1998 Ford F-250
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › F-250 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford F-250. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1998 Ford F-250. Newest first.
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. Gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from june 20, 1995, through august 4, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut…
Risk and remedy
Risk
As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. early in this campaign, if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim repair or a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair. any repairs will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on september 16, 2011. owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. ford's recall campaign number IS 11s21
Certain cequent 90 degree 7-WAY right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5TH wheel rv travel trailers. due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights may not operate properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
Remedy
All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.
Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 331-1129L-asn and 331-1129r-asn, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. the recall began on july 28, 2006. owners may contact maxzone at 909-822-3288.
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. the recall began on august 7, 2006. owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 05v388)
Certain eagle eyes headlamps, p/nos. Fr208-b101r, fr208-b101l, fr208-b001r, and fr208-b001l, sold for use as replacement equipment for the passenger vehicles listed above. these headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabry lee will notify owners and offer full credit for any noncompliant headlamp. the recall IS expected to begin on june 14, 2006. owners may contact sabry lee account executive at 1-866-467-2279.
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fire at the switch could occur.
Remedy
By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)
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. 303, "fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles." the label affixed to the fuel filler door by the vehicle modifier contains the inspection date and expiration date of the CNG tank.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles do not comply with the requirements.
Remedy
Owners will be provided a label with the required statement, along with instructions for affixing the label at the fuel filler door. owner notification began november 2, 2000. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. the lug nuts on these vehicles may not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. the first notification, which began in may 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available. this interim procedure can be completed by owners or their dealers. it specifies that the lug nut torque must be verified to be 100 lbs. then the lug nuts need to be tightened an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn more. there will be a second owner notification, which IS expected to begin july 20, 1998, under which dealers will inspect the wheel studs and replace the wheel lug nuts.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. if the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. the vehicle operator would then not be able to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake was not set.
Remedy
Dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.
Owner complaints
56 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Wheels › Rim
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford F-250. The contact took the vehicle to an independent tire store and the mechanic refused to mount the rear driver side tire because the rim was severely rusted. All of the other rims were in the same condition, including the spare that was not even mounted. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford F-250. The contact took the vehicle to an independent tire store and the mechanic refused to mount the rear driver side tire because the rim was severely rusted. All of the other rims were in the same condition, including the spare that was not even mounted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. *Tt*jb
- Tires
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. Purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). After…
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. Purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). After approximately 13,000 miles of use, started experiencing an unusual vibration at highway speeds. After many hours of troubleshooting the vibration problem, it was finally revealed at another tire center (using a hunter road force test/balancing machine...at an extra cost) that 3 of the 4 tires were actually defective (red (75 lbs, 73 lbs and 43 lbs) condition, replace tire) and the 4TH tire usable (yellow (15 lbs) condition, slightly out of round, but are still usable...for how long, IS anyone guess). Road force testing revealed that the internal belts had separated and are the cause for the out of round tire condition. This IS why the vibration has gotten significantly worst over the past month...more belt separation with each use. According to the tire expert technician at discount tires, "the tires are egg shaped rather than round like a doughnut and this condition IS what IS causing the vibrations even though the tires are showing balanced on other balancing machines at other shops. Other buyers have complained on-line about this same problem, but I suspect they have not officially reported these problems to the nhtsa. Tbcbrands customer service IS claiming that there has never been any reported problems and that if there were any issues, the nhtsa would have reports of this. Tires were imported by tbcbrands or tbc corporation and a primarily sold by les schwab tire stores. Driver's rear; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 73 lbs) passenger's rear; dot 535tle50 1815, made in china (defective, 43 lbs) drive's front; dot yj5tlev2 2815, made in vietnam (yellow, currently at 15 lbs) passenger's front; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 75 lbs)
