Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
039905/12/200310002781Tie rod end inspection procedure. *tt09/17/2003
1660502/01/200310002490Reduced power steering assist and/or power steering leaks when driven in temperatures equal to or less than -25 degrees celcius. *tt09/03/2003
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
1782305/01/200410008572Power steering leak - service tip. *tt08/05/2004
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
0022210/30/2000618559Information regarding power steering pump bolt-correct placement of bolts and washer-windsor built engines. *jb04/16/2001
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
1773104/01/200410008232Whine from power steering. *tt07/23/2004
STEERING - LINKAGES
1418906/01/2000613889Concerns with squeaking noise from tie rod end. *tt09/20/2000
STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
1734611/01/200310008177Steering idler arm noise. *tt07/22/2004
024103/04/2002636054Subject regarding idler arm replacement specifications. *tt11/04/2002
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
04L1909/01/200410010001Customer maintenance reminder - literature program 04l19 - tie rod inspection procedure. *tt11/03/2004
03151308/04/200310003192Tie rod end inspection procedure. *tt10/10/2003
0361003/31/200310001861Tie rod end inspection procedure. canada vehicles only. *tt *jb07/23/2003

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
07/01/201175000
 I have a 2001 ford f150 regular cab long bed with 75,000 miles. while driving at approximately 40 mph the right inner tie rod broke causing the vehicle to shudder significantly until i was able to stop the vehicle. this brief shuddering caused the rear fuel tank strap to snap in half primarly due to excessive corrosion of the strap. loss of the supporting strap caused the rear of the tank to drop almost to ground level which also broke the filler inlet off of the top of the tank, completely disconnecting the filler tube and presenting a large hole for fuel to escape. both of these failures are not what i would expect from a vehicle with only 75,000 miles on the odometer. either could have resulted in serious injury or property damage.
12/10/200235000911/30/2002
 Take a look a my vehicle history, i baby my truck - never used off-road. i have replaced several items that i feel should have been fixed by ford. i had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. some parts with defects that were replaced. most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) i'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. a&b kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. 10.) sideview mirrors vibrated 11.) abs sensor replaced 12.) keyless entry replaced 13.) steering bearings replaced 14.) back bumper is rusting these are just some of the things i can remember right off hand. i've got all receipts. i take care of this truck - wash and wax once a week by hand (unless really bad weather) then i just take it to the car wash automatic or actual people washing. keep inside just as nice. if you want to check out a vehicle for safety/recall information you should start with mine. *ak
06/12/20031206/12/2003
 This may be a moot point because the truck (2001 f-150 supercrew xlt 4wd) i had owned (traded it in for a 2003 ford supercrew which also exhibits very similar problems) had serious problems with the steering in addition to the driver seatbelt becoming disengaged while driving normally. i could not understand why the seatbelt would disengage all by itself. i even had witnesses to the fact. i asked for the service to address it; however, they could not duplicate the problem. this is serious as what are seatbelts for in the first place. also had some problems with the paint cracking or spidering. ford regional personnel from denver wanted to repaint the vehicle. however, they could not determine how it would be accomplished. this went on for over 4 months. that is one of the main reasons in addition to the steering problems described previously i had get rid of the problem supercrew i had purchased. *la rq04011.*pco owner granted permission to release info_*pco
05/15/20031
 The steering was not working properly. *nlm
03/01/2002207/01/2001
 Serpentine belt broke while backing up and vehicle lost steering ability, towed to dealer, part was replaced.*ak the steering locked and the consumer lost control of the vehicle resulting in a collision with a pole.*yh
 Consumer had only owned vehicle for less than week when the steering arm was about to fall due to a loose bolt that was not tightened properly at the factory. *ak
STEERING - COLUMN
12/10/200235000911/30/2002
 Take a look a my vehicle history, i baby my truck - never used off-road. i have replaced several items that i feel should have been fixed by ford. i had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. some parts with defects that were replaced. most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) i'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. a&b kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. 10.) sideview mirrors vibrated 11.) abs sensor replaced 12.) keyless entry replaced 13.) steering bearings replaced 14.) back bumper is rusting these are just some of the things i can remember right off hand. i've got all receipts. i take care of this truck - wash and wax once a week by hand (unless really bad weather) then i just take it to the car wash automatic or actual people washing. keep inside just as nice. if you want to check out a vehicle for safety/recall information you should start with mine. *ak
