Does the 2003 Ford F-250 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-250, 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?

Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (24 complaints), followed by tires (20).

How many 2003 Ford F-250 complaints mention a crash or fire?

6 of 116 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Ford F-250 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 116 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford F-250.

recalls

116

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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 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.

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

NHTSA campaign 04V327000 · reported July 7, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 83,687 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 6.0l diesel engines, the engine ground stud that attaches the negative battery terminal eyelet to the engine block may be loose.
The 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 which could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine ground stud and the radio suppression strap and adjacent components will be inspected for damage and replaced, if necessary. The recall began on july 23, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Most reported problems

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

Engine and engine cooling24
Tires20
Electrical system13
Engine13
Power train12
Steering11
Service brakes8
Vehicle speed control8
Service brakes, hydraulic7
Suspension6

What owners report

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

Jun 30, 2026 · Structure
The customer purchased a vehicle from Metro Motors on May 8, 2026, after visiting the dealership three times and speaking with multiple sales representatives. During each visit, the customer specifically stated that the vehicle would be used to tow a trailer and repeatedly asked whether it was safe and suitable for…

May 1, 2025 · Engine · 171,000 miles
The contact owned a 2003 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving home, there was black smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the…

Oct 6, 2024 · Engine · fire reported
Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W

Feb 16, 2024 · Vehicle speed control · fire reported
Speed control sensor allows brake fluid leak through the plug connector and run down the wiring harness, allowing brake fluid to splash on the exhaust manifold and cause a fire.

Sep 29, 2022 · Electrical system · 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-250. The contact stated that both turn signals and the windshield wipers would intermittently fail to operate as needed. Over time, the failure worsened and the components failed to operate. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed him that there were no…

F-250 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	5	326	33	14
2001	4	220	16	24
2002	2	156	12	9
2003	2	116	6	8
2004	2	154	8	4
2005	3	144	3	3
2006	4	221	10	5

Across all years, the 2000 F-250 has the most complaints (326). All Ford F-250 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford F-250 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-250, 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?: Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (24 complaints), followed by tires (20).
How many 2003 Ford F-250 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 6 of 116 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 30, 2026.