2000 Ford F Series: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving down the road and the gas tank fell off and was dragging on the road. The straps were corroded. I have one of the straps.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2015
“The exhaust manifold studs rot out break off and the gaskets start leaking. I know this is a common problem with the 4.6 and the 5.4 triton engine as there are about 8 of them in my work parking lot that have done the same thing. I owned a 1999 e150 that did the same thing and the exhaust smells in the cab were so bad I had to get it repaired. Cost around 1800.00 to do this repair. My local exhaust shops say this is a very common problem and usually happens before 100k miles so I should feel lucky I have 138k. Ford should really own up to the problem before someone get hurt or dies from carbon monoxide poisoning. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2014
“On march 30, 2014, at approximately 3:00 p.m. (pst) my 2000 ford f-150 unexpectedly caught on fire. The truck was stationary in my driveway when suddenly black smoke and fire could be seen coming out of the driver side wheel well. The fire engulfed the driver side of the engine compartment melting all the plastic, wiring and the air intake area. The fire melted everything near the master cylinder and the cruise control housing. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Traveling at approximately 25 mph, the fuel tank straps snapped and the fuel tank dropped to the ground in the vehicle. The driver, unaware of what happened, heard a noise as she was approaching a stop light. The noise ceased after stopping. The driver then made a left turn when the light changed at which time the noise continued. The driver pulled the vehicle into the next available parking lot and upon exiting the vehicle, smelled gas and found the forward part of the fuel tank on the ground with gasoline leaking. No recall notice was received by the driver or the spouse of the driver at their home address in spite of being told later, after the incident, that several were sent. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2013
“In heavy rain the wipers and other electrical functions quit while driving - caused by a windshield leak onto the gem module and fuse box. This windshield leak is a common problem that ford knows about on 1997 thru 2000 ford f150 pickups. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2013
“I have a 2000 model ford f-150. My cruise control went out and maybe a month or less later I came home one night and about 30 minutes after I went into the house I heard a loud bang. When we looked out the door my truck was a ball of flames. The loud bang I had heard was the tire popping. I never received a recall notice for the cruise control switch and knew nothing about it shortly after I got the truck I had it at the dealership and they told me nothing about this recall when I asked if the truck had any. All I was told is that there was one on the parking brake. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2010
“Spark plug blow out on 2000 f150 5.4 triton engine. Damaging coil and head. Releasing fuel mixture into engine compartment creating an environment for potential explosion. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2009
“On 12/12/06 a lady turned left in front of me causing me to broadside her. I was doing approx 40 mph at the time. All her air bags deployed. None of mine did, even though the entire impact of the accident was across my front end. Additionally my fuel cutoff switch did not function. When the vehicles came to rest, and I recollected my wits, I realized the engine was still running and at close to full throttle. *nm”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2006
“I have had 3 spark plugs eject from my 2000 f150 5.4l in the past 3 months. So far, repairs have totaled $150, but the last one took the threads with it. Estimate to fix this one is $400 with a specially made repair kit. As most know, this is "the problem that must not be named". Everyone knows it exists, ford doesn't want to deal with it. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2006
“A crack was noticed on the driver's side door at the rear of the window molding. Upon inquiry with a body repair shop, they told me ford knows about the problem and I could go to the dealer to get it repaired. The crack is rusting and may hamper the integrity of the door, especially in a side impact collision.. Upon contacting ford, they said they have no knowledge of the problem even though I have a copy of the bulletin they sent to all dealerships describing the problem. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
How other years compare
Check your exact F Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Ford F Series reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Ford F Series. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Ford F Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 84,000 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Ford F Series have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning structure. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.