2003 Ford Excursion Complaint Log

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER DUE TO A RATTLING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. HE WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SEVENTEEN THOUSAND MILES AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AND IT FAILED BECAUSE OF THE BALL JOINTS. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS SHOULD BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,500. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION WITH THE TRITON V10 GAS ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD AN EXHAUST SOUND. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO PASADENA FORD AND AS I DROVE IN A SALESMAN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE #3 CYLINDER AND THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD. HE STATED THAT IT WAS COMMON AND HE SAW IT ALL THE TIME. I PROCEEDED TO DROP OFF THE TRUCK AND MY SERVICE TECH CALLED ME BACK AND INDEED THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT AND STRIPPED THE HEAD. HE TOLD ME THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $4,000.00. I CHECKED WITH THE COMPANY THAT TOWS MY TRUCKS ALL THE TIME AND SAID THAT IT WAS VERY COMMON AND HE HAD TOWED 5 OR 6 IN THE LAST MONTH WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED A SERVICE COMPANY TO ME THAT HAS DONE ALMOST ALL OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND OTHER STUDIO TRUCKS, HE SAYS ABOUT 30 OF THEM. HE TOLD ME THAT THE THREADS FOR THE SPARK PLUGS WERE ONE TURN TO SHORT AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. I CONTACTED ANOTHER SERVICE COMPANY AND THEY CONFIRMED HIS EXPLANATION. WHEN I CONTACTED PASADENA FORD THEY TOLD ME I WAS WRONG AND WHEN I PICKED UP MY TRUCK MY SERVICE TECH WAS ACTUALLY CONFRONTATIONAL. I EXPLAINED THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE THE TRUCK REPAIRED THERE AND I WOULD NOT PAY $4,000. HE TOLD ME THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE OTHER MECHANIC AND HE FIXED THE ONE CYLINDER FOR $300.00 AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS AND NEITHER HAS ANY OF HIS STUDIO TRUCKS. I CALLED MAGIC FORD IN VALENCIA, CA AND THEY CONFIRMED THE DEFECT OF THE HEAD BEING SHORT ONE THREAD AND WHEN I CALLED PASADENA FORD AGAIN AND SPOKE WITH SOMEONE ELSE THEY CONFIRMED THE SAME THING. I WAS TOLD THAT FORD KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS RECOMMENDED THE REPAIR BUT FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENTS DO NOT OFFER OR RECOMMEND THE REPAIR. TWO DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS CONFIRMED THE "DEFECT" WITH THE THREADS BUT THEY DO NOT AGREE THAT IT IS A ITEM THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *NM

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION V-10. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS WHICH ROUTINELY STOP WORKING, SOMETIMES IN THE FULLY RETRACTED POSITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE DRIVERS SEAT ALSO DOES NOT WORK, MAKING THE VEHICLE UN-DRIVEABLE FOR MY WIFE WHOSE REACH IS CONSIDERABLY SHORTER THAN MINE. FORDS SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT AT AN OUT-OF-POCKET COST STARTING AT ABOUT $800.00, INSTEAD OF TRACING THE BAD WIRE OR FAULTY CONTROL MODULE. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS APPARENTLY PREVALENT IN THE LARGER FORD SUV'S MANUFACTURED FROM 2003-2006. I FEEL THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE CORRECTED IN A FACTORY RECALL AND NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF VEHICLE OWNERS WHEN THE PROBLEM IS CLEARLY FAULTY EXUIPMENT / DESIGN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

ON ROUTE 228 I WAS GOING ABOUT 45 MPH. MY TRUCK JUST STOPPED, EVERYTHING TURNED OFF STEERING WAS LOCKED I PUT IT IN PARK ANK HAD TO MAKE TWO ATTEMPTS TO START MY TRUCK UP AGAIN THE BATTERRY LIGHT BLINKED AND WENT OFF. *JB

ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO, MY SON THROUGH A SMALL PEBBLE AT THE REAR SIDE WINDOW OF MY FORD EXCURSION. THE WINDOW SHATTERED. THE AUTO GLASS MECHANIC SAID HE THOUGH THE GLASS WAS FAULTY. FORD WOULD NOT PAY. A WEEK AGO, I SHUT THE REAR WINDOW OF MY TRUCK AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. AGAIN, FORD REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. THIS TIME, THERE WAS NO ROCK INVOLVED. THE GLASS IS DEFECTIVE. I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT SINCE THE TRUCK WAS HURTING FORD'S "GREEN" RATING, THEY DECIDED TO USE THE BLACK PLASTIC FROM 2-LITER SODA BOTTLES TO MANUFACTURE THE EXCURSION'S GLASS TO MAKE IT MORE FRIENDLY TO THE ENVIRONMENT. *NM

2003 EXCURSION LIMITED ONE ONE OCCASION BRAKE PEDAL WAS STUCK TO FLOOR WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, BUT THE BRAKES WERE DISENGAGED SO THE VEHICLE WAS ROLLING. WE HAD TO PRESS THE PEDAL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE PEDAL RELEASED FROM THE FLOOR. VEHICLE HAS A THUMPING SOUND IN THE DRIVE TRAIN WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND DURING ACCELERATION. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN 3-4 TIMES FOR SECOND PROBLEM AND ONCE FOR THE FIRST LISTED PROBLEM AND DEALER COMPLAINS THAT THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH EITHER PROBLEMS. CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER CARE AND AFTER A HALF HOUR ON THE PHONE THEY SAID ALL THEY CAN OFFER IS FOR ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK IN TO THE DEALER. EACH TIME WE TAKE IT IN WE HAVE TO RENT A VEHICLE UNTIL THEY ARE DONE WORKING ON IT. I HAVE OWNED A FORD FOR 13 YEARS AND AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY THEY'VE HANDLED THIS SITUATION. FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW VEHICLE AND BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF HELP FROM FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP, WE HAVE DECIDED TO NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT

INFORMATION REQUEST. REQUEST COPY OF ALL COMPLAINTS AND MANUFACTURER'S BULLETINS , ON FILE IN ANY WAY DISCUSS THE 2003 FORD EXCURSION. *BF (LAWYER ON BEHALF OF BARRY R TAYLOR)*JB

MOTOR FAILURE IN HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS CAUSED BY WIRING HARNESS CHAFFING . I HAD TO BE TOWED 5 TIMES IN A 4 DAY PERIOD. ENGINE QUIT ON INTERSTATE HWY WITHOUT WARNING. *NM

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT BALL JOINTS. THIS VEHICLE HAD 60,000 MILES ON IT. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A CHECK UP ON THE BRAKES WHEN IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINTS HAD WORN OUT, AND THERE WAS PLENTY OF MOVEMENT WITH IN THE WHEEL. *AK DEALER REPLACED LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT. AND MACHINED THE FRONT ROTORS. *TT

DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE WANDERED INTO ANOTHER LANE. THERE WAS POOR STEERING RETURN. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HE TOOK THE SERVICE MANAGER ON A DRIVE, WHO AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THIS WAS A DEATH TRAP, AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER DISCOVERED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) ON EARLIER MODELS THAT SUGGESTED REPLACING THE BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. SINCE THE REPAIRS THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *AK

VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE THE LOWER LATCH SYSTEM ATTACHMENT POINTS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY DESCRIBES THE PART AS AN ACCESSORY THAT HAS TO BE CUSTOM ORDERED BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS MANUFACTURED, THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT INSTALL IN OUR 2003 VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH THE LAW FOR LATCH WAS IN PLACE IN SEPTEMBER 2002. *JB

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH CONSUMER HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES, SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK AND DRIVER HIT THE WINDSHIELD. *AK (SECOND CONSUMER FOR THIS LETTER: CHRISTOPHER EROSION WALTERS) THE TIRES BLEW OUT AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. *SC

