1997 Ford F-150: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Jul 10, 2008 · Tires · 76,400 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The vehicle has michelin ltxm/s tires, size p235/70/r16. The contact stated that there was a defect on the valve stems. While driving approximately 60 MPH, both passenger side tires deflated. The contact reduced the speed and proceeded to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they stated that the failure was related to both valve stems. The technician replaced the valve stems on the tires. The contact was very concerned of the safety risk involved with the valve stem defect. The tire failure mileage was 76,000. The vehicle failure mileage was 76,400 and current mileage was 84,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2007 · Tires · TX · crash · 1 injury

A cooper dominator sport a/t tire of the type that is currently the subject of ea 06 -021 experienced a tread separation while mounted on the rear axle of a ford f150. The tread separation LED to a loss of control and vehicle rollover that resulted in the death of one man and incapacitating brain injuries to another. The tire had 7/32 of tread and was in good condition before the failure. The tire was well maintained and showed no signs of abuse or misuse. The tire that failed was manufactured in 2004 at cooper's findlay, ohio plant.

Filed Sep 29, 2006 · Tires · CA

While traveling on the freeway, heard a loud noise coming from rear of truck and what appeared to be a blowout. As I changed lane to get to the shoulder I saw what appeared to be pieces of tire coming from the rear of the vehicle. Once pulled over, I got out to investigate, at first everything seemed to be ok until I looked at the right rear tire, saw that the tire was still inflated, but the tread had separated from the tire, the sidewalls were in perfect condition, but the tread had just pealed away from the center.

Filed Jan 23, 2006 · Engine · 120,000 miles · CA

My 1997 ford f150 with a 4.2l v-6 engine began giving me problems a few months ago. It began having an erratic starting problem. It then began to blow out white smoke out of the exhaust. I checked the coolant system with pressure gauges, and everything showed to be fine. I did this several times, because white smoke continued to come out of the exhaust. Then I went to start it the other morning and it turned over the rod in the #4 cylinder is bent due to coolant in the cylinder. I have heard this happening to many people, and think that ford should step up and take responsibility! . The tech then explained that the f-150s have had a trend problem with these engines for years; coolant would leak into a cylinder causing too much compression resulting in a bent or broken rod. It cost me over $2000 for something ford knew was defective. I sent a letter (attached) to ford and received a call from customer service basically telling me it was the owner's responsibility. This vehicle was meticulously cared for according to the owner's manual but, because of an engineering problem with the manufacturer, the engine failed. I researched and found hundreds of stories like mine at http://forums.treemedia.com/fb/showthread.php?t=224&page=1&pp=15 . I fined it extremely unfair that I and hundreds if not thousands of others have to bear the financial burden of replacing a defective engine. These vehicles should have been recalled years ago.

Filed Jan 1, 2006 · Engine · 129,738 miles · TN

My 1997 ford f150 with a 4.2l v-6 engine began giving me problems a few months ago. It began having an erratic starting problem. It then began to blow out white smoke out of the exhaust. I checked the coolant system with pressure gauges, and everything showed to be fine. I did this several times, because white smoke continued to come out of the exhaust. Then I went to start it the other morning and it turned over and fired once. Then it made a real loud banging noise, and would not crank again. I continued to work with it, and finally got it to crank again, and it was knocking. The knocking sound was coming from the oil pan. I pulled the engine out, and took it apart. The rod in the #4 cylinder is bent due to coolant in the cylinder. I have heard this happening to many people, and think that ford should step up and take responsibility!

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Engine · 77,134 miles · CA

El cajon ford replaced plugs. Never warned me about plug blowout. Heard ticking for 2 weeks but thought it was minor exhaust leak. Plug blew out driving home at 30 MPH. Towed truck to el cajon ford and service writer said ford would only replace the head at $3500 with the same defective head. I asked about the dependability of the other head and he said that this problem was very rare and usually only happened with the lightning and only 1 plug was ever bad in each motor. I refused repair at ford and had the truck towed to an independent mechanic.

Filed May 19, 2005 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · GA · fire

Vehicle parked for approx 2 hours, cold engine, flames were coming from engine compartment, driver's side wheelwell up through the hood - flames moved to cab - front left driver's side tire blew first

Filed Oct 30, 2004 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

I own a 1997 ford f150 and just had a spark plug blow out the head. I have done a simple internet search and it appears this is a common problem with fords 5.4 which needs to be addressed.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Tires · 53,000 miles · AR

Firestone tire - 235/70 r16 wilderness ht dotw208ipt186. While driving, the tread separated from the tire. The tire only had 24000 miles on it. *jb the tire caused damage to the right rear quarter panel, frame brace and muffler bracket.

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Tires · 50,415 miles · MO

Consumer complained that rear passenger's tire had tread separation. General, grabber st, p235/70r16. There was approximated 50,415 miles on the tire.

Filed Feb 24, 2004 · Engine · 55,590 miles · KY

I have a 1997 ford f150 with 55000 miles. On the highway going 60 MPH I heard a load pop the truck then began popping and making alot of noise. Lost power imediately was able to get to side of the road. Had the truck towed to dealer which found the sparkplug blown out and replaced the cyl head and numerous other parts to the tune of $4000.oo. After searching the forums on the internet I found this is not an isolated insident this has happened to many different vehicles with the 5.4 engine. I called ford to see if they are planning to do anything about this obvious engine defect and they were uninterested in my problem. I have owned a few vehicles and most I have kept till well past 100,000 miles and have never had a sparkplug blow out of the cylinder head.

Filed Jan 28, 2004 · Tires · 64,000 miles · CA

While driving 65 MPH front driver's side tire tread separated.