2003 Ford F-250 sd problems
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.
Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.
Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.
The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.
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Common 2003 Ford F-250 sd problems
The 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty is known for several common problems, primarily related to engine and transmission issues. Here are some of the most frequent problems based on owner complaints and reports:
- Ignition Coils Failure: Ignition coils in the 2003 Ford F-250 can fail due to carbon build-up in the intake manifold. This causes exhaust gases to get trapped and cause corrosion over time, making it difficult for spark plug wires to deliver sufficient voltage through them and preventing ignition coils from functioning properly.
- Blower Motor Failure: The blower motor, responsible for the vehicle's heating and cooling system, can fail in the 2003 Ford F-250. This issue can cause problems with air conditioning and heating systems, making it difficult to cool down the vehicle in hot weather conditions during long drives.
- Coolant Leaks: Coolant leaks are a common problem in the 2003 Ford F-250 due to a defective thermostat bypass. If the thermostat bypass is faulty, it allows too much coolant into the engine when it’s cold, causing pressure spikes in the cooling system that can lead to leaks in various parts of the engine. If the bypass fails altogether, it can cause the engine to overheat and require a rebuild or replacement.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are also common in the 2003 Ford F-250, with some owners reporting rough shifting, slipping, or complete transmission failure.
These problems can make the 2003 Ford F-250 expensive to maintain and unreliable. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to avoid more severe damage and costly repairs.
What are the bad years for the F-250?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include: 2002 Ford F-250. 2006 Ford F-250. 2008 Ford F-250.
Which F250 to stay away from?
In short, the 2003-2007 Ford F-250 are among those vehicles that you should avoid. Unless you're looking for a project truck or a parts' car these are best avoided, and here's a deeper dive into why.
What does SD mean on Ford F-250?
“Super Duty” is simply a way to distinguish these trucks from the base model in the Ford Series: the F-150. Not only that, but the bodywork and chassis are both different from the F-150 as well simply because these are bigger trucks.
How many miles per gallon does a Ford F-250 SD get?
Based on data from 115 vehicles, 6,327 fuel-ups and 1,937,521 miles of driving, the 2022 Ford F-250 gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.24 with a 0.11 MPG margin of error.
What are the bad years for the F-250?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include: 2002 Ford F-250. 2006 Ford F-250. 2008 Ford F-250.
What does SD mean on Ford F-250?
“Super Duty” is simply a way to distinguish these trucks from the base model in the Ford Series: the F-150. Not only that, but the bodywork and chassis are both different from the F-150 as well simply because these are bigger trucks.
Which f250 to stay away from?
In short, the 2003-2007 Ford F-250 are among those vehicles that you should avoid. Unless you're looking for a project truck or a parts' car these are best avoided, and here's a deeper dive into why.
What does Ford SD mean?
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year.
2003 Ford F-250 sd car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F-250 sd problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
- Fuel system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Ford F-250 sd vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Ford F-250 sd
The NHTSA has received 178 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford F-250 sd. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Ford F-250 sd vehicles.
2019-07-10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-26
- VIN: 1FTNF20LX3E
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HANGING DOWN. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED AND THE FUEL GAUGE WAS DAMAGED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
2018-11-11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-07
- VIN: 1FTNF21L63E
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED WHILE TRAVELING ON A STATE HIGHWAY.
2016-12-14
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-11
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I HAVE AMERICAN EAGLE - 20 " EAGLE ALLOY WHEELS. THEY ARE APPROXIMATELY 24 MONTHS OLD. THIS SUMMER A SPOKE CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON ONE WHEEL. THE DEALER WOULD NOT WARRANTY IT AND I HAD TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT. THIS WEEK I NOTICED ANOTHER OF THE WHEELS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I HAVE NOT HIT ANY MAJOR POT HOLES, CURBS OR ANYTHING ELSE. MY TRUCK IS NOT A WORK TRUCK OR USED FOR MUDDING OR OFF ROAD, IT IS A PAVEMENT PRINCESS DRIVEN BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. I AM WORRIED THERE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THAT THE WHEELS ARE NOT SAFE.
2016-06-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTNX21L23E
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF MOTOR AND BREAKING COIL CAUSING IT TOO LEAK FUEL VAPORS OUT POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THREE DIFFERENT CERTIFIED MECHANICS HAVE ADVISED THIS IS CAUSED TO DEFECT IN THE ALUMINUM HEADS FROM FACTORY NOT HAVING ENOUGH THREADS CAUSING THE SPARK PLUG TO BLOW OUT. POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR FIRE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS ADDRESSED AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WE HAD A SMALL ENGINE FIRE CAUSING SLIGHT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED.
