Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
VISIBILITY
045703/22/200410008542Pop/thump noise at end of window movement and/or driver's window bounce back and reverse to mid-position. *tt08/04/2004
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE
0115608/06/2001623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc10/31/2001
VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR
98308202/26/1998607374Concerns with water leaking at the rear sliding backglass. *tt09/21/1999
VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
032402/04/200310002474Driver's side door glass that binds when operated. *tt09/03/2003
99678008/01/1999608469This online service bulletin involves vehicles exhibiting windnoise at the top of the door glass seal / weatherstrip molding area. *tt12/02/1999
97600707/01/1997605786Brief information regarding cylinder head temperature (cht) and fail safe cooling. *tt07/26/1999
VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
99604205/01/1999606957Information on using 1999 procedures manual for side mirror replacement. *tt09/08/1999
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD
1305408/01/19996091846Experiencing windnoise at the top of the door glass seal / weatherstrip molding area. *tt11/15/2000
1383802/01/2000612429Concerns with vehicles exhibiting a windshield creak / squeak. *tt06/08/2000
981100101/01/1998607856Concerns with waterleak conditions at the back glass on some vehicles. *tt10/14/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
VISIBILITY
102/18/1998
 Seal leak in the rear window.
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
109/20/1997
 When the defroster and heater are activated fumes enter vehicle, burning occupant's eyes.
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE
06/01/2003183000302/01/1998
 The heater core failed three times within the last year. when the heater core failed, the antifreeze leaked and fumes entered the passenger's cabin. the manufacturer was notified, but would not warranty the part. *ak *sc *jb
01/31/2003
 Heater core went out at 58,000 miles. when turning on h heat it would produce a gray whitesh mist coming from the vent. he took truck to the dealer, and dealer wanted to charge him $50.00 for the part, but only $500.00 for labor.*ak
VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR
09/12/2003502002
 Whenever it rains water leaks into the back window of vehicle. manufacturer and dealer had been informed of the problem.*ak
06/23/200336000106/05/1998
 1998 ford f-150 xlt super-cab short bed. structural defect on driver's side door. right lower edge of window. defect is approximately 1/2 in length. this defect has been viewed on numerous f-150's that i have seen. the same defect is on all. *nlm
02/15/2002
 Rear window is leaking. all around window frame has cracked.*ak
05/01/2001102/01/2001
 Door crack on drivers side/door adjar light stays on/rear sliding window leaks water excessively. *ak
03/01/1999
 Rear window has been leaking ever since consumer owned vehicle. dealership informed consumer that since vehicle was out of a warranty period they could not assist him financially. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak
04/05/20010
 Water started to pour in while it was raining on one of passenger's seated in rear. *ak
12/01/2000
 The sliding rear window leaks every time the truck is washed. -- the door ajar light stays on, along with the cab light and cargo light, even when all doors are closed.
210/01/1997
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
10/15/1999308/01/1998
 I have had the rear sliding window assembly replaced by the dealer 3 times. i am now experiencing this problem again for the 4th time. i'm hoping nhtsa will investigate this defect with ford motor company and find a final fix.
