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 96 of 123 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.
Brakes
35 complaint records2 fire reports6 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING, DURING PANIC STOP AT APPROX. 45MPH, REAR LEFT BRAKE LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID AND REAR END ANOTHER CAR. *JB..."- 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 →
Power train
27 complaint records3 fire reports1 crash report
"TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE WHILE TRYING TO PULL OUT. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN AT THAT TIME. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED .*AK..."- 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 power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
20 complaint records4 fire reports
"OIL PAN RUSTED OUT. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT.*AK..."- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA05005 opened Mar 2005 | closed Aug 2006 | Vehicle Speed Control | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 08V025000 EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A... |
| RQ98006 opened Mar 1998 | closed Aug 2000 | Air Bags | INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT - led to recall 93V155000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE96052 opened Aug 1996 | closed Jan 1997 | Suspension | SEPARATED FRONT SUSPENSION CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REPORT THAT BOLTS WHICH RETAIN THE AXLE PIVOT BRACKET TO THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER CAN LOOSEN OR FAIL, CAUSING THE INBOARD END OR THE AXLE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE.OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,... |
| EA95012 opened Mar 1995 | closed May 1996 | Power Train | FAILURE OF SERPENTINE BELT - led to recall 96I003002 AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED. |
| PE94087 opened Nov 1994 | closed Mar 1995 | Power Train | TRNS OIL COOLER LINE FAILS FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT SYSTEM (SERPENTINE BELT) IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO ADDRESS CONCERNS RELATED TO BELT TRACKING OR WEAR.FORD MAINTAINS THAT THE SUBJECT CONDITION... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06V286000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT. | Normally free |
| 05V388000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN. | Normally free |
| 96V064000 | Seats | THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE POWER LUMBAR FEATURE ON THE SEAT IS UNDERNEATH THE FRONT SEAT CUSHION SUPPORT WIRES. | 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 |
| 94V101000 | Electrical System | IN A HEAVILY LOADED VEHICLE, WHILE IN THE CRUISE CONTROL MODE, THE THROTTLE MAY NOT REDUCE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE LOAD ON THE ENGINE IS DECREASED (SUCH AS WHEN THE VEHICLE CRESTS A HILL.) THIS CAN RESULT IN INCREASED... | Normally free |
| 94V018000 | Structure | THE U-CLIP STYLE NUTS THAT RETAIN THE FRONT BUMPERS TO THE FRONT BUMPER INNER ARMS CAN FRACTURE. | Normally free |
| 93V184000 | Air Bags | THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH NONFUNCTIONAL AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MODULES INTENDED FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES OVER 8,500 BLS. GVWR. | Normally free |
| 93V155000 | Air Bags | THE DESIGN OF THE AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR CAUSES THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WHEN THE PASSENGER DOOR IS SLAMMED WHILE THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED TO THE START POSITION. | 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. |
| 2005028 2005-02-14 | Electrical | 304,417 | 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. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17571 Feb 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0603 (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE KEEP ALIVE MEMORY ERROR) OR P0605 ( POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE READ ONLY MEMORY ERROR). *TT | |
| 16515 Jan 2004 | Steering | OIL LEAK AT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP FITTINGS AND/OR PLUG. THIS INCLUDES SUPER DUTY F-SERIES. OASIS. *TT | |
| 03212 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HESITATION, STUMBLE, LACK OF POWER, ROUGH IDLE AND POOR PERFORMANCE ON VEHICLES WITH 7.3L DI TURBO DIESEL BUILT FROM 2/9/94. *TT | |
| 03213 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NO-START OR REDUCED POWER CONDITION MAY OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. *TT | |
| 03214 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POOR IDLE QUALITY AND/OR LOW OUTPUT AFTER THE ENGINE RETURNS TO IDLE SPEED. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03215 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HARD STARTING AFTER THE FUEL INJECTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *TT | |
| 03216 Oct 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | A LACK OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL WHEN MOVING OFF OF THE IDLE POSITION. *TT | |
| 03217 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REAR OF ENGINE OIL PAN, NEAR THE CRANKSHAFT, MAY LEAK OIL. *TT | |
| 03218 Oct 2003 | Fuel System | THE WATER-IN-FUEL LAMP MAY STAY ON AND THE FUEL MAY BE SLOW TO DRAIN OR NOT DRAIN AT ALL WHEN THE FUEL DRAIN VALVE IS OPENED. *TT | |
