Frame rust and corrosion
Spare tire mounts detaching, crossmember/shackle/bumper corrosion, failing inspection
Check engine light: Off
Excessive premature frame corrosion documented at as little as 70,000-83,000 miles, with spare tire mounts detaching due to rust deterioration, and crossmembers, shackles, and rear bumper attachments all affected. One complaint states plainly: 'THE FRAME IS ROTTED OUT,' preventing the vehicle from passing inspection; another describes the vehicle as 'A TICKING TIME BOMB.' The same frame rust is documented on the Ford F-150. Suspension degradation is reported as a direct consequence of the frame rot, not a separate defect.
documented at as little as 70,000 – 83,000 mi
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Loss of power steering assist
Power steering assist loss, linked to frame/suspension degradation
Check engine light: Off
Reported loss of power steering assist, linked by some complainants to the broader frame and suspension degradation described above rather than a standalone steering-component failure.
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Electrical system malfunctions
General electrical malfunctions
Check engine light: Off
General electrical malfunctions reported; not itemized to a specific component in the available data.
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Connecting rod bearing failure at low mileage
Bad wrist pin/connecting rod bearing on the 2.3L I4
Check engine light: On
A 'bad wrist pin of connecting rod bearing' failure on the 2.3L I4 engine at just 37,000 miles, requiring significant engine work — notably premature for a bearing-related failure. Also reported: EVAP canister vent wiring harness corrosion triggering a check engine light ($450, 17,980 mi) and a thermostat housing coolant leak ($960, 116,000 mi).
37,000 mi
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EVAP canister wiring corrosion and thermostat housing leaks
Check engine light, coolant leak
Check engine light: On
EVAP canister vent wiring harness corrosion triggering a check engine light, and a separate thermostat housing coolant leak at higher mileage.
$450 (EVAP wiring) – $960 (thermostat housing)17,980 mi (EVAP) / 116,000 mi (thermostat)
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Engine Buck/Misfire at Freeway Speeds
Engine bucks or misfires at freeway speeds
Check engine light: On
Engine bucks or misfires at freeway speeds. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 284 owner reports on file.
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Hard to Start Cold, Stalling at Idle
Hard to start when cold, with stalling at idle
Check engine light: Off
Hard to start when cold, with stalling at idle. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 127 owner reports on file.
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Higher Than Normal Engine Idle
Higher than normal engine idle
Check engine light: Off
Higher than normal engine idle. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 90 owner reports on file.
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Synchronizer Shaft for the Camshaft Position Sensor May Make Noise
Synchronizer shaft for the camshaft position sensor makes noise
Check engine light: Off
Synchronizer shaft for the camshaft position sensor makes noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 89 owner reports on file.
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Rough Idle and Stalling
Rough idle and stalling
Check engine light: On
Rough idle and stalling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 54 owner reports on file.
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Rear Drum Brakes Grab, Lock When First Driving
Rear drum brakes grab and lock when first driving
Check engine light: Off
Rear drum brakes grab and lock when first driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 38 owner reports on file.
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Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems
A problem with the idle air bypass valve causes engine performance problems
Check engine light: On
A problem with the idle air bypass valve causes engine performance problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 34 owner reports on file.
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Reseal Engine if Oil Leaks From Gaskets/Seals
Engine needs resealing if oil leaks from gaskets or seals
Check engine light: Off
Engine needs resealing if oil leaks from gaskets or seals. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.
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Updated Differential Clutch Kit Available if Rear End Noise Is Heard
An updated differential clutch kit is available if rear-end noise is heard
Check engine light: Off
An updated differential clutch kit is available if rear-end noise is heard. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.
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Buzzing Type Noise From Upper Engine Area
Buzzing-type noise from the upper engine area
Check engine light: Off
Buzzing-type noise from the upper engine area. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.
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Temperature Gauge May Give Incorrect Readings
Temperature gauge gives incorrect readings
Check engine light: Off
Temperature gauge gives incorrect readings. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
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Worn Timing Chain Cassettes May Cause Rattling Noise From Engine
Worn timing chain cassettes cause a rattling noise from the engine
Check engine light: Off
Worn timing chain cassettes cause a rattling noise from the engine. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.
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Check Engine Light and Hesitation or Stumbling While Driving
Check engine light with hesitation or stumbling while driving
Check engine light: On
Check engine light with hesitation or stumbling while driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.
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The dominant problem on this generation is severe premature frame corrosion, documented at as little as 70,000-83,000 miles, with spare tire mounts detaching and crossmembers, shackles, and bumper attachments all affected. One complaint states plainly: 'THE FRAME IS ROTTED OUT,' preventing the vehicle from passing inspection; another describes the vehicle as 'A TICKING TIME BOMB.'