2003 Ford F-150: whining or grinding noise

Filed Oct 13, 2004 · Transmission · 324 miles · OK

As noted by another complaint: howling noise in rear differential. Rear differential replaced once. Noise continues. I called ford motor company and they told me there was a design flaw that only affects certain vehicles but they are working on the problem. I asked...when could I expect it to be solved. The answer was...it might never be solved. They replaced some gears in the differential, but the problem has started again. They refuse to put in a new differential saying that it would be "cost prohibitive".

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Transmission · 50 miles · VA

2003 ford f-150 super crew, howling/whining noise from rear differential during accelleration. Noise only occurres between the speed of 40mph and 60mph, most noticable at 50 MPH.*ak so far defect has not caused operational failure. Problem has been brought to attention of the ford dealership who sold me the truck. First attempt to repair resulted in no work performed, noise considered acceptable by ford specs. Second repair attempt (after writing to dealership) reslulted in service manager diagnosing a ring and pinion gear problem. They replaced the ring and pinion gear 3/30/2004. Problem reoccured after 4 weeks, additional attempt to repair resulted in originial conclusion that noise was acceptable per ford specs. Inconsistent pattern of repair with problem still existing.

Filed Jul 7, 2004 · Transmission · 6,640 miles · UT

Howling noise in rear differential. Rear differential replaced twice. Noise continues. Ford now refuses to repair rear differential because of complete overhaul twice. Ford now says noise is "characteristic" of this vehicle. This is not true as I have driven other identical vehicles without the noise. Noise goes away after repairs are made for about 6000 miles.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Engine · 3,000 miles · AZ

I purchased my ford f150 on december 29, 2002 from sunrise ford in north hollywood, california. I returned it in march 2003 because there was an odd clunking, grinding and whining sound when it was driven. I was told that they could not find anything wrong with it. Then I took it back one more time in april of 2003 and they still could not find anything wrong. In may 2003, I moved to arizona and on may 9, 2003 I took it to berge ford located mesa, arizona. They tested the vehicle and could not find anything wrong. Even though they previously mentioned that it could be the rear end that has the problem. I took it in again on september 17, 2003 to berge ford and they found several items wrong with the truck. Although they fixed the items listed on the service ticket, the truck is not fixed. This vehicle obviously has a problem. I would not waste my time leaving work to deal with such issues if the issues did not exist. It took four times to locate a problem and it is still not fixed. I took the car to berge ford on may 26, 2004 again. This time they replaced the air flow valve. I again took the vehicle in on june 1, 2004 and they couldn't find anything wrong again. I believe that this vehicle is truly a lemon and I am hoping that ford can work with me on these issues. I was told I do not qualify for the lemon law because of my mileage, but the problems started before I was over the mileage limit. It is frustrating to deal with these issues for over a year. If there were not any problems then why would I have returned the truck 3 months after I bought it? I would love to trade it in, but I do not want to lose again by being upside down. I spoke with a gentleman at berge ford and he said that there is a possibility that ford might be able to buy the truck back and that is exactly what I need them to do at this point. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Filed Apr 13, 2004 · Transmission · 4,500 miles · MO

Rear axle whine noise at 45 to 50mph & 67 to 72 MPH. Loud & getting louder. Ford dealers all over the area said ford knows of noise but has no fix. Said they were told ford would not spend money to fix because they were not making much as a company now. Two repars on rear end & still noisy, engineer had dealer put 125 wt grease in rear axle to try & quiet noise down. No good> lost fuel economy also. I need help getting repaired or getting a buy back from ford.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Transmission · GA

2003 ford f-150 king ranch "howl". Nar 07/28/2003.*mr driveline vibration. Dealer notified.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Suspension · AL

Consumer states that vehicle makes a very loud "whining" noise when driving. Sounds as if driving an 18-wheeler truck. The truck has been serviced by dealer several times, but they have been unable to diagnose or correct problem.