Engine
5.4L 8-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 792 of 821 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 627 of 821 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.
Engine & cooling
263 complaint records16 fire reports4 crash reports
"F150 4.2 6 CYLINDER BLOWN LOWER INTAKE AFTER 71000 MILES. REPAIR SHOP AND ONLINE THAT THIS FAILURE IS AN EPIDEMIC. *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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
110 complaint records28 fire reports2 crash reports
"IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED 5 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *NM..."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Fuel system
89 complaint records6 fire reports
"2002 FORD F150 FUEL TANK MOUNTING STRAPS FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND PERMITTED FUEL TANK TO DROP TO PAVEMENT WHILE DRIVING. *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 fuel system 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11006 opened May 2011 | closed Aug 2011 | Fuel System, Other | Fuel Tank Strap Failure Due to Corrosion - led to recall 11V385000 One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and fail (break or separate).If one strap fails, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.If both straps break, the entire tank... |
| 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... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V385000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. |
| 2011281 2011-08-01 | Fuel System | 166,282 | On certain 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250, and 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New... |
| 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. |
| 2004164 2004-05-18 | Steering | 305,024 | On certain vehicles, Ford has issued a scheduled maintenance guide update which specifies that every 20 000 kms, the steering linkage, which includes tie-rod ends, should be inspected. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOR-N3Z7B-03 Feb 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick. | |
| 16-0073 Apr 2016 | Fuel System | For 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250 Light Duty, or 2002-2003 Blackwood vehicles Safety Recall 11S21 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where one or both fuel tank straps could potentially fracture. | |
| TSB160073 Apr 2016 | Fuel System | Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action | |
| TSB-14-0164 Sep 2014 | Fuel System | FORD/LINCOLN: SAFETY RECALL REGARDING HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR OPERATING, FOR AN EXTENDED TIME, VEHICLES WHERE BOTH OR ONE STRAP OF FUEL TANK CAN FRACTURE, AFTER CONTACTING GROUND. MODEL 1997-99 F250 LD, 1997-03 F150, 2004 F150 HERITAGE, 2002-03 BLACKWOOD. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0147 Aug 2014 | Fuel System | FORD/LINCOLN: SAFETY RECALL ISSUED DUE TO ONE OR BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURING DUE TO BEING IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD AND DISLODGING FUEL TANK. MODEL 1997-99 F250, 1997-03 F150, 2004 F150 HERITAGE, 2002-2003 BLACKWOOD. *PE |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20228 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 1999-2008 7.3L/6.0L/6.4L/4.5L DIESEL F-SUPER DUTY - CLEAN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) SYSTEM AFTER CERTAIN TURBO OR ENGINE FAILURES - SERVICE TIP. *NJ | |
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 05173 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1131 AND/OR P1151 - 4.2L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 05618 Apr 2005 | Power Train | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT | |
| 020503 Mar 2005 | Fuel System | GUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 0554 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | USE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT | |
| 05417 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT | |
| 18466 Mar 2005 | Power Train | AXLE WHINE HOWL. THIS INCLUDES 1997-05 FORD VEHICLES. *EH | |
| 04266 Jan 2005 | Power Train | A DRIVELINE CLUNK OR BUMP WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP. *TT | |
| 050618 Jan 2005 | Suspension | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC | |
| 04251 Dec 2004 | Structure | ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 18250 Oct 2004 | Power Train | INTERMITTENT CLUNK ON 3-2 DOWNSHIFT DURING COASTDOWN/TIP-IN. OASIS. TO INCLUDE 2005 F-150, E-SERIES AND EXPEDITION. *TT | |
| 04L19 Sep 2004 | Steering | CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE REMINDER - LITERATURE PROGRAM 04L19 - TIE ROD INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 17905 Jul 2004 | Power Train | MULTIPLE VEHICLES USING FEHP REAR AXLE FLUID. FLUID USAGE CHANGE. *TT | |
