT BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHY AND HOW IT WAS HAPPENING. *JB

WITH ONLY 23000 MILES ON MY 2003 F150 SUPERCREW 4X4, MY TRANSMISSION HAD WHAT THEY CALLED AN "INTERNAL FAILURE"... TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REBUILT. *NM

Mileage: 23,000

ON AN AVERAGE OF ONCE A MONTH, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK AND THE TRUCK HAS TO BE PUSHED FROM THE FRONT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO RELEASE. *NM

2003 FORD F150 ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE PARKED RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE COLLIDING INTO A BUILDING.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION WAS OFF. *JB

TRANSMISSION LINE CRACKED ON MY 2003 FORD 150 SUPER CREW. TRASMISSSION BEGAN TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY LEADING TO TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT AROUND 36,000 MILES.*AK

Mileage: 36,000

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE FRONT HUBS LOCKED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DISENGAGED OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Mileage: 46,000

THE WHEEL DRIVE QUITS WORKING WHILE TRAVLING DOWN THE ROAD. IT ALSO WILL NOT LOCK IN WHEN SITTING. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATES THAT THE HUBS ARE LOCKED IN BUT ITS NOT WORKING. I CURRENTLY HAVE IT A THE FORD DEALER GETTING IT FIXED AND IT IS NOT UNDER WARRENTY. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THERE IS A PROBKLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND HAS MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS BUT WILL NOT COVER THE COST. THEY TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD LOCK IN THE HUBS OFTEN TO KEEP THE SEALS LUBERCATD AND THAT ITS THE OWNERS PROBLEM FO RNOT DOING THIS. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE OF THEM TO TELL ME WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK THAT THIS WAS REQURIED TO BE DONE ON A REGULAR BASIS. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MY OTHER FORD TRUCKS.*AK

Mileage: 40,000

I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150 MY 4WHEELDRIVE STOPPED WORKING , BUT THE DASH INDICATOR SAID IT WAS INGAGED. THIS MAKES FOR A VERY UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. BECAUSE YOU DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE SAME IF THE 4X4 IS WORKING.I BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED IT . THIS APPARENTLY WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE PART# F75Z*3N139*KT WHICH COST$133.98 AND THE LABOR WAS $302.00. THIS PART IS VERY CHEAPLY MADE AND WILL PROBABLY BREAK AGAIN. THE TECH TOLD ME THERE IS NO WAY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS PART IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HOPE THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. I HAVE LOOKED ON FORD LINKS AND WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMMENTS OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP ME, IT WOULD BE APPRICIATED. I KEPT THE OLD PARTS, THE MATERIAL THEY USE ON THE FORK WON`T HOLD UP TO THE CONDITIONS IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. *AK

Mileage: 45,959

I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150 MY 4WHEELDRIVE STOPPED WORKING , BUT THE DASH INDICATOR SAID IT WAS INGAGED. THIS MAKES FOR A VERY UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. BECAUSE YOU DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE SAME IF THE 4X4 IS WORKING.I BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED IT . THIS APPARENTLY WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE PART# F75Z*3N139*KT WHICH COST$133.98 AND THE LABOR WAS $302.00. THIS PART IS VERY CHEAPLY MADE AND WILL PROBABLY BREAK AGAIN. THE TECH TOLD ME THERE IS NO WAY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS PART IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HOPE THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. I HAVE LOOKED ON FORD LINKS AND WEBSITES AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMMENTS OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP ME, IT WOULD BE APPRICIATED. I KEPT THE OLD PARTS, THE MATERIAL THEY USE ON THE FORK WON`T HOLD UP TO THE CONDITIONS IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. *AK

