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2000 Ford F-150 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2000 Ford F-150 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank strap corrosion and tank detachment.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2000 Ford F-150.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank strap corrosion and tank detachment

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

79 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2016-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE FUEL TANK STRAP BECAME DETACHED FROM THE FUEL TANK AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO STRIKE THE SKID PLATE OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED FUEL TO SPILL OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10926109
“2000 FORD F-150. CONSUMER STATES THE METAL GAS STRAPS THAT ATTACH THE GAS TANK TO THE TRUCK WERE RUSTED AND THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING AS A RESULT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10428489
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10809458

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2024-11

“IN 2006, I CHANGED PLUGS AT 95,000 MILES AS A TUNE UP. SIX MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE #8 SPARK PLUG WAS EJECTED. HAD IT TOWED HOME, CHECKED THE THREADS AND REPLACED THE PLUG AND COIL. ON APRIL 6, 2017, AT 134,000 MILES, THE SAME PLUG WAS EJECTED WHILE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10981532
“I HAVE A 2000 FORD F150 4X4 5.4 LITER ENGINE WITH NOW MY SECOND BLOWN OUT SPARK PLUG. I PAID A LOT FOR THE FIRST SPARK PLUG REPAIR. I KNOW THIS IS A FORD DESIGN PROBLEM - IT IS WELL-KNOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398128
“THIS PICKUP BLEW THE SPARK-PLUG IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED, MECHANIC THEY HAD TO TAKE THE HEAD OFF TO MAKE SURE THERE WAS NOTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10627737

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shifting and gear engagement failure

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2025-09

“WHILE DRIVING OVER 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218507
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671983
“Truck will not go into proper gear. You have to put emergency brake on and put transmission in neutral to crank the vehicle. Then you have to put gear shift into a different gear setting to be able to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489136

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment or cabin fire while parked or driving

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

45 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2026-08

“Regarding NHTSA Recall Number 05V017000; * Component: Speed control deactivation switch. Available for inspection. * Safety Risk: Spontaneous fire occurred on 07/20/2026 at apx 1am destroying the vehicle, damaging two other vehicles, and nearly burning down our home”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756937
“The contact stated that her son had parked the vehicle in the residence driveway and had turned off the ignition. The son had exited the vehicle and saw that a fireball had erupted from under the hood. The contact stated that she had reviewed the explosion on her home security”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656310
“The contact owns a 1998 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while The vehicle was park in the son's driveway the neighbor alerted the son that the vehicle on fire. The son rushed to the vehicle and discovered flames coming from the cabin of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736493

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Body, frame, and running gear rust corrosion

STRUCTURE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2019-03

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEP RAILS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THEM FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651806
“EXTEND CAB WITH 4 DOORS. WHERE THE REAR SEAT AND SEAT BELTS MOUNT TO THE BODY IT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THE SEAT AND SEAT BELT IS LOOSE AND WILL NOT BE SECURED IN A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10863111
“THE RADIATOR/CORE SUPPORT WAS RUSTED OUT AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT IF NOT REPLACED. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 73500 MILES AND HAS SPENT MOST OF THE TIME ENCLOSED IN THE GARAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10597174

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment or non-deployment in a crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2023-09

“MY FAMILY AND I WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND WERE HIT IN THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK BY A CAR THAT WAS PERFORMING AN ILLEGAL U-TURN. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10578074
“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EMITTED A WHITE SUBSTANCE THAT FILLED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING TO BOTH ARMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745943
“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON BLACK ICE AS A RESULT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COLLIDE WITH A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244482

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

1,757 crashes 1990–2024

How the 1,757 occupant deaths break down

1,341

driver deaths

414

passenger deaths

2

not recorded by seat

1,757

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1999 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

92

complaints mentioning a crash

361

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2000 Ford F-150 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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