RECALL CAMPAIGN, DEFECTIVE FIRESTONE TIRES. THE REPLACEMENT TIRES HAVE NOT COME IN FOR THE FORD. *BF *SC

OUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THREE DIFFERENT FORD DEALERS FOR THE SAME REPAIR. THE VEHICLE DEVELOPS A MISS. IT WILL SHOW UP WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT ANY SPEED UNDER VERY LIGHT ACCELERATION. THE ONLY THING CONSISTENT THAT WAS SAID BY ALL THE DEALERS IS THAT MANY 6.0L ENGINES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, THAT FORD WAS DEVELOPING A REPAIR PLAN, THAT THE ENGINE WAS SOOTING UP A SENSOR, AND THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO STOP THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY COULD KEEP REPLACING THE SAME SENSOR THAT WOULD TEMPORARILY RESOLVE AND CLEAR CODES, PROBLEM WOULD LIKELY RETURN. *JB

WHILE DRIVING AND UPON PRESSING ON THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE. THE CONSUMER GOT RID OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, HE GOT ANOTHER EXCURSION VEHICLE OF THE SAME YEAR, BUT THE NEW ONE WAS A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES CONTINUED. UPON PRESSING ON THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AND PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THEY LOCKED UP. *AK *SC

CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF A BRAKE PROBLEM. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT GRADUALLY, AND SOME TIMES IT WOULD PULL VIOLENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER PERFORMED SEVERAL DIFFERENT SERVICES, INCLUDING CHANGING THE ABS MODULE, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS IN THE 6.0 LITER DIESEL ENGINE RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF DIESEL FUEL TO ENTER THE OIL CRANKCASE. OIL LEVEL IN CRANKCASE IS DILUTED WITH FUEL TO THE EXTENT OF BEING MEASURED ON THE DIPSTICK BY SEVERAL INCHES AND FLASH POINT OF OIL REDUCED TO HALF OF THE FLASH POINT OF THE OIL. *JB

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW SWITCH. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT POWER WINDOW SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

DT: THE VEHICLE'S STEERING IS TO HARD TO CONTROL BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH SLACK IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES. *JB

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS AND ALSO OCCASIONALLY LOSSES TURBO POWER. HAS STALLED AT STOP SIGNS AND WHEN PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES. AT THIS TIME YOU LOSE BRAKES AND STEERING, VERY DANGEROUS!! WHEN LOSES TURBO, IT TAKES ABOUT A MINUTE OR TWO FOR IT TO KICK BACK ON.

I SPOKE TO FORD & FIRESTONE ABOUT THE VOLUNTARY SAFETY CAMPAIGN. WHEN I SPOKE TO FORD ON THE FIRST OCCASSION, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ORIGINAL TIRE SIZE ON MY EXCURSION WAS LT265/75R16. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE REPLACEMENT AFFECTED THE "D" LOAD RANGE TIRES. I SPOKE WITH FIRESTONE AND THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO CONTACT ONE OF THE FIRESTONE CORPORATE STORES AND VISIT THE STORE TO GET THE TIRES REPLACED. I PROCEED TO THE STORE, FIRESTONE EMPLOYEE ORDERS THE TIRES. THE TIRES COME IN FOR INSTALLATION. I VISIT THE STORE TO HAVE THE TIRES INSTALLED, AND THEY TELL ME THAT THIS EXACT TIRE IS NOT PART OF THE SAFETY PROGRAM. FORD EXPLAINED TO ME THAT AN "E" LOAD RANGE TIRE IS WHAT IS BEING REPLACED IN THE SAFETY PROGRAM. AN "E" LOAD RANGE TIRE IS A 10 PLY TIRE. A "D" LOAD RANGE TIRE IS AN 8 PLY TIRE. IF FIRESTONE IS REPLACING THE OTHER STEELTEX RADIAL "D" LOAD RANGE TIRES WITH AN "E" LOAD RANGE, HOW IS IT POSSIBLY SAFE FOR ME TO HAVE A "D" LOAD RANGE TIRE ON A HEAVIER TRUCK THAT HAS A DIESEL MOTOR? MY EXACT TIRE IS A STEELTEX RADIAL R4S LT265/75R16 AND IT HAS A "D" LOAD RANGE. IF THE OTHER "D" LOAD RANGE TIRES ARE UNSAFE BECAUSE THEY ARE THE WRONG LOAD RANGE, WHY ARE MY EXACT TIRES NOT BEING REPLACED? I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A CRASH, FIRE, FATALITY, OR TIRE FAILURE BECAUSE THE INCORRECT TIRE IS ON MY TRUCK. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT CAPACITIES A "D" LOAD RANGE TIRE COVERS WITH THE TRUCK'S GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT AND THE TRUCK'S GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT WHEN TOWING THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY. I DO TOW A HEAVY BOAT AND I WANT TO BE ASSURED THAT I HAVE THE RIGHT TIRES ON THE TRUCK. IF FORD OR FIRESTONE PUT INCORRECT TIRES ON THE TRUCK THAT ARE A SAFETY HAZARD, I WANT THE PROPER TIRES REPLACED BY FORD OR FIRESTONE AND INSTALLED ON MY TRUCK. WILL YOU PROVIDE ANSWERS TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS VIA E-MAIL OR IN WRITING TO THE ADDRESS OR E-MAIL ADDRESS INCLUDED? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN INVESTIGATING THIS MATTER. MONTE BRACKETT . *AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED A VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE AND QUESTIONED WHAT LOAD RANGE TIRES SHOULD BE ON HIS 2003 FORD EXCURSION 4X4 LIMITED DIESEL. *PH *JB

