Our 02 Ford F150 caught fire in our driveway while we were not home and was destroyed. This was 3 days after being operated. The fire was located above the front driver side tire at the brake fluid reservoir. Our neighbor saw fire and was able to save our boat and home by combating the flames while waiting for 911 to respond. Our insurance company called it a total loss. We called Ford to see if our VIN number had recalls, and they said yes, for the cruise control module. We never received notice from Ford regarding a recall!!! we have not had any problems with this vehicle up to this point. The fire chief said that if my neighbor would not have seen the fire we would have lost everything.

- Willow Creek, CA, USA

I was following the Ford rules for when to replace spark plugs at 100,000 miles. I have 99,860 miles on my 2002 Ford F150 XLT 4.6L Triton V8 motor. I was driving home from getting the new plugs from the auto store to replace when I heard what sounded like a gun going off. One of the spark plugs fired out of its location ripping off the coil pack hitting my fan blade on the truck. This is very dangerous because as I have been reading. The fuel could have been ignited by the coil pack causing a fire or worse. What is being done about this defect and why has their not been a recall on the Ford motors?

- Carrboro, NC, USA

Ford Motor Companymain topic: Vehicle service issues your inquiry: I have a 02 Ford F150 supercrew with a major problem the windshield leaks on the driverside when it rans into the GEM module cause the truck to be hard to start and the gauges and services lights to stay on the seatbelt bell to ring all the time > I contacted dick masheter Ford and told them what was going on with the truck andthey told me it is common with that year truck forf the windshield to leak onto the GEM module owner: Yesvehicle identification number: [xxx] mileage: 94000vehicle location: Inpossessionif contacted dealer: Yesdealer name: Dick masheter Ford owner first name: [xxx] owner last name: [xxx] owner email address: [xxx] owner address1: 2761 gosling way city: Columbusstate: Ohzippostal: [xxx]: united statesday phone: [xxx] client > this has been going on since I bought the truck 03/19/10 I have been ont he Ford forum and have seen alot of other customers having the same problem with the GEM module getting wet when it rains > > I feel that Ford should do a recall on this issue to take care of the problem I have also talked to dick masheter Ford on hamilton rd in columbus, oh and they have told me that it is the GEM module causing the problems when it rains and it has been happening with Ford F150 trucks from the year '97 on up. It seems that Ford is doing recalls for everything else why not the problem with the windshield leaking www.topix.com/forum/autos/Ford-F-150/taa9dvmdg7ro706ei/P3#lastpost this is the website that I found that other Ford truck owners are having the same problem and it is costing them alot of money to get the problem repaired at their expense. > > from: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Columbus, OH, USA

2002 Ford F150. 4X4. 5.4 L V8. Drivers side leaky windshield. Leak causes corrosion of electrical components under dash. The GEM module; which controls most all electronics on the dash; radion, 4X4, wipers, headlights controls, heating and air conditioning controls. Due to the corrosion or the GEM module and fuse box on drivers side of vehicle the starter will randomly engage itself as well. Many of the relays under the dash are under abnormal conditions. During the malfunction of the above two items the relays will "chatter" constantly. All of the above conditions will happen with the keys out of the ignition. With no keys in the ignition the fan blower will still run, headlights stay on ( in auto position). Numerous other electrical problems. There are numerous postings or identical troubles on the internet. Countless Ford mechanics will tell of same troubles.

- Brazil, IN, USA

The windshield of my F150 Ford king ranch leaks and has done damage to the fuse box and rust is occurring in locations not easily accessed by water.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

2002 Ford F-150 windshield leaks causing damage to electrical system (fuse box and electrical module). Many issue happening including windshield wipers not working and shorting out the airbag deactivation switch. Windshield repair facility states this was a known issue with the priming of the windshields at installation in manufacturing. Also states it might cause a potential for the windshield to eject itself during a rollover reducing structural integrity of the cab. Dealer who identified the problem stated it was not a known issue but research states otherwise as well as a letter from Ford to the dealerships explaining the issue - #15773.

- Salem, VA, USA

Intermittent starting problem caused by the anti theft unit in that it won't allow the truck to start. If allowed to sit for an hour or so it usually starts. Ford dealerships say that they have to have it when the problem is occurring. Well, now the problem seems permanent, as it won't start at all. When asked if system can be turned off they say "no, it is a safety issue" their safety issue has put me in peril on more than one occasion. One being on a boat ramp with rising water and a vehicle that won't start. How safe is that? the vehicle is at the dealer now, and they tell me they must duplicate the not starting so they can see what's wrong, in fact it is not starting.

- Georgetown, IN, USA

I have had the 02' F150 since December 07' and have had major problems with the windshield leaking. I have found that this is a common problem with in the 97' to 03' F150 models via Ford forums and other internet sites as well as the local Ford dealer repair shop who worked on my truck. This leak shorts out the fuse panel in the cab that causes the loss of power to equipment including the windshield wipers which is a safety issue when driving in inclement weather. The leak also tends to short out the instrument panel causing the computer to be unable to read what gear the truck is in. This causes the truck to not start and even shut down while driving which again is a safety issue while driving in any condition. This leak cost me $1500 dollars in repairs due to damage to the starter, relay, alternator, computer, fuse panel, and having to replacing the windshield. I was told by Ford that this leak was not a safety issue and have only issued a special service bulletin! I can not understand how the windshield leak is not a safety issue yet a recall can be issued for fading paint?

