1) driving low speed residential 2) middle leaf spring rear driver side broke, moved forward over time and swung into tire side wall destroying tire. Recall NHTSA # 98V161000 had been performed in 1998 to correct this potential failure. Further inspection revealed the opposite side leaf spring is broken and could do the same thing or puncture the fuel tank. 3) both rear leaf spring sets need replacement and left rear tire needs replacement.

- Carpinteria, CA, USA

The contact stated the middle leaf spring broke in the rear of her vehicle. The first time it broke was on the left side, it punctured a tire. The tire went flat while the truck was sitting. The leaf spring was repaired at this time by a certified mechanic. The second time was the right side leaf spring; while driving she heard a clunking sound, stopped the vehicle to inspect the noise, and noticed the leaf spring H broke. It was repaired by certified mechanic. Contacted Ford, there was a recall on the leaf springs, but did not include this vehicle due to VIN.

- Roseville, CA, USA

While backing up hears a noise. Dealer has been contacted. There is a technical service bulletin # 15692 that describes the exact problem, a constant snapping noise in the rear of the vehicle. Consumer believes this was a manufacturer defect.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

On April 12, 2003 while driving my 1997 Ford F 150 super cab pickup VIN [xxx] I noticed a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. After stopping to investigate I discovered the middle leaf of the rear leaf spring had broken in half and the forward half was dangling in the air held there by the clamp that was installed at the dealer (bonnell motors) where I purchased the truck as part of NHTSA recall 98V16000. Upon further examination I noticed the middle leaf on the left rear leaf spring appears to have shifted as it is no longer even with the other two leafs. I also took a closer look at the broken middle leaf from the right side and it appears that a major fracture existed for some time before this finally decided to fail. My first action was to call Ford customer relations to inform them and to file a complaint of what happened and to see if this type problem had been reported and if so what is going to be done. I advised them of the recall issued by NHTSA (98V16000). However I was told that recall was issued by a third party not Ford and there haven't been complaints received or recalls issued for this type of problem by Ford. Next I was advised by Ford customer relations to take the vehicle to bonnell motors and talk them about the problem. Although they wouldn't make any assurances Ford would pay for the repair as they work on a case by case basis between Ford and dealers to determine if the situation warrants it. Upon meeting with a service writer at bonnell motors I was advised they never saw this type of problem before, in fact they have never had to order leaf springs before. The service writer advised me that Ford's statement on springs was if the vehicle is overloaded or under loaded can result in leaf springs breaking. The service writer looked up how much it would cost to replace both right and left leaf springs. That cost would be $615, and if had 2,000 fewer miles Ford would have paid all but a $250 deductible. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inform

- North Reading, MA, USA

Consumer states that vehicle was taken in for a recall on the rear leaf spring clip to prevent leaf spring from puncturing tank. Consumer states feels that recall was not properly corrected.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

Consumer noticed extended stopping distance. Vehicle was inspected, and discovered that rear leaf springs were bent and needed to be replaced. Both rear leaf springs were replaced one year ago.

- San Mateo, CA, USA

Leaf springs shifted when the truck was new. Ford replace them, but they didn't fix the cause of the shifting. There is nothing to hold the leaf springs together. When inspecting the truck several years later, noticed the same problem had happened again.

- Berlin, MD, USA

The rear leaf springs have separated and the clips that hold them together are coming off and are loose on the springs.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Left rear leaf spring, bottom leaf, is misaligned, I read that many people with 1997 F150 2 wheel drive pick ups are having the same problem.

- Stockbridge, MI, USA

In May 99 heard rattle from left rear. Found spring clamp missing bushing, no big deal. But did notice bottom leaf was kicked out on aft end (and kicked in of fwd end) appx 1/4 to 3/8". while dealer replace lugs: Nuts on recall said leaf spring no big deal. I wrapped loose clamp in tape to stop rattle. Now in 11/99 while washing car I noticed lower leaf is kicked out considerably farther, now measuring a full 1". I have contacted Ford cac, and the dealer will probably install a kit per SB99-6477. However, I view this as a very big problem/safety issue because the Ford tsb kit only replaces the existing clamp for the two uppoer leafs. The lower leaf is "adjusted" back into place. Internet research shows numerous people with same compaint. This is not a satisfactory solution. In my current situation the lower leaf, at a 1" aft kickout, is contacting the fwd inside and aft outside U-bolt. There can be no other outcome to this than for the spring to exert enough force over time to weaken both U-bolts to the point of failure. In my case I'll be watching like a hawk. However were it not for the initial rattle I doubt that I would have ever seen the problem until at some point in the future when my axle fell off. I've been happy with the truck and Ford in general until now, but I feel like they need to wake up and address this. Looking at Chevrolet trucks they have what seems to be a better design philosophy; the Chevrolet truck has "square" U-bolts, threads down, which straddle the leaf spring assemblies with close tolerance to keep the stack together on top of axle. Ford's design has the U-bolts on either side of the spring stack, threads up, and relies on the compression force to keep the stack together instead of the U-bolt itself. I would encourage you to look at this issue; over time as these trucks acquire more mileage there may be some U-bolt failures.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

Bottom leaf separates on both sides of rear spring assemblies & points outward at rear. Loud clunking, rattling & vibration in steering column & dashboard. 2 general tires blew out within 250 miles.

- Crete, IL, USA

Misalignment of both right and left side rear spring leafs.

- Moberly, MO, USA