THE 2003 FORD EXCURSION 6.0 LITER DIESEL, FIRST BROKE DOWN WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALER WHO WAS WORKING ON RECALL ITEMS. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM THE DEALER (DEALER NOW OUT OF BUSINESS). AFTER A WHILE THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER, BUT NOT STALLING WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY UP HILLS. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN PARTS, EGR VALVE ETC, IT WAS STATED THAT THE INJECTORS WERE BAD. ALL INJECTORS REPLACED. FRONT MAIN LEAF SPRING BROKE ON THE VEHICLE, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED - THE SPRING WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, -THE REPAIR FACILITY STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY UNDERSIZED, AND THEY STOPPED MAKING THE ORIGINAL SPRING, BECAUSE TOO MANY WERE BREAKING. WE THEN AGAIN STARTED EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING - AT THIS TIME MY KIDS WERE DRIVING THE CAR, AND THIS WAS PARTICULARLY WORRISOME. MY REPAIR SHOP SENT THE VEHICLE TO A HEAVY TRUCK AND DIESEL REPAIR SHOP, SPECIALIZING IN AMBULANCES. AFTER CHARGING ME $3000 TO FIX MY PROBLEMS (VARIOUS PIECES AN PART RELATED TO THE ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, ETC), THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO OPERATE WELL. WHILE UP IN CLEVELAND FOR THANKSGIVING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY - . HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A DEALER, AND RENT A REPLACEMENT DURING OUR VACATION. THE DEALER SAID MORE OF THE FUEL/ENGINE ISSUES AND AFTER CHARGING ME ANOTHER $1500, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. LESS THAN ONE MONTH LATER, SAME STALLING ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WOULD SIMPLY STALL, AT LOW SPEED, HIGH SPEED, UNDER LOAD, OR NO LOAD - TOWED AGAIN TO MY REPAIR PERSON, AND HE SENT IT TO A DIFFERENT DIESEL MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT DIESEL IS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE, THE INJECTORS AGAIN NEED TO BE REPLACED, THAT IT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED PROPERLY, AND THAT THIS ENGINE IS NOTORIOUS FOR HAVING VERY SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. I AM OUT OF A VEHICLE, DOWN TO ONE FOR THE FAMILY, AND UNABLE TO AFFORD GETTING IT FIXED - AGAIN. *TR

