For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Ford F-150 body problems
moderate 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 26 body complaints filed for the 2007 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 26 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: SOME 2006-2008 F-150 LARIAT, XLT, AND FX4 VEHICLES (EXCLUDING HARLEY DAVIDSON AND XL) MAY EXHIBIT A WHISTLE NOISE FROM THE GRILLE AREA WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 65MPH AND GREATER. THIS MAY BE THE RESULT OF A POSSIBLE GAP BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE GRILLE SURROUND TRIM AND THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Frame rust dominates the complaint cluster. Owners report extensive rusting of frame rails, particularly driver-side and under-cab areas, with holes and loss of structural integrity appearing between 48,000 and 190,000 miles. One mechanic found frame rust severe enough to penetrate with a screwdriver on a 54,000-mile truck that had been garaged since new and showed no visible exterior corrosion. Multiple owners state the frame deteriorated to the point it cannot pass state inspection or be lifted safely; one separated at factory welds. Ford declined warranty coverage on at least one claim.
Water intrusion compounds the corrosion problem. Owners report water pooling in passenger floorboards during rain and gaps at cab corners where seam sealer is missing, allowing water to collect in rocker panels and accelerate rust-out of door bottoms. Ford referenced TSB 07-13-5 for floorboard leaks but applied no recall.
Grab handles and door latches fail during normal use. Assist handles detach when grasped during entry, causing falls. Door latch springs fail in ice or snow, allowing doors to open while driving. Hood paint bubbles and peels prematurely on leading edges.
One owner reported unintended acceleration multiple times, attributing the problem to brake and accelerator pedal placement being too close and at similar heights. Another reported a rear-end bolt detachment causing an explosion and stall in traffic.
Same Ford F-150 body reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Frame rust-through and structural failure
Frame rails, particularly driver-side and under-cab areas, develop extensive rust with holes and loss of structural integrity. Metal becomes porous or rusted through completely, making the vehicle unsafe to drive or lift. Owners report the problem occurs even on garaged, low-mileage trucks with minimal visible exterior rust, suggesting a manufacturing or corrosion-protection defect.
When: Typically discovered between 48,000 and 190,000 miles; one owner found it at 54,000 miles despite garaged storage since new
Symptoms owners cite: Large holes or perforations in frame rail; Metal thickness reduced to less than half original; Frame cracked and separated at factory welds; Visible rust accessible with a screwdriver; Frame too compromised to lift safely; Vehicle fails state safety inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Frame replacement required; no repair possible. One owner had frame welded at an independent shop but deterioration continued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford declined to cover repair under warranty on at least one vehicle. No recalls issued despite multiple complaints.
Unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver intent, often when braking. Owners report the brake and accelerator pedals are positioned too close and at similar heights, leading to unintended simultaneous depression. Failures have occurred multiple times on the same vehicles.
When: Early in vehicle life (500 to 1,700 miles reported on one truck); occurred on multiple separate occasions for the same owner
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration while depressing brake; Vehicle jumped curb and crossed landscaping before stopping; Inconsistent; owner uncertain if accidental pedal contact or actual defect
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed one case to owner's shoe selection; no repairs documented. Vehicle not repaired as of report date.
Door and grab handle failures
Passenger-side assist handle and driver-side pull-up handles detach from vehicles when grasped or used normally for entry. Handles fracture or separate from mounting points, causing occupants to fall or nearly fall.
When: Reported between 48,000 and 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Handle detaches when grasped during vehicle entry; Passenger fell backward when handle broke during entry; Second occurrence of failure on same vehicle; Handle separates from mounting point
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement handle cost $213.86 on one repair. Parts referenced: 4L3Z-1503599-AAA. Not all vehicles were repaired.
Door latch spring failure
Door latch spring fails, particularly in ice or snow, allowing the door to open while driving. Door bounces when closed due to spring failure to catch properly.
When: Conditions noted during icing or snow
Symptoms owners cite: Door opens while driving; Door bounces when closed; Spring fails to catch and hold door closed; Risk of occupant falling from vehicle
Water intrusion and corrosion
Water leaks into the vehicle from multiple points: front passenger floorboard when raining, and through gaps at cab corners where seam sealer is missing. Water pooling in rocker panels causes rapid rust-out of door bottoms and frame areas.
When: Discovered at 137,000 miles for floorboard leak; cab corner rusting occurs early on new trucks
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling on passenger-side floorboard during rain; Gap visible at back of cab corner allowing water intrusion; Rocker panel water retention; Door bottom rust-out from trapped water
Repairs/costs cited: Ford referenced Technical Service Bulletin 07-13-5 for the floorboard leak but did not cover repair under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 07-13-5 referenced; vehicle not included in recall
Hood paint failure
Paint on hood leading edge bubbles and flakes off prematurely with no prior accident damage or repainting.
When: Began in spring of 2010 on new 2007 truck
Symptoms owners cite: Paint bubbling on hood leading edge; Paint falling off; Rest of vehicle paint remains showroom quality
Rear end bolt detachment
Bolt securing the rear axle/end assembly becomes detached during acceleration, causing loud explosion and engine stall in intersection.
When: At approximately 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosion near rear of vehicle during acceleration from stop; Engine stall in traffic; Vehicle required towing
Repairs/costs cited: Bolt was found detached
Engine vibration and hesitation
Engine shakes violently at idle and hesitates during acceleration without triggering warning lights.
When: Owner purchased truck used; no mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking at stop light; Hesitation during 40–50 mph acceleration; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced coil; no documentation provided to owner
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Ford f-150. The contact was entering the vehicle and grabbed the pull up handle located on the driver's side front door. As the contact grabbed the handle, the handle detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was…
Had body trouble with your 2007 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2007 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 54,000 and 109,900 miles, with the median around 98,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 109,900. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.