2003 FORD E-350 Recalls, Complaints & Safety

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 MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

4,500,000 vehicles affected

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

AROUND TOWN IS RECALLING 6 MY 2003 FORD E-350 AND MY 2006 E-250 WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Remedy: AROUND TOWN IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR AROUND TOWN AT 1-678-364-8594.

6 vehicles affected

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE 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, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

225,000 vehicles affected

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

3,600,000 vehicles affected

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

58,640 vehicles affected

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ON CERTAIN VANS, THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT MATERIAL PROCESS RESULTED IN AN AIR FILTER PAPER ELEMENT THAT CAN SMOLDER OR BURN. THIS CHANGE IN FILTER PAPER COMPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, MAY ALLOW HOT CARBON PARTICLES TO CONTACT THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT DURING CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CREATE HOT PARTICLES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

253,076 vehicles affected

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUSE IN THE ABS CIRCUIT AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

214,849 vehicles affected

To whom it may concern, i recently purchased a 2003 ford econoline e150 vin# [XXX] . from a private party in the state of michigan, im am being refused insurance because the van is coming up as incomplete , the van was sent and finished by Elk automotive Inc , on [XXX] MPV [XXX] they company that manufactured it ,gave it the same vin # [XXX] with completion date as [XXX] the identification sticker from Elk automotive is on the door jam and has been dot approved, i have the michigan title in my name , it says nothing about incomplete on title, but NHTSA website keeps popping up incomplete and my insurance provider wont insure it please contact me or help please. my name is [XXX] , [XXX] or by phone is [XXX] or, my email is : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350 PULLING A 24-FOOTER AUTO TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT USED THE TRAILER BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE BRAKES IN 2004. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, AND PRESSURE PUMP NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STILL SOFT AND STILL ALMOST TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

I WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT ON A HIGHWAY RAMP IN TOWN BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. AS I SAT WAITING, THE VAN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME WHILE THE BRAKES WERE STILL FULLY APPLIED! I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL, JUST ON THE BRAKE. THE ACCELERATION WAS SO SUDDEN AND FAST THAT MY FRONT TIRES LEFT SKID MARKS BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE FULLY APPLIED. I HAD BEEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL EARLIER ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT HAD DISENGAGED IT BEFORE GETTING INTO TOWN, WELL BEFORE THE RAMP TO THE STOPLIGHT. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPEND WITH THIS VAN; HOWEVER, I ALSO OWN A 2001 FORD E350 VAN, AND BEFORE I STOPPED USING IT, I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGING WHILE I WAS DRIVING, AND REFUSING TO DISENGAGE. I HAVE REPORTED THESE INCIDENTS WITH BOTH OF MY VANS TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.

Crash

SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR

SPARK PLUGBLOWNOUT OF HEAD. *TR

SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF HEAD. *TR

A PATIENT, 21 YEAR OLD AMBULANCE DRIVER, HAS BEEN TREATED HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI FROM 10/27/14 FOR INJURIES FROM AN AUTO ACCIDENT, SUSTAINED WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF THE AMBULANCE SHE WAS DRIVING. HER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, PROTECTING HER APPROPRIATELY. HOWEVER, THERE IS A METAL DISC BENEATH THE AIRBAG ON THE STEERING COLUMN, WHICH WAS QUITE HOT, AND AS SHE WAS TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE, SHE SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER CHEST AND TO HER CLOTHING. THE BURNS WERE THIRD DEGREE BURNS REQUIRING SURGERY, SMALL AREA, BUT WERE SIGNIFICANT BURNS. I AM UNCERTAIN WHETHER THE HOT DISC AT THE BASE OF THE AIRBAG IS THE RESULT OF A DEFECT, OR IF IT IS PART OF THE DESIGN. I AM NOTIFYING YOU SO YOU WILL BE AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD, AND TO TRACK THE FREQUENCY OF THIS TYPE OF INJURY. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A DEATH AND ANOTHER INJURY IN THIS ACCIDENT, THEY WERE NOT RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE HOT DISC ON THE AIRBAG MECHANISM. THE AMBULANCE IS A 2003 FORD E-350. THIS WAS THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. *TR

