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2003 Ford F-250 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2003 Ford F-250 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (37) and the wheels & tires (22). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 8 fires, 4 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in July 2011 for the tail lights. For comparison, the 2002 has 156 and the 2004 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical F-250 year, for its age

#103 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
116
Recalls
7
Crashes
6
Fires
8
Injuries
4
Deaths
1

Most common 2003 Ford F-250 problems

Share of all 116 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Ford F-250 recalls 7

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: tail lights

11V35200026,715 vehicles affected

The problem
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." The multi-function switch was shipped with a subcomponent (slider) that may experience deformation. A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate.
The risk
Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Exterior lighting: headlights

09E02500042,540 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
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.

Exterior lighting

09E01200016,270 vehicles affected

The problem
Sabersport is recalling 16,270 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.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Equipment: electrical

07E066000175 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
The fix
All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.

Exterior lighting: headlights

06E05200014,616 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain eagle eyes headlamps, p/nos. Fr208-b101r, fr208-b101l, fr208-b001r, and fr208-b001l, sold for use as replacement equipment for the passenger vehicles listed above. These headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Sabry lee will notify owners and offer full credit for any noncompliant headlamp. The recall is expected to begin on june 14, 2006. Owners may contact sabry lee account executive at 1-866-467-2279.

Exterior lighting

06E04900027,176 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
The risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.

Electrical system: 12v / 24v / 48v battery

04V32700083,687 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 6.0L diesel engines, the engine ground stud that attaches the negative battery terminal eyelet to the engine block may be loose.
The risk
If the ground wire is loose, electrical current may flow to the radio suppression strap causing it to heat and potentially melt or ignite adjacent components which could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the engine ground stud and the radio suppression strap and adjacent components will be inspected for damage and replaced, if necessary. The recall began on july 23, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

What owners say

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116 complaints about the 2003 Ford F-250

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.

Body, doors & structureBrakes

The customer purchased a vehicle from Metro Motors on May 8, 2026, after visiting the dealership three times and speaking with multiple sales representatives. During each visit, the customer specifically stated that the vehicle would be used to tow a trailer and repeatedly asked whether it was safe and suitable for towing. The sales staff consistently represented that the vehicle was in good working condition, had low mileage, showed no significant issues on the Carfax report, and would be an excellent vehicle for...

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towing. The customer was discouraged from test driving the vehicle because it was low on fuel, and sales staff stated that the only reason it had not sold was the snowplow attached to the front. Immediately after taking possession of the vehicle on May 8, the customer experienced a serious issue with the electronic parking brake repeatedly engaging while driving. The customer contacted Metro Motors on the next business day and was instructed by the manager, Nate, to bring the vehicle back. Metro Motors later determined that the parking brake cable was broken and that the brakes were in poor condition. After discussions, the dealership agreed to perform repairs if the customer paid for the parts. After the repairs were completed, the customer noticed smoke coming from the wheels and immediately returned the vehicle to Metro Motors. The dealership retained the vehicle but failed to communicate the nature of the problem or any repair costs until notifying the customer that the vehicle was ready for pickup on June 6, 2026. Before taking possession of the vehicle again, the customer arranged for an independent mechanic to inspect it. Although the dealership manager was initially hesitant to allow the inspection, he ultimately permitted it. The mechanic determined that the vehicle's frame was broken and that it was unsafe to operate, particularly for towing, which was the purpose repeatedly disclosed to Metro Motors before purchase.