02/17/200598000111/30/2002
 Both steering bearings (located in steering column inside truck cab) completely wore out, steering wheel was very loose. 2001 f150 ford lariat supercrew. my friend is a mechanic with the wv dept of highways and he had to have both the steering bearings in all the 2000 f150 pickups in his organization replaced. this is how i know what was wrong with mine, it was doing the same thing the states trucks done. loose steering wheel and hard to steer. should be a safety recall because if it would have happened when i was driving at a higher rate of speed around a turn an accident may have occured. i bought the two bearings and had them installed. not sure if mechanic kept the old bearings. *ak
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
12/04/2004550001
 While attempting to turn into the driveway steering column locked as a result, vehicle was unable to turn in either direction. *ak
01/25/200340000
 While turning the steering locked and vehicle hit telephone pole and five mailboxes. dealer refuses to repair. please provide additional information. ph
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
12/10/200235000911/30/2002
 Take a look a my vehicle history, i baby my truck - never used off-road. i have replaced several items that i feel should have been fixed by ford. i had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. some parts with defects that were replaced. most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) i'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. a&b kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. 10.) sideview mirrors vibrated 11.) abs sensor replaced 12.) keyless entry replaced 13.) steering bearings replaced 14.) back bumper is rusting these are just some of the things i can remember right off hand. i've got all receipts. i take care of this truck - wash and wax once a week by hand (unless really bad weather) then i just take it to the car wash automatic or actual people washing. keep inside just as nice. if you want to check out a vehicle for safety/recall information you should start with mine. *ak
09/13/2001206/01/2001
 Loose steering, second (replacement) steering gear. the original steering gear was noisy and the dealer replaced it with a used, rebuilt unit at 3,264 miles. current (used) gear has excessive free play, the vehicle wanders and is difficult to control on the highway. ford refuses to supply the dealer with a new gear. the dealer refuses to replace or adjust the loose gear. i feel the safety of the vehicle is in question with the used gear in it due to lack of traceability of the gear in case of a recall or safety campaign. *ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
 While driving at state speed limit heard a loud noise from rear of vehicle. without a warning lost steering control, resulting in a collision, mechanic stated rear axle bracket had a malfunction which resulted in spring unhooking and releasing axle.
 While driving 25 mph lost steering which resulted in a collision. mechanic stated cause of collision was that power steering broke.*ak
STEERING - LINKAGES
08/02/2000104/28/2000
 Vehicle lost complete steering while turning onto the interstate informed that pitman arm disconnected from the section shaft due to the loss of the nut and washer nut. dealer notified. *ak driver does not feel safe and secure driving this vehicle. the dash light failed at 3000 miles. *yh
STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
12/10/200235000911/30/2002
 Take a look a my vehicle history, i baby my truck - never used off-road. i have replaced several items that i feel should have been fixed by ford. i had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. some parts with defects that were replaced. most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) i'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. a&b kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. 10.) sideview mirrors vibrated 11.) abs sensor replaced 12.) keyless entry replaced 13.) steering bearings replaced 14.) back bumper is rusting these are just some of the things i can remember right off hand. i've got all receipts. i take care of this truck - wash and wax once a week by hand (unless really bad weather) then i just take it to the car wash automatic or actual people washing. keep inside just as nice. if you want to check out a vehicle for safety/recall information you should start with mine. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
08/27/2007130000105/15/2000