Crash 2 injured 1 deaths

THE FORD E-350 VAN BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER THEN STALLED ON MD ROUTE 43. THERE WAS NO POSSIBILITY TO PULL OF THE ROAD WAY. THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES THEN DROVE ANOTHER 2 MILES UNTIL IT STALLED AGAIN. AAA TOWED THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS REMOVED. THE FUEL TANK WAS FOUND TO BE DELAMINATING AND CLOGGING THE FUEL LINES WITH SILVER STRANDS OF COATING FROM INSIDE THE TANK. A NEW TANK IS BEING ORDERED AND INSTALLED ALONG WITH CLEANING THE FUEL SYSTEM. VERY DANGEROUS AS THERE IS NO WARNING. THIS 15 PASSENGER VEHICLE IS USED TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM TO PREVENT A DISASTER. MANY OF THESE VEHICLES ARE USED AS SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION WHICH WOULD MULTIPLY THE TRAGEDY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN KO TIRES, SIZE LT285-75R16, DOT PFYUUJ11. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE DRIVER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53, 8000.

LOST POWER. FILTER HEAVILY PLUGGED PARTICULATE. DROPPED TANK. BOTTOM OF TANK HAS 1/2" SILVERY FLAKES. FUEL PICK-UP SCREEN PLUGGED. BOILED AND REINSTALLED TANK. FUEL PUMP FAILURE ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER. NEW PUMP. AT 149000 MILE, NEW TANK AND MAY NEED NEW PUMP. TANK WAS DELAMINATING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND PREVENT HIM FROM ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DELAMINATING AND CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK AND TRANSFER PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

2003 FORD CUTAWAY VAN WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DRIVER NOTICED SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CENTER OF DASH. PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND GOT OUT OF VEHICLE. SMOKE CONTINUED AND FLAMES BEGAN TO CONSUME VEHICLE UNTIL ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY HVAC SWITCH FAILURES(MELTING OF SWITCH AND OR HARNESS CONNECTOR) AND NOTICE VERY HOT WIRES TO THE SWITCH AT TIMES. FLEET CONTAINS 85 FORD E350 VEHICLES AND THIS SWITCH HAS BEEN A COMMON FAILURE. *TT

Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONTACT STATED A BOLT SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS DEFECT ALSO CAUSED THE SERPENTINE BELT TO FAIL, WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL AND POWER STEERING TO FAIL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,895 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,395.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS DETERIORATING WHICH CLOGGED UP THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING UP HILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER WERE CLOGGED UP. THE MECHANIC WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FOR OVER $1000 AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HIM TO CONTACT NHTSA SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ALSO INFORMED HIM THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. LOW SULFUR DIESEL CAUSES FUEL TANK LINING TO BREAK DOWN. PARTICLES FROM THIS LINING CLOGS UP EVERYTHING DOWN STREAM. FUEL PUMP FILTER CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE AND A THREAT ON ROAD WAYS. UPDATED 11/01/2011 *LN *TR

FAILURE OF FUEL VAPOR VALVE ASSEMBLY PART #F65Z*9B593*DA. GAS VAPORS BUILD UP IN TANK AND ARE RELEASED UNDER PRESSURE WHEN GAS CAP REMOVED FOR REFUELING. VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY WITH NO WARNING LIGHT FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS OR MORE BEFORE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY UNDER THE CORRECT CONDITIONS THESE VAPORS COULD IGNITE AT GAS PUMP WHEN REFUELING. I HAVE COMPLETE RECORDS OF LETTERS, PHONE CALLS AND VISITS TO FORD DEALERSHIP, ALSO DEFECTIVE VALVE WAS SENT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND RETURNED TO ME WITH A LETTER SAYING IN PART "RETURNING PART AS WE DO NOT HAVE FACILITIES FOR INSPECTING OR EVALUATION" I WAS ALSO INFORMED MY REQUEST WITH SERVICE MANAGER AT GATOR FORD TO MEET WITH MYSELF AND REP. FROM FORD IS NOT POSSIBLE. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AND WELL MAINTAINED. PARTS LETTERS AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER WILL BE PROVIDED FROM ME AT YOUR REQUEST. CORDIALLY YOURS, DANIEL TRZASKA

