Engine
4.9L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 103 of 130 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Fuel system
45 complaint records
"THE FUEL TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE RECALL AND NOW THE TANK JUST SPILLS THE GAS ALL OVER THE GROUND. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Brakes
34 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"ABS: WHEN APPLIED 40 MPH OR FASTER FRONT END VIBRATES SEVERELY, INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCES, DIFFICULT TO STEER. *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
32 complaint records
"IDLER PULLEY/TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER RECALL REPAIR WORK CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING CONTROL...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA99032 opened Nov 1999 | closed Dec 2001 | Vehicle Speed Control | DUAL FUEL TANK CROSSFLOW/LEAKAGE - led to recall 01I008000 ON JULY 14, 1993 FORD FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING FUEL TANK CROSS FLOW LEAKAGE ON F-SERIES LIGHT TRUCKS AND CAB CHASSIS BUILT FROM JULY 22, 1989 THROUGH DECEMBER 17, 1992.THE REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND INSTALL A... |
| EA95012 opened Mar 1995 | closed May 1996 | Power Train | FAILURE OF SERPENTINE BELT - led to recall 96I003002 AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED. |
| EA93020 opened Jul 1993 | closed Sep 1994 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE - led to recall 94V169002 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08V051000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS,... | Normally free |
| 07V336000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN. | Normally free |
| 00V424000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND CAB CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND DUAL FUEL TANKS. THE CARBON STEEL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR IN THE FUEL SYSTEM CAN WEAR OUT DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. | Normally free |
| 94V169001 | Parking Brake | THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET. | Normally free |
| 94V018000 | Structure | THE U-CLIP STYLE NUTS THAT RETAIN THE FRONT BUMPERS TO THE FRONT BUMPER INNER ARMS CAN FRACTURE. | Normally free |
| 93V125000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY CAUSES A PORTION OF THE UNUSED FUEL FROM ONE TANK TO BE RETURNED TO THE SECOND TANK. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009292 2009-10-14 | Other | 492,877 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. |
| 2008038 2008-02-06 | Electrical | 8,869 | On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258. |
| 2007258 2007-08-07 | Electrical | 165,447 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). |
| 2000307 2000-12-29 | Fuel System | 17,024 | On certain vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks, a carbon steel fuel pressure regulator in the fuel system may wear out during the life of the vehicle. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 98167 Apr 2000 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION-E40D-NO 2-3 UPSHIFT. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 2-3 UPSHIFT CONDITION. *AK | |
| 98168 Apr 2000 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION- E40D/4R100-1989-99-MAIN CONTROLS, SEPARATOR PLATES AND SEPARATOR PLATE GASKETS USAGE CHART. YD | |
| 0038 Feb 2000 | Power Train | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SOLID PARTICLE CONTAMINANTS FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR, MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY FLUSHED, FLUID IN-LINE FILTER KIT. *MJS |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 12905 Jun 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AXLE WIND UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HI OR LOW RANGE MODE. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 99-8-15 May 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 982010 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC | |
| 98158 Aug 1998 | Suspension | FRONT END SHIMMY MAY OCCUR AT VARIOUS DRIVING SPEEDS AND IS USUALLY INDUCED WHEN HITTING BUMPS, SUCH AS LARGE POTHOLES OR ROUGH RAILROAD CROSSINGS. SHIMMY IS NOT ALWAYS VERIFIED DURING ROAD TEST. *AK | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A5 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC | |
| 985A11 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS. *YC | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 985A29 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, IRREGULAR FRONT LINING WEAR, AND BRAKE PULL. *YC | |
| 985A35 Mar 1998 | Parking Brake | THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES MAY BIND AND NOT ALLOW THE REAR BRAKE SHOES TO RETURN FULLY TO THE ANCHOR PINS AFTER THE PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED. *YC | |
| 985A37 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL MAY GO TO THE FOOR WITH LITTLE OR NO EFFORT DURING APPLICATION. *YC | |
| 985A38 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | FRONT CALIPER PISTON BOOTS DAMAGED. *YC | |
| 985A12 Mar 1998 | Equipment | RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 9845 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC | |
| 9848 Mar 1998 | Equipment | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC | |
| 98419 Mar 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLASHING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP (TCIL) AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) 62,628, AND/OR 1728. *YC | |
| 983074 Feb 1998 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH AXLE WIND-UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 98122 Jan 1998 | Visibility | PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT FOR DEFROSTER. *TT | |
| 010198 Jan 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP "CAVITATION" EROSION IN THE CYLINDER WALL OF THE ENGINE. *TT | |
| 97050110621 May 1997 | Child Seat | PART NUMBER INFORMATION FOR THE USE OF A CHILD SEAT TETHER. *TW | |
| BC2301970501 May 1997 | Power Train | NEW CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER WITH A REDESIGNED LIP SEAL. *TW | |
| 9778 Mar 1997 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLAMP- HEADLAMP HOUSING MELTS- AMBULANCE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES ONLY. *JD | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 9747 Feb 1997 | Structure | FRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD | |
| 9748 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS- FEAD BELT COMES OFF- VEHICLES WITH 4.9L ENGINE. *JD | |
| BC3241970210 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST LEAKS OR NOISE AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE Y-PIPE AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *TW | |
| BC3287970206 Feb 1997 | Power Train | THE CLUTCH MAY BE HARD TO DEPRESS DUE TO DUST/CONTAMINATION ENTERING THE SLAVE CYLINDER. *TW | |
| 97310 Feb 1997 | Suspension | NOISE- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FRONT FRAME OR SUSPENSION BRACKETS- FRAME- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FASTENER REPLACEMENT. *JD | |
| BC0321972301 Jan 1997 | Steering | POP/CLUNK FROM STEERING LINKAGE OVER BUMPS. *JD | |
| 97215 Jan 1997 | Unknown Or Other | DIAGNOSTIC GUIDES FOR OUT-OF-WARRANTY VEHICLES TO BE USED AS A MASTER COPY - DIAGNOSTIC GUIDES NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM ADISTRA. *TW | |
| BC0321970201 Jan 1997 | Steering | POP/CLUNK FROM STEERING LINKAGE OVER BUMPS. *JD | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 962412 Nov 1996 | Parking Brake | BRAKES - REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLE BINDS - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 8/20/96 - ALL CHASSIS CAB VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED. *TW | |
| 962415 Nov 1996 | Power Train | VIBRATION - DRIVELINE VIBRATION AND/OR DRIVELINE NOISE - REGULAR CAB 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 7.5L ENGINE AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *TW | |
| BC0321961101 Nov 1996 | Suspension | POP/CLUNK FROM STEERING LINKAGE OVER BUMPS. *TW | |
| BC0678961025 Oct 1996 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON AODE/4R7W TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL & CASE REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| BC0682961024 Oct 1996 | Power Train | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DRIVELINE VIBRATION OR NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON STEADY CRUISE OR DECEL. *TT | |
| 96221 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW | |
| 96222 Oct 1996 | Service Brakes | BRAKES - ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96226 Oct 1996 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONING - COMPRESSOR FAILURE - INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT OIL. *TW | |
| 962213 Oct 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHAUST - EXHAUST LEAK AT EXHAUST MANIFOLDS - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 7.0L OR 7.5L ENGINE. *TW | |
| BC0883961004 Oct 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST LEAK &/OR NOISE DUE TO WARPED EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. *TT |
Showing 60 of 86 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford F-250 →