- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Ford F-550 SD Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2003 Ford F-550 SD have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in July 2011 for the tail lights.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical F-550 SD year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2003 Ford F-550 SD recalls 5
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
- The problem
- Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- The risk
- A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
- The fix
- Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3L diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
- The risk
- In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 29, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- The risk
- Overheating could result in smoke, burn, or an underhood fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on march 12, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (Note: also see recalls 05v017, 05v388, and 06v286)
- 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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No complaints about the 2003 Ford F-550 SD yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Ford F-550 SD: every year compared
All F-550 SD years2003 Ford F-550 SD vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Ford F-550 SD | 0 | 5 | C | |
| 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 1,313 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Explorer Sport | 1,313 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1,313 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Expedition | 655 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Escape | 598 | 9 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Ford F-150 | 465 | 11 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Crown Victoria | 289 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Econoline | 215 | 4 | F | Compare |
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.
Questions about the 2003 Ford F-550 SD
Does the 2003 Ford F-550 SD have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-550 SD: tail lights (July 2011); vehicle speed control (October 2009); diesel (December 2007); vehicle speed control (March 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.
How many complaints has the 2003 Ford F-550 SD had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2003 Ford F-550 SD a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 54 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Ford F-550 SD 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.
What should I do if my 2003 Ford F-550 SD 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