EPA economy
Not rated (heavy-duty)
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 274 of 326 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 96 of 326 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.
Tires
115 complaint records8 crash reports
"FIRESTONE STEELTEX TIRES (P265/75R16) ARE EXPERIENCING TREAD SEPARATION, THE TREAD IS WEARING AT ONLY 10500 MILES. *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 tires parts in the directory →
Steering
54 complaint records7 crash reports
"WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN SOME CASES, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. *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 steering parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
46 complaint records3 fire reports1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. *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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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... |
| 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... |
| RQ00010 opened Mar 2000 | closed Jan 2001 | Parking Brake | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE - led to recall 98V101000 ON MAY 11, 1998, FORD MOTOR COMPANY FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT CONCERNING PARKING BRAKE FAILURE ON CERTAIN 1999 F-350 SUPER DUTY VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM JANUARY 26, 1998 THROUGH APRIL 24, 1998; RECALL 98V-101.THE REDUCTION IN... |
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 |
| 01V258000 | Visibility | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. | Normally free |
| 00V284000 | Equipment | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 99V311000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND 8 FOOT BOXES, MAY NOT FULLY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 99V219000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 8 FOOT BEDS, DO NOT FULLY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | 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. |
| 2007403 2007-12-12 | Engine | 95,484 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 7.3L diesel engine, the camshaft position sensor may fail, causing the engine to stall. |
| 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. |
| 2001204 2001-08-13 | Other | 83,005 | Certain 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... |
| 2000281 2000-11-28 | Lights And Instruments | 120,576 | On certain vehicles, the daytime running lamp circuit contains a resistor that is corroding. If this occurs, the resistive element can open, resulting in a loss of daytime running lamp (DRL) function. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999215 1999-11-15 | Fuel System | 20,639 | On certain trucks equipped with an 8 foot box, pickup box attachments may be damaged during the 48 km/h front barrier test. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18406 Feb 2005 | Structure | SERVICE TIPS BEFORE ARC WELDING ON THE FRAME OR BODY OF A UNIT. *TT | |
| 18376 Jan 2005 | Power Train | A COLD WEATHER REVERSE ENGAGEMENT STALL. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04236 Nov 2004 | Suspension | VEHICLE LEAN SAG WHEN OBSERVED FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *EH | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18217 Oct 2004 | Fuel System | MULTIPLE VEHICLES - FUEL LEVEL INDICATION CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT | |
| 18223 Oct 2004 | Service Brakes | VACUUM PUMP INOPERATIVE OR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY - CLIMATE CONTROL DEFAULTS TO DEFROST. OASIS. TO ALSO INCLUDE 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES, EXCURSION, AND F650/750. *TT | |
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 16915 May 2004 | Power Train | EXCESSIVE DRIVE-AWAY SHUDDER OR VIBRATION UNDER MODERATE TO HEAVY ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. *TT | |
| 17603 Mar 2004 | Air Bags | AIR BAG LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1871 OR B1935 FOLLOWING ECS/RCM REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 17554 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | OIL/DUST FILM AT CAC CONNECTIONS. *MJ | |
| 16515 Jan 2004 | Steering | OIL LEAK AT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP FITTINGS AND/OR PLUG. THIS INCLUDES SUPER DUTY F-SERIES. OASIS. *TT | |
| 17307 Oct 2003 | Structure | SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE UPPER DOOR SEAL WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. F250 MODEL INCLUDES 1999-2004 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 17009 Aug 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH NO HARD FAULT. *TT | |
| 03911 May 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE AND/OR HESITATION WHEN ACCLERATING ON CERTAIN SUPER DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 16589 Jan 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GRADUAL LOSS OF POWER AT CRUISE. USE FUEL ADDITIVE TO PREVENT HIS CONDITION. ALL SUPER DUTY F-SERIES 1999-2003 INCLUDED. OASIS *TT | |
| 02227 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-CYLINDER HEAD DECK LEAK-4.6 AND 5.4L ENGINES-NEW SERVICE-ONLY GASKET AND CYLINDER HEAD KITS AVAILABILITY. *MJ | |
| 16403 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-LIGHT TICK OR RATTLE TYPE NOISE FROM ENGINE AFTER COLD START. *MJ | |
| 15932 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L, 4.6L AND 5.4L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A LACK OF POWER CONDITION. *TT | |
| 02E17 Mar 2002 | Fuel System | SUBJECT REGARDING HEATER HOSE TO FUEL RAIL FLEX LINE INSPECTION. *JG | |
| 15711 Mar 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED MAZDA R2 MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A HIGH EFFORT CONDITION WHEN SHIFTING ANY GEAR. *TT | |
| 15742 Mar 2002 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING A PERCEIVED POOR FUEL RANGE / ECONOMY, AND OR A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. *TT | |
| 15570 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS INCLUDING LACKS POWER, HESITATES, HARD TO START, AND/OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED AND PRODUCE POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0103, P0172 AND P0175. *TT | |
