2003 Ford F-150 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 423 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford F-150.

4
recalls
423
owner complaints
43
complaints mentioning a crash
37
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Ford F-150 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly, mounting

NHTSA campaign 11V385000 · reported July 29, 2011 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,100,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from june 20, 1995, through august 4, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Prolonged exposure to road deicing chemicals may cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps which secure the tank to the vehicle.
The risk
As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. Either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard.
The fix
Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. Early in this campaign, if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim repair or a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair. Any repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 11s21

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 07V336000 · reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
The risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 07V078000 · reported March 6, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 155,584 vehicles potentially affected

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)

Steering: gear box, shaft pitman

NHTSA campaign 03V349000 · reported September 22, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 300 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks, the pitman arm to steering gear retaining nut was not fully tightened to the required specification.
The risk
If the pitman arm to gearbox attachment nut loosens, a noise and a loose feel in the steering could occur. If the condition progressed and service was not sought, the nut could back off completely and the pitman arm could separate from the gear causing a loss of steering. If the warning is not heeded and steering is lost, a crash may result.
The fix
Dealers will tighten the pitman arm retaining nut to specifications. Owner notification began on october 1, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 18, 2026 · Electrical system · fire reported

I moved my vehicle from driveway to park on the street so my husband could park in the driveway. I then turned my vehicle off and roughly 2 hours later, a lady came screaming "fire fire fire!" I went to see where she was talking about and my truck was smoking under the hood, I then called the fire department and they…

Aug 4, 2026 · Tires · 277,144 miles

The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-150 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Firestone, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, there was a burning rubber odor coming from the outside of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the…

Jun 9, 2026 · Structure

UNKNOWN - however there were NO warning lights or any other indication of malfunction or to service the truck. I took the truck to an independent service center & they did a full inspection & I did receive an estimate for repairs.

Jan 28, 2026 · Unknown or other · fire reported

My husband was shoveling snow off of our vehicles and seen smoke coming from under the hood of his truck. When he opened the hood the truck was on fire on the right side. The truck was turned off when this happened. He threw snow on top of it to put the fire out and unplugged the battery to prevent further fire damage.

Sep 12, 2025 · Air bags · crash reported

Well the passenger side in front seat seat belt needs replaced due to getting stuck after front airbags in dash and steering wheel after deployment from barley tapping a vehicle in front of the truck

F-150 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 61,07581343
2001 81,23691248
2002 28215195
2003 44234337
2004 52,0297540
2005 31,1125029
2006 45855818

Across all years, the 2013 F-150 has the most complaints (2,992). All Ford F-150 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-150, the most recent reported on July 29, 2011 (Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly, mounting). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-150?
Owners have filed 423 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (69 complaints), followed by power train (62).
How many 2003 Ford F-150 complaints mention a crash or fire?
43 of 423 complaints report a crash and 37 a fire; 36 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 18, 2026.