8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$530
Average Mileage:
168,000 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (10 reports)
  2. heard helicoil is the best solution (7 reports)
  3. tap new threads where spark plug blew out of engine (6 reports)
  4. cylinder head repair kit (3 reports)
  5. replace cylinder head (1 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #7

Jan 202014

F-150 4 X 4 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 220,000 miles

In October of 2013 if looking at the motor on the left hand side # 2 plug Blew.....Luckily it blew in the driveway before I left to get on the Interstate....Cost $65.00 for the tow and $350.00 for a garage to put in a helicoil...Now, in Jan of 2014, again if you look at the motor another blew on the right hand side of motor...Blew such a chunk out the head cannot be fixed....Cost to fix this time will be low side...$1500.00 high side $2500.00....

My Mechanic has told me this is a big issue with Ford Motors from 1997-2005 Motors....Ford used cheap aluminum heads... I called Ford Complaint Dept. and I was told the only recall on this Vehicle is a Fuel Tank problem that My local Ford Dealer would Fix....I said...<<<>>If it ran maybe I could do just that!.....Ford KNEW They were producing Vehicles with cheap heads and that just really pisses Me off to no end...WE NEED A RECALL....THEY DID THIS TO SAVE MONEY WITH NO THOUGHT TO THE CONSUMER.....NOW.....What are We All going to do?....COMPLAIN EVERYDAY FOR A RECALL....1-800-392-3673...This is the number to Ford to Complain....Please.....Let's make THEM fix this!

- mzchristmas, Lyles, TN, US

problem #6

Nov 052012

F-150 XLT 5.4L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,706 miles

Seems to be a big problem with the ford trucks. Ford wants $2000 to $3800 to fix a truck worth $4000. doesn't seem right to me.

- tasimmons, El Cajon, CA, US

problem #5

Feb 292012

F-150 Lariat 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

Spark plug blew out of right-rear cylinder (#8?). Hole is completely stripped out. Glad it happened in town and not out in the boonies where I usually am. Now I think I need to have a spare heli-coil kit in my repertoire when I go to the mountains. Sheesh!

If Ford knows about this, why haven't they fixed it yet?? Mine is a '99 but I've read of much newer Tritons having this same issue.

FIX THE FRIGGIN' PROBLEM FORD!! I have two F150's with the same engine and now don't feel real confident I won't blow a hole several hunderd miles from my shop.

CRAP!!!!!

- Larry W., Kennewick, WA, US

problem #4

May 282011

F-150 Lariat 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

Its happened to me twice within 3000 miles. First time I was able to fix it myself. Second time not nearly as lucky. Looking at a few grand in repair costs. I've always been a fan of Fords but this issue has me seriously reconsidering!!!

- mebarb194, Haughton, LA, US

problem #3

Jul 012011

F-150 Lariot 5.4L Triton

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,400 miles

Shut down my business for a week! Sounds terrible and gets worse with running it.

- selaeration, Lancaster, OH, US

problem #2

Sep 152010

F-150 Lariat 5.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,000 miles

anyone know how we can get ford to recall this major design defect? the spark plugs have blown out of my engine.

- dmcroberts, Flemingsburg, KY, US

problem #1

Nov 192008

F-150 XLT 5.4L V8 Triton

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I purchased the vehicle new and had it service at the dealer exclusively. I really took care of this truck and liked it a lot.

At around 130,000 there was an explosion under my hood and a massive loss of power. After having it towed to the dealer I was contacted the next day and was informed that a spark plug blew out of the engine. I thought this was strange and googled it and long and behold it was all over the internet that other 5.4L did it too 1999 to 2002 I think??? Have to check me on that; some called it a head problem other a spark plug problem...

When I got it back I sold it right away... I now drive a 1999 Ford Explorer 5.0L v8 302 mustang engine. I found it with only 38,000 original miles on it. Got 5000 for my old truck as a trade in paid 3000 difference; no payments. :-)

- joi007, Carrollton, TX, US