02/01/1998101/01/1998
 Back glass of cabin damaged. yh
11/01/1998101/01/1998
 Rear window leaked causing damage to the head liner. mjs
09/09/19981
 The rear window disintergrated suddenly for no reason. vehicle was parked at time. also, seat belt location is at an angle, making it hard to reach & latch. *ak
VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
11/18/20041
 Driver's side window failed to roll up and down on its on. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed consumer that the vehicle was placed on the diagnostic machine, but the cause of the problem could not be determined. *ak
211/01/1998
 Rear leaf spring: on the f-150, extend cab, long bed, the left rear leaf spring is over-loaded because the fuel tank ( and the driver ) are on the left side of the vehicle. this causes the vehicle to lean and become unstable. when carring a load, the majority of the weight shifts to the left side and this causes the vehicle to be more unstable. the dealer replaced the spring once but the problem still exist. / left power window: the window sticks all the time. the only time it works properly is when it rains and the track gets wet.*ak
02/01/200106/01/1998
 Rear window frame leaks. three model years it has been going on. ford is aware as well as engineer dept. employees of ford avoid this sliding window type because they're aware of oversized windows that must be hammered into frame to get them installed in the assembly process. upon my arrival back home after vacation in fla. ford says out of warranty it leaks very heavy during rain.i recognized the leaks at 59,000, and drove home with just over 60,000. *ak
08/15/1999104/01/1998
 No summary
102/28/1998
 Window motors out of order. yh
VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
 There is a blind spot located on passenger's side of vehicle, which assists occupants to enter vehicle, and which is attached to mirror , has caused a blind spot, resulting almost in a crash. consumer has contacted the dealer. please provide any further details.*ak
VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR
07/16/20042
 Possible mirror defect on 1998 f150. *mr the vehicle swerved and the passenger side mirror struck a mailbox. the mirror collapsed and the mirror inside had become detached, flew through the passenger window, struck the consumer in the chin and flew out of the driver window. this was the second incident. the first incident, the mirror collapsed as designed to, however, the mirror detached forcefully landing in the passenger's seat. *sc *jb
01/01/200120000107/23/1998
 1998 ford 150 lariat truck outside mirrors discolored rendering them useless. you can barely see in them during the day and at night it is almost impossible to see anything out of them. the mirror type has the turn signal built in behind the mirror. ford replaced them once and now says that they no longer make that type because of their defective nature but will not or has not offered an alternative. their newer version has the turn signal built on the outer perimeter of the mirror body instead of behind the mirror glass. *la
01/25/2002
 Glue on outside mirror is bleeding through glass. this is causing a distortion to drivers visibility. dealer has been contacted.please provide any further information.*ak
101/20/1998
 Driver's side mirror malfunctioning. *yc
VISIBILITY - REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
06/03/2000108/01/1998
 Wiper washer works intermittently. *ak
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD
02/08/200070000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford f150. the contact stated that the windshield wipers, door locks, and the door chimes failed to operate which is related to the electrical system. the vehicle speed control also no longer functions. the front windshield is not sealed and whenever it rains water seeped into the dashboard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that his vin was not included in the recall. there was no related warranty. the failure mileage was 70,000.
01/01/2005140000107/16/1998
 Dt: water infiltration around the windshield causing the electrical system to malfunction. when it rained water leaked into the vehicle around the windshield and soaked the interior panel which holds the fuses. the fuse panel also rusted. the owner was not sure about other damage. this has been a problem for about 6 months. the owner took the vehicle to the dealership and to a glass company. the dealership had not experienced that problem before. owner made his own temporary patch from silicone. the patch worked. owner called ford and filed a complaint. *ak when it rained electrical components like the windshield wipers, power windows , headlight etc would not function properly. *nm
07/20/2002111/01/2001
 Drivers door has crack in steel near window about half inch long and is getting bigger. paint on roof, hood, and drivers door is cracking and starting to peel away.*ak
05/01/2000105/01/2098
 Door crack next to window on driver's door.*ak
04/01/2000
 The passenger door window frames are cracking on the rear lower corner on both the passenger and driver's doors. the cracks are about 1/8 inch in lenght.i have seen other f-150s with cracks like these. i have a 97 f-150 that is also cracking in the same place.*ak
07/10/2001106/01/1998
 New ford vehicles have windshields that appear to be more susceptible to breakage during normal use than previously. this is a hazard to safe driving as well as unfair to the consumer as there is not a way for them to determine the quality of a windshield in examining the vehicle. *ak
01/01/2001109/01/1997
 The doors are cracking at the window. this is very common in all the 97-01 f150's i've looked at. ford knows about it but does not want to cover it if it's out of warranty even though it is a design defect, and it weakens the structure causing a safety problem. i've also noticed the welds holding the roof to the side panels are cracking down the entire length of the cab roof. this is not an isolated incident either. this also has to weaken the structure causing a safety problem. it is now quite apparent why the insurance industry's crash test did so much damage to the cab of the f150. i hope you can investigate this, and put pressure on ford to admit there is a problem, and hopefully come up with a repair. thank you. *ak
08/01/2000
 Rear windshield leaks when in contact with water. dealer has advised that defect is where window seal is connected to window, there is a gap which cannot be sealed. dealer has recognized problem as defect, but will not cover expenses. *ak
01/26/2001209/01/2000
 Cracks are on both doors at the lower left corner of each window. it seems to be fatique due to the opening and closing of the windows
104/01/1998
 Rear window slider leaks when it rains or truck is washsed. yh
03/01/1998
 Sheet metal stress crack developing around the window frame on the drivers side door. it started out very small and has continued to expand. *ak
02/01/1998208/01/1997
 Windshield failure.