2016-02-09
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-04
- VIN: 1FTNX20F83E
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE VEHICLE SPEED FUNCTION WOULD NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SWITCH BECAME HOT AND FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
2015-12-13
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-09
- VIN: 1FTNW20L13E
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 5.4 LITER MOTOR BLOWS SPARK PLUGS OUT OF THE ENGINE, BECAUSE SOME MORON AT FORD DESIGNED AN ENGINE WITH 2 OR 3 THREADS PER PLUG PORT ON ALUMINUM HEADS. FORD IS PAYING A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT FOR MODEL YEARS 2004 - 2008, BUT MINE IS A 2003. THANKS FOR THE SCREW-JOB, FORD.
2015-06-23
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-12
- VIN: 1HD1BYB423Y
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT WHILE ACELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. A SMELL OF UNBURNT FUEL WAS PRESENT WHILE DRIVING TO FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR.
2015-05-14
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-01
- VIN: 1FTNX21S63E
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 1 OF THE TANK STRAPS BUSTED OFF AND THE TANK BEGAN SAGGING AND ALMOST TOUCHING THE GROUND, THUS CAUSING A SEVERE FIRE HAZARD.
2015-05-12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-05
- VIN: 1FTNX21P93E
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY SMOKE RESULTING IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V553000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO FIRE, JUST EXCESSIVE PRESSURE IN THE CRANKCASE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BLOW OIL OUT THE GLOW PLUG. UPDATED 03/31/16.*JB
2014-11-05
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-05
- VIN: 1FTNF20L33E
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN TO DRIVE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,919.
2014-08-20
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-01
- VIN: 1FTNW21P43E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ULTRA ALL RANGE TIRES, LINE SIZE: P235/85/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING ALL THE TIRES, HE NOTICED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS WEARING PREMATURELY AND HAD STARTED SEPARATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,151. THE VEHICLE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 03/17/15*LJ UPDATED 08/25/2017*CT
2014-07-28
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-01
- VIN: 1FTNW20F83E
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 2003 FORD F-250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY STALL AND RE-START, DUE TO VEHICLE MOMENTUM, BUT IT STALLED COMING TO A LOW RPM IDLE, OR STOP. WHEN IT STALLED, IT GAVE NO CODE WARNINGS OR DASH LIGHT INDICATOR. HE RESET THE IGNITION KEY AND RE-STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE CONSUMER DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY MORE PROBLEMS. *JB
2014-01-14
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTNW21F23E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING FIVE O CLOCK TRAFFIC AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN CRASHING INTO EACH OTHER. I PRESSED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AND SUDDENLY THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND I SMASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TODAY THE AUTO SHOP HANDLING THE REPAIRS CALLED ME IN TO LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED. THE MASTER CYLINDER BROKE COMPLETELY FREE FROM THE BOOSTER. THE METAL BRACKETS BROKE IN HALF AND SEPARATED CAUSING THE LOSE OF BRAKES AND THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER BLOWN AWAY FROM THE BOOSTER. *TR
2013-09-04
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-04
- VIN: 1FTNX21P73E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TRUCK IS LIGHTLY USED. TODAY I HOOKED UP THE HORSE TRAILER TO HAUL HORSES AND WHEN I WAS HEADED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND USED THE BRAKES THEY COMPLETELY FAILED. I ENGAGED THE TOW MODE ON THE TRANSMISSION AND USED THE E-BRAKE TO STOP. THERE WAS NO WARNING JUST BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR FAILURE. IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED 2 MINUTES LATER I WOULD OF BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THERE WAS A LARGE LEAK ON THE MAIN BRAKE LINE ABOVE THE REAR FUEL TANK. I INSPECTED THE MAIN BRAKE LINE AND EVERY PLACE THE BRAKE LINE IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME THERE IS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINE . 2 INCHES FROM THE ATTACHMENT THE BRAKE LINE LOOKS BRAND NEW. LOOKS LIKE THE ENGINEERS USED A DISSIMILAR METAL AND CAUSED A CORROSION CELL. 10 YEAR OLD TRUCK AND I AM SPENDING $800.00 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MAIN BRAKE LINE. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ON A $50,000 TRUCK SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. DEALER SAYS HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY FAILURE. *JB
2013-07-24
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-19
- VIN: 1FTNW20P13E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THREAD SEPARATION , THIS IS THE SECOND BFG TIRE THAT HAS SEPARATED REFER TO ODI NUMBER 10508448. *TR
2013-05-28
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-05
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 228,000. *TR
2013-04-16
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-13
- VIN: 1FTNW20P13E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE AT THE STEEL BELTS. *TR
2012-10-31
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTNW21P53E
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. A CHEMICAL BURNING ODOR EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND WHENEVER THE FUEL TANK LEVEL REGISTERED QUARTER OF A TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE FUEL TANK LINING WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
2012-10-15
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-11
- VIN: 1FTNF21L13E
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SEVERELY.THE CONTACT PERFORMED A THOROUGH INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE FRONT STRAP WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE SECOND STRAP WAS PARTIALLY HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000.