WHEN IN SPEED CONTROL AT 55 MPH AFTER A LONG DOWN HILL THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL SOMETIMES CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL. THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL TRAVELING AT 20-30MPH. THE RESULT IS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POWER BRAKES. THE ENGINE CAN BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. REPORTED PROBLEM TO SELLING DEALER ON ABOUT 11 NOVEMBER 2003. NO ACTION TAKEN. REPORTED PROBLEM TO SERVICE DEALER ON APPROXIMATELY 15 FEB 2004. UPDATED ROM. REPORTED PROBLEM AGAIN TO SERVICE DEALER ON 19 MARCH 2004. RE-FLASHED ROM. OTHERWISE NO ACTION TAKEN.*AK

I PURCHASED A NEW FORD EXCURSION IN LATE DECEMBER OF 03. IT LEAKED OIL FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK DUE TO DEFECTS IN ITS MANUFACTURE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AFTER MUCH CONFLICT BY THE DEALER WITH A USED REMANUFACTURED ENGINE UNDER WARRANTY AFTER ONLY 11,700 MILES. THE USED ENGINE LEAKED FROM THE REAR OF THE BLOCK IN THE SAME WAY AS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE. FORD REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH A NEW MOTOR. THE USED ENGINE SUFFERED FROM ERRATIC IDLE, LEAKAGE ETC. IT SEEMED DESTINED TO FAIL AS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE DID. I LOST OVER $20,000 AFTER ACCEPTING AN ARBITRATION DECISION. THE VEHICLE DID NOT MAKE IT TO 13,000 MILES. UNBELIEVABLY POOR QUALITY AND NO SUPPORT. SIMPLY A RIP OFF TO CONSUMERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER ONCE, AND WAS DRIVEN THERE 4 TIMES, TOTALING OVER 100 MILES AND 72 DAYS OUT OF SERVICE. *NM

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HER SON CLIMBED INTO THE VEHICLE AND INADVERTENTLY STUCK HIS FINGERS IN THE HINGE AREA OF THE DOOR. THE CONSUMER INADVERTENTLY GRASPED THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE, SMASHING THE CHILD'S FINGERS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT. *NM *SC *JB

QUARTER GLASS SHATTERED WHEN HIT VERY LIGHTLY WITH A SMALL STONE BY A 7-YEAR OLD CHILD. SAFELITE GLASS SHOP (N. CHARLESTON, SC) STATED THAT IT MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE GLASS FOR SUCH A SMALL OBJECT TO DESTROY THE WINDOW. *AK

MY 2003 EXCURSION HAD A MAJOR TURBO FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING ON I-10 ON 12-26-03. MY FAMILY AND MYSELF WERE TRAVELING TO HOUSTON. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD A TOTAL OF 1,049 LIFE TO DATE MILES. WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE FOR ABOUT 30 TO 45 MINUTES WE HEAR A LARGER POP NOISE AND A LARGE DROP IN THE ENGINE POWER. I ONLY HAD A FLASH OF A DASH LIGHT AND IT WENT RIGHT BACK OFF. I WAS TRYING TO GET OFF THE INTERSTATE. WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 TO 35 MPH TRYING TO GET TO THE NEXT EXIT. NOTICE LARGE VOLUME OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER ASAP AFTER SEEING THIS. THE SMOKE CAME INTO THE CAB FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM (A/C). PULLED MY DAUGHTER FROM THE VEHICLE, ALSO HAD MY WIFE GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AT THIS POINT RELEASED THE HOOD LOCK, CHECKING THE HEAT ON THE HOOD FIRST. RAISED THE HOOD FOUND FIRE COMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE FROM THE TURBO. JUST SMOTHER THE FIRE OUT TO ENSURE IT WOULD NOT SPREAD. SAW THE OIL AROUND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM THROUGH OUT THE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS A 6.0 DIESEL ENGINE AND IS A 4X4 EXCURSION. IM FILING THIS REPORT FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS NOT FOR MYSELF. MY CONCERN IS FOR OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT EXPOSED TO THIS TYPE OF CONDITION WHICH CAN HAPPEN WITH A DIESEL ENGINE. IM A VEHICLE SUPERINTENDENT OF A LARGE CITY TRANSIT SYSTEM. AND HAVE SEEN FIRES FROM A TURBO FAILURES. 6.0 DIESEL IS A INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT, AND THE SERIES 40 ENGINES ARE PRONE FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURES. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY FAILURE THAT IS REPORTED FOR THE 2003 6.0 DIESEL. BUT WITH ONLY 1,049 MILES THIS FAILURE SHOULD HAVE NOT OCCURRED. THEIR SHOULD BE SOME WAY TO ENSURE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOULD HAVE CAME ON AND STAYED ON FOR THIS CONDITION FOR A FAILED TURBO. ITS AT THE DEALER AT THIS TIME GETTING REPAIRED. BEST REGARDS, BRYAN J. GARNER

