The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact noticed that after severe rain, water leaked through the third brake light and an accumulation of water leaked into the headliner of the vehicle. A strong mildew odor emitted inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the third brake light would need to be replaced. The manufacturer has never been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. Updated 04/14/16 the consumer requested information concerning the investigation into the malfunction. Updated 09/05/2017

- Hampton, VA, USA

While my truck was parked in my driveway, we had a very bad tropical storm come through, when I went to get in my truck I noticed that my back seat was wet and the back of my head lining was wet and had water spots on it. So I took my truck to the dealer thinking my rear window was leaking, but they told me that it was my third brake light and the seal around it was bad. So instead of it being covered under the trucks warranty they told me I would have to pay to get it fixed plus pay for my seats to be cleaned from the water damage. Because it is still raining I did not have no choice, but I think that if Ford have had all these complaints about the same problems happening to other vehicles, they should have a recall and be responsible for paying for the repairs and water damage caused by their manufacturing defect. We pay to much money for these vehicles to have to put with a company that knows they have a problem and want do nothing to fix it, but makes the customer suffers and pays the price for their neglect.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford F150. The contact stated that the rear bumper was crashed into twice at low speeds and totally detached from the vehicle structure. The contact believed that the bumper was manufacturer of defective material. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 22,000.

- Fort Worth , TX, USA

At around 3500 miles on my 2009 Ford F150 supercrew, I noticed a mildew smell and condensation forming on the inside of my windows. I did some research and found it is due to liquid in the cab somewhere. I pulled up each kickplate and found the problem to be under my right rear cab kickplate. Water was accumulating down there with all the electrical wires. I took it to the dealer and they stated it was due to the third brake light. It was replaced. At 5000, I noticed the smell again and knew right where to look. I did and had the same problem. Took it back to the dealer and they replaced the same third brake light only they said this one had a stronger seal. I just hit 6500 miles and noticed the same problem and smell, and popped the kickplate and had the water again. I am fixing to call the dealer on Monday to let them know. After looking in my cab I noticed a spot of dried water residue on my headliner. I am going to point this out to them and let them know something is not sealing correctly which could very well compromise the electrical system with all the wires down under the kickplate where the water accumulates.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

While driving in a rainstorm a passenger in the right rear seat noticed water pouring in from the headline onto her shoulder. First glance we thought maybe the window seal was leaking. Called the dealership and started explaining the situation and before I could complete my sentence they replied "...oh yes its the third brake light seal, bring it in and we'll replace it." Wow a known issue and I was never informed of the problem. When replacing the seal I had requested that the headliner be removed and inspected for mold and any rust that may have formed, or any damage to electrical components. The service manager assured me that it was done and nothing else was wrong, I suppose only time will tell.

- Lake Jackson, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. During rainy conditions, the instrument panel lights fail to illuminate. The failure prevents the driver from viewing the speedometer. The contact also noticed that the instrument panel lights would only illuminate at a specific range of darkness outside. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the sensor needed to be adjusted. The current and failure mileages were 600. Updated 08/28/09 the consumer stated there was a sensor on top of the dash, that didn't sense enough darkness to allow the headlights to come on. Updated 08/31/09.

- Westerville, OH, USA