| 032110 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HARD OR NO START, HESITATION, IDLE ROUGH, LOW POWER, MISSES, STALLS. *TT | |
| 032111 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NO START/HARD START AND/OR LONG CRANK TIME FOR VEHICLES WITH 7.3L DI TURBO DIESEL. *TT | |
| 032117 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THE AIR CLEANER ELEMENT MAY ALLOW DUST TO BYPASS DUE TO THE AIR CLEANER ELEMENT COLLAPSING/DISTORTING UNDER SEVERE DUST CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 032121 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A HIGH NUMBER OF HIGH PRESSURE REXROTH PUMPS AND INJECTION PRESSURE REGULATORS (IPR) ARE BEING REPLACED DUE TO OIL LEAKING, WHEN ALL THAT IS REQUIRED IS A NEW GASKET OR SEAL ON EITHER THE PUMP OR IPR. *TT | |
| 032123 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LOW RPM, NO START, RUNS POORLY, STALL. 7.3L DIT ENGINE. *TT | |
| 032127 Oct 2003 | Fuel System | LACK OF POWER AND/OR LOW PERFORMANCE CONDITION CAUSED BY NO RETURN FUEL FLOW TO THE FUEL TANK. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 01194 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 00239 Nov 2000 | Electrical System | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WITH POSSIBLE ELECTRONC DAMAGE OCCURING TO THE COMPUVALVE FROM VOLTAGE SPIKES BETWEEN THE COMPUVALVE CONNECTIONS WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING THE MAIN COMPUVALVE HARNESS C4025. *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 | |
| 14455 Nov 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL LEAK FROM THE FRONT OR REAR CYLINDER HEAD OIL SUPPLY RAIL END PLUGS. *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 | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 5047 Nov 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REPEAT MESSAGE REGARDING A HARD START / NO START CONDITION. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 9811335 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHIBITING A VIBRATION, NOISE OR GROUND OUT CONDITION WHEN TURNING OR UNDER LOAD. *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 | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *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 | |
| 9943 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *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 | |
| 5250 Dec 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | INFORMATION ON SUPER DUTY MODELS WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES EXHIBITING ROUGH IDLE / MISS CONDITION. *TT | |
| 5251 Dec 1998 | Power Train | SOME SUPER DUTY VEHICLES WITH 7.3L DIT DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT 4X4 LIGHTS ON, 4X4 INOPERATIVE AND / OR MULTIPLE GEM CODES. *TT | |
| 5254 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON SUPER DUTY 7.3 DIT DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLES EXHIBITI LACK OF POWER. *TT | |
| 5262 Dec 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | SERVICE INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES EXHIBITING STALL ON DECELERATION CONDITION. *TT | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 982313 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES WITH A 7.3L DIRECT INJECTION (DI) TURBO DIESEL ENGINE, ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS MAY BE PRESENT: ROUGH IDLE, STALLING, HESITATION/ STUMBLE, LOSS / LACK OF POWER, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, AND EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. *YC | |
| 985042 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REPEAT MESSAGE REGARDING VEHICLES EXHIBITING ROUGH IDLE / MISS CONDITION. *TT | |
| 5046 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REPEAT MESSAGE REGARDING VEHICLES EXHIBITING A LACK OF POWER. *TT | |
| 985058 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING EXTERNAL OIL LEAKS - REPEAT MESSAGE. *TT | |
| 982010 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC | |
| 98-4722 Sep 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | REPEAT MESSAGE, NO CHANGE- ROUGH IDLE/MISS. *AK | |
| 98-4726 Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REPEAT MESSAGE, NO CHANGE: HARD START/ NO START. *AK | |
| 98-4734 Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LACK OF POWER DUE TO FAILURE OF ENGINE TURBO BOOST | |
| 98-4742 Sep 1998 | Electrical System | VEHICLE STALLS UPON ACCELERATION. *AK | |
| 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 | |
| 4614 Aug 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING ROUGH IDLE / MISS. *TT | |
| 4616 Aug 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BRIEF INFORMATION VEHICLES EXHIBITING HARD START / NO START CONDITION. *TT | |
| 4617 Aug 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BRIEF INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING LACK OF POWER CONDITION. *TT | |
| 4625 Aug 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BRIEF INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING A STALL ON DECELERATION CONDITION. *TT | |
| 4629 Aug 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BRIEF INFORMATION CONCERN VEHICLES EXHBITING EXTERNAL OIL LEAKS. *TT | |
| 4633 Aug 1998 | Service Brakes | REAR BRAKE DRAG OR EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR BRAKES. *TT |
Showing 60 of 155 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.
- 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.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- 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 8 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 →