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 582 of 585 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 482 of 585 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
151 complaint records8 fire reports
"POWER STEERING HOSE RUST AND LEAKING-TRANSMISSION HOSES RUSTED AND LEAKING - SPARK PLUG BREAKING OFF WHEN HAVING THEM REPLACED..."- 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
98 complaint records2 fire reports19 crash reports
"2006 FORD F-150 PICKUP CUSTOMER STATES THAT WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED HIS FOOT ALSO HITS THE GAS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RACE**NAR**CC UPDATE *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 brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
60 complaint records5 fire reports1 crash report
"MY 2006 FORD F 150 WITH A 4.6 LT V-8 FACTORY INSTALLED SPARK PLUG CAME OUT DAMAGING THE IGNITION COIL AND STARTING A SMALL FIRE. *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 electrical 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA10001 opened Jan 2010 | closed Apr 2011 | Air Bags | Inadvertent airbag deployment - led to recall 11V107000 ODI opened this investigation based on reports of inadvertent airbag deployment.Data provided by Ford indicated that the airbag clockspring jumper wire, which is situated inside the steering wheel assembly, was installed in a manner that would allow it to rub... |
| PE08001 opened Jan 2008 | closed May 2008 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | LOSS OF BRAKE POWER-ASSIST - led to recall 08V208000 BY LETTER DATED MAY 5, 2008, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-208) TO ADDRESS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN APPROXIMATELY 605,684 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 AND 2006 FORD F-150 AND LINCOLN MARK... |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V107000 | Air Bags | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS AS WELL AS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES. | Normally free |
| 08V208000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | FORD IS RECALLING 605,684 MY 2005-2006 F-150 AND LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L 3-VALVE ENGINES. | Normally free |
| 06V033000 | Interior Lighting | CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH EITHER THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 105, 'HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS' OR FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 05V520000 | Visibility | ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011073 2011-02-21 | Airbag | 8,780 | On certain vehicles, the airbag clockspring jumper wire may be oriented in a way that allows contact with the lower horn mounting plate. |
| 2008154 2008-05-06 | Brakes | 50,017 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 5.4L 3-valve engine, the brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting may swell over time and lose retention force. |
| 2006032 2006-02-08 | Brakes | 17,390 | Certain vehicles were built with a software error in the instrument cluster. This error could prevent the Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning light from illuminating if the ABS module ever became inoperative. |
| 2005356 2005-11-10 | Other | 13,581 | On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 24-2188 Jul 2024 | Wheels | This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. | |
| SSM 51536 Apr 2023 | Structure | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. | |
| TSB 22-2219 Jun 2022 | Power Train | Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). | |
| TSB 20-2307 Oct 2020 | Electrical System | Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). | |
| TSB 20-2233 Jul 2020 | Structure | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. |
Show 50 more bulletins
| 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. | |
| SSM 48157 Sep 2019 | Electrical System | Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. | |
| DORD2Q5Z09 Jul 2019 | Power Train | This SKU is a Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the port size being too large. | |
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| SSM 47331 Jun 2018 | Engine | Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. | |
| SSM 46542 Apr 2017 | Electrical System | When ordering a 2005 to 2008 remanufactured 5.4L 3v or 6.8L 3v engine, spark plug boots may be provided in the packaging. Replace all black spark plug boots from the original engine with the 'brown' spark plug boots, as provided. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| TSB16-0108 Aug 2016 | Power Train | SOME 2004-2014 F-150 AND 2006-2008 MARK LT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) MAY EXHIBIT NOISY OR ENGAGED FRONT HUBS WHEN OPERATING IN TWO-WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) MODE. FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE STEPS TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. | |
| TSB-14-0114 May 2014 | Engine | LINCOLN/FORD: WHEN DRIVING FROM IDLE UP TO 1200 RPM, THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. 2004-2013 F-150, F-250, F-350, EXPEDITION, MARK LT, NAVIGATOR. *PE | |
| TSB-12-8-1 Aug 2012 | Electrical System | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: MAY HAVE SLUDGE BUILDUP IN THROTTLE BODY LEADING TO LESS AIRFLOW OR ENGINE IDLING RPM FLUCTUATION AND HARD STARTS OR BATTERY DISCONNECT OR DEAD BATTERY AFTER KEEP ALIVE MEMORY (KAM) CLEAR. | |
| TSB-12-7-4 Jul 2012 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE | |
| AS-21732 Feb 2011 | Air Bags | FORD: THERE MAY BE CHAFFING ON A WIRE HARNESS BETWEEN THE CLOCKSPRING AND DRIVER AIRBAG WHICH CAUSE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. *RM | |
