3rd brake light lamp leaks and has for the last 3- 4 months. Water leaks around the light and drips down the ceiling of the cab down back wall of the truck into the carpet of my truck. It going to use it to start to smell and mold. I called the local Ford dealer repair shop they told me he has replaced hundreds of these lamps and the new Ford part never leaks while he has seen several of the after market ones always leak. Ford should replace all of these at their expense, as they obviously have a gasket design flaw.

- Hazard, KY, USA

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

The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle's floor was damp and there was an odor inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that water was seeping into the vehicle through the third brake light and collecting underneath the rear seat carpets. The dealer removed the rear brake light and replaced the seal and light. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 11V049000 (structure) however, the failure reoccurred two years after the repair. The contact mentioned that the driver interior door latch spring fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact also mentioned the fuel cap fractured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage for all failures was 40,000.

- Montgomery, TX, USA

This complaint is about "all cars" that come equipped with these new style bright white / blue headlight bulbs. And the entire secondary market where people can purchase these light bulbs to replace their existing headlight bulbs. The problem is the at night they are do [xxx] bright, I can't tell if they are on low or high beams, I'm constantly flashing my high beams to these cars. This past week one was so bright that I couldn't see and almost drove off the road..... they should be taken "off them market", or at least limit the brightness or have a standard brightness (a maximum that has been tested on real people at night). They have caused or triggered me to have an ocular migraine in my left eye, which makes it difficult to see at night, some people when they have ocular migraines triggered from bright lights have the migraine in the middle of they eye and can not see anything. I'm telling you someone is going to die because of this issue, if they haven't already. If it has happened already, no one probably knows why the accident happened, because no one is asking the question about these dangerous headlamps. Please look into this for me and the general public. Age is of concern as well, the older you get your eyes become more sensitive to these bright white and blue lights, in my mind they are very dangerous. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Hayden, ID, USA

I bought a preowned 2009 Ford F-150 in November 2011 with 49000 miles on the odometer. I had always complained the instrument gauges were difficult to see. I finally investigated and realized that the instrument panel is not illuminated under daylight conditions. It is only illuminated when the parking lights or headlights are on. The only way to get illumination during daylight is to cover the light sensor thus simulating darkness. This, however, only illuminates the gauges at the lower setting for nighttime driving. The dimmer knob/wheel is operational but does not increase illumination to the level expected for daylight driving. There are at least two other complaints on this website regarding this issue and there are several other like complaints on other websites. The dealer tech was helpful, but upon checking with Ford, was told the vehicle was designed that way. I find that to be ludicrous. For instance, today, on a sunny morning, when driving toward the East at 10:00 am it was impossible to read the gauges! how can this not be a safety issue?

- Lincoln, NE, USA

Foul odor developed in vehicle, consistent with mold and mildew. Entire carpet pad found to be wet. Inspection at dealer revealed leaking third tail light. Dealer noted this is a common problem. Clearly this situation is a public health hazard due to the resulting environmental hazard from mold growth.

- Dothan, AL, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that he noticed wet spots on the headliner. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact the company was aware of a bad gasket in the tail light that would cause water damage. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 65,000.

- East Falmouth, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. While parked, the contact noticed water leaking in the middle of the rear seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The technician stated that the gasket in the tail light was loose, causing water to enter the vehicle. The carpet and the middle arm rest in the rear of the vehicle contained mildew. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

- Marrero, LA, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Ford F150. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed that the passengers side front headlight was not working. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians were unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The technicians replaced the smart junction box. The contact stated that the smart box needed to be reprogrammed because it did not contain all of the features that were included prior to the repair. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer. The approximate failure was 20,000. Updated 3/25/11 updated 04/28/11

- Sacramento, CA, 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

Water has been found building up under the plastic kickplate in the right rear passenger door of my 2009 F150 supercrew model. I have taken it twice to the dealer and both times they have ordered a new third brake light as condensation was forming. They stated the seal wasn't strong enough and wasn't sealing properly. Also said this is common with F150S. They said they have replaced this numerous times on different F150S, and sooner or later Ford would issue a recall. Did not notice the problem until I started smelling mold and mildew and lifted the kickplate to notice the carpet was soaked and water forming in the well.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA