2003 Ford F-250 SD recalls and problems

4 recalls and 178 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford F-250 SD.

4
recalls
178
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
10
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-250 SD recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights · Exterior lighting: tail lights

NHTSA campaign 11V352000 · reported July 13, 2011 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 26,715 vehicles potentially affected

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 speed control

NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel

NHTSA campaign 07V553000 · reported December 5, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,176,000 vehicles potentially affected

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.

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)

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.

Jul 10, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system · 49,000 miles

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…

Nov 11, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 113,000 miles

THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED WHILE TRAVELING ON A STATE HIGHWAY.

Dec 14, 2016 · Wheels · 120,000 miles

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…

Jun 1, 2016 · Electrical system · 160,000 miles · fire reported

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…

Feb 9, 2016 · Vehicle speed control · 85,000 miles

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…

F-250 SD model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 22331525
2001 22881019
2002 32451218
2003 4178610
2004 22541312
2005 329566
2006 127454

Across all years, the 2019 F-250 SD has the most complaints (1,165). All Ford F-250 SD years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford F-250 SD have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-250 SD, the most recent reported on July 13, 2011 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-250 SD?
Owners have filed 178 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (72 complaints), followed by power train (20).
How many 2003 Ford F-250 SD complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 178 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 10, 2019.