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.
While driving 5-70 mph consumer lost power steering/braking. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Deaalership repaired the power steering and brake components, but the consumer was still having the same problems.
Vehicle was traveling about 30 mph when all of a sudden the brakes did not work. There was brake fluid spilling, and the emergency brake was applied, but it was still difficult for the vehicle to come to a complete stop.
While driving 45 mph consumer applied the brake pedal and the brakes failed, causing consumer's vehicle to collide with the vehicle in front. Driver sustained minor injuries, and vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection.
Had ABS replaced numerous times on my 2000 F-150 come to find out the wiring harness has been defective the whole time and has just been discovered to be the culprit. Ford has agreed to pay 50% of cost but I can't be the only one with a defective harness, right?
Although I have only listed this as 1 instance of failure simply because this poorly designed (dangerous) solution finally cost me getting into an accident. This ABS problem has caused me to loose sleep at night since owning this vehicle because of the various times it has failed me! it shouldn't take an einstein to figure out there's something wrong with a brake system that fails when you really need it to work! not only does it fail the brakes, but since the power steering is used to (hydroboost) power the brake system, when the ABS unit dumps the fluid to release the brake pressure, you also loose steering ability! I don't know how many people have been killed by this inadequate design. I guess I should count myself lucky that I'm even able to write this, but this system is plainly inadequate and flawed at the design layer. Either someone requires this to be corrected or everyone that drives a vehicle with this type of solution better triple their life insurance and quadruple their liability insurance and attend church services daily in hopes that they survive the experience!!!!!!!!!! oh, maybe I've touched on something there. Do you think the insurance companies mind the prospect of having everyone having to increase their insurance to prepare for the results?
- Phoenixville, PA, USA
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Truck is equipped with rear ABS. When making a rapid stop and the rear end hits a bump instead of the ABS modulating the brakes it releases all of the brakes. This has happened 3-4 times since I have had the truck and this problem is not isolated to just my truck. Checking the forums at Ford-diesel.com there are lots of others out there with this same problem. Dealers have told them it is normal. I don't buy it. The only way to regain braking is to let up on the pedal, then quickly reapply. There have been a couple of times when I just barely had time to do that. It is very scary because it is not like most ABS where the pedal will pulse. This acts as if the brakes have just totally released, and the pedal drops. I don't understand, nor does anyone else with the problem why the front brakes let go. If it is only rear wheel ABS then why do we lose the front brakes also? this is very dangerous because you really can't predict when it will do it. I know that I am very wary of the possibility that a little hop of the rear wheels during hard braking can cause this and drive cautiously. No problem with a load in the back of the truck, but with a light rear it can happen anytime. I am surprised no one has been hurt.
While approaching the highway, brakes were applied, the ABS light came on, then brakes locked up and engine failed to slow down causing brakes to go in ABS, consumer ran into another vehicle and started to push the other vehicle two lanes length. Consumer applied park brake and vehicle stopped. Contacted dealer and the dealer could not find the cause.
During brake application while driving at any speed vehicle will pull intermittently to right and / or left, more severe at higher speeds. Dealership has examined vehicle nine times, and replaced brake calipers/pads/ lines/ rear spring shackle adjustments, and positive caster. Dealership has been unable to effectively remedy problem, and informed consumer no more service would be performed on this vehicle. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
My first serious situation occurred when I was pulling a 6000lb tractor. Conditions where good weather clear and outside temp 98. When approaching an area of hwy four lane divided hwy( 2 North 2 South). This area of hwy has several traffic lights spaced about two miles apart from one another. The truck operated as expected on the first three of lights. When I applied the brakes for the fourth time my truck pulled left so hard the cross bar on the steering wheel was straight up and down and I was still headed into the median toward North bound traffic, I released the brake pedal as soon as I went into the grass to regain control, once stopped I checked under my truck for a possible broken brake line, but I seen nothing wrong. I proceeded to the office after checking everything and things seemed ok after the brakes cooled down. During checking the brakes and lines the left front rotor seemed very much hotter than the right front! the truck has been doing this and continues to do this. Southwest Ford in weatherford is the only dealer that has worked on it for this problem. They keep changing the pads and rotors and giving it back. I told them the conditions in witch the truck pulls but they will not load it. They want me to load it and bring it to them!!! I am very frustrated and worried to load it, and drive it. I have done everything they have asked and I guess I will load it too. But this will be the last straw! I had found an old message on the internet from "the carringtons" that had the similar problem with their 99 model and got a 2000 to replace it. They said they had the same problem but not as bad as the 99. If you could help me and possible others, I really think it will save lives!
While applying the brakes pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Problem was intermittent. Felt like coaster brakes. Have taken vehicle to dealership, and was informed by mechanic after test driving vehicle, that no problem with brakes found after 25 miles.
Dates are not correct as I do not have information in front. Major brake issues, transmission shifting issues and turbo is now leaking oil again. Lots of intermittent issues that no one can duplicate. Unsure what to do.
The factory installed tow package wiring is defective. The electric brake wiring is defective, Ford has failed to fix the poroblem, I can get the wiring repaired from a third party, but my concern is how many trucks have defective wiring and other consumers are being put at risk by Ford not admitting there is a problem with there tow package wiring. This is a very dangerous situation in Colorado we have a lot of very steep grades and towing a trailer down them without out the trailer brakes operational could result in a serious accident. I have been to two Ford dealers and neither addressed the problem. I have digital pictures of the defect, that can be transmitted to you.
When pulling a fifth wheel trailer, unless brakes on the trailer are real aggressive, ABS brakes on the truck are activated. This causes a very hazardous condition when trying to stop. Truck was taken to the dealership. Dealership was not able to correct the problem.
Truck pulls uncontrollably to left, worse under heavy braking, Ford is aware of the problem but has no answers yet to solve this problem, brakes stop working if you hit a large bump in the road while braking.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Jesup, GA, USA