Engine
4.2L 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 90 of 102 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 44 of 102 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
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
23 complaint records1 fire report
"GAS SPILLED OUT OF THE ORIGINAL FUEL TANK WHILE FILLING UP ON FLAT GROUND. DEALER SAID THE TANK HAD RUBBED ON A CROSS MEMBER AND HAD A HOLE IN THE TANK.*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 fuel system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
22 complaint records
"HAVE 1997 F-150,WENT ON VACATION, TRUCK RAN FINE. CAME BACK AND WENT TO PICK UP DOG FROM KENNEL, AND BOOM, HYDRO-LOCK. *TR..."- 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 →
Brakes
18 complaint records3 crash reports
"WHEN APPLYING FRONT BRAKES VEHICLE VIBRATES, CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.DEALER HAS TURNED ROTORS AND REPLACED PADS. DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. *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 brakes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10V271000 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | ALL IN ONE MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2008 CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH VMI/RICON 6-WAY POWER SEAT BASES. | Normally free |
| 09V399000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY... | Normally free |
| 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 |
| 01V114000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AMBULANCE PREP PACKAGES OR OTHER SEVERE-DUTY APPLICATIONS INVOLVING OPERATION AT OR NEAR THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT WITH FREQUENT TWISTING OF THE VEHICLE BODY, SUCH AS OFF-ROAD,... | 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). |
| 2001078 2001-04-05 | Fuel System | 7,191 | On certain vehicles equipped with ambulance prep package and a 132.5L mid-ship fuel tank, when operating in severe service conditions (at or near Gross Vehicle Weight Rating with frequent body twist events that may occur during off road,... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05248 Jan 2005 | Suspension | VIBRATION/HARSHNESS ABOVE 45 MPH (72 KM/H) AFTER TIRE BALANCE. *TT | |
| 17381 Nov 2003 | Service Brakes | FRONT BRAKE PAD WEAR. *TT | |
| 15799 Apr 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSION (DRIVESHAFT >70 INCH) MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION / ROUGHNESS ON ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH. *TT | |
| 15517 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING EXAGGERATED ENGINE BRAKING ON DECELERATION. *YD | |
| 15354 Oct 2001 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ACCELERATED FRONT DISC BRAKE PAD WEAR UNDER EXTREME LOADING CONDITIONS. *TT |
Show 31 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15038 Jul 2001 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT RAPID WEAR OF THE FRONT BRAKE PADS (UNDER 10,000 MILES). *TT | |
| 14992 Jun 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSION (DRIVESHAFT >70 INCH) MAY EXHIBIT A DRIVELINE VIBRATION / ROUGHNESS ON ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD AT ABOUT 50 - 55 MPH. *TT | |
| 99234 Nov 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING A VEHICLE WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442 AND P0455 STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. *TT | |
| 99207 Oct 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT ON ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE OIL ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 6996 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING A CHANGE IN THE TORQUE VALUES OF THE ENGINE FRONT COVER WATER PUMP BOLTS. *TT | |
| 13186 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT COVER & WATER PUMP BOLTS-TORQUE VALVE REVISION/3.8-4.2L. *MJS | |
| 99146 Jul 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH THE OIL DIPSTICK AND / OR PCV VALVE DISLODGING FROM THE ENGINE AND / OR ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM DIPSTICK TUBE. *TT | |
| 99131 Jun 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE OIL ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 4619 Aug 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH EVAPORATIVE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455 SET. *TT | |
| 4628 Aug 1998 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR AXLE NOISE. *TT | |
| 4638 Aug 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON, WITH P0300 - P0308 MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES WITH A 4.6L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 980317 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SYMPTOMS REGARDING P0300-P0308 MISFIRE DTCS WITH 4.6L ENGINES. *YC | |
| 982474 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES WITH THE 4.2L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION OR BOOM, OFF IDLE BETWEEN 870-900 RPMS. *YC | |
| 11496 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.2L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION OR BOOM, OFF IDLE BETWEEN 870 - 900 RPMS. *TT | |
| 090308 Jan 1998 | Unknown Or Other | MIL LIGHT ON WITH EVAPORATIVE DTC P0442, P0455 | |
| 976011 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING VEHICLES WITH EVAPORATIVE FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. *TT | |
| 97090297183 Sep 1997 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES WITH THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL). *YC | |
| BC0325972301 Jan 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 5.4L FRONT END SERPETNTINE BELTS MAY MAKE SOME NOISE BETWEEN TEMPERATURES FO 30 F-50 F. *JD | |
| BC0325961129 Nov 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME FRONT END SERPENTINE BELTS MAY MAKE NOISE WHEN BETWEEN 30 AND 50 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. *TW | |
| BC0696961023 Oct 1996 | Electrical System | CONCERNS OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (MIL) W/ CODES P0300 THRU P0308 & ENG RUNES ROUGH/MISSES. *TT | |
| BC0750961017 Oct 1996 | Fuel System | SPADE TERMINAL BETWEEN SENDER & FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN CHANGED TO A EYELET TERMINAL. *TT | |
| BC0782961014 Oct 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 'ON'. *TT | |
| BC0844961008 Oct 1996 | Power Train | E4OD TRANS MAY EMIT A TICK/RATTLE NOISE WHEN DRIVING AT LIGHT LOADS IN 1ST GEAR AT 1100 TO 1800 RPM RPM. *TT | |
| BC0853961007 Oct 1996 | Electrical System | AIRBAG LIGHT ON & CODE 21, MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE GENERATED WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TT | |
| BC0883961004 Oct 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST LEAK &/OR NOISE DUE TO WARPED EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. *TT | |
| BC0884961004 Oct 1996 | Fuel System | FOR MISFIRE CONCERNS ON 4.2L/4.6L/5.4L/6.8L ENGINES. *TT | |
| BC5195961001 Oct 1996 | Tires | FIRESTONE P235 TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A HIGH FREQUENCY VIBRATION AT 65-75 MPH. *TT | |
| BC5197961001 Oct 1996 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED W/ AN AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN SHIPPED W/ A LOW TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL. *TT | |
| BC5201961001 Oct 1996 | Vehicle Speed Control | INVESTIGATING 7.3L IRREGULAR IDLE. *TT | |
| BC5219961001 Oct 1996 | Unknown Or Other | INCORRECT INFORMATION IN 1997 EVTM MANUAL. PIN CALL-OUTS ILLUSTRATIONS FOR C224 & C225 ARE IN REVERSE ORDER. *TT | |
| 071110 | Service Brakes | BRAKE BOOSTER SYSTEM MAY EXHIBIT A BRAKE PEDAL KICKBACK AND/OR GRABBING CONDITION WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. *NJ |
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 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 E-150 →