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11747388
Engine & cooling

The contact owned a 2003 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving home, there was black smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11658268
Electrical systemBrakesEngine & coolingFire

Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11618329
Acceleration & cruise controlFire

Speed control sensor allows brake fluid leak through the plug connector and run down the wiring harness, allowing brake fluid to splash on the exhaust manifold and cause a fire.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11572268
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-250. The contact stated that both turn signals and the windshield wipers would intermittently fail to operate as needed. Over time, the failure worsened and the components failed to operate. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11487100
Fuel system

Fuel tank straps corrode causing fuel tank to fall off A recall was issued for other similar ford trucks, but this model was not included

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11471677
Other & unknown

When the truck accelerates and reaches about 40-5mph the truck begins to wobble sideways. This wobbling sensation shakes the steering wheel violently and as the speed increases so does the shake. I have not had the truck over 65mph as it becomes unmanageable and is very hard to keep in its lane. The tyres are wearing funny as a result. All 4 wheels are wearing a band around both the inside and outside of the tyres.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11461337
Engine & cooling

I have been trying to get the exhaust manifold bolts replaced by several machine shops and did my own checking on the Ford F-250 Web site and everyone tells me the same thing! Ford knows about the problem but is doing nothing to correct! I have finally found a shop that will fix the broken exhaust manifold blots ! But I would like to know what ford truly knows about this problem . To get it fixed they have to replace all the bolts do to the bolts being so rusted ! Now I only have 121, + miles on my2003 and with the...

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bolts broken it starts admitting gas fumes into the cab . I did check your site and could only find but 1 complaint , so if this is an issue with the exhaust manifold bolts braking and all the ford forums are full of complaints where are they being filed at on your site ? And I do believe it is an issue because I have spoken to 5 different shoppes and 1 ford dealer , they all say the same thing SORRY but it is your problem ! ford knows but will not do anything about it ! I am having mine put in the shop for repairs on the week of 7 Feb 2022 , now that I found someone I could afford! I had quotes from I will not do the work because it is a V10 to $1000.00 per bolt please address this ! It won't help me but maybe it will hold ford accountable for the product !

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11450126
Electrical system

DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS DO NOT WORK

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11374753
Engine & coolingFuel system

I have paid over $6.000 Dollars to my local ford dealer to fix my truck just to have them tell me there is no way to fix the problem, its a design flaw from ford that can not be fixed. I have been back and forth with ford motor company, I have been lied to, strong along, calls not returned and so on. The design flaw has to do with the egr. And today its seems the 3rd new turbo stopped working and the motor has started to have a bad vibration. This has been a nightmare and even though ford kept telling me they will...

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take care of me, nothing has happened. When the turbo failed as I was trying to get onto the freeway I had no power and nearly was rear ended by an 18 wheeler who was extremely angry. I had to stay off the freeway on other roads till I could get home. The truck developed a bad vibration and I was not sure I would get it home. If I would had been told by ford the first time I took it in of the design flaw and there is no way to fix it, I would have never poured so much money into it. It is a lemon and should have been recalled. I have talked to many people and researched this truck. I found out ford new of this design flaw and that their customers would have these problems but released the truck to us anyway. I now can't afford to put any more money into this truck, I can't fix it, I can't sell it, and ford will not do anything to help me. When I found out I was lied to and caught them and said, I now you have been lying to me and I do not trust you, I was labeled a hostel customer. I ask you, who likes to be lied to? This has been going on into 2 years now. Now I have no truck. I am interning where it asks "when this happened" today's date. Please help. Thank you.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11271727
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle began to stall without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to penske ford (located at 8970 la mesa blvd, la mesa, ca 91942, (619) 464-7777), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11265693
Brakes

Brake lines completely rusted through causing brake failure while driving. This is the seconded time.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11231117
Wheels & tires

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250 equipped with bf goodrich all terrain ko-ii tires, size: 265/75/16. While driving various speeds, the vehicle vibrated and shook. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger and driver side tires experienced tread separation. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer (discount tire, 11881 magnoliam ave, riverside, ca) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The dot number, vin, and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11166533
Wheels & tires