- Tires
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. Purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). After…
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. Purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). After approximately 13,000 miles of use, started experiencing an unusual vibration at highway speeds. After many hours of troubleshooting the vibration problem, it was finally revealed at another tire center (using a hunter road force test/balancing machine...at an extra cost) that 3 of the 4 tires were actually defective (red (75 lbs, 73 lbs and 43 lbs) condition, replace tire) and the 4TH tire usable (yellow (15 lbs) condition, slightly out of round, but are still usable...for how long, IS anyone guess). Road force testing revealed that the internal belts had separated and are the cause for the out of round tire condition. This IS why the vibration has gotten significantly worst over the past month...more belt separation with each use. According to the tire expert technician at discount tires, "the tires are egg shaped rather than round like a doughnut and this condition IS what IS causing the vibrations even though the tires are showing balanced on other balancing machines at other shops. Other buyers have complained on-line about this same problem, but I suspect they have not officially reported these problems to the nhtsa. Tbcbrands customer service IS claiming that there has never been any reported problems and that if there were any issues, the nhtsa would have reports of this. Tires were imported by tbcbrands or tbc corporation and a primarily sold by les schwab tire stores. Driver's rear; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 73 lbs) passenger's rear; dot 535tle50 1815, made in china (defective, 43 lbs) drive's front; dot yj5tlev2 2815, made in vietnam (yellow, currently at 15 lbs) passenger's front; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 75 lbs)
- Tires
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. Purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). After…
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. Purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). After approximately 13,000 miles of use, started experiencing an unusual vibration at highway speeds. After many hours of troubleshooting the vibration problem, it was finally revealed at another tire center (using a hunter road force test/balancing machine...at an extra cost) that 3 of the 4 tires were actually defective (red (75 lbs, 73 lbs and 43 lbs) condition, replace tire) and the 4TH tire usable (yellow (15 lbs) condition, slightly out of round, but are still usable...for how long, IS anyone guess). Road force testing revealed that the internal belts had separated and are the cause for the out of round tire condition. This IS why the vibration has gotten significantly worst over the past month...more belt separation with each use. According to the tire expert technician at discount tires, "the tires are egg shaped rather than round like a doughnut and this condition IS what IS causing the vibrations even though the tires are showing balanced on other balancing machines at other shops. Other buyers have complained on-line about this same problem, but I suspect they have not officially reported these problems to the nhtsa. Tbcbrands customer service IS claiming that there has never been any reported problems and that if there were any issues, the nhtsa would have reports of this. Tires were imported by tbcbrands or tbc corporation and a primarily sold by les schwab tire stores. Driver's rear; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 73 lbs) passenger's rear; dot 535tle50 1815, made in china (defective, 43 lbs) drive's front; dot yj5tlev2 2815, made in vietnam (yellow, currently at 15 lbs) passenger's front; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 75 lbs)
- Tires
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). after…
Sailun IS not a currently a valid choice as a tire brand name:, nor IS tarramax h/t a valid choice as a tire line:, why I have submitted this report under the unknowncategory for both of these cell inputs. purchased (4) new sailun, tarramax h/t, lt265/75r-16 tires (in january 2016). after approximately 13,000 miles of use, started experiencing an unusual vibration at highway speeds. After many hours of troubleshooting the vibration problem, it was finally revealed at another tire center (using a hunter road force test/balancing machine...at an extra cost) that 3 of the 4 tires were actually defective (red (75 lbs, 73 lbs and 43 lbs) condition, replace tire) and the 4TH tire usable (yellow (15 lbs) condition, slightly out of round, but are still usable...for how long, IS anyone guess). Road force testing revealed that the internal belts had separated and are the cause for the out of round tire condition. this IS why the vibration has gotten significantly worst over the past month...more belt separation with each use. according to the tire expert technician at discount tires, "the tires