 Ford f-150 supercrew 2001: right tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket), resulting in violent wheel oscillation, with front tire drag bringing vehicle to a halt; 20 mph; no warning; regularly inspected, ~110k mileage. had been driving at 65 mph with family (5 passengers) day before tie rod broke. what would have happened?? same vehicle, ~130k mileage, date 8/27/07. left tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket). just pulled into rest area on i95 in connecticut. tried to back up, wheels angled, towed, tie rod replaced. minutes before i was traveling 70mph in passing lane on i95. what could have happened?? vehicle not used for off-road, no snow plow, maintained by service station regularly. *jb
05/30/2005107000104/07/2001
 Dt: problems began on 5/23/05 while turning right in normal driving conditions on dry pavement. caller believed the passenger's side tie rod popped off the ball joint. no warning lights on in vehicle. it was not pulling or making any noise. vehicle was going about 10 mph. vehicle was in the shop. after stopping the vehicle, driver noticed the passenger wheel was turned to the right, all other wheels were facing forward. it was towed to the dealership and repaired.*ak
12/10/200235000911/30/2002
 Take a look a my vehicle history, i baby my truck - never used off-road. i have replaced several items that i feel should have been fixed by ford. i had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. some parts with defects that were replaced. most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) i'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. a&b kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. 10.) sideview mirrors vibrated 11.) abs sensor replaced 12.) keyless entry replaced 13.) steering bearings replaced 14.) back bumper is rusting these are just some of the things i can remember right off hand. i've got all receipts. i take care of this truck - wash and wax once a week by hand (unless really bad weather) then i just take it to the car wash automatic or actual people washing. keep inside just as nice. if you want to check out a vehicle for safety/recall information you should start with mine. *ak
08/25/2004554821
 Uncontrollable loss of steering on 2001 ford f-150 supercrew due to failure of right inner tie-rod end. ford f-150 skidded across the road (right to left side) and went down into a ditch and struck a tree. ford f-150 was towed to nearest service station for repair of right inner tie-rod end.*ak
12/22/2004
 Upon inspection (using procedure provided by ford) during standard mtce, mechanic advises vehicle owner of premature tie rod wear. estimates $450 repair cost. *nm
11/17/200494000201/01/2001
 A tie rod failure. consumer was having vehicle serviced for other issues when it was discovered that the tie rods were defective. consumer contacted the manufacturer, who was not willing to do anything to assist him with this defect. *ak a class action lawsuit has been filed against the manufacturer. *nm
11/29/2004110/25/2001
 Tie rods are defective. truck shakes violently and does not steer straight. the problem has been diagnosed as defective tie rods, but ford will not replace at their expense since the vehicle mfg warranty has expired. *ak
10/01/20041
 Consumer stated that he went through an inspection and found that the tie rod was defective. he contacted ford. however, ford will not assist in any repairs. consumer received a letter stating that they were aware of the problem. consumer felt that this should be a recall.*ak *tc
10/23/200455000101/20/2001
 Ford motor co. sent out a procedure on how to inspect tie-rods on ford trucks. fter inspecting mine, they need to be replaced.... there are lots of ford owners who are having premature tie-rod falures and have to replace them.... i feel it's a serious safty issue... ford should issue a recall. *ak
08/16/2004520001
 During a routine inspection, the mechanic informed the consumer that the vibration he felt when driving was due to worn tie rods. *jb
09/13/2004430001
 While backing out of the driveway the tie rod ends separated without warning. as a result the front driver side tire was punctured. the cause has yet to be determined. please provide additional information.
09/13/200340300111/15/2002
 While making a mild left turn into driveway, right tie-rod just popped off causing loss of control. no warning of any type not even 1 sound or problem leading up to incident, never had any current damage or accidents, purely faulty component. *jb
01/24/200314000112/01/2001
 While driving the tie rod broke causing lost of control. ts *tt
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
610/01/2000
 While driving and making a left turn steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver.. dealer cannot identify the problem. please give any further details. *ak the problem does not occur with every turn, it only happens at both high and low speeds, the dealer tried to fix the problem but cannot assure the consumer that the problem will not reoccur. nlm
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
09/01/2000208/13/2000
 Steering column will not turn, usually happens at low speeds and turning left. contacted dealer. *ak consumer stated the problem was fixed after 2 visits, dealership replaced the shaft and steering box. *jb