Ford F-150 heater blend door model year 97-04 is defective, causing inoperability of windshield defroster and iced over windshield interior resulting in near total loss of driver visibility during freezing conditions with snow. Ford is on notice of this problem. See the information below, from an internet company manufacturing and selling a replacement blend door, along with installation instructions not requiring removal of dash. Local dealer (jones West Ford, reno, nv.) denies any recall, will not repair. Ford consumer complaint department denies any recall, will not repair. See: www.heatertreater.net/Ford%20F150%2097-04.htm. "this is a kit to do a complete repair on the blend door malfunction that is common to 97-04 F150's. every F150 in this range either has, or will have, this common failure over time."

- Sun Valley, NV, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Ford F-150. The tires felt slightly low and the contact checked the front passenger side tire. She realized that the valve stem was cracked. She took the vehicle to the tire shop and had the valve stem replaced. Approximately five weeks later, the tire pressure light illuminated. She checked the tires and realized that the rear passenger side valve stem was now cracked. She took the vehicle back to the shop and had the failure repaired. Recently, three weeks later, the tire pressure indicator illuminated again. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed that the front driver's side tire had completely failed and the rear driver side tire was cracked. Both tires were repaired; however, the contact believes that it was a defect to have all four tire valves fail within a two-month period. The tires and valve stems were unknown. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 14,000.

- Elkhorn, WI, USA

Faulty deactivation switch.

- Mobile, AL, USA

Vehicle caught fire while parked and occupied by myself. Engine was not running. Vehicle was totally destroyed by fire. Fire marshall investigated incident and found that cause was directly due to the known problem with Ford Motor Co.'s speed control deactivation switch.

- Griffin, GA, USA

Purchased my 2000 F-150 from gorno Ford in trenton, mi with 30,000 miles on the odometer. In less than 2 years and less than 15, 000 miles the following malfunctions have occurred: Front T-rod broke (replaced), front U-joints had to be replaced, parking brake froze up disabling entire system, all brake pads and rotors had to be replaced. This vehicle is not even at 50,000 miles yet.

- Dearborn Heights, MI, USA

I have a well maintained 2000 F-150 5.4L with 69,800 miles that spun a bearing last week. After pulling the motor and removing the oil pan, it is quite obvious that this is a manufacturing defect. The 'broken rods' that are used in this motor are of very poor quality. I contacted Ford customer service and their response was, "I am sorry about your luck, but your vehicle is no longer under warranty". please advise.

- Valencia, PA, USA

Air conditioner system malfunctioned each season after first year of ownership. 8/9/01 O rings replaced, 3/20/02 replaced evap. Coil, both under warranty. 4/25/03 compressor, accumulator etc. $730 worth of repair with warranty expired. Contacted Ford rep. And got discount.

- Colmesneil, TX, USA