no report yet
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
2003 Ford F-250Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 116 owner complaints about the 2003 Ford F-250, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 30, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Ford F-250 has problems
116 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Engine and engine cooling
20Tires3 crash/fire/injury
13Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
13Engine1 crash/fire/injury
12Power train1 crash/fire/injury
11Steering1 crash/fire/injury
8Vehicle speed control
8Service brakes
7Service brakes, hydraulic
3110 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 24 | 0 |
| Tires | 20 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 4 |
| Engine | 13 | 1 |
| Power train | 12 | 1 |
| Steering | 11 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 31 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2003 Ford F-250 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other F-250 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the F-250 median. How we score
'67'68'69'70'72'73'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Ford F-250, and the recalls they led to.
- SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADNo recall
- ENGINE STALLINGNo recall
In owners' words
What F-250 owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMP AND BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE FUMES ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A BLOWN SPARK PLUG. THE DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HIM…
HAVE A 2003 FORD F-250 WITH THE 5.4L TRITON ENGINE I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK APPROX. 6MONTHS AND IN A MATTER OF 1000 MILES I HAVE BLOWN 2 SPARK PLUGS AND INSERTS OUT, THIS REPAIR HAS COST ME $300 EACH TIME AND $150 IN TOWING FEES,I AM WAITING TO SEE WHEN THE OTHER ONES WILL BLOW, THIS PROBLEM IS WELL…
I JUST ENTERED A SAFETY COMPLAINT REGARDING BRAKE ROTORS RUSTING (( 10328142 ) ON MY 2003 FORD F250 7.3 L DIESEL. THIS COMPLAINT REGARDS RUSTING OUT RADIATOR HOSE BRACKETS. ON JULY 6 TH 2007 A RADIATOR HOSE CLAMP RUSTED OUT, AND I RAPIDLY LOST COOLING, WHILE ON INTERSTATE 68 IN MD TRAVELING AT 65…
Own a 2003 F-250?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.