BRAKES ARE MARGINAL FOR STOPPING THIS VEHICLE. WHEN STOPPING OR STOPPED ON AN INCLINE (+/- 10 %) THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS TO A POINT EVEN WITH OR BELOW THE HEIGHT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE ENGINE TO ACCELERATE AS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO STOP OR HOLD THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED IT THOROUGHLY AND FINDS THAT ALL SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS ARE OK. I DON'T AGREE - IT IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND EXISTS ON MY DAUGHTERS SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. *LA

WE RECEIVED A RENTAL VEHICLE FROM HERTZ, IT WAS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. WHEN THE WOMAN DROPPED IT OFF SHE TOLD MY HUSBAND TO BE CAREFUL, IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT. LAST WEEK MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD ABOUT 40 MPH, WHEN IT STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT, HE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HE TRIED TO STEER TO THE LEFT BUT IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT EVEN MORE AND HE ENDED UP IN A DITCH, AFTER HE GOT OUT IT WENT THROUGH A STEEL FENCE AND ENDED IN A COW PASTURE. SOMETHING CAUSED IT TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND CAUSE THIS ACCIDENT. THE BODY SHOP SAID THERE IS TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO TELL WHAT COULD OF CAUSED IT. *LA

WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED, IT FREQUENTLY RUNS ROUGHLY FOR SEVERAL SECONDS OR MORE. IT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH WHEN PUT IN GEAR AND HAS ALMOST LED TO ME STRIKING VEHICLES PARKED IN FRONT AND BEHIND ME WHEN I HAVE TRIED TO PULL OUT OF PARELLEL PARKING SPACES. IT HAS ALSO CAUSED ME TO STRIKE MY TRAILER AS I ATTEMPT TO HITCH UP TO IT AND MAKES THAT PROCESS VERY CHALLENGING. THIS VEHICLE HAS DONE THIS SINCE IT WAS NEW AND HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIRS WHICH HAVE FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

TRUCK PURCHASED MARCH 31, 2003. 7 DAYS LATER TOOK TRUCK IN FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. TRUCK WAS IN SHOP FOR 9 DAYS. 7 DAYS AFTER TRUCK WAS OUT OF SHOP WENT INTO SHOP AGAIN FOR 23 DAYS FOR DEFECTIVE PAINT JOB. TOOK TRUCK IN AGAIN ON AUGUST 21, 2003 FOR AC NOT WORKING AND CLICKING SOUND IN TRANSMISSION. STILL IN SHOP. *AK

DEALERSHIP HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR ( WARRANTY ) MY 4 MONTH OLD 2003 FORD EXCURSION. THE DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, THE ROOF LEAKS, THE HOOD IS CROOKED. THE CRUISE CONTROL STICKS AND THE TRUCK ACCELERATES BUT WHEN THE OFF BUTTON IS PUSHED THE ENGINE DIES. THE PAINT HAS 100,000 RUST PARTICLES IN THE FINISH, THE PRIMER IS SHOWING THROUGH THE WHITE PAINT IN PLACES ON THE TRUCK, STRANGE NOISE WHEN THE TRUCK IS FIRST STARTED. *NLM