Mileage: 45,959

I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150 PICKUP, V6, 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36,000 MILES AND MY CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER FAILED AT 37,000 MILES. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP AND TELLING THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ASKING THEM IF THEY WOULD COVER THE PART SINCE IT HAD FAILED PREMATURELY, AND THEY ANSWERED "NO". I TOOK IT TO A PRIVATE SHOP AND HAD THE SLAVE CYLINDER REPLACED. THE DAY AFTER I GOT IT BACK I PERIODICALLY HEARD STRANGE NOISES COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT BACK INTO THE SHOP THAT REPLACED MY SLAVE CYLINDER. UPON OBSERVATION THEY FOUND NOTHING. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR TWO MORE DAYS THE PROBLEM WAS EXTREMELY EVIDENT BY THE NOISES THAT WERE CONSTANT WHENEVER I SHIFTED AS WELL AS IN NEUTRAL. I TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SHOP AND TOLD THE SHOP THAT I WANTED TO BE THERE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS OPENED UP. I WAS PRESENT WHEN THEY OPENED UP THE TRANSMISSION. AS THEY PULLED THE TRANSMISSION APART, THEY FOUND MANGLED THIN METAL DEBRIS, SOME PIECES AS LARGE AS MY THUMBNAIL. AFTER TAKING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION APART AND INSPECTING ALL BEARINGS AND ALL OTHER PARTS, THEY FOUND THAT THE PIECES WERE A FOREIGN MATERIAL TO THE TRANSMISSION. THEY DID NOT COME FROM ANY PART OF THE TRANSMISSION. ONE OF THESE PIECES FOUND ITS WAY BETWEEN THE GEARS ON THE COUNTER SHAFT AND BROKE ONE OF THE TEETH, EXPLAINING THE NOISE. SO, IN SHORT, WE ARE CURRENTLY HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT A COST OF $1800.00 ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES ON IT. *NM

Mileage: 37,700

2003 FORD F-150 4X4. AFTER ONLY A FEW HOURS IN 4X4 MODE, TRUCK NO LONGER ENGAGES INTO 4X4 MODE, CREATING HAZARDOUS CONDITION AS PEOPLE EXPECT THIS TO WORK AND TRUCK IS VERY PRONE TO GETTING STUCK IN ROAD OR LEAVING THE ROAD WITHOUT THIS FEATURE (AS ALL SUCH TRUCKS ARE RELATIVELY VERY LIGHT IN THE REAR). OWNERS OF 4X4 VEHICLES EXPECT THIS FEATURE TO WORK AS ADVERTISED AND FAILURE CAN CREATE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. FROM SHORT INVESTIGATION - SPEAKING TO FORD MECHANICS AND VISITING FORD-TRUCKS.COM, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR REASONS GIVEN ABOVE - AFTER PERSONALLY GETTING STUCK IN A PUBLIC ROAD, AND VERY NEARLY SEVERAL TIMES, THE TRUCK IS NO LONGER USED WHENEVER THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF SNOWY CONDITIONS (I AM IN THE NORTH-EAST). I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT - THE FORK WHICH ENGAGES THE FRONT AXLES HAS A PLASTIC END WHICH BREAKS OR FALLS OFF AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. I REQUEST THAT THIS BE INVESTIGATED AND IF FOUND TO BE A DESIGN RELATED ISSUE, WHICH I BELIEVE IT CLEARLY IS, THAT FORD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THESE VEHICLES WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER AND PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO NOTE THAT I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO 2 FORD DEALERS WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSIS, BOTH QUOTED 6-7 HOURS OF LABOR WHEN IT CLEARLY TAKES HALF OR LESS OF THIS TIME (AGAIN, PLEASE SEE THE FORD-TRUCKS.COM/FORUM). I BELIEVE FORD IS USING THIS KNOWN ISSUE TO PURPOSELY OVER CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR A KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *AK

Mileage: 36,001

WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL IN THE RAIN, THE REAR WHEELS SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE CAUSE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAILURE WITH THE RACK AND PINION AND THE DRIVE SHAFT. RECENTLY, THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SUDDENLY THE RIGHT REAR AXLE BROKE AND SNAPPED OFF. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FLYING OFF FOLLOWED BY THE DRIVER LOSING CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND IMPACTING A DITCH . THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES. *JB THE ENGINEER STATED THAT THE AXLE FLEW OFF ON IMPACT EVEN THOUGH THE TIRE FLEW OFF PRIOR TO IMPACT. *SC