HAVE A 2003 FORD E-350 VAN CNG GAS CONVERSION. AT 97,000 MILES A SPARK PLUG BLEW COMPLETELY OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD AND BROKE OFF THE IGNITION COIL THAT WAS BOLTED TO THE HEAD. THE CNG GAS COULD HAVE POSSIBLY IGNITED AND CAUSED A FIRE SINCE THE FUEL WAS STILL BEING SENT TO THAT PARTICULAR CYLINDER AND THE SPARK WAS STILL SPARKING EVENTHOUGH IT WAS BLOWN OUT OF THE HOLE. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE UNTIL I RESEARCHED IT AFTER IT OCCURRED. THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON IN FORD ENGINES THAT ARE 5.4 LITER. THE REPAIR IS AROUND $2500. TO PULL THE ENGINE AND REPAIR THE HEAD. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF WE HAD CONTINUE DRIVING THE VAN. THIS OCCURRED 9/27/2010. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V069000, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND HE WAS INFORMED THE PARTS NEEDED WERE ON BACK ORDER. THIS PROCESS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,079.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK LINING CAME OFF CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO RUST, CLOGGING THE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL INJECTORS. THE FUEL ENTERING THE INJECTORS WAS MINIMAL WHICH MADE THE TRUCK VERY HARD TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS A CLOGGED INJECTOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONE FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED FOR $970 WHICH CAUSE THE IDENTICAL FAILURE TO RECUR. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP HIM SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

SUDDEN FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL FILTER MOUNTING HOUSING ON THE ENGINE. RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT DOWN TIME AND EXPENSE. *TR

FUEL LEAKS IN 7.3L AND 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES IN FORD E-350 AMBULANCES. WE HAVE HAD 4 FAILURES OF THE FUEL FILTER MOUNTING WHICH HAVE CRACKED AND RESULTED IN FUEL LEAKS. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT OUR EXPENSE WITH SIGNIFICANT DOWN TIME. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN AVERAGING ABOUT $900.00 FOR EACH AMBULANCE. THERE ARE NO TSB OR RECALLS ACCORDING TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER. BUT PARTS ARE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. *TR

I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT I FEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN FORD'S RECALL 03S06 AND WAS NOT. I HAVE INSPECTED MY VEHICLE FOR THE EQUIPMENT AND FOUND IT IS NOT THERE. WITHOUT IT, THERE IS A DANGER OF FUEL TANK RUPTURE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. I'VE SPOKEN WITH FORD AND THEIR POSITION IS THE EQUIPMENT IS NOT REQUIRED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS THE "SCHOOL BUS OPTION". FORD WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO ONLY RETROFIT POLICE DEPARTMENT CROWN VICTORIAS. THEY HAD TO RECALL ALL AFFECTED CROWN VICTORIAS (JUST AS AN EXAMPLE). WHY ISN'T MY SAFETY IMPORTANT, AS WELL? I DON'T HAVE THE "SCHOOL BUS OPTION", BUT MY VEHICLE IS PRONE TO THE SAME DANGER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

F-350 DIESEL RUNNING ERRATICALLY. THAN WILL NOT SHIFT RADIO STOPPED WORKING NO POWER ALL ELECTRONICS STOPPED WORKING. SMELT INSULATION BURNING ON WIRES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY DISABLED. TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER FOUND FUSE BOX MELTED. ASKED DEALER TO ALSO CHECK OUT ALTERNATOR, [MAYBE PUTTING OUT TO MUCH VOLTAGE] GOT THE VEHICLE BACK THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. IS CAN CAUSE VEHICLE FIRES. DEALER CLAIMS HE GETS A FEW A MONTH, DIFFERENT MODELS. *TR

Fire

WHEN DRIVING MY TRUCK LAST WEEK IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND VIOLENTLY SHAKING. IT WOULD NOT DRIVE FASTER THAN 30MPH ON 95. WE FOUND THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLOGGED. WE THEN REMOVED THE FUEL TANK AND FOUND WHAT LOOKED TO BE SILVER PAINT CHIPS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THE LINING OF THE TANK IS DELAMINATING. THIS HAS CLOGGED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE TANK BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THE NEW TANK WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER ACCOUNTS OF THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND THE REPAIRS TO THIS POINT WILL COST ME ABOUT 1000 DOLLARS. *TR

