15th Jan 2003, 14:27

I had a near fatal accident nov. 23rd, 2002. Completly lost the steering in my 4 month old Ford F150 4x4 pickup. I had 6000 miles on it. My insurance co. expert and Ford mechanical expert, found the pitman arm was not installed correctly, and didn't have a nut attached to it. Needless to say I am done with Ford. This was my 7th ford truck.

27th May 2003, 07:57

As the first poster stated, I too have had the same problems with my 97 150 4x4, except no you -joint problems yet. The rear end whines, the ABS is so dangerous it feels like the brakes let go under light not even panic stops. The radiator drain leaks constantly even after replacing the whole assembly and o ring, my rear window leaks, doors cracked both sides, steering squeak along with no feel to the steering, seat foam worn out at 36000, piston rattle, exhaust in front of wheel ruined my center caps and ruined the polished wheels I put on aftermarket, where do I stop? I had a 96 F150 4x4 with 5.8 and it was perfect no problems and had 55000 when and old lady hit me head on and totaled it. If only I had that truck instead of this one.

10th Jun 2003, 17:16

Yes I too have a 97 F150 with a leaky window. Seems the frame itself has a crack in it which I tried to have fixed, but didn't help. Also have same leak of engine coolant when it sits. When ran all the time no problems. As far as the squeak from the pitman arm I put a small nail hole in rubber boot and filled with WD40,. haven't herd a sound in 2 years. Love the truck just turned 100,000 miles. Wish Ford would cut owners a break and at least sell window at their cost.I'm not holding my breath.

7th Jul 2003, 12:00

I have a F-150 4x4 4.6 liter off road edition and experienced similar problems with squaking steering and also front end won't stay in alignment. One guy says I need new tie rods, but I think perhaps new ball joints and maybe more is needed. Also, have the same problem with door leak which the dealership wouldn't acknowledge. It's like the window is down riding on the highway. At just over 100K no u-joint problems yet and also no problems with coolant leak. Overall it's been a good truck with these and a couple of other minor problems which were covered under warranty. But I might be looking at a Dodge or GMC next time I buy.

9th Sep 2003, 11:54

97 Ford F-150 4x4 Super Cab (55,000)

I've had a lot of the same problems that I've read hear. I had the pitman arm replaced along with some of the ball joints at around 30,000 miles. I have the infamous door crack. Which I didn't even notice until I read about it on line. I just put some touch up paint on it. Currently I have a crack I just noticed yesterday in the frame in the front end. Not sure what I will be doing about it. It makes a snapping sound in the front end on acceleration. Especially after it is driven for the first time in the day. Not sure if the crack is causing that or not. I did have the exhaust problem years ago. I'm talking about it coming out before the rear tire and discoloring the hub cap. I wasn't sure what caused it at the time. I went to the dealer to get a new cap. Believe it or not they told me the exhaust had to be rerouted and did it for free. So I got a new exhaust out the deal when they could of just charged me for a new cap. I love my Ford and plan to keep it a long time. I've driven Dodge and Chevy. I like the Ford the best. Just remember things do where out with age. Remember when you were a kid and could sit crossed legged for hours. Did it hurt when you stood up? Try it now. Those joints are getting older.

8th Dec 2003, 11:20

I have a 1999 Ford F-150, I have 110,000 miles on it and it's been a great truck. I lived down a 3 mile dirt road for 4 years ruts, sand washboards and all. The only problems I ever had was a leaking rear window, and the color came off my steering wheel.

8th Dec 2003, 19:22

I have a 98 F-150 and I to have had a ball joint pop off, it makes for a interesting event when you are traveling at 70KMH and one of you front wheels decides to turn 90 degrees to the direction of travel. The tail gate rotted out and I have the cracks in the doors just below the window. All fluids are leaking on the driveway and OOH what do you know the warranty is up... And now the running lights won’t turn off, does anyone have any ideas about that one, I am disconnecting the battery for now…I thinking its time for a Toyota.

11th Dec 2003, 21:39

1997 Ford F-150 Extended Cab. Not one single problem yet. 120,000 miles. I just started to notice a "click" when I accelerate and sometimes when I turn. Is this the ball joints? How do I know if the upper or lower ball joints are bad? I think I'm about to replace the front springs otherwise I've been really lucky. No door crack either.

17th Dec 2003, 19:29

I have a 1988 FORD F-350 CREW CAB 4x4 with 185,000 miles. It still hauls my 11.5' camper and pulls my 18 foot boat with zero problems. The only problem is the 8 MPG, but love that FORD power.

24th Mar 2004, 07:24

Boy you all are really having some bad luck. As to the mechanic that says all Ford trucks have these problems, I have over 150,000 miles on my truck and (knock on wood) no problems thus far.And the way I have to drive it, I couldn't complain if it died today. To the nay sayer who says, "he probably doesn't use it for anything", BS buddy. I regularly haul tractors, cars for non-Ford driving friends, motorcycles, did I mention it has a 4.2 V6. My 1997 OFF ROAD has been a joy to own. I did put some new RANCHO shocks on it, but that was because I mentions to my girlfriend that I would bet those would be nice and she conspired with my parents to get them for a Christmas gift. Oh, yeah, my father has a 97 2WD with 100,000 miles on it an no such problems either. Maybe we just got lucky, for the last 50 plus years. It is easy to bash a product. Maybe some of you all should start looking in the mirror and maybe change the oil more frequently than every 50 to 6o thousand miles. Good Luck to all of you, and if you don't want a Ford buy something else. Many satisfied customers such as myself will show you why it has been the best selling truck for 26 or so years running.