are egg shaped rather than round like a doughnut and this condition IS what IS causing the vibrations even though the tires are showing balanced on other balancing machines at other shops. Other buyers have complained on-line about this same problem, but I suspect they have not officially reported these problems to the nhtsa. tbcbrands customer service IS claiming that there has never been any reported problems and that if there were any issues, the nhtsa would have reports of this. tires were imported by tbcbrands or tbc corporation and a primarily sold by les schwab tire stores. driver's rear; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 73 lbs) passenger's rear; dot 535tle50 1815, made in china (defective, 43 lbs) drive's front; dot yj5tlev2 2815, made in vietnam (yellow, currently at 15 lbs) passenger's front; dot 535tle50 1615, made in china (defective, 75 lbs)
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
Ford F-250 4X4 ford recall 11s21(nhtsa 11v385) fuel tank strap corrosion inspection and replacement was conducted. The fuel tank was also found to be rusted under the strap area only. After the old straps were removed the tank started to leak fuel and ford nor the dealer would replace the tank. If…
Ford F-250 4X4 ford recall 11s21(nhtsa 11v385) fuel tank strap corrosion inspection and replacement was conducted. The fuel tank was also found to be rusted under the strap area only. After the old straps were removed the tank started to leak fuel and ford nor the dealer would replace the tank. If the straps are covered for corrosion then the tank should be also due to the corrosion transferring to the tank surface. The dealer placed new straps over a rusted tank. The truck will need over $1200.00 in repairs for safe operation and to remedy the now leaking fuel. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The evening of july 26TH, 2011 approximately 10:00pm est, an engine fire occurred in our 1998 ford F-250 truck (ext cab, triton V-8 engine, lariat ed). The F-250 had been parked in a remote parking area on the interior area of the mason county fair grounds. Due to county fair activities during that…
The evening of july 26TH, 2011 approximately 10:00pm est, an engine fire occurred in our 1998 ford F-250 truck (ext cab, triton V-8 engine, lariat ed). The F-250 had been parked in a remote parking area on the interior area of the mason county fair grounds. Due to county fair activities during that day, the truck had not been started for over 10 hours when this fire occurred. The local fire department was called and extinguished the fire. It totaled the engine, buckled the hood, blistered the paint, etc. Luckily there was no property damage, nor was there any bodily injury. We had purchased the truck in april of 2010. This truck was in pristine (eat off the engine) condition. Since we have owned it, it had regular oil changes (mobil-1 synthetic only). Aside from that, and other normal maitenance, there had been no modifications to the vehicle, which had stock eqpt when we purchased it. No-off roading, my son babied this truck. He did not even like going to his girlfriend's home with it, because she lived on a dirt road. He IS more than just left without a vehicle, he IS heartbroken, to say the least. I have checked that there was a police report. 911 was called, but ultimately it IS the fire department that made the report. I notified ford on july 27TH, 2011. On july 30TH, 2011 I received a letter from maria aguilera, product claims legal analyst, ford's office of general council in dearborn, mi. We are working to gather information required by her at this time. *kb
- Fuel system, gasoline
1998 ford F-250 (early build) with 201,992 miles, had the gas tank strap rust and break resulting in the gas tank dropping to the pavement. the forward (front) gas tank strap failed and the gas tank fell to the pavement causing the release of approximately 22 gallons of fuel. the resulting spill…
1998 ford F-250 (early build) with 201,992 miles, had the gas tank strap rust and break resulting in the gas tank dropping to the pavement. the forward (front) gas tank strap failed and the gas tank fell to the pavement causing the release of approximately 22 gallons of fuel. the resulting spill required a cleanup by the local fire department. the spill cleanup resulted in a $453 charge by the fire department. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop at a cost of $112. the fuel tank and straps required replacement at a cost of $978.00. total cost of event $1,500. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure
On april 9TH 2011 my fuel tank straps broke while driving at 45 mph. The truck was pulled to the side of the road and the tank was hanging by the fuel lines and tank neck. The truck IS a ford F-250 light with a 24 1/2 gallon fuel tank, that has 102000 miles. I replaced both straps at a cost of $34.00. I painted the new straps to prevent future problems. *Tr
- Fuel system, other
The metal straps holding the gas tank on my 1998 F250 (regular duty) rusted to pieces one at a time until the last strap broke and the gas tank dropped on to the road. it IS a miracle the tank didn't get wedged under the vehicle or explode from being dragged on the road. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
I recently read that nhtsa was investigating ford f 150 from 1997 to 2001 for rusting gas tank straps that effected 1.4 million trucks. I have a ford 1998 F-250 that had rusted gas tank straps. One strap let go and the tank moved out of position. I replaced it myself, but I don't know if it was…