I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND CROSSING AN INTERSECTION WHEN MY VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND STALLED. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF SITTING THE VEHICLE RAN FINE. LATER IN TRAFFIC IT DID IT AGAIN AND AN ACCIDENT ALMOST OCCURRED. I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY PRO AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES AND FOUND THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK LINING IS FLAKING OFF BLOCKING THE FUEL LINES AND STALLING THE VEHICLE OUT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND UNHEARD OF PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS 5 YEARS OLD AND THE FUEL TANK INSIDE IS FLAKING BADLY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO STALL OR FAIL IN TRAFFIC. THERE WHERE NO FAILURE CODES DISPLAYED OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. *TR

FORD E-350 BASED RV RECALLED IN SEPTEMBER TO CORRECT PROBLEM WITH SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (RECALL 05S28). VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. DEALER REPORTS THAT PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CAN'T RECALLS BE COMPLETED IN A TIMELY MANNER? *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E350 SUPER DUTY. THE VEHICLE WAS CONNECTED TO A 2004 PHOENIX CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT OPERATE ABOVE 30 MPH. A LOCAL FORD DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE 30 TO 40 DAYS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT THE COST OF $304.50. THE CONTACT REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED PRIOR TO REPAIRING THE VEHICLE AND MADE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, THEY LATER DENIED THE REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,175. UPDATED 06/02/08 *BF

E-350 VAN 5.4 MOTOR THE #3 SPARKPLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD. *TR

2003 FORD E350 WITH FUEL LINE PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT SMOKE COMING FROM THE DOGHOUSE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE DOGHOUSE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE FUEL LINE AND A HOLE WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT**CC *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OR GREATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS AND STATED THAT THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALER DISAGREED WITH THE DIAGNOSIS. HE FELT THAT THERE WAS TOO MUCH LEVERAGE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING IS TOO LOOSE TO SAFELY PULL A TRAILER. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND GLANCED OFF THE BUMPER. A PASSENGER IN THE SECOND VEHICLE NOTICED SMOKE EMANATING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK

Crash Fire

COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO DEFECTIVE VACUUM CYLINDER THAT PROVIDES POWER TO BRAKING SYSTEM. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE TRAVELING UPHILL 35 MPH. IT WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER AND TEST DRIVEN TO RECREATE THE OVERHEATING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE MECHANIC INSTALLED GAUGES TO MONITOR THE ENGINE'S HEAT MORE CLOSELY. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED ON 8 OCCASIONS, UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

MY 2003 FORD E-350 WITH THE 7.3 L DIESEL QUIT, WITH 74,000 + MILES. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A FAILED CAM SHAFT SYNCHRONIZER, FORD REPLACEMENT PART F7TZ-12K073-A. *NM

DT: THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO 3 DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS 16 TIMES. THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. NO EXPLANATION WAS GIVEN AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. CONTACTED FORD, AND FORD OFFERED NO EXPLANATION. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE ABS CONTROLLER, ROTORS, CALIPERS, BRAKE PADS, WHEEL BEARINGS, WHEELS, AND THE TIRES. ALL OF THESE THINGS HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *AK

DT: CONTACT STATES THE BRAKE PADS ARE WEARING OUT SO FASTAND ARE GOING INTO THE ROTORS. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THERE HAVE BEEN BRAKE FAILURES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. *AK

DT: FORD 14 PASSENGER VAN HAD PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELTS. THE COMPANY USED THE VAN FOR OCCUPANTS THAT HAD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. THE PASSENGERS WERE LOCKED IN THE SEAT BELTS AND HAD TO BE PHYSICALLY CUT OUT OF THE SEAT BELTS. THIS OCCURRED 2 OF THE 5 TIMES. ACTUALLY, HAD TO DRIVE VAN TO DEALER WITH PASSENGERS LOCKED IN SEAT BELTS THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED. THIS CAUSED FEAR AMONG PASSENGERS AND OWNERS. TOOK VAN TO DEALER EACH TIME TO HAVE SEAT BELTS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELTS HAD BEEN SO SEVERE IT RESULTED SEVERAL TRIPS TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING AND COULD NOT OFFER ANY EXPLANATION. *AK

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED RANDOM AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT HITTING OR RUNNING OVER ANY DEBRIS. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNATTENDED WHEN THE DEPLOYMENT OCCURRED. OWNER CONTACTED THE COMMERCIAL DIVISION OF FORD, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY WILL DO. *AK THE VEHICLE IS AN AMBULANCE TRUCK. THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED. *JB

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. VEHICLE UNSAFE. *JB