2003 Ford Ford truck problems

General information about Ford-Ford truck
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

History

The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.

The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.

The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).

Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.

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Common 2003 Ford Ford truck problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the 2003 Ford F-150 truck as reported by owners:

Automatic Transmission: Problems with the TR/MLP sensor can cause the transmission to fall out of alignment, resulting in engine flare when shifting into fourth gear. This issue has been reported in 1994-1995 models, with similar flare-up problems in 1990-1993 models between the second and third gears.

Ball Joints: 1990-1996 Ford F-150s have been susceptible to premature ball joint failure due to water exposure. Owners are advised to replace the ball joints if exposed to water to prevent premature wear.

Hard Starting: Owners of 1990-1996 models have reported hard-starting issues attributed to faulty harness wiring in the power control module. Symptoms include vehicular stalling, hesitation, and failure to start. Additionally, hard-starting in 1995 and 1996 models has been linked to a stuck idle air control valve.

Suspension Problems: Front suspension issues have been reported in 1991 to 1994 Ford trucks due to weak leaf springs. To address this problem, owners are advised to replace the weak leaf springs with newer, stronger ones.

These common problems highlight key issues that owners of the 2003 Ford F-150 truck have faced, ranging from spark plug ejection to transmission and suspension issues. Addressing these problems promptly can help maintain the performance and longevity of the vehicle.

What problems does a 2003 F150 have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Climate System. AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage. ...
Noises And Leaks. ...
Electrical Accessories. ...
In-car Electronics. ...
Drive System. ...
Body Hardware. ...
Fuel System/Emissions. ...
Brakes.

Is the 2003 Ford F150 a reliable truck?

Very dependable vehicle

I purchased the 2003 F150 FX4 in July and the truck has been everything I knew it would be. I have owned about 5 Ford trucks before and none have ever let me down. All vehicles require maintenance and the occasional repair, but I ahve never been left stranded.

How many miles will a 2003 Ford F150 last?

But, how long does a Ford F-150 last? A Ford F-150 is expected to last around 200,000 miles when properly cared for. Since the average driver clocks in about 12,000 miles per year, this comes out to roughly 17 years.

What year F-150 has engine problems?

What year F-150 has engine problems? If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.

What is the biggest problem with Ford trucks?

10speed transmission. It's a learning transmission. And so it adjusts to your driving. Needs. And so that causes some problems as well.

Is the 2003 Ford F-150 a reliable truck?

Very dependable vehicle

What problems does a 2003 F150 have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Climate System. AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage. ...
Noises And Leaks. ...
Electrical Accessories. ...
In-car Electronics. ...
Drive System. ...
Body Hardware. ...
Fuel System/Emissions. ...
Brakes.

What years were Ford trucks bad?

What Are the Best F-150 Models? The best Ford F-150 models years are 2019 - 2023, 2017, 2006 - 2009, 2003, and 1996. The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.

2003 Ford Ford truck car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Ford truck problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Air bags problems
Power train problems
Tires problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Latches/locks/linkages problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Ford Ford truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Ford Ford truck complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford Ford truck.

2021-04-01

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-03-15
Components: TIRES
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE: DISCOVER AT3, TIRE SIZE: 275/65/R18, DOT NUMBER: UTYJIM62518. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED, HE NOTICED A 2-INCH BLISTER ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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2008-01-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-01-15
VIN: 1FMFU18L03L
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: 2003 FORD EXPEDITION BLEW THE SPARK PLUG AND COIL. *TR

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2008-01-12

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-06-10
VIN: 1FMZU63KX3Z
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: I HAVE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER THAT LIKE SO MANY OTHERS HAS A CRACK(S) ON THE BACK TAILGATE RIGHT BELOW THE BACK GLASS. FORD MOTOR HAS TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. THERE ARE A LOT OF EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT EXTEND A RECALL ON IT. ISN'T THERE A SAFETY CONCERN THAT IF THE CRACKS KEEP GETTING LARGER (WHICH THEY WILL) THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF THE BACK GLASS BREAKING OR THE TAILGATE SPLITTING INTO? I, LIKE MANY OTHERS NEED SOME HELP FROM SOMEBODY IN ORDER TO MAKE FORD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DEFECTS AND CORRECT THEM. THANKS *TR