I recently read that nhtsa was investigating ford f 150 from 1997 to 2001 for rusting gas tank straps that effected 1.4 million trucks. I have a ford 1998 F-250 that had rusted gas tank straps. One strap let go and the tank moved out of position. I replaced it myself, but I don't know if it was done correctly or with the proper safety protection. Did ford issue a recall on this? Will they inspect the vehicle to see if it was done correctly? IS there a cost to the owner for any of this? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr the consumer stated he has an appointment with the dealer to have the straps replaced. updated 10/25/11
- Engine and engine cooling
Spark plug gets blown completely out of the engine block and destroys the engine coil. the engine then needs to be rebored to be repaired to be drivable. this occurs while driving the vehicle and has now happened to us twice while the vehicle was under no load. *Tr
- Steering
Steering gear box. It has become disengaged at the pitman arm. And leaking fluid. I have found that the 97 and 99 versions of this truck have had problems and recalls for this. I was told a while back ( about 1 year ago) by a car dealership owner that this truck IS actually a 99 I would like to…
Steering gear box. It has become disengaged at the pitman arm. And leaking fluid. I have found that the 97 and 99 versions of this truck have had problems and recalls for this. I was told a while back ( about 1 year ago) by a car dealership owner that this truck IS actually a 99 I would like to add my vehicle year to this list. I have also had problems with the spark plugs "popping out" which IS also a problem with the triton engines. *Tr
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
1998 ford F-250 steel tie-rod were sufficiently worn, lower ball joints were also worn and needed to be replaced. *Kb ***nar*** the consumer received a cautionary letter from the ford motor company which stated it was necessary to have the steering linkage inspected every 15,000, which prompted…
1998 ford F-250 steel tie-rod were sufficiently worn, lower ball joints were also worn and needed to be replaced. *Kb ***nar*** the consumer received a cautionary letter from the ford motor company which stated it was necessary to have the steering linkage inspected every 15,000, which prompted the consumer to have the vehicle inspected. after the installation of the new and improved steering componets, the left outer steering tie rod socket disengaged from the ball on the left wheel assembly while making a slow gradual left turn. this failure bought the vehicle to an abrupt stop in the middle of the intersection. after the vehicle was towed and inspected, it was discovered that all the tie rods needed to be replaced again.*jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion bar
Broken front torsion bar. Started motor, shifted from park to reverse, and without moving from the spot, heard a loud crack and the torsion bar had snapped. My garage was told by their parts supplier that, until this past month, they never had a request for this part before. This IS now the second request in the past month. Kept the broken bar after replacement.
- Engine and engine cooling
The truck was started and the spark plug blew out from the engine. the truck was taken to a local dealership. they stated it wasn't a problem. the next time, the spark plug blew out while traveling on the highway at 55 mph. the consumer had to coast to the side of the road. please provide details. *jb
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While starting my ford truck with the 5.4 l engine I heard a very loud pop and the engine ran as if the head gasket blew. a non-ford mechanic verified the no. 3 spark plug on the passenger side blew out and stripped the threads from the cylinder head insert that this ford dealer inserted to repair…
While starting my ford truck with the 5.4 l engine I heard a very loud pop and the engine ran as if the head gasket blew. a non-ford mechanic verified the no. 3 spark plug on the passenger side blew out and stripped the threads from the cylinder head insert that this ford dealer inserted to repair an earlier blown spark plug. the old insert for the previous failure was removed and replaced with a new type according to the ford mechanic. this IS the second time for this to happen. on july 10, 2003, approximately 1 yr and 2 days before this failure the no. 3 spark plug blew out stripping the treads in the cylinder head. numerous non-ford mechanics I've talked to have verified this been a fairly common occurrence in the 5.4 l ford engine in trucks and suv's. an individual that I work with had the same spark plug (no. 3 passenger side) blow out from her ford explorer with the 5.4 l engine approximately 6 weeks ago. *la
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air suspension system › Springs/bags
While driving, the rear suspension snapped. the consumer managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed. the dealership tried to repair the problem once before, but the problem was not resolved. *ak three air suspension bags had blown out since the consumer purchased the vehicle. (right airbag on the rear suspension) *scc *jb
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Right turn signals would fail to stay on if road bears opposite of signal. Independent technician replaced turn signal. But, problem was not solved, unable to be fixed. dealer stated need to replace the switch. It will cost consumer $310.00. *Ak
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Rear window cracks and leaks water into the cab. this IS evidently a major problem after talking to two auto glass places. talking to ford IS no help.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