Mileage: 20,808

AS NOTED BY ANOTHER COMPLAINT: HOWLING NOISE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED ONCE. NOISE CONTINUES. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW THAT ONLY AFFECTS CERTAIN VEHICLES BUT THEY ARE WORKING ON THE PROBLEM. I ASKED...WHEN COULD I EXPECT IT TO BE SOLVED. THE ANSWER WAS...IT MIGHT NEVER BE SOLVED. THEY REPLACED SOME GEARS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS STARTED AGAIN. THEY REFUSE TO PUT IN A NEW DIFFERENTIAL SAYING THAT IT WOULD BE "COST PROHIBITIVE".*AK

Mileage: 324

COMPLAINED OF DASHBOARD VIBRATION AT TIME VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED. FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE DRIVE SHAFT IS BEING REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 16,500 MILES. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADVISED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED ALIGNMENT. I AM CURIOUS IF THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM AND THE VIBRATION CONTRIBUTED TO THE TIRES BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT. *JB

Mileage: 10,000

2003 FORD F-150 SUPER CREW, HOWLING/WHINING NOISE FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL DURING ACCELLERATION. NOISE ONLY OCCURRES BETWEEN THE SPEED OF 40MPH AND 60MPH, MOST NOTICABLE AT 50 MPH.*AK SO FAR DEFECT HAS NOT CAUSED OPERATIONAL FAILURE. PROBLEM HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHO SOLD ME THE TRUCK. FIRST ATTEMPT TO REPAIR RESULTED IN NO WORK PERFORMED, NOISE CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE BY FORD SPECS. SECOND REPAIR ATTEMPT (AFTER WRITING TO DEALERSHIP) RESLULTED IN SERVICE MANAGER DIAGNOSING A RING AND PINION GEAR PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE RING AND PINION GEAR 3/30/2004. PROBLEM REOCCURED AFTER 4 WEEKS, ADDITIONAL ATTEMPT TO REPAIR RESULTED IN ORIGINIAL CONCLUSION THAT NOISE WAS ACCEPTABLE PER FORD SPECS. INCONSISTENT PATTERN OF REPAIR WITH PROBLEM STILL EXISTING.

Mileage: 50

HOWLING NOISE IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL. REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACED TWICE. NOISE CONTINUES. FORD NOW REFUSES TO REPAIR REAR DIFFERENTIAL BECAUSE OF COMPLETE OVERHAUL TWICE. FORD NOW SAYS NOISE IS "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT TRUE AS I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER IDENTICAL VEHICLES WITHOUT THE NOISE. NOISE GOES AWAY AFTER REPAIRS ARE MADE FOR ABOUT 6000 MILES. *AK

Mileage: 6,640

2003 FORD 150 EXT CAB 4X4 TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH A LIGHT LOAD. AS THE TRUCK WAS SHIFTED FROM 3RD TO 4TH THE DRIVE LINE BROKEN IN HALF AND BEGAN POUNDING THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE DAMAGING THE FUEL TANK AND EXHAUST SYTEM. THE DRIVER CLAIMS THE CLUTCH WAS NON RESPONSIVE AND THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF BURNED CLUTCH HAS THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. FORD REP IS CLAIMING DAMAGE IS THE RESULT OF ABUSE AND/OR PRIOR DAMAGE TO THE DRIVELINE BASED ON PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED BY DEALERSHIP (THE FORD REP DID NOT PHYSICALLY INSPECT). THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO OPINION OF WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND HAS CLAIMED TO HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A FAILURE. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THERE IS DOCUMENTATION TO SUPPORT FORD'S POSITION AND THEY ARE SIMPLY ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A WARRANTY CLAIM. OF EVEN DEEPER CONCERN IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT OTHER F150'S COULD EXPERIANCE THE SAME FAILURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES AND/OR LOSS OF LIFE. *AK

