Spark plug blew out while running. I have only had the plugs changed once by the Ford dealer. I have read on the Ford F150 forums that this is very common on the 5.4 engine as they have very few threads holding the plug in. I am told Ford fixed the problem in 2002 but has not recalled the earlier trucks.

- Beaumont, CA, USA

I had a tune-up performed by the five-star Ford dealership in North richland hills, Texas in July 2001. On July 3, 2004, I was driving on a highway when I heard a loud popping noise from the engine. I later found that the #3 sparkplug had blown free from the engine and had stripped all threads from the aluminum head. The Ford dealership denies any responsibility for the defective head or for damaging the head by improper installation of the sparkplug.

- Haltom City, TX, USA

Computer continues to give acode of misfire on num 5 cylinder. Took to 3 Ford dealerships; all they did was install new spark plug, problem persists. Been investigating and trying different indepndent shop fo repair

- Rocky Point, NC, USA

Whle traveling at highway speed a spark plug broke. As a result of broken spark plug, engine started knocking severely. Truck had to be towed to a Ford dealership because of damages to head and rocker arm.

- Warsaw, IN, USA

While driving and without warning spark plugs burned out, and vehicle became inoperable. Dealer has been notified, and has serviced vehicle for same problem twice. But had no solution for problem.

- Desoto, MO, USA

Both windows stopped working every other day. Unable to roll them up or down. Consumer also states the windshield wipers stopped working in the rain, (repetitive)-replace relays. The problem is on going, the PCM chip has been updated, fuses checked, the motor for the window has been replaced and now being checked for a wiring short. Problem may be in the steering column where they replaced a recall part in the ignition. Consumer states, see reference number 8011065.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Contacted Ford on national 800 number. Supervisor said Ford will not admit occurrence of spark plugs blowing out of their engines. However, they were quick to respond they would replace the aluminum head for $1,500.... says it is not a Ford defect. However, I am finding this is a fairly common problem. The local Ford shop says they routinely see this problem and it is only covered if under warranty. Since my truck is a used vehicle... not covered. When the spark plug blew out, the sudden bang and following loud noise caused me to swerve on the highway.... fortunately there was nobody next to me at the time. I got the impression from the national Ford rep. They will continue to ignore this problem until the government forces them to do something about it.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

Ignition/ starter have gone out several times.

- Fresno, CA, USA

While driving engine light came on, and then went out, then all of a sudden engine died there was no power steering, no brakes, consumer took vehicle in for inspection and was advised by technician that an ignition wire had broke inside the wiring cover.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Purchased vehicle new in April 1997. From the third week of owning vehicle, engine shakes, sputters, and stalls when driving. Ford has attempted 13 times to fix problem. They replaced the engine long block on 7/24/00. Engine exhibited the same problem less then 1000 miles later. Ford once again replaced only (bad parts) in long block this time. Till this date engine still exhibits same problem. Ford's position is their representatives made the decision my vehicle is fine, so I'm stuck with it. Today, Oct 22, I have another appoitment because of a loud rattle and engine problems. If requested, I can submit all invoices.

- South Williamsport, PA, USA

While decelerating or coming to a stop vehicle stalls unexpectedly which causes a loss of power steering/brakes, etc.

- Westboro, MA, USA

Engine shakes and is not performing on all cylinders due to spark plug failures/rusting that is caused by uninsulated A/C pipe dripping water on to spark plug.

- San Pedro, CA, USA

Initial failure- engine cranks, but wouldn't start. Local dealershjip replaced PCM twice, replaced spark plugs, throttle position sensor, trans shift solenoid, timing cover gasket, radiator.. when vehicle return to customer, it still was not running prope

- Braintree, MA, USA

One week after repair were done same problem arose. No safety defect indicated.

- Temeprance, MI, USA