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250 equipped with bf goodrich all terrain ko tires, size: 265/75/16. While driving approximately 60 mph, the rear driver's side tire experienced a blow out. The tire was returned to the manufacturer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer (discount tire, 11881 magnoliam ave, riverside, ca) was notified of the failure. The vin, dot number, and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11166528
Fuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250. The contact stated that there was rust associated with the fuel straps, which fractured and caused the fuel tank to hang. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in the manufacturer recall campaign number: 11s21, although the failure was identical. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11123050
Fuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250. While driving 3 mph, the contact heard a dragging noise. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed that the fuel tank was leaning to the ground. In addition, the contact noticed that the fuel tank straps were rusted. The contact called oliver ford-lincoln (1001 e jefferson st, plymouth, in 46563, (800) 448-8292) and was informed that the failure was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 11113898
SuspensionElectrical systemBrakes

My front end shakes it's not the high speed wobble my trailer brakes they do not work I'm blowing fuses in my fuse box via trailer my truck makes a moaning sound kind of sounds like a foghorn this is when I started or I come to a stop and when it's idling doesn't do it all the time my shifter on my column came loose and won't go into park

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11093839
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Failed smog and every time sensors are replaced failure happens again.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11092790
BrakesEngine & coolingVisibility & wipers

The check engine light came on and we pulled over then when I put the truck into drive to pull out it barely moved. We were almost hit bc the truck wouldn't move so I put in in reverse to get out of the road and it did fine. So I tried to pull out again n drive and again it wouldn't go no matter how much gas I gave it. It sounds like something is drownding out or it isn't getting gas. But like I said. It won't go forward in drive or 1st or 2nd. Only in reverse will it move normally. This is major!!! I can't have my kids at risk bc there's something wrong with the truck. I have only had the truck about 3 weeks so it's very frustrating.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Engine · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11092593
Wheels & tires

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250 equipped with federal couragia a/t tires, size 285/75/r16 (na). The contact stated that the tires were wearing out faster than normal. The dealer was not contacted. The tire manufacturer was notified, but did not return the contact's call. The vin and dot number were unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was 158,000 and the tire failure mileage was 6,000.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11076706
AirbagsCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250. While driving 30 mph, the contact crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact injured his head and shoulder, but did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The contact drove 10 mph to his home. The vehicle was towed three days later to viselia auto body for repairs. The contact went to monarch ford (132 n d st, exeter, ca 93221, (559) 592-3800), but did not receive assistance. The failure mileage was 345,555. *Bf *tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11051532
Transmission & drivetrainBrakesCrash1 injury

I had parked my truck in my driveway. I put it in park, set the parking brake and turn off the engine. As I stepped out of the truck the truck rolled down the driveway dragging me about 100 ft stiking the power pole at the end of the diveway. The pole was rotted and fell on the truck crushing me between the body and the driver side front door.

Filed Incident Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 11042654
SteeringSuspension

Driving 50-60 hit a bump and the truck goes into a violent wobble, unable to control the breaks and steering. This last time I was on the interstate and it caused me to enter the lane next to me nearly causing an accident. The other driver was able to avoid me. When the shaking stops, the truck runs smooth without any sign of a problem. I am afraid of my families safety!!!

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11032830
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250. While attempting to drive the vehicle, it failed to start and the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate reading. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he needed to take the vehicle back where it was purchased. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11024034
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and the instrument panel warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, turned off the engine, and restarted the vehicle. The dealer replaced the engine harness and cam sensor, but the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that the alternator was overcharged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10990992

Ford F-250: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20070400-B
20060300-B
20050100-A
20040700-C
2003116768Engine & coolingF
20021567129Engine & coolingF
20010900-D
200001000-D
199901900-F
All F-250 years

2003 Ford F-250 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2003 Ford F-250

Does the 2003 Ford F-250 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-250: tail lights (July 2011); headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); electrical (August 2007) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-250?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (37), wheels & tires (22), brakes (15).

How many complaints has the 2003 Ford F-250 had?

116 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 15, 2002 and the latest on June 30, 2026. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 8 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 2003 Ford F-250 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 3 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford F-250 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Ford F-250 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2003 Ford F-250 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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