Mileage: 16,783

PURCHASED THE 2003 F-150USED FROM HERTZ RENTAL AT 22,00O MILES. WITHIN 2000 MILES, A GRATING SOUND BEGAN TO OCCUR PERIODICALLY. BASICALLY, AFTER YOU ARE AT A STOP OR COMPLETE A TURN, THE TRUCK WILL MAKE THIS GRINDING SOUND AS YOU ACCELERATE. IT LASTS FOR A SECOND OR SO AND SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE YOU RAN OVER A CATTLE GUARD. IT DOES IT SOMETIMES AND NOT OTHERS. ALSO, THE TRUCK WILL SOMETIMES DROP ITS IDLE TO 100 WHILE STOPPED AND ALMOST DIE. ALSO THE AIR CONDITIONING MAKES A LOUD GROANING TYPE WHILE WHEN YOU FIRST TURN IT ON. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE TRUCK OFF AND BACK ON TO MAKE IT STOP. IVE HAD THE VEHICLE 3 MONTHS AND ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP 8 TIMES. EACH TIME THEY TELL ME THEY CANT FIND A PROBLEM. I DONT BELEIVE THIS CONSIDERING THERES MANY OTHERS ON HERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. IVE CALLED CUSTOMER ASSITANCE AND THEY JUST SAY GO TO THE DEALER. ITS GOT 30,000 MILES ON IT. MY WARRANTY TIME IS RUNNING OUT. I CANT SELL IT BECAUSE ID HAVE TO TAKE A LOSS ON IT. FORD HAS HUNG ME OUT TO DRY. PLEASE PLEASE HELP. MY WIFE AND I CANNOT AFFORD THIS KIND OF FINANCIAL HIT. I DONT EXPECT A NEW TRUCK, I JUST WANT MY TRUCK FIXED SO I CAN TRUST IT.*AK

Mileage: 24,000

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGAN TO TURNED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN A DRIVEWAY. DURING THIS INCIDENT A BABY WAS INJURED. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

DRIVE TRAIN WINE BETWEEN 47 MPH AND 55 MPH IN MY 2003 F-150 SUPPER CREW. THE FORD DEALER REPLACED THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. DEALER CALLED FORD AND FORD SAID BECAUSE I HAVE A SLIDING REAR WINDOW, TONNEAU COVER AND 3.73 REAR END GEARING THESE ITEMS ARE CAUSING THE WINE. THE FORD DEALER SAID THAT IF TRIED TO RUN THIS PROBLEM THROUGH WARRANTY AGAIN FORD WOULD DENY IT. THE DEALER ALSO SAID I SHOULD TAKE THIS PROBLEM TO ANOTHER DEALER.*AK

Mileage: 9,500

WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAME OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED DOWN THE HILL INTO A DITCH. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

REAR AXLE WHINE NOISE AT 45 TO 50MPH & 67 TO 72 MPH. LOUD & GETTING LOUDER. FORD DEALERS ALL OVER THE AREA SAID FORD KNOWS OF NOISE BUT HAS NO FIX. SAID THEY WERE TOLD FORD WOULD NOT SPEND MONEY TO FIX BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT MAKING MUCH AS A COMPANY NOW. TWO REPARS ON REAR END & STILL NOISY, ENGINEER HAD DEALER PUT 125 WT GREASE IN REAR AXLE TO TRY & QUIET NOISE DOWN. NO GOOD> LOST FUEL ECONOMY ALSO. I NEED HELP GETTING REPAIRED OR GETTING A BUY BACK FROM FORD.

Mileage: 4,500

WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS IN MY 2003 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW (ONLY 42,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK), THE TRUCK HAS A VIBRATION. WENT TO A FORD SERVICE TECHNICIAN, AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, THEY SUGGESTED TO RE-PACK THE CLUTCH PACKS, WHICH WAS DONE. VIBRATION STILL OCCURING 1 WEEK LATER. ACCORDING TO OTHER'S WHO ALSO OWN FORD VEHICLES, THIS SEEMS TO BE A HUGE PROBLEM THAT FORD STATES IS NORMAL WEAR AND STATING ITS A PROBLEM WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH. *AK

Mileage: 40,000

THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER THAT REPLACED THE PARTS WITH PARTS FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR. THOSE PARTS FAILED THE SAME DAY OF REPAIR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Mileage: 11,000

THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN SERVICED BY SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY ALL GAVE DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, BUT NONE OF THE SOLUTIONS RELATED TO WHAT WAS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. *PH THE VEHICLE DID NOT DISENGAGE OR SHIFT OUT OF 4X4 INTO 4X2 UNDER A LOAD OR IN A BIND. THE BRAKES PUSHED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND A MADE NOISE, AND THE A/C DIDN'T SWITCH FROM DEFROST TO VENT DUE TO THE RADIO AND BEZEL VACUUM TO THE A/C SYSTEM. THE A/C SELECTOR SWITCH WAS REPLACED. *SC *JB