| CSP-092408CS-01 Aug 2009 | Power Train | FORD TRUCK SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. IN THE CASE OF THE ROUSHCHARGER FOR THE F-150, THE TRUCKS CALIBRATION ENHANCEMENTS HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN PREMIUM FUEL QUALITY. | |
| TSB-08-18-2 Jun 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: DRIVE AWAY HESITATION, LOSS OF RPM ON DECELERATION, DIFFICULTY STARTING, AND/OR IDLE RPM LESS THAN DESIRED. THE F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS IS INCLUDED. *PE | |
| CSP-092908CS-01 Dec 2008 | Power Train | ROUSH/FORD: VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY ROUSH WITH AN INTERCOOLED ROUSH CHARGER HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN UPGRADE TO AN ENHANCED PCM CALIBRATION. NOT ALL F150 ROUSHCHARGED VEHICLES WILL BE AFFECTED BY THESE VARIATIONS. *PE UPDATED 12/16/08. *PE | |
| 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 | |
| 08-5-13 Mar 2008 | Power Train | 4.6L/5.4L--MIL P0506 AND/OR P0505--HESITATION/LOSS OF RPM/DIFFICULTY STARTING/LOW IDLE RPM. *NJ | |
| 08-14-18 Mar 2008 | Parking Brake | INTERMITTENT VEHICLE VIBRATION--PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERNS. *NJ | |
| 08-2-9 Feb 2008 | Fuel System | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION - MIL ON --DTCS P040/P0463 OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE DTC B1201--VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/3/2007. *NJ | |
| 07213 Oct 2007 | Steering | HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE SEEPAGE-COLD CLIMATES ONLY (EXCLUDING HERITAGE F-150). *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 | |
| SI-20022 Oct 2007 | Structure | FORD: SOME 2006-2008 F-150 LARIAT, XLT, AND FX4 VEHICLES (EXCLUDING HARLEY DAVIDSON AND XL) MAY EXHIBIT A WHISTLE NOISE FROM THE GRILLE AREA WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 65MPH AND GREATER. | |
| 19785 Jun 2007 | Electrical System | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION MIL/DTC P0460/1/2/3 AND/OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DTC B1201 OR B1204 *NJ UPDATED 10/04/07. *NJ | |
| 04257 Jan 2006 | Steering | VEHICLE/STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT 50 MPH (80 KM/H) OR HIGHER - STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT 65 MPH (105 KM/H) OR HIGHER. *TT | |
| 04258 Jan 2006 | Power Train | 1ST ORDER VIBRATION FROM THE DRIVELINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 05131 Jan 2006 | Suspension | SHUDDER/VIBRATION ON MODERATE TO HARD ACCELERATION. *SC | |
| 05252 Jan 2006 | Trailer Hitches | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY -- SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 19010 Jan 2006 | Electrical System | VSM PROGRAMMING - SERVICE PROCEDURE UPDATE. *TT | |
| 0645 Jan 2006 | Power Train | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY - SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 061112 Jan 2006 | Power Train | 4X4 FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET REPAIR. *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 | |
| 05215 Oct 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BUCK/JERK OR SURGE - 6.0L VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 8/22/2005. *TT | |
| 052118 Oct 2005 | Power Train | SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF COLUMN SHIFT CABLE. *TT | |
| 051713 Oct 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLANT DEGAS BOTTLE OVERFLOW. *TT | |
| 18877 Oct 2005 | Service Brakes | TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER APPLICATIONS. *TT | |
| 18884 Oct 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HARD START, NO START AND/OR OTHER SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY A HIGH PRESSURE OIL SYSTEM LEAK - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 18891 Oct 2005 | Tires | 20 INCH AND 22 INCH HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL AND/OR SEAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER IT HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 05102 Jun 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND/OR VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS - 5.4L 3-VALVE ENGINE - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 4/20/2005. *TT | |
| 05919 Jun 2005 | Suspension | FRONT TIRE WEAR ON INSIDE AND/OR OUTSIDE EDGE. *TT RAPID FEATHERING WEAR OF FRONT TIRES. *TT RAPID SHOULDER (TOE) WEAR ON INSIDE EDGE OF FRONT TIRES. *TT | |
| 04147 Jun 2005 | Electrical System | SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 051015 Jan 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 5.4L 3V WITH P030X AND/OR P0316 ACCOMPANIED BY SPARK KNOCK. *TT | |
| 052624 Jan 2005 | Wheels | VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS - TIRE/WHEEL RUNOUT. *TT | |
| 19103 | Structure | NEW DOOR EDGE PROTECTOR - BUILT AFTER 2/1/2006. *TT | |
| 19106 | Electrical System | PIDS MISSING FROM DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS. *TT | |
| 01011901 | Service Brakes | BRAKE LINE INTERFERENCE WITH HANGER PLATES ON 2006 HD FORD MODELS. BLLIZZARD SNOWPLOWS. *TT | |
| 06227 | Power Train | UN-COMMANDED TCC APPLY ON THE 1-2 SHIFT CAUSING PERCEPTION OF HESITATION AND/OR LACK OF POWER DURING SHIFT. *KB | |
| 061916 | Suspension | SHUDDER/VIBRATION ON MODERATE TO HARD ACCELERATION. *KB | |
| 07109 | Suspension | VIBRATION FROM THE DRIVELINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *KB | |
| 0765 | Suspension | REAR AXLE TUBE FRACTURE AT CENTER CARRIER. *KB |
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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 →