The vehicle dossier US · 2007

2007 Ford
F-150Problems & recalls

488 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 152 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 488 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components152 reports
Engine146 reports
Transmission & drivetrain57 reports
Fuel system54 reports
Brakes44 reports
Electrical system42 reports
Body & structure31 reports
Steering29 reports
Air bags27 reports
Suspension16 reports
Visibility5 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE105
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL49
POWER TRAIN46
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
TIRES35
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING30
STEERING25
STRUCTURE:BODY22
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC20
AIR BAGS20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
SERVICE BRAKES16
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS15
SUSPENSION14
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE9
TIRES:VALVE8
WHEELS8
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION7
STRUCTURE6
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL5
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE4
SEAT BELTS4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
SEATS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION2
EQUIPMENT2
VISIBILITY2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM1
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)1
STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT1
STEERING:COLUMN1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL:SPARK PLUGS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER1
Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle)1
Other/I am not sure1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jul 24, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

57,425 miles is the median among 430 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 22,100–100,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

7 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Oct 8, 2008 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCampaign 08V523000

Reported concern

ROUSH IS RECALLING 213 MY 2007-2008 FORD F-150 TRUCKS ALTERED TO OPERATE USING LIQUID PROPANE INJECTION. THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER AFFIXED TO THE INSIDE OF THE AIRBOX LID WITH ADHESIVE MAY BECOME DISLODGED DURING OPERATION.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIRBOX LID WITH A NEW ONE THAT INCLUDES THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER WHICH HAS BEEN AFFIXED USING AN ADHESIVE PROMOTER AND GREATER PRESSURE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROUSH AT 1-866-307-6788.

Read campaign 08V523000 at NHTSA
Oct 25, 2007 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 07E089000

Reported concern

CERTAIN SPYDER HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLIES SOLD FOR USE ON 2004 THROUGH 2007 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCKS. DURING PRODUCTION, THE HEADLAMPS WERE INTERNALLY MISALIGNED AND THEY FAIL THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

SPYDER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT SPYDER AT 866-558-4264.

Read campaign 07E089000 at NHTSA
Sep 25, 2007 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 07E080000

Reported concern

CERTAIN HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES IMPORTED AND SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT BY SONAR AUTO PARTS FOR USE ON 2004-2007 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCKS. DURING PRODUCTION, THE HEADLAMPS WERE INTERNALLY MISALIGNED AND THEY FAIL THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

SONAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 14, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT SONAR AT 866-558-4264.

Read campaign 07E080000 at NHTSA
Sep 14, 2007 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 07E075000

Reported concern

CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. FR390-B001L AND FR390-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS IS UNSTABLE INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.

Read campaign 07E075000 at NHTSA
Aug 28, 2007 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:ELECTRICALCampaign 07E066000

Reported concern

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Manufacturer’s stated response

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

Read campaign 07E066000 at NHTSA
Jun 28, 2007 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYCampaign 07V278000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS BUILT WITH 26 GALLON FUEL TANKS, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A DEPRESSION AT THE SEAM BETWEEN THE TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK (NOT VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE THE FUEL TANK). IF A DEPRESSION IS LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY PERMEATE THE FUEL TANK WALL RESULTING IN A FUEL ODOR, OR A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR LIGHT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 25, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Manufacturer campaign: 07S55

Read campaign 07V278000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

32 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 24-2188This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with …NHTSA ID 11005305

This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.

Components: WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11005305 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 51536For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identif…NHTSA ID 10235153

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235153 at NHTSA
Jun 21, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 22-2219Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated w…NHTSA ID 10214754

Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to remove and cap the vacuum supply line or to reprogram the transfer case control module (TCCM) and replace any worn vacuum and/or IWE components.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10214754 at NHTSA
Oct 16, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 20-2307Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated…NHTSA ID 10181917

Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10181917 at NHTSA
Jul 13, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 20-2233This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or pee…NHTSA ID 10177863

This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10177863 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDOR-N3Z7B-03This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick.NHTSA ID 10172885

This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10172885 at NHTSA
Sep 2, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 48157Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or au…NHTSA ID 10165713

Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. To ensure the VSM is configured correctly, use the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool and select the blue ball and socket icon in the upper left corner. Select the utility knife in the bottom left corner. Select Update/Special Function and enter 53061 in the blue box then press the tick mark. The screen will go back to the system utilities page. Navigate to the toolbox tab and run the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) on the VSM. The procedure will prompt you to manually enter the as-built into the VSM. Obtain the as-built data from PTS > OASIS > As-Built.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10165713 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDORD2Q5Z09This SKU is a Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the port size being too large. If the port size is too large it will not fit the mating component which …NHTSA ID 10165335

This SKU is a Transmission Oil Cooler Line. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the port size being too large. If the port size is too large it will not fit the mating component which would prevent installation, and would therefore have no impact on the end user besides time to complete installation.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10165335 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10156863

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10156863 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10155551

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10155551 at NHTSA
Jun 1, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47331Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis lead…NHTSA ID 10143079

Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both banks/cylinder heads with part number 3L3Z-6564-A, not just the faulty roller follower(s). When replacing the camshaft roller followers, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01.

Components: ENGINE · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10143079 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 46542When ordering a 2005 to 2008 remanufactured 5.4L 3v or 6.8L 3v engine, spark plug boots may be provided in the packaging. Replace all black spark plug boots from the original engine with the 'brown' spark plug boots, as provide…NHTSA ID 10109021

When ordering a 2005 to 2008 remanufactured 5.4L 3v or 6.8L 3v engine, spark plug boots may be provided in the packaging. Replace all black spark plug boots from the original engine with the 'brown' spark plug boots, as provided. The updated 'brown' spark plug boots are longer than the black boots to accommodate a running change in the spark plug length. The ignition coil bodies and spring/resistor are transferable and only the rubber boots require replacement. Failure to install the spark plug boots provided with the replacement engine could lead to drivability concerns.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109021 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Oct 14, 2008 ClosedTIRE VALVE CRACKINGPE08060

ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO

Recorded closure: Apr 9, 2009

Find investigation PE08060

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