The problem
On certain pickup trucks, the pitman arm to steering gear retaining nut was not fully tightened to the required specification.
The risk
If the pitman arm to gearbox attachment nut loosens, a noise and a loose feel in the steering could occur. If the condition progressed and service was not sought, the nut could back off completely and the pitman arm could separate from the gear causing a loss of steering. If the warning is not heeded and steering is lost, a crash May result.
The fix
Dealers will tighten the pitman arm retaining nut to specifications. Owner notification began on October 1, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-349 (03V349000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 03S07 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Steering › Gear box › Shaft pitman |
| Report date | September 22, 2003 |
| Owners notified | October 1, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 300 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-349 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will tighten the pitman arm retaining nut to specifications. Owner notification began on October 1, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 300 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.