The 2007 F-150 represents the second year of the 12th generation—solid truck overall, but the 5.4L 3-valve Triton has earned a notorious reputation for catastrophic spark plug and cam phaser failures that can grenade an otherwise dependable platform.
5.4L 3V Spark Plug Breakage & Ejection
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Spark plug breaks off during removal, leaving electrode in cylinder, Catastrophic: plug blows out of head under load, destroying threads, Misfires, rough idle, loss of power, Loud popping noise if plug ejects
Fix: Broken plug extraction requires special tooling, 3-6 hours labor depending on which cylinder. Full ejection requires thread repair kit (TimeSert or HeliCoil) or in worst cases, cylinder head removal and machine work. Each plug change is Russian roulette on this engine.
Estimated cost: $500-3,500
5.4L 3V Cam Phaser Failure & Timing Chain Stretch
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud rattling/knocking on cold start that fades after 10-30 seconds, Check engine light with cam timing codes (P0018, P0340), Reduced power, rough running, Can cause catastrophic engine damage if chain jumps timing
Fix: Requires both cam phasers, timing chains, guides, tensioners, and updated variable cam timing (VCT) solenoids. Front cover removal, 12-16 hours labor. This is the job that totals high-mileage 5.4L trucks.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500
Transmission Cooler Line Failure in Radiator
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow), Coolant in transmission, Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, Overheating in either system
Fix: Factory radiator has internal trans cooler that fails and cross-contaminates. Requires radiator replacement, external trans cooler install, complete trans fluid flush (multiple times), often transmission rebuild if driven after contamination. 8-12 hours plus trans work if damaged.
Estimated cost: $1,200-5,000
4.6L & 5.4L 2V/3V Exhaust Manifold Studs Breaking
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine, especially when cold, Exhaust leak smell in cabin, Visible exhaust soot near manifold, Noise worsens under acceleration
Fix: Manifold studs corrode and snap flush with the head. Requires drilling out broken studs, retapping, or installing HeliCoil inserts. Worst-case requires head removal. Driver's side worse than passenger due to heat. 4-8 hours labor per side.
Estimated cost: $800-2,200
Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from front of differential, Oil coating underside of truck behind diff, Low fluid causes whining or grinding from rear end
Fix: Pinion seal leaks due to wear or improper preload. Requires driveshaft removal, pinion nut removal, seal replacement, and critical pinion preload reset. If preload is wrong, can destroy bearings. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Intermittent stalling, especially when hot, Fuel pump not priming (no hum when key turns on), Check engine light with fuel system codes
Fix: Module mounted to frame rail above spare tire fails due to heat and corrosion. Simple replacement, 0.5-1 hour labor, but many techs throw parts at fuel pump first. Common misdiagnosis wastes money.
Estimated cost: $150-400
Front Hub Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Humming or growling noise from front, increases with speed, Noise changes or disappears when turning, ABS light may illuminate, Wheel play if severely worn
Fix: Sealed hub bearing assemblies wear out, especially on 4WD models. Straightforward replacement but requires press or careful hammering. 2-3 hours per side including alignment check.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Owner tips
If buying a 5.4L 3V, verify cam phaser and spark plug work has been done—ask for receipts. These are when-not-if failures.
Change transmission fluid every 50k and install auxiliary cooler if towing—don't trust the in-radiator cooler past 100k.
Use Motorcraft SP-515/SP-546 plugs ONLY on 5.4L 3V and anti-seize on threads. Torque to EXACT spec. Never let a quick-lube touch them.
The 4.6L 2V is the most bulletproof engine option—seek it out for longevity over the problematic 5.4L 3V.
Buy a 4.6L 2V or well-documented 5.4L 3V with major work done; avoid high-mileage 5.4L 3V trucks without service history—they're grenades with the pin pulled.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located under hood on passenger side
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Every control module on the 2005-2008 Ford F-150 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Not a separate module; PATS function integrated in PCM. Key programming requires dealer tool and security access.
Lighting Control Module (LCM)dealer / factory tool▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with Smart Junction Box (SJB)
🔧 Ford IDS with VCM
⚠️ Not a separate module; lighting control integrated in SJB. Configuration handled through SJB programming.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 08V523000
2008-10-08
ROUSH IS RECALLING 213 MY 2007-2008 FORD
F-150 TRUCKS ALTERED TO OPERATE USING LIQUID PROPANE INJECTION. THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER AFFIXED TO THE INSIDE OF THE AIRBOX LID WITH ADHESIVE MAY BECOME DISLODGED DURING OPERATION.
Consequence: THIS FAILURE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND, IN EXTREME CASES, A STALLING OF THE VEHICLE DURING OPERATION WITHOUT NOTICE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIRBOX LID WITH A NEW ONE THAT INCLUDES THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER WHICH HAS BEEN AFFIXED USING AN ADHESIVE PROMOTER AND GREATER PRESSURE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROUSH AT 1-866-307-6788.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 07E089000
2007-10-25
CERTAIN SPYDER HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLIES SOLD FOR USE ON 2004 THROUGH 2007 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCKS. DURING PRODUCTION, THE HEADLAMPS WERE INTERNALLY MISALIGNED AND THEY FAIL THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CRASHES AND DEATHS AND INJURIES BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY.
Remedy: SPYDER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT SPYDER AT 866-558-4264.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 07E080000
2007-09-25
CERTAIN HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES IMPORTED AND SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT BY SONAR AUTO PARTS FOR USE ON 2004-2007 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCKS. DURING PRODUCTION, THE HEADLAMPS WERE INTERNALLY MISALIGNED AND THEY FAIL THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CRASHES AND DEATHS AND INJURIES BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY.
Remedy: SONAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 14, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT SONAR AT 866-558-4264.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 07E075000
2007-09-14
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. FR390-B001L AND FR390-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS IS UNSTABLE INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · 07E066000
2007-08-28
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Consequence: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS BUILT WITH 26 GALLON FUEL TANKS, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A DEPRESSION AT THE SEAM BETWEEN THE TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK (NOT VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE THE FUEL TANK). IF A DEPRESSION IS LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY PERMEATE THE FUEL TANK WALL RESULTING IN A FUEL ODOR, OR A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR LIGHT.
Consequence: IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, A FUEL LEAK COULD EVENTUALLY DEVELOP. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 25, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
13mpg
Highway
18mpg
Combined
15mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
Part of 2004-2008 generation. Both blades are same length. Pickup trucks do not have rear wipers.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Ford F-150 5.4L V8 Triton 3V and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.