ALL GUAGES WENT FULL TILT, ABS LIGHT CAME ON, LOSS OF POWER TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TWICE FOR SAME PROBLEM. ONCE VEHICLE TURNED OFF WOULD NOT START JUST CLICKING. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY TWICE. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXCURSION. THE VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN LTX M/S TIRES, SIZE 265/75/R16. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE FIRESTONE TIRES. THEY WERE NOT THE CORRECT TIRES HE ORIGINALLY ORDERED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE INCORRECT TIRES AND WAS GIVEN BRAND NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES, WHICH WHERE MICHELIN CLASS C'S. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. HE NOTICED THAT THE WALLS ON THE TIRES WERE CRACKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT DUE TO THE THICKNESS OF THE THREADS, THE TIRES WOULD WOBBLE. ONCE THE THREADING BEGAN TO WEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP WOBBLING. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND INSPECTED BY A TECHNICIAN, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE INCORRECT GRADE FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN A CLASS E (LOAD RANGE 5,250) INSTEAD OF A CLASS C (LOAD RANGE 2,270). THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH MICHELIN CLASS E TIRES AT THE COST OF $907.45. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND FILED A REPORT. HE CALLED BACK TO FOLLOW UP WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED AND WAS NOT GIVEN AN EXPLANATION. THE DOT INFORMATION WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 06/09/09 *BF UPDATED 06/10/09. *JB

THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *MR THE DAMAGE ALSO CAUSED THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE TO SHEAR OFF FROM THE TRANSMISSION. *TS *SCC *JB

FORD EXCURSION 6.0L POWERSTROKE DIESEL.*MR THE CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS BECAUSE THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE WHILE IN DRIVE, ALSO A LEAK IS COMING FROM THE REAR MAIN SEAL. TO DATE FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY IN RESOLVING MATTERS. THE CONSUMER WA STOLD THE INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPALCED. THERE WAS A CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM REGARDING THE PROBLEM. *CB *JB

SMELL IN PASSENGER CAB. HIGH IDLE--8 MPH. HIGH ROAD IDLE:40 MPH. STALLING, SURGING. AIR CONDITIONING LOSES CHARGE. *LA

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST ELECTRICAL POWER. WHEN VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE INOPERATIVE. *AK

ENGINE "SKIPS", GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, FUEL CONSUMPTION RISES DRAMATICALLY. AFTER FIRST REPAIR IT QUIT ENTIRELY ON US LEAVING US STRANDED ON I-75 SOUTH OF ATLANTA. IT HAS NOW BEEN IN THE SHOP THREE TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND WE HAVE A LITTLE OVER 3,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *JB

RE: HIGH INTENSITY HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH-MOUNTED SUV/TRUCK HEADLIGHTS DEAR NHTSA: PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROLIFERATION OF DANGEROUS AND ANNOYING HIGH INTENSITY HEADLIGHTS, AND HIGH-MOUNTED HEADLIGHTS ON SUV'S AND TRUCKS. FOR ANYONE DRIVING A NORMAL CAR, THESE LIGHTS CREATE MAJOR GLARE AND SAFETY PROBLEMS. I SUGGEST BANNING THE HIGH INTENSITY HEADLIGHTS IN THIS COUNTRY (THE REGULAR HALOGEN LIGHTS ARE A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN LIGHT GENERATION AND NOT BLINDING OTHER DRIVERS) AND FORCING THE SUV MANUFACTURERS TO MOVE THE HEADLIGHTS LOWER ON THE FRONT OF SUV'S SO THAT THEY DO NOT BLIND ONCOMING OR PRECEDING DRIVERS. THANK YOU! *NLM

WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLED. DEALER HAD ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. DEALER WAS PROCESSING THIS VEHICLE UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *AK FORD REMOVED THE ENTIRE MOTOR THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 1 WEEK FOR THE SECOND TIME. THEIR SOLUTION WAS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE FRONT TIRES. (THE CONSUMER DISAGREED AND STATED VEHICLE DID NOT STALL BECAUSE OF BAD TIRES. *SCC *JB

