VehicleVerdict

2000 Ford F Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 53 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 17.7 times the median F Series year — the 2000 model ranks #3 of 35 F Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), steering (7), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

53

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

4

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other F Series years?

F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted55 complaints1971: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 6 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 20 complaints1996: 17 complaints1997: 55 complaints1998: 32 complaints1999: 44 complaints2000: 53 complaints2001: 54 complaints2002: 43 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 12 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 1 complaints
F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Ford F Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1121%
Steering713%
Brakes611%
Body & Structure611%
Other59%
Electrical System48%
Tires & Wheels36%
Speed Control24%
Fuel System24%
Transmission24%
Suspension24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Seat Belts12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2000 Ford F Series have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V094000Body & StructureMarch 7, 2003 · 3,674 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 30, 2014 · fire

“I HAVE A COMPLAINT AS FORD WITH THERE SHIFTERS I HAVE ALSO SEEN IT ON SOME OLDER AND NEWER MODELS IS THE TWO BOLTS ON THE BRACKET ON THE END OF THE SHIFTER ROD ON THE STEERING COLUMN COME LOOSE AND OR MISSING BOLT AND THERE FOR HAVE SHIFTING PROBLEMS AS I DID ONE MORNING WITH MY 2000 F 150 WENT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 11, 2013 · crash

“ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DIAGNOSIS WAS FAULTY HYDRAULLIC CONTROL UNIT. SINCE IT OCCURED AT 61,615 MILES AND STILL ON ORIGINAL BRAKE PADS/LININGS AND TIRES I FEEL FAILURE WAS PREMATURE. HAPPENED SHORTLY AFTER RECAL FOR SPEED CONTOL DISTURBED BRAKE SYSTEM. REPAIR COST FOR DIAGNOSIS AND EXTIMATE FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 10, 2005

“MY F150 HAS A DOOR CRACK ON THE DRIVERS DOOR. 80 TO 90% OF 1997 THROUGH 2000 F150/250 PICKUP WILL DEVELOP THIS PROBLEM ON ONE OF BOTH OF THE FRONT DOORS. AS I DIDN'T NOTICE THIS UNTIL TWO WEEKS AFTER MY WARR. RAN OUT, FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I HAVE FOUND TWO INTERNET SITES WITH PEOPLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 15, 2003

“WE HAE A 2000 FORD F350 THAT WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE BODY SHOP FOUND THAT IT HAD PRIOR DAMAGE. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD PRIOR DAMAGE. THE PRIOR DAMAGE MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS IT HAS THE WRONG CAB ON IT AND THE WRONG CAB HAS BEEN WELDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 15, 2001 · crash

2000 Ford F Series — common questions

Is the 2000 Ford F Series reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 53 complaints put the 2000 model at #3 of 35 F Series years. It is one of the F Series years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 F Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), steering (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2000 Ford F Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Ford F Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Ford F Series under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.