- Springfield, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-150. While driving 25 mph, he heard a loud banging noise coming from the engine. Upon inspection he noticed the spark plugs were loose and the coil had blown off. The dealer stated that there was a defect within the engine that caused the failure. They replaced the coils and the spark plugs. Approximately three months later the failure occurred again. The dealer stated that a defect within the engine caused the failure. They replaced the coils and spark plugs. The failure mileage was 102,000 and current mileage 113,000.

- Aurora, CO, USA

I have had the 02' F150 just over one year and have had problems with the windshield leaking into the cab. I have found that this is a common problem in the 97' to 03' F150 model via Ford forums and other internet groups. This leak shorts out the fuse panel causing the loss in power in various equipment including the windshield wipers. This short has also caused the instrument panel to fail causing the computer to not read what gear the truck is in which has caused the truck not to start or stop running while the truck is in operation. The only way the fix the problem is to have the windshield removed and resealed as well as replacing the fuse panel replaced. Others as well as I have had to have other repairs made due to the leak including the instrument panel, starter, relay, alternator, and the ignition sensor. I have had to make these repairs out of pocket as no manufacture recall has been issued, only a special service bulletin. Ford has been contacted about this issue but has stated that it is not a safety issue.

- Springfield, MO, USA

2002 F150 supercrew leaky windshield causing electrical parts to go on and off. I wish Ford would fix this problem im afraid to take the family in it in fear of an electrical fire.

- Califon, NJ, USA

Vehicle dash lights would stay on when vehicle off. Door locks would lock and unlock by themselves while driving. And while the truck was off. Vehicle would be completely dead when go to start. After replacing with a new battery, truck would not start. Had a tow truck come and when he tried to start it, it started right up. After he shut off, it was completely dead would not start. Took truck to garage. It took mechanics 5 hours to find the problem. After checking all the relays and fuse boxes, etc. It ended up to be the fusebox under the dash. The fusebox was corroded and deteriorating due to water damage, which was causing the electrical problems. The mechanic said there was some type of leak from the windshield causing water to enter the fusebox. Thus causing the fusebox damage. The mechanics replaced the fusebox and a relay. I do have the old one that was damaged. He said the windshield needs to be taken out to be resealed on reinstalling. Which needs to be done yet. He said I was lucky not to have any major problems while driving or shorting which could lead to a fire problem.

- Washington Township, MI, USA

I have a 2002 Ford F-150 supercrew, about 6 months ago my electrical panel started having a mind of its own everytime it rains. My radio, windshield wipers, blinkers, tail lights and interior lights go off and on. I have almost been in several accidents due to this problem not being able to see because of windshield wipers not working and also because of blinkers not working. The problem is getting worse and I believe Ford should fix this since it is definitely several large safety issues.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Possible windshield leakage causing extreme random electrical failure. Truck won't start if raining. Truck shuts off during operation. Particularly hazardous during highway operation. Electrical operations occur without warning, with or without keys in ignition.

- Janesville, WI, USA

My F-150 pickup just started smoking then with in seconds was fully engulfed in flames resulting in me jumping out to save own life. Thankfully no one else was with me.

- Shadyside, OH, USA

In late summer of 2006, my 2002 Ford F-150 began experiencing chassis electrical system malfunctions. Every time there was a rainstorm. Specifically, the windshield wipers ceased to work, the interior dome light would flash on & off, the blower motor for the heater would continue to run after shutting off ignition, the keyless entry system would not work, the ABS warning light would come on. I took the vehicle to Ford dealer # 1 who, when I described the symptoms, stated immediately that the problem was due to water leaking past the lower windshield seal and shorting out the GEM module and the fuse block mounted on the interior firewall. Dealer stated "this is an expensive repair, you might want to do the work yourself". as I didn't feel I had the ability to repair, I let it go for several weeks. In late November of 2006, I was driving to work before sunrise, in a very heavy rain, when the wipers shut off and the dome light came on making it impossible to see. I told my parents about this & they instructed me to take vehicle to Ford dealer # 2 for repair at their expense. Dealer # 2 was aware of the condition as well. The estimate for repair was $553 to repair the electrical components damaged by the moisture, and the vehicle would then have to be taken to a glass shop to have the windshield re-sealed. The work was declined, and I contacted Ford customer service explaining that as this was a safety related issue, known to both dealerships, I felt they should absorb some of the expense of making vehicle drivable during any weather condition. Request was denied. My contention is that since driving in a rainstorm without wipers and an erratic electrical system, and since both dealerships were acquainted with the condition, there should have been a voluntary recall, or at the very least, a tsb advising owners of the potential problem.

- Warren, PA, USA

Drove my 2002 F 150 approximately 25 miles home and parked it. The truck has never given me any problems and wasn't making any noise. About 30 minutes later I noticed a orange fire ball realizing it was my truck. The truck was fully involved within minutes. The entire front end of the truck melted away. The drivers side wheel, hood, and everything connected to the engine block is non existent. This is in addition to the cab which there is nothing left either. I am the second owner of this truck, never received a recall notice in the mail. Im not sure what caused the fire. Fire marshall said it started in the engine compartment.

- Coventry, RI, USA

Wipers and radio work only when in park. Lights remain on even when in off position. Vehicle will sporadically not start. Problem started in the fall of 05 and persisted until summer 06, at which time all symptoms disappeared. Now in the fall of 06, all symptoms have returned.

- Bonanza , OR, USA

: the consumer stated the windshield wipers and radio work intermittently. The dome light remained illuminated. The wipers and the radio come on for a few minutes and then stop working. The windshield wipers come on intermittently with the switch in the off position. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Electrical system failed due to water leaking from faulty windshield installation.

- Rockledge, FL, USA