| 15500 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH LOW POWER WHILE IN REVERSE. *TT | |
| 01017 Oct 2001 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING 198196 BOLT-ON STEERING STOPS SERVICE GROUP, ALL MODELS 0307, HR0307A AND HR1000A. *SLC | |
| 15292 Oct 2001 | Power Train | SOME SUPER DUTY F SERIES EQUIPPED WITH PTO CAPABLE TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT A FAILURE TO GO T HIGH IDLE UPON PTO ENGAGEMENT. *TT | |
| 15260 Sep 2001 | Electrical System | CONCERNS WITH CORRODED POSITIVE STARTER CABLE. *TT | |
| 15113 Aug 2001 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL FILL VALVE SEALING CONDITION. *YD | |
| 14990 Jun 2001 | Structure | CONCERNS THAT SOME TRUCKS MAY EXHIBIT A LOOSE / DETACHED REAR WINDOW HALO TRIM GIMP MOULDING. *TT | |
| 0193 May 2001 | Power Train | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE A DRIVELINE VIBRATION AND / OR A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM THE EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL AREA MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. | |
| 14942 May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHILCES EQUIPPED WITH 4.6L ROMEO ENGINE AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY, MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE COE P0172 / P0175 STORED IN MEMORY WITH POSSIBLE DRIVEABLTILITY CONDITIONS SUCH AS HESITATION / STUMBLE. *TT | |
| 13737 Mar 2001 | Power Train | INOPERATIVE OR INACCURATE SPEEDOMETER AS WELL AS 4X4 LIGHT INOPERATIVE AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1635 AND / OR P1639 AFTER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) HAS BEEN REPLACED. *TT | |
| 00238 Nov 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO CRANK / NO START CONDITION IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 12 DEGREES C (10 DEGREES F). *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 00B53 Oct 2000 | Power Train | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE VEHICLE VIBRATION, DUE TO FRONT DRIVESHAFT MAYBE ONE INCH TOO LONG. *JB | |
| 00192 Sep 2000 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE COURTESY, GLOVE COMPARTMENT, UNDERHOOD, RUNNING BOARD LAMPS, POWER WINDOWS, RADIO AND REAR WIPER IN THE MORNING OR AFTER VEHICLE IS LEFT UNATTENDED FOR 45 MINUTES. *JB | |
| 14356 Sep 2000 | Service Brakes | CONCERNS WITH REAR BRAKE NOISE. *JB | |
| 14365 Sep 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES CONCERNS A NOISE AT INTIAL ENGINE STARTUP WHEN COLD FROM THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT. *JB | |
| 00142 Jul 2000 | Power Train | INOPERATIVE OR INACCURATE SPEEDOMETER, 4X4 LAMP ILLUMINATED AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1635 OR P1639 PRESENT AFTER A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT. *JB | |
| 14191 Jun 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSFER CASE MAY EXHBIT AN INOPERATIVE SPEEDOMETER. *TT | |
| 0087 Apr 2000 | Electrical System | CONCERNS WITH COURTESY, GLOVE COMPARTMENT, UNDERHOOD, RUNNING BOARD LAMPS; POWER WINDOWS; RADIO; AND REAR WIPER ALL INOPERATIVE IN THE MORNING OR AFTER VEHICLE IS LEFT UNATTENDED FOR 45 MINUTES. *MR | |
| 8021 Apr 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHIBITING A CRACKLING / POPPING NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST. **MR | |
| 8464 Apr 2000 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING ERRACTIC REMOTE ENTRY FUNCTIONS-NEW GEM RELEASED. **MR | |
| 8487 Apr 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSFER CASE HALL EFFECT ENCODER TIPS. **MR | |
| 8582 Apr 2000 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DELAYED OPERATION / INOPERATIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH KOEO OR KOER. **MR | |
| 14043 Apr 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSFER CASE HALL EFFECT ENCODER TIPS. **MR | |
| 14086 Apr 2000 | Electrical System | EXHIBITING A DELAYED OPERATION / INOPERATIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH KOEO OR KOER. *TT | |
| 00611 Mar 2000 | Power Train | SOME BI-FUEL VEHICLES MAY REQUIRE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPLACEMENT DURING SERVICE AND MAY NOT RUN ON CNG OR LPG., RECALIBRATION OF THE PCM/REPLACEMENT. *MJS | |
| 13964 Mar 2000 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING CHANGE TO THE LOCATION OF THE ASHTRAY. *TT | |
| 14031 Mar 2000 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WITH ERRATIC REMOTE ENTRY FUNCTIONS. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 7816 Feb 2000 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT INTERIOR LIGHTS, POWER WINDOWS AND / OR INOPERATIVE RUNNING BOARD LIGHTS FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME IN THE MORNING. *TT | |
| 8163 Feb 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES WITH 4.6L, OR 6.8L ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A ROLLER FINGER FOLLOWER COMING OFF DURING ENGINE CRANKING IN COLD TEMPERATURES BELOW ZERO DEGREES F. | |
| 8207 Feb 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 10.50-INCH RING GEAR, FULL-FLOATING REAR AXLES MAY EXHIBIT A LEAK AT THE OUTBOARD END OF THE AXLE SHAFT(S). *TT | |
| 13838 Feb 2000 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHIBITING A WINDSHIELD CREAK / SQUEAK. *TT | |
| 0014 Jan 2000 | Structure | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INNER FENDER WELL- DENTED OR DINGED FROM STONES BEING THROWN INTO WHEELWELL. *MJS | |
| 8021 Jan 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CRACKLING/POPPING NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST, VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN 11/1/97 AND 12/8/99. *MJS | |
| 13737 Jan 2000 | Unknown Or Other | ALL VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE OR INACCURATE SPEEDOMETER, 4X4 LIGHT INOPERATIVE AND/OR DTC P1635 AFTER A PCM HAS BEEN REPLACED. *MJS | |
| 13745 Jan 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION OF NO 4 X 4 LOW RANGE ENGAGEMENT OR A STUCK IN 4 X 4 LOW RANGE. *MJS |
Showing 60 of 89 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.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- 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 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 F-250 →