| 04111 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | STREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT | |
| 0483 May 2004 | Electrical System | SPLICING NEW WIRE(S) INTO EXISTING ELECTRICAL HARNESS. SERVICE PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 17777 May 2004 | Suspension | REAR LEAF SPRING NOISE. *TT | |
| 17823 May 2004 | Steering | POWER STEERING LEAK - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 17702 Apr 2004 | Power Train | AXLE WHINE 40-60 MPH. *TT | |
| 17731 Apr 2004 | Steering | WHINE FROM POWER STEERING. *TT | |
| 0457 Mar 2004 | Visibility | POP/THUMP NOISE AT END OF WINDOW MOVEMENT AND/OR DRIVER'S WINDOW BOUNCE BACK AND REVERSE TO MID-POSITION. *TT | |
| 17655 Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EVIDENCE OF OIL IN THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 17656 Mar 2004 | Equipment | CD OR CD6 RADIO OVERHEATING. *TT | |
| 0422 Feb 2004 | Structure | WINDNOISE AND/OR A WATER LEAK FROM THE SLIDING BACK GLASS AREA. *TT | |
| 0416 Jan 2004 | Power Train | DRIVELINE CLUNKING/GRUNTING NOISE OR SHUDDER SENSATION DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELREATION AND/OR BRAKING. *TT | |
| 03223 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | STREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT | |
| 03256 Dec 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V-TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE-ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003. *MJ | |
| 17372 Dec 2003 | Power Train | HERITAGE F-150 4X2 WITH 8.8 INCH REAR AXLE - WHINE/HOWL NOISE FROM REAR AXLE. *MJ | |
| 03235 Nov 2003 | Structure | BED EXTENDER COMPONENT REPLACEMENT SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 99263 Nov 2003 | Wheels | CORRECT LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS - INCREASE WHEEL NUT AND STUD SIZE - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 17316 Nov 2003 | Fuel System | FUEL SIGNAL TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 17320 Nov 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS. *TT | |
| 17346 Nov 2003 | Steering | STEERING IDLER ARM NOISE. *TT | |
| 03206 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME DEDICATED CNG VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS DUE TO A LOSS OF INJECTOR PERFORMANCE, RESULTING FROM FUEL QUALITY. | |
| 03207 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A VIBRATION AND/OR RATTLE CONDITION WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT IDLE IN GEAR OR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A SLOW SPEED 32 KM/H (20 MPH). *TT | |
| 17259 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE AND/OR MISFIRE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0316 AFTER AN OVERNIGHT SOAK IN EXTREME COLD AND HIGH HUMIDITY CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 17306 Oct 2003 | Equipment | AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATE LEAK ON PASSENGER FLOOR. *TT | |
| 03183 Sep 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | DEDICATED COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) ROUGH IDLE OR NO START WHEN COLD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEDICATED 4.6L OR 5.4L CNG ENGINE ONLY. *TT | |
| 17104 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TICKING/TAPPING NOISE WITH THE ENGINE WARMED UP AND THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AT IDLE. 2003 E150 INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03164 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L 2V ENGINE, WITH AN ENGINE BUILD DATE PRIOR TO 8/29/03 MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE TICK NOISE THAT IS PRESENT AT ALL TEMPERATURES DURING IDLE. 2004 MODELS INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 031513 Aug 2003 | Steering | TIE ROD END INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 17009 Aug 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH NO HARD FAULT. *TT | |
| 17063 Aug 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0171, OR P0174. F150 LIGHTING AND F150 HARLEY DAVIDSON SUPERCREW. *TT | |
| 17064 Aug 2003 | Power Train | WHINE / HOWL FROM REAR AXLE. *TT | |
| 17086 Aug 2003 | Steering | NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHICH APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE STEERING IDLER ARM. *TT | |
| 17087 Aug 2003 | Power Train | WHINE/HOWL FROM REAR AXLE 40 TO 60 MPH. *TT | |
| 03144 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 16969 Jul 2003 | Exterior Lighting | DAMAGED REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMPS DUE TO ROCKS AND/OR GRAVEL HITTING THE LAMP ASSEMBLIES. *TT |
Showing 60 of 134 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.
- 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.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 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-150 →