1 BOUGHT A 2003 F150 EXTENDED CAB. THE TRANSMISSION IS ALWAYS LOUD, SLUGGISH WHEN IT DOES SHIFT AND SLIPS ALL TOGETHER. *LA

WITHIN A FEW THOUSAND MILES OF PURCHASE, WE BEGAN NOTICING A SPORADIC GRATING NOISE FROM THE REAR END. MORE DISTUBING IS THE HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS THAT IS ALSO SPORADIC. THE SHIFTING PROBLEM HAPPENS ON LONG TRIPS OF 150 MILES OR MORE. IT WILL USUALLY HAPPEN ABOUT ONCE A DAY BUT OF COURSE WE NEVER KNOW WHEN. THE GRATING NOISE IS LESS FREQUENT AND CAN HAPPEN ANYTIME. OUR VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR A FOURTH VISIT FOR THESE PROBLEMS. FORD HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE GRATING AND HARD SHIFTING WHICH MAKES SENSE BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE ARE STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAS NOT PROVIDED NEW TRUCK PERFORMANCE. SINCE THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT, IT WILL PROBABLY LEAD TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE ONCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE CONSIDERED SELLING IT BUT THAT WOULD BE UNETHICAL SINCE THE NEXT PERSON WOULD EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS. FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THERE IS ONE OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINT IN THE DATA BASE. *LA

Mileage: 2,000

AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE GOES INTO LOW 4-WHEEL DRIVE. *AK

Mileage: 90,500

HAVING A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION SLIPPING OR NOT CHANGING GEAR CORRECTLY. PLUS A NOISE OR VIBRATION GRINDING. DURING THIS TIME AS WELL. VERY UPSET. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BUT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHILE THERE. FORD SAID THEY WILL NOT FIX UNTIL DUPLICATED. I AM VERY UPSET HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER FOUR TIMES. *NLM

Mileage: 9,000

HEARD UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR-END OF MY 2003 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW THE NOISE STARTS AT 90 MPH. IS THIS AN ON GOING PROBLEM? PLEASE LOOK INTO IT. *AK

Mileage: 90

HEARD UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR-END OF MY 2003 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW 4X2. THE DEALER NOTIFIED ME THAT DRIVESHAFT WAS BEING REPLACED. IS THIS AN ON GOING PROBLEM? PLEASE LOOK INTO IT. *LA

INTERMITTENTLY THE SHIFT INDICATOR WON'T ENGAGE FROM PARK TO DRIVE. DEALER INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

I HAVE MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 FORD F150 FROM ENGINE NOISES TO TRANSMISSION LEAKING AND SLIPPING. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TWICE NOW AND NOBODY AT FORDS OR THEIR ENGINEERS SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. FORDS DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IF SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO THIS MATTER BECAUSE NO ONE SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS WITH A BRAND NEW $30,000 VEHICLE.*AK

Mileage: 3,000

2003 FORD F-150 KING RANCH "HOWL". NAR 07/28/2003.*MR DRIVELINE VIBRATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *CB

PURCHASED NEW FORD HARLEY PICKUP. LOUD NOISE IN REAR, SHOP COULD NOT IDENTIFY. REAR AXLE BROKE IN CURVE AND REAR WHEEL ON DRIVER SIDE WAS SEVERAL YARDS FROM WHERE TRUCK FINALLY RAN OFF ROAD AND OVERTURNED. TOTAL LOSS. *NLM

WE OWN SEVERAL FORD F-150 TRUCKS. IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS WE HAD FOUR SEPARATE PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR AXLES. ONE TRUCK THE AXLE BROKE AND THE WHEEL CAME COMPLETELY OFF. ANOTHER TRUCK THE AXLE WAS DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE LAST TRUCK IS BRAND NEW WITH LESS THAN 2000 MILES AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM YESTERDAY. *JB

Mileage: 2,000