2012-09-25
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-09-18
- VIN: 1FTNX21F43E
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CLUTCH FAILED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING HAD FAILED AND THE ROD WAS DETACHED FROM THE CLUTCH. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE DEALER, PURCHASED A NEW BUSHING AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE RECENT FAILURE WAS THE SECOND CLUTCH FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58,000. UPDATED 10/24/12 *CN UPDATED 11/9/2012 *JS
2012-06-12
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-08
- VIN: 1FTNW21P03E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH 2012, ON MY 2003 FORD F250, THE FRONT LEFT (DRIVERS SIDE) TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE TIRE IS A DICK CEPEK FUN COUNTRY 2 PURCHASED IN JULY 2007. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE TIRE HAD 60,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS PROPERLY INFLATED, THERE WAS ADEQUATE TREAD ON IT. MY 15 1/2 YEAR OLD SON, WHO HAS HIS PERMIT, WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, BUT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE ENOUGH TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND REMOVE THE TRUCK FROM THE ROADWAY; WE WERE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH AT THE TIME. THE TIRE SIZE IS 315/75/16. *TR
2012-06-06
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-15
- VIN: 1FTNX21L43E
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 80 MPH WHEN THE SMELL OF FUEL EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE STEEL FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,780.
2012-05-03
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-08
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE PITMAN ARM. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (16515) FOR THE PITMAN ARM AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
2011-11-28
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-14
- VIN: 1FTNX21F83E
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS 7.3 LITER DIESEL ENGINE AND THE FORD 4R100 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT ABOUT 88,000 MILES DESPITE PROPER SERVICING SINCE NEW. IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STOP SHIFTING IN NORMAL USE AND BEGAN TO SLIP BADLY. ONLY SECOND GEAR WAS STILL WORKING WHEN I GOT IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE ($3500+). THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION FAILED IN A SIMILAR WAY AT ABOUT 135,000 MILES DESPITE BEING SERVICED AS REQUIRED BY THE DEALER. THEY ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN A VALVE BODY FOR THIS TROUBLESOME ASSEMBLY AND IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR NEARLY TWO WEEKS. THIS MODEL OF TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE TOWING AND LOSE ENGINE BRAKING DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. FORD NO LONGER USES THIS TRANSMISSION AS IT HAS A HIGH FAILURE RATE. THE BODY HAS RUSTED THROUGH AT ONE OF THE CAB CORNERS AND OVER BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS. FORD REPAIRED THE RUST THROUGH ONCE UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE RUST THROUGHS CONTINUE AND HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE AND PROTECTION OF IT'S OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. A RUSTED BODY WOULD NOT PROTECT OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS AN AN UNRUSTED ONE. *KB
2011-09-21
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-12
- VIN: 1FTNW21F23E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F250 SD WITH BIG O BIG FOOT HT TIRES, SIZE LT265/75R16, DOT NUMBER: UPW8T264005. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THREE OF THE TIRES EXHIBITED TREAD SEPARATION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE WAS 948. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,988. UPDATED 10/04/11*BF
2003 Ford F-250 sd recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2003 Ford F-250 sd.
2011-07-13
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: 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.
2009-10-13
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
- Remedy: 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.
2007-12-17
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: WHEELS:HUB
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
- Consequence: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
2007-12-05
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: 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.
2007-03-06
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: 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)
2006-03-23
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Ford F-250 sd problems:
Having problems with my 03 Ford F250 XL Super Duty. its the 5.4 v8 ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ford/comments/16oa2oc/having_problems_with_my_03_ford_f250_xl_super/
Sep 21, 2023 ... Absolutely be careful pulling those spark plugs out, those engines are known for having weak spark plug threads. It's a common enough issue ...
Q&A: 2003 F250 5.4 Engine Problems - Ford Super Duty
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May 1, 2019 ... Might as well start with the filter. But The problem is likely the fuel pump. You could check for power to the fuel pump and verify if that is ...
2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2003-ford-f-250-super-duty/problems
Problem with your 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty? Our list of 14 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty.
2003 f250 v10 Problems. Myths? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1139454-2003-f250-v10-problems-myths.html
Feb 14, 2012 ... Most people have had wonderful experiences with these engines. I should have known that the Chevy forum would throw it WAY out of proportion.
Q&A: 2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/7jadm-husband-2005-ford-f-250-super-duty-5-4l-built.html
Feb 2, 2013 ... Ford is still investigating “engine performance issues” with the same diesel engine model in its 2003 truck line. The Federal Government reports ...
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