2003 FORD EXCURSION 6.0 TRITON DIESEL ENGINE STALLS (BOTH HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS), BRAKES AND STEERING LOCK UP.*AK

THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN CAUSING LOST OF POWER STEERING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PH

TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *JB

I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXCURSION THAT WHILE DRIVING JUST SHUTS MOTOR OFF AND YOU LOSE STEERING AND BRAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO WARNING AT ALL. FORD NOT VERY CONCERNED WITH IT AND BEING VERY ELUSIVE ABOUT WHATS WRONG. I CAN NOT GET AN ANSWER JUST KEEP TELLING ME THEY ARE FIXING IT, AFTER THEY FIXED IT IT BROKE DOWN ON THEM ON THE TEST DRIVE, AND STILL NOT WILLING TO TELL ME WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO TRUCK OTHER THAN DONT WORRY ABOUT IT ITS UNDER WARRANTY. I GUESS IT IS NOT A CONCERN TO THEM AS LONG THEIR FAIMLY IS NOT IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I CANT STOP VEHICLE DUE TO REASONS THEY DONT WANT TO TALK ABOUT. ALSO ASKED TO TALK TO OWNER OF DEALERSHIP BUT HE IS UNAVAILABLE TO EVEN RETURN A CALL. I BELIVE THIS TO BE A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN AS THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE, IT IS NOT A GOOD FELLING WHEN IT SHUTS DOWN AND YOU KNOW THAT SAFE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT THERE. FORD DEALER SAYS ITS THE FUEL FREEZING UP I DONT AGREE I HAVE BEEN USING WINTERIZED FUEL AND ADDING HOWES ANTI-GEL FORMULA TO TANK AT FILL-UPS. AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN A HEATED GARAGE AND SHUT DOWN THREE TIMES WITHIN 5 MINUTES. THE FORD DEALER IS BRIGHTON FORD, MICHIGAN PHONE IS 1-810-227-1171 SERVICE DEPT ESTER IS REP. THEY TOLD ME TODAY ABOUT IT BREAKING DOWN ON THEM AND THAT DIESEL TECH HAS BEEN OFF WORK LAST TWO DAYS SICK! WELL MY QUESTION IS WHOS BEEN WORKING ON MY TRUCK THEN?

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING, THE VEHICLE STALLED , WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHICH CAUSED POOR STEERING. CONSUMER AVOIDED SEVERAL COLLISIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES AND NO ONE WAS ABLE TO REPAIR IT. *PH *JB

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING DIESEL FLUID WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER ONTO THE ENGINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH

WHILE TRYING TO START VEHICLE CONSUMER WAS UNSUCCESSFUL TWICE. A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE SECOND TRY CONSUMER CAME OUTSIDE AND FOUND VEHICLE ON FIRE. ELECTRICAL WIRES MELTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK

2003 FORD EXCURSION LOST CONTROL UNDER NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS SWERVING INTO BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT LANES BARELY MISSING OTHER VEHICLES. I RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP WITH COMPLAINT. THEY HAD NO EXPLANATION OR SOLUTION. I CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD IT WAS UP TO THE DEALERSHIP TO RECTIFY PROBLEM. I WAS NOT WILLING TO WAIT AND SEE IF IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN CONSIDERING THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. WE WERE LEFT WITH NO OPTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP OTHER THAN TO TRADE VEHICLE IN WITH GREAT FINANCIAL LOSS. THEY WOULD NOT CONSIDER A BUY-BACK UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES. I HAVE COPIES OF LETTER OF COMPLAINT AND SURVEYS FORD SENT TO ME. I GOT NO FURTHER RESPONSE FROM FORD. IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT FIRESTONE RECALL REGARDING EXCURSIONS I FEEL VALIDATED IN MY COMPLAINT AND WOULD LIKE FINANCIAL COMPENSATION. WE ACTED HASTILY OUT OF FEAR AND LOST A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE "TRADE-IN".*AK