There was a pulsation in the brake pedal when depressed. the ABS system locked up intermittently which caused the tires to wear prematurely. *nlm
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air suspension system
I have a 1998 F-250 light duty pickup with rear air bag suspension. The air bags have failed 3 times in the last 18 months. I was hoping there was a recall or something from ford to fix this problem, I am getting tired of replacing these things at $500 a piece. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at 35mph involved in a frontal collison. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving the vehicle the oil light came on, discovered vehicle was low on oil and replaced oil, next day vehicle made a terrible noise and was taken to dealer only to find the oil had been burned up through the converter.engine IS bad due to the casings. *jg
- Structure › Body › Door
Have found a crack located on the driver's side door at window cutout.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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 complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
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 complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Engine compartment fires
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 vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in…
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 vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.ford IS also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.ford has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation IS closed.odi believes that the vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the observed failure rates on these vehicles by model and model year.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist in the non-recalled vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in ford?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for details.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10205038Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action
- 10183774For 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. Strap fracture may result in the fuel tank contacting the ground. If the fuel tank contacts the ground and develops a leak while driving, there is a potential for fire.
- 10058101Ford/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.
- 10056624Ford/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.
- 10023943Some 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. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10014666Intermittent rough idle - non-commanded egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) flow.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10010001Customer maintenance reminder - literature program 04l19 - tie rod inspection procedure.
- 10008588Driveability-idle-high idle speeds-throttle sticks after steady state driving in extreme cold ambient temperatures-vehicles built through 12/31/01 equipped with 4.6L engine.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10005089Oil leak at high pressure pump fittings and/or plug. This includes super duty f-series. Oasis.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003149Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with no hard fault.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002768Bi-fuel lpg vehicles (with coolant lock off) may exhibit a no start condition.
- 10002517On some dedicated CNG vehicles, a possible fuel leak may occur at the fuel fill valve. Revised service parts.
- 10001895Possible fuel leak may occur at the fuel fill valve, on some dedicated CNG vehicles.
- 6092047Subject regarding the availability of rear spring clip kits for vehicles exhibiting rear spring rattle.
- 6092045Subject regarding rear spring clip kits for vehicles exhibiting a rear spring rattle.
- 6091993Some vehicles built with 3-leaf or 4-leaf rear springs may exhibit a rear spring rattle.
- 6091911On some vehicles the front bumpers may exhibit red staining (spots) on the bumer wing ends.
- 6091858Subject regarding vehicles exhibiting rear brake grab and shoe wear.
- 6091846Experiencing windnoise at the top of the door glass seal / weatherstrip molding area.
- 6091822Some 4X4 vehicles may exhibit a moan noise from the front differential when the vehicle IS operating in 4X2 mode and goes away when operating in 4X4 mode.
- 6091808Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code p1298.
- 6091707Some vehicles may exhibit a idle vibration.
- 6091697Some vehicles may develop a coolant leak at the worm gear clamp located at the joint between the metal intake coolant tube and the flexible rubber coolant hose.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090628Information regarding vehicles that exhibit cracks in the door sheet metal. *Mjs
- 6090571Information regarding outward dents in pickup box wheel wells. *Mjs
- 6090403Information regarding outward dents in pickup box wheel wells. *Mjs
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090055Vehicles built between 3/15/1997 and 12/31/1998 and with 4r70w transmissions may experience delayed or no 2-3 upshift, transmission control indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0782 stored in memory.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 636380Information on vehicles exhibiting a perceived poor fuel range / economy, and or a faulty fuel gauge.
- 636078Some bi-fuel lpg vehicles (with coolant lock off) may exhibit a no start condition.
- 633550Subject regarding heater hose to fuel rail flex line inspection.
Every Ford F-250 model year
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