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2005-10-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-09-30
Number Of Injuries: 1
VIN: 1FMPU17L33L
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION TO MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, SEPT 30, 2005, AT 8 AM. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN WRECKED, HIT, OR IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE AIRBAG TO SUDDENLY & UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. FORD HAS TAKEN NO RESPONSIBILITY. IN FACT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS NOT YET CALLED US BACK (AFTER THEY TOLD US THEY WOULD CALL IN 2 DAY, THEN 7 DAYS, BUT NO RESPONSE YET.) THE FORD DEALERSHIP (WHO HAS THE TRUCK) HAS NOT TAKEN ANY ACTION EITHER. THE "REP" HAS STILL NOT SHOWN UP FROM MEMPHIS. FORD WILL NOT PROVIDE US A RENTAL CAR, DEMO, LOANER, ETC. WE ARE PAYING FOR THAT OUT OF POCKET. I ALSO PAID FOR MEDICAL BILLS OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE MY ARM WAS BURNED & BRUISED. FORD HAS BEEN TERRIBLE TO WORK WITH. THEY WILL NOT RESPOND, EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS SITTING IN ONE OF THEIR DEALERSHIPS. *NM

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2005-10-19

EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-10-19
VIN: 1FMFU16L13L
Components: EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: WATER LEAK WITNESSED BY SVC MGR & SERVICE WRITER, BUT THEY SAID THEIR SERVICE DEPT CANNOT FIND LEAK, THEREFORE THEY CANNOT REPAIR. $41K TRUCK IS BARELY 2 YRS OLD AND THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I BROUGHT TRUCK THERE BECAUSE OF LEAK. IN THE 2 YRS I OWNED IT, I'VE HAD 4 OTHER REPAIRS MADE ON OTHER ITEMS WHICH "WENT". THE A/C HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE, ALTHOUGH I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIR 3 TIMES. *JB

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2005-08-31

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-08-29
VIN: 1FMFU18L63L
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WITH LESS THAN 23,000 MILES ON MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION, I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT $500.00. MY BRAKES HAD RECENTLY BEGUN THE INFAMOUS SQUEALING SOUND, SO I BROUGHT IT IN FOR A LOOK. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT COURTESY FORD IN LITTLETON, COLORADO WOULD ONLY SAY THAT IT SEEMED KIND OF "EARLY" TO HAVE TO PERFORM THIS DEGREE OF MAINTENANCE ON MY BRAKE SYSTEM. HE WOULD ADMIT NO TREND WITH BRAKE PROBLEMS FOR FORD EXPEDITIONS. HOWEVER, I HAVE SINCE HAD A CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL THAT INCLUDED HER TELLING ME THAT SHE HAD A 2003 FORD EXPEDITION THAT NEEDED THE SAME SERVICE AT 15,000 MILES. I JUST BELIEVE THAT, AS WITNESSED BY THE LEVEL OF BRAKE DUST THAT THIS MODEL RELEASES ON AN ONGOING BASIS, SOMETHING IS OBVIOUSLY VERY SUSPICIOUS. I DO HOPE THAT NO ONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE, ETC. AND, BECAUSE I REMEMBER WELL FORD'S ACTIONS (OR LACK THEREOF) MANY YEARS AGO REGARDING THE FORD PINTO, I THOUGHT I'D BETTER DO MY BEST TO CREATE A RECORD OF MY CONCERN. *NM

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2005-08-22

AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-07-30
Number Of Injuries: 3
Crash: 1
VIN: 2FMZA57483B
Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
Summary: ON JULY 30, 2005,WE WERE TOTALLY STOPPED, WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN WE WERE STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A DRIVER GOING ABOUT 50 MPH (IN A 30 MPH ZONE). WE WERE IN A 2003 FORD WINDSTAR SPORT VAN WITH QUAD-CAPTIAN SEATS. OUR FRONT SEATS BOTH COLLAPSED BACKWARD AND MINE ON THE PASSENGER STRUCK OUR 9-YR OLD SON WHO WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. HE IS SMALL FOR HIS AGE. HE HAD A BUMP ON HIS FOREHEAD, AND HIS KNEE, AND STILL HAS MUSCLE PAIN IN THE THIGH OF THIS LEG. IF THERE HAD BEEN A FULL-SIZE ADULT SITTING BEHIND EITHER FRONT SEAT, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS INJURIES. AS IT IS, WE ALL THREE HAVE WHIPLASH AND ARE DEALING WITH A LOT OF PAIN. OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH IS NO GOOD SINCE THE SEATS COLLAPSED. AND, OF COURSE, EVEN THOUGH WE WERE SEAT-BELTED, OUR SHOULDER STRAP WAS STILL IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION WHEN WE WERE IN A PRONE POSITION WITH THE STOMACH PORTION OF THE STRAP STILL ACROSS US. I CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND SPOKE WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT ONLY SAID SHE HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING, AND THAT THE LOCAL FORD GARAGE WOULD MORE THAN LIKELY BE SENDING THEM A REPORT SINCE THEY ARE FIXING IT.

