2011 Ford F-150: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · Brakes · FL

The brake booster vacuum pump located behind driver headlight keeps Giving out almost crashed 3 times . It was recalled in Canada so what is the difference here , I have seen many forums with this issue and ford doesn't do anything this item is defective from the company

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 70,000 miles · MI

While driving and under no particular common conditions, the dashboard, instrument gauges, interior lighting, headlights, navigation panel suddenly begin flashing and blacking out. Then after a few seconds, come back to normal, but typically with a "traction control service" message on with the trouble light remaining on. This happens about every 10 minutes of driving. Once in a while, it lasted longer and clunking noises seemed to come from the drive train. However, a few occurrences were while turning and the power steering was out. I took it to a belle tire nearby and they could not fix the problem, saying the dealer had to update the ABS module and gave me a printout of tsb 12-11-18 [attached scan]. They circled diagnostic trouble codes c1278 and c1963 as the ones that popped up in their analysis. I find no recalls of this item, but the steering issue is certainly dangerous.

Filed Dec 26, 2015 · Brakes · 45,000 miles · PA

No brake boost upon starting, when you start the motor when cold there is no brake vacuum boost for about 15 to 20 seconds.. The "brake assist pump" behind the left headlamp corrodes and locks up and untill the motor gets enough vacuum there is very little braking ability. Ford gave me a new pump but I had to [xxx], I know you are looking into this, just wanted to let you know. This could very easily be a very dangerous situation. There should be a recall. Please don't wait until a child gets crushed under a pick-up to act. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 8, 2015 · Brakes · NY

My breaks made a growling sound from the front left side behind the headlight. As time went on it got louder and the breaks were harder to apply in order to stop the vehicle. I took my truck to the local ford dealer and they replaced the vacuum pump.they charged me $597.40 for this repair that I feel should have been covered by a ford recall! The dealer told me that they had this same problem with numerous other trucks.I feel that this should have been a recall.

Filed Jul 13, 2015 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · IL

Started hearing a wining pump noise from behind the driver-side headlight. Days later I was parked just off the road on a slope, started the truck and it rolled down the slope right into the street. The brake pedal felt soft and non-responsive. There was also a chattering noise made. I pumped the brakes a few times and it worked normally again. I stopped and pulled forward to get out of traffic. The same sequence of malfunctions has happened several more times since the first incident. I have ordered a new vacuum pump to fix the problem.

Filed Jul 11, 2015 · Brakes · 43,459 miles · NY

My brakes made a growling sound from the front left side behind the headlight. As time went on it got louder and the brakes were harder to apply in order to stop the vehicle. I took my truck into the local ford dealer and they replaced the vacuum pump. They charged me $597.40 for this repair that I feel should have been covered by ford. The dealer told me that they had this problem with numerous other trucks. I feel that this should have had a recall!

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Brakes, Transmission · 41,700 miles · OH

Loss of power brakes upon initial start-up and movement. The vacuum pump that provides assistance to power brakes and 4x4 wheel hubs fails without notice. Driver expects to stop vehicle under normal operating pressure applied to brake pedal. Vehicles does not respond to normal force and keeps moving. Extreme force to be provide to brake pedal to slow vehicle to a stop. This could result in injury or death if another person in the path of the vehicle. Ford will not recall or cover repairs of faulty pump. Pump is located behind front headlight on vehicle. Cost of part is $565 + labor to repair to be paid by owner. Serious safety concern for persons near vehicle without proper operation of braking system. An investigation needs to be opened immediately upon ford. Understanding is that ford redesigned vacuum system for 2014 model year to correct safety issue. Redesign should be mandated on previous model years to correct safety issue.

Filed Jan 26, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · MO

I rented a ford pickup truck from u-haul, and I feel that the automatic lighting controls on it are a safety issue. At night, when you open the driver's door, the dashboard illumination (speedometer, other gauges) comes on automatically. When you put in the key and start the engine, the daytime running lights (white lights on the front of the truck that are not as intense as the normal low-beam headlamps) come on. The dashboard illumination remains on at all times. *the rear red running lamps/tail lamps do not illuminate*, but this is not obvious when you are in the driver's seat. The result is that it is possible to drive at night with some white light coming out of the front of the vehicle, and the ability to read the speedometer, but with *no rear lighting*. I verified that the parking/emergency brake was fully off (as that is sometimes an input to the drls), and had a friend stand on the side of the street and observe as I drove the truck, and he verified that I had no running lights/tail lights on the back. The brake lamps operated normally when I stepped on the brake, but there was no red light to the rear unless I was stepping on the brake. All of the above was with the headlight switch off. When I clicked the headlight switch to the first position, the running lights illuminated (orange on the front near the headlamps, red in the rear lamp clusters.) when I clicked it to the second position, the normal low beams came on at full intensity. What I think should be different: either the automatic lights/drls should also turn on the tail lights at night, or there should be some indication to the driver that he needs to take additional action (operate the headlight switch) in order to have tail lights. Having the speedometer illumination go out when the engine is started might be a good choice.

Filed Jan 16, 2012 · Visibility · 6 miles · ND

Drivers side rear view mirror vibrates excessively when radio is loud or when driving at highway speeds. Makes headlights appear blurry or flashing like emergency vehicle at night. Dealer said ford would not pay for new mirror assembly. Have had them look into it twice. Upgrading the complaint to the next level with ford.