08/01/1998101/31/1998
 Window seal failed. nlm
1
 Windshield has become partially unattached. mjs (attorney for consumer).
02/09/1999112/01/1998
 Driver traveling at 45 mph in 45 mph zone, heard right rear window implode completely into the vehicle, sending small fragments of glass clear across the entire width of the vehicle . if someone(such as our children ) had been seated there at the time,serious injuries would have resulted. .
1
 Windows on the side doors due to shape and design allow for water to drip in when open.
 Windshield problems.
09/08/1997
 There is a blind spot when turning head to the left to see if there is any traffic on that side. this blind spot almost caused a vehicle crash. *ak
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
05/14/20031
 The windshield wipers and washer came on at random. the inside lights failed to go off once the door was closed. *jb *cb *nlm
02/19/20031
 The windshield wipers failed.*jb
08/01/2001
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/01/2001
 Estimate for repairs is $682.47 from which dealer offered fords portion (65%). i declined and stated that fords should cover 100% of costs since these are not normal wear and tear items. no safety defect listed. *ak
12/25/1999112/01/1999
 Re: windshield wiper. f150 was taken in for service for faulty wipers on jun 8,01. the problem turned out to be a computer part called a gem or assembly module. ford has had the vehicle for more than one month. i am told that the part is simply unavailable. i wondered if the part has gone bad so often that the part is in high demand. this affair is open ended, as the avis dealership in southfield, mi (2483557500dennis) can not even say from where the part may be shipped. there seems to be no source for the part. they don't know when it might arrive. no part, no repair. when asked if i could pick up the truck to drive it in the meantime, i was told it is undrivable. is there going to be a recall on this part? part #f75z14b205la. re: door crack. both doors have a 1/4 crack near the back edge of the window. truck is out of warranty. re: leaking rear window. it was repaired by dealership while truck was under warranty. *ak
07/20/1998105/21/1998
 Windsheild wiper failed. yh
06/15/1999
 Vehicle been experiencing ongoing / intermittent problem with windshield washer working improperly. dealer/mfr. was not notified at this time. *ak
04/05/19991
 Loose nut on driers side wiper arm caused wipers to fail during heavy rain.
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - MOTOR
06/09/200450000305/15/1998
 While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers suddenly stopped working. driver was unable to see and was forced to pull over until the storm passed. took it to dealer and the mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced, and he replaced it. however, the problem has recurred twice to date. *jb
01/20/20041
 While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers failed. this caused poor visibility to the driver. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced, and he replaced it. however, the problem recurred. *ak
02/15/20031
 While driving the windshield wipers stopped working without warning. the consumer was forced to pull off the road. *nlm
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - SWITCH/WIRING
02/02/20082000010004/10/1998
 Wipers will come on by themselves at high speeds distracting the operation on the vehicle. attempts to fix problem were unsuccessful. *tr
01/27/1999206/01/1998
 Purchased f150 in june 1998. 8/98 had minior electrical problem - fan would not shut off when key turned off. in 9/98 lost speedometer, tachometer, could hear relays clicking. 10/98 replaced main fuse box due to arching between ternminals. 1/99 lost speedometer/tachometer/4 wheel drive switch, could hear relays in dash again. 1/99 replaced main switch box again due to arching between ternminals. 3/99 ocassional problem with windshield washer switch. they had no idea what caused the problem, if it was resolved, etc, but indicated the normal supply channel was out of the part. *ak