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2005-07-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-07-11
Crash: 1
VIN: 1FMFU18L23L
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: MY 2003 FORD EXPEDITION WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE SET. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND HIT A BUILDING. IT DAMAGED THE BUILDING AND THE VEHICLE(YET TO BE DETERMINED IN AMOUNT). TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. CALLED THE FORD SATISFACTION LINE AND THEY ARE LOOKING INTO IT. THE TRUCK SHOULD NOT ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE IN PARK. I WATCHED THE VEHICLE ROLL. I REFUSE TO PLACE MY 3 CHILDREN BACK IN THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE FIXED. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT IT WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL.

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2005-06-02

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-04-14
VIN: 1FTZR15E13T
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: DT: WHILE DRIVING THE FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH KEPT DISCONNECTING .. THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES, AND EVERYTHING WENT OUT, AND VEHICLE BARLEY GOT OFF ONTO THE SIDE OF ROAD. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER CHECKED THE SWITCH, CONNECTED IT, AND IT RAN FINE. THEN, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT IF IT WAS A FAULTY SWITCH.*AK

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2005-03-22

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-03-22
Components: WHEELS
Summary: ALL 4 RIMS ON MY 2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED HAD SEVERE CORROSION AROUND THE LUGS: NUTS AREA. CLEARLY A MAJOR DESIGN / QUALITY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO RIM PERFORMANCE ISSUES. FORD REPLACED THE RIMS UNDER MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRENTY, HOWEVER THE EXACT RIMS WERE PLACED BACK ON THE VEHICLE. FORD USES A NEWER RIM ON LATER MODEL EXPLORER LIMITED MODELS, CLEARLY THEY CHANGED VENDORS.*AK

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2003-12-01

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-11-28
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: AS A SAFETY MGR FOR 23 YEARS, & DEFENSIVE DRIVING INSTRUCTOR, I FEEL THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MANUFACTURING TRUCKS WITH SHINY, NON TEXTURED METAL FENDERS, BUMPERS, OR MUD FLAPS. WITH MOST TRUCKS SITTING HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE CAR, THESE BUMPERS, FENDERS, AND SOME MUD FLAPS ACT LIKE MIRRORS, REFLECTING HEADLIGHTS DIRECTLY BACK INTO THE EYES OF FOLLOWING CARS, USUALLY AT DIRECT EYE LEVEL. THERE IS NO SAFE DISTANCE TO BACK AWAY SUFFICIENTLY TO STOP THIS BLINDING GLARE. THE ONLY OPTION I HAVE FOUND IS TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO LET THEM GET SUFFICIENTLY FAR ENOUGH AHEAD AND PRAY ANOTHER TRUCK DOES NOT TURN IN FRONT OF YOU. I LIVE IN UTAH WHERE EVERY OTHER VEHICLE IS A TRUCK AND MANY OF THEM RAISED HIGH OFF THE GROUND. I FEEL STRONGLY THESE MIRRORED BUMPERS SHOULD BE PROHIBITED. THERE IS NO VALUE ADDED TO MIRRORING SUCH VEHICLE ACCESSORIES, HOWEVER THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL OTHER DRIVERS WHO MUST DRIVE BEHIND THESE TRUCKS. PLEASE TAKE ACTION TO RECALL, OR OTHERWISE OUTLAW MIRRORED ACCESSORIES!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ON THIS MATTER. *AK

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2002-11-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1FCNF535220
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND STRICK A GUARDRAIL (FORD DAYBRAKE 2003, OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *YH

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Ford Ford truck problems:

5.4l Common problems to look for? - Ford F150 Forum - Community ...

https://www.f150forum.com/f6/5-4l-common-problems-look-276752/

Oct 20, 2014 ... 1997 - 2003 Ford F150 - 5.4l Common problems to look for? - Hey guys, I got rid of my 5.4 2001 4X4 X-cab for something with better gas ...

Q&A: Common Problems with 2003 Ford F150 4.2L Engine

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/b6fdd-ron-2003-ford-f150-4-2l-runs.html

Apr 16, 2018 ... Jeff, This isa a fairly common problem on the 4.2 and in most cases it caused by leaking Orings in the upper pleanum. Ford came out ...

How to Troubleshoot and Fix F150 4X4 1997-2003 - Ford Truck ...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/929226-how-to-troubleshoot-and-fix-f150-4x4-1997-2003-a.html

Feb 10, 2010 ... It is a common problem apparently for these years of trucks to get water in the solenoids which then freezes and cracks them. Here is some good ...

2003 Ford F-150 Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2003-ford-f-150/problems

Top 2003 Ford F-150 Problems · little or no heat in cabin · Engine Runs Rough at Idle · TSB For Possible Ejection of Spark Plug From Cylinder Head · Updated ...