Problems with 2004 Ford F-350 STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-350. while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, it was observed that the driver and passenger side inner rocker panels had severe corrosion, failed, and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. prior to the failure, the contact noticed that the frame was cracked. the contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (formula ford, 4318 middle rd, rutland, vt, 05701) where it was confirmed that the frame was fractured, but they would not repair the vehicle. the frame was repaired. the contact got the department of motor vehicles involved; therefore, the dealer paid some of the repair cost to be welded by the contact's independent professional welder. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was approximately 140,590.

While traveling through tn, towing a trailer, the front driver's side tire delaminated and blew. this caused the vehicle to veer across the meridian and almost into on-coming traffic. the damages include the rim, fender, wheel well, front bumper and fairing. this is a estimate, the vehicle goes into the shop tomorrow to be evaluated by a mechanic and receive repairs. this is a similar incident that occurred in may of 2011, while hauling a 5th wheel camper to ar, the passenger front tire delaminated within 3 hours of stating the trip. the tire did not blow and i was able to maintain control of the vehicle. it goes without saying that i will research replacement tires and remove the other 5 tires (dually + spare). as a safety specialist/investigator, i originally thought that i had received "retread" tires on my vehicle when i purchased it. after reading this section i see/feel that this is more a case of poor design/workmanship. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f350. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility for routine brake maintenance. the mechanic advised that the rear backing plates on both rear wheels were completely rusted and were affecting the brake pads. the mechanic was able to make repairs to the brakes. the manufacturer would not provide any assistance with the corrosion failure. the contact stated the transmission lines were previously replaced, at his expense, due to corrosion. in addition, the oil pan was also corroded. there were no further repairs. the failure and current mileages were 150,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f-350. while driving 5 mph, the clutch pedal broke when depressed. the contact stated that the vehicle would not stop until he shut off the ignition. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the bracket that held the fire wall broke. the dealer stated that the bracket was made of plastic and they replaced the bracket and clutch pedal. the failure mileage was 63,000 and current mileage was 65,000. updated 01/29/08. *lj the consumer stated it's not the bracket that holds the firewall but bolts the firewall. the clutch, brake, and gas pedal all pivot on pins that are assembled to this bracket. updated 01/29/08 *tr

There are toxic fumes coming through the defroster when it is turned on. which is distracting the driver on the road. manufacturer had been contacted by consumer. *ak the consumer purchased a carbon monoxide detector in which the vehicle registered 40 ppm. as the weather turned cold, the consumer was unable to use the defroster or heater due to the diesel fumes from the exhaust system. the consumer suffered nose bleeds and his mother-in-law had become ill while riding in the vehicle. two dealerships stated that they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. the engine died while going down hill to a stop at times, the vehicle stuck in 4x4 low, driver door molding was coming a loose, head light was inoperative at times and the switch was replaced, the rear door did not line properly and leaked air therefore both rear door upper seals were adjusted. *sc *jb

While driving at any speed consumer noticed front end of vehicle made noise. consumer inspected under vehicle, and saw that front spring perch was not bolted to frame. *ak