2001 Ford F-150: complaints, problems and recalls

I HAVE A 2001, FORD, F-150 PICKUP. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD STEERING TROUBLE SINCE IT WAS NEW. IT WAS IN THE SHOP IN MAY OF 2001 AND NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND. A SECOND DEALERSHIP REVIEWED MY CONCERNS AND FOUND THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. THE TOE IN AND TOE OUT WAS PROPERLY ADJUSTED. THE CAST AND CAMBOR WAS 5 DEGREES OUT AND THERE WAS NO ADJUSTMENT AVAILABLE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10000093 at NHTSA ↗

PURCHASED 2001 FORD F150 LARIETSUPER CREW CAB PU ON 4/01/2000, 26 MILES ON ODOMETER, AT TIME OF PURCHASE ALSO PURCHASED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PKG AND EXTENDED WARRANTY, ESP, FROM FORD , HAVE HAD SERIOUS BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, VEHICLE WAS REPEATEDLY SERVICED AT FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THESE REPAIRS, NONE OF WHICH WERE COVERED, IN MAY 2002 ENTIRE ENGINE FAILED AND HAD TO BE REP[LACED, WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT ONE OF THE ELEECTRONIC BRAINS THAT CONTROL /OPERATE THIS COMPONENT FAILED, ON DEC 27, 2002 THE TRANSMISSION …

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000546 at NHTSA ↗

SIGNIFICANT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE, ALMOST AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING INTO NEUTRAL. THIS HAPPENED YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND WAS NEARLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. THIS PROBLEM STARTED AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES OF FREEWAY DRIVING, AND 10 MINUTES OF IN-TOWN DRIVING. IT WAS PROMINENT IN ALL AUTO TRANSMISSION GEARS: REVERSE, 1, 2, AND 3/DRIVE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP IN ARROYO GRANDE, CA 93420.

Owner-reported narrative. 8,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000765 at NHTSA ↗

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS CAUSED BY ANOTHER DRIVER, AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001259 at NHTSA ↗

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS *DT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002252 at NHTSA ↗

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BEGINS SEVERELY SLIP FROM GEAR TO GEAR. FORCING TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002264 at NHTSA ↗

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 5 MPH INSIDE OF THE A PARKING LOT CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR.THE VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKES, CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. PLEASE FURNISH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002544 at NHTSA ↗

RIGHT FRONT VIBRATION,RIGHT FRONT FLOOR AND MIRROR VIBRATION , THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES WITHOUT ANY SATISFACTORY RESULTS

Owner-reported narrative. 8,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002889 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2000-10-30 (October 30, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT FULLY RETRACT THE BELT.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE SLACK IN THE SEAT BELT WHEN WORN, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.

Reported: 2000-11-28 (November 28, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.

Reported: 2001-03-12 (March 12, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE INFLATOR CANISTER IN THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD NEAR THE IGNITER.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION, OR A BURN INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Reported: 2001-03-23 (March 23, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE WAS DAMAGED DURING FINAL ASSEMBLY.

Consequence: IF THE HOSE IS DAMAGED, BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAK AND STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-248-0186 OR 1-800-392-3673.

Reported: 2001-07-16 (July 16, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLES AND IF THE BUCKLE FAILS THE INSPECTION PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Reported: 2001-08-08 (August 8, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Consequence: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Reported: 2005-09-07 (September 7, 2005)

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

Reported: 2011-07-29 (July 29, 2011)

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.

Consequence: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21