This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
On August 26,2006 took my SUV to dealer to have it checked out because the front end was shaking really bad. Was told that it needed to have front and rear rotors replaced had another dealer check out only need front rotors replaced had them replaced. On Sept 8, 2006 took back to dealer because I heard a whinning noise thought it was the power steering fluid low. It checked out okay dealer check it and was informed that the power steering pump was bad had it replace. Picked up my SUV and it was still making the same noise. Was told to drive for two weeks to let air bleed out line and bring back in two weeks call them to let them know that the noise was still there took to dealer. Nothing was done about it. Call the Ford customer service line and mailed them a letter about what was going on. They told me to take my SUV to another Ford dealer did that was told that the power steering pump was bad that I had put on in Aug. And that something was causing them to go bad. The steering rack is the problem. I call the dealer where I've all of my work done on my SUV and talk to the general manager. He was rude and hung up in my face I call back I'm going to take my SUV to them tomorrow Oct 27,2006 and see if we can come to terms to get my SUV fix. But I've see many complaints about the same problem that 'm having.
My brakes began to squeal around 50K. This is the first brake servicing required on this vehicle. I was told by a number of mechanics that the front rotors needed to be replaced because they were worn down too much. I was surprised about this and found that this is a very well known and common problem with the 2003 Ford Expedition. Apparently, these rotors are not "defective" in material or workmanship otherwise there would be a recall. This is a prime example of poor design and engineering. It is completely ridiculous to expect anyone to believe it is normal to replace brake rotors on each brake pad change. I have bought american made vehicles my entire life. I was always told that the foreign cars were junk and cost a lot of money to maintain. Over the years I have spent much money and time repairing my american made cars. I had bought the cheapest car I could find back in 2000. A Hyundai elantra. I have had zero problems. Not a single one. The mileage is over 100K and I haven't even needed to change the brake pads. This car was the absolute cheapest car I could find on the market in 2000. I will take this as an illustration of how poorly the Ford line of products are either designed or backed up by the manufacturer.
The rotors have been constantly warping. The rotors were machined at 24985, 35498 and 40520 miles. The dealership told me this will be the last time the rotors can be turned and new rotors will have to be purchased if/when they warped again. Does not seem normal for the rotors to be turned every 5000 to 10000 miles. 8jb
- Goldsboro, NC, USA
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2003 Ford Expedition. The consumer stated the rotors created a huge safety hazard. The brakes were made of hard metal, and the rotors were made of soft metal which wore them down. There were no brake problems prior to finding this defect. The vehicle has 50,000 miles on it, and was taken to dealer for regular maintenance to the brakes. The dealership refused to let the consumer take the vehicle until the rotors were replaced. They had never been turned. The rotors were replaced. The rotors were wore out below specification. This happened a month ago. The consumer contacted Ford, and they contacted the dealership. A regional director was to inspect the problem. They did not contact the consumer, he called them, and they told him his claim was denied.
While making a stop, the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection numerous times, but the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. While applying the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the brake rotors needed to be replaced. When stopping, the motor starts shaking and the vehicle would shut off. When turning the vehicle, it would not respond until attempting 2 or 3 times, then finally a lot of smoke appears. The suspension appeared to be loose and one sensor on the wheels did not respond.
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine inspection, and mechanic determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced due worn out parts. The brake pads reduced brake rotor thickness below minimum safe thickness for new pads. The average brake pad life was 12K to 81K miles. If they are non Ford pads, rotor failure would occur in as little as 3K miles. The consumer requested a written agreement to refunded the monies paid for this defect and to cover all future costs of abnormal replacements.
The dealership replaced the front and rear pads at 14,000 miles, and resurfaced the rotors. At 23,000 miles when consumer applied applied the brakes, they pulsated. Dealer indicated to the consumer that front rotors needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the brake fluid because it was burnt. The consumer suspected there was pressure on the brake pads probably from the ABS.
Excessive wearing of rotors and pads. Front (right & left) brake pads needed to replaced as well as rotors at 25,000 miles. Car is not driven hard. Ford service center(maguire's Ford of hershey, pa) stated that there was still padding left and that there was no metal contact with rotors, but the rotors were worn to 1.1 ickness(fl) and 1.09(fr). I am having specs on rotors independantly verified.
Excessive wearing of rotors and pads. Front (right & left) brake pads needed to replaced at 21,000 miles, worn down to antirattle ring and rotors were scortched (ove heated) and also needed to be replaced.
Excessive brake dust on front wheels of 2003 Ford Expedition. Front brakes needed replacement after only 13,000 miles. Rotors also needed replacement. Brake replacement on all previous vehicles took place after 25,000 miles were on the vehicles. Ford customer service did not believe that there is a problem with the brake pads or brakes and was not willing to do anything to resolve the problem. However, I did see a notice to Ford dealerships that admitted the brake dust problem, and stated that Ford was looking at different brake pads for the 2003 Expedition.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Havertown, PA, USA