Is this normal?
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Is this normal?
Hi Folks,
Considering an F-150 purchase this year. However, after several hours on this forum, I have read of the following problems:
Rear window squeak
ABS light
Rust (door seams) (older models ie:1999-2002)
Vibration in rear (clutch pack)
Bad vibration in bed
Wiper not wiping the whole windshield
Defroster not working
Engine Fail Safe Mode?
Computer problems
Throttle body problem
Distorted Windshield
What gives? Is this normal for a new model or do all F-150s have problems like this which keeps them going to the shop? I have always wanted a Ford and thought this is the year to buy one but man, I don't know now. I'm in a Toyota truck that has given 11 years of good service but I'm gonna buy something new. Always wanted a Ford F-150.
Thanks in advance. By the way, this is a great source of info.
44mag
Considering an F-150 purchase this year. However, after several hours on this forum, I have read of the following problems:
Rear window squeak
ABS light
Rust (door seams) (older models ie:1999-2002)
Vibration in rear (clutch pack)
Bad vibration in bed
Wiper not wiping the whole windshield
Defroster not working
Engine Fail Safe Mode?
Computer problems
Throttle body problem
Distorted Windshield
What gives? Is this normal for a new model or do all F-150s have problems like this which keeps them going to the shop? I have always wanted a Ford and thought this is the year to buy one but man, I don't know now. I'm in a Toyota truck that has given 11 years of good service but I'm gonna buy something new. Always wanted a Ford F-150.
Thanks in advance. By the way, this is a great source of info.
44mag
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
1) Anytime you bring an all-new model to market, there's going to be some problems. Even that venerated, holiest-of-holy manufacturers, Toyota, has experienced this. The first 2 years that the Mercedes M-Class was on the market, it was the WORST-QUALITY vehicle for sale in the U.S., according to Consumer Reports.
2) Frankly, I'm impressed that we've seen so few problems with the new truck, and that the problems have been minor and limited to just a few vehicles. However, the safest advice has always been: don't buy a new vehicle in its first year of production.
2) Frankly, I'm impressed that we've seen so few problems with the new truck, and that the problems have been minor and limited to just a few vehicles. However, the safest advice has always been: don't buy a new vehicle in its first year of production.
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1956MarkII
Your advice may be good but if no one bought the first year of production there would not be a second year.I agree that there have been very few solid problems.I subscribe to four F 150 forums.I have only seen one engine and one trans. that needed to be replaced.That is good for about six months of production.
Mike
Your advice may be good but if no one bought the first year of production there would not be a second year.I agree that there have been very few solid problems.I subscribe to four F 150 forums.I have only seen one engine and one trans. that needed to be replaced.That is good for about six months of production.
Mike
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
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From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Originally posted by Dr No
1956MarkII
Your advice may be good but if no one bought the first year of production there would not be a second year...
1956MarkII
Your advice may be good but if no one bought the first year of production there would not be a second year...
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 796
Likes: 1
44MAg, i dont know where you saw the comments about alledged problems with the 04. I surf a number of ford sites on a daily basis and have not seen more than 4 or 5 comments about a problem. All of the commetns were mild complaints except for one involving a rear end problem or somekind of drive train issue (dont remember exactly).
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
I recently purchased a 04 F-150 SCREW STX. And to be honest, this is the best truck I have ever owned. In the past, I have had several different makes / models, and the new ford is absolutely the best truck i have ever owned. I get tons of comments on it. Only problem i have had was the rotors needed to be cut down.
I would recommend this truck to anyone.
I would recommend this truck to anyone.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
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44Mag,
The New F150 is certainly the truck to beat. Like said above, first year production models are always gonna have some problems. But dont be discouraged by what you have read. Some of these issues have already been resolve by FORD engineers and sure they have made the corrections through the production line. Also, dont think that you are gonna see all of these things in the truck you buy. As stated, they are limited to a few unfortunate FTE buddies. Still worried?, wait till the 05s start rolling out. It will defintely be worth it. HH
The New F150 is certainly the truck to beat. Like said above, first year production models are always gonna have some problems. But dont be discouraged by what you have read. Some of these issues have already been resolve by FORD engineers and sure they have made the corrections through the production line. Also, dont think that you are gonna see all of these things in the truck you buy. As stated, they are limited to a few unfortunate FTE buddies. Still worried?, wait till the 05s start rolling out. It will defintely be worth it. HH
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Freshman User
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One more thing...I absolutely love this truck and would not trade it for any other thats on the road. Fortunately, I have not exprienced any of the previous situations, but if I did, Id still recommend this truck. HH
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From: Lake worth
This is nonsense,, my 2004 is the best Ford i've ever owned, not only that,, its the best built truck i've ever had. we use this site to discuss our minor complaints about our trucks ,, Every dedicated site has guys that complain or ask for help..If a person was in the truck buying market and had to, or wanted to buy a new truck,, this 2004 f-150 has given dodge, chevy and the japanese, a new bogy to strive for. It has raised the bar in the Full Size market,,You can take that to the bank.. By the way you'll need too.
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thanks all, for the response
guess I'm a bit paranoid, especially when I saw the sticker prices on these trucks...Wow!
But I need something that will last for a long time and F-150's are everywhere which is a good sign.
If I was looking at a summer purchase, could I assume that trucks being made this spring will have known problems worked out in production.
Or should I wait for 2005 models. When do they hit the lots?
thanks again
guess I'm a bit paranoid, especially when I saw the sticker prices on these trucks...Wow!
But I need something that will last for a long time and F-150's are everywhere which is a good sign.
If I was looking at a summer purchase, could I assume that trucks being made this spring will have known problems worked out in production.
Or should I wait for 2005 models. When do they hit the lots?
thanks again
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Lake worth
guess what.. the 2005 will have a new set of minor aches and pains,, as did the 2004, 2003,2002,2001, etc. and the price of the 2005 will likey be a bit higher as well, Ford will always be adjusting the concerns that cause the owners pain, but likey will never work out all the defects based on a few problematic issues.. If you like what you see Go for it, and dont look back,, Most of us will tell you even with the minor probelms,, we love our trucks.. Remember there are some of us who have not experianced any probelms at all, And if your going to keep it for a long while concider the Ford ESP plan and you'll be fine.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 83
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From: Alabama
44Mag, personally I have had no problems with my truck so far. But most problems with the Fords have been minor. Before passing judgement on the Ford F150 go to some other brand forums and check out the problems others are having, I think you will see for a new model truck the Ford is doing very well.
P.S. try the new Titan forum for an example. Always check out the competition before you make a final decision. I think you will be satisfied Ford did their homework on this truck.
P.S. try the new Titan forum for an example. Always check out the competition before you make a final decision. I think you will be satisfied Ford did their homework on this truck.
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