Does the 2003 Ford F-350 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-350, 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-350?

Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (19 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (13).

How many 2003 Ford F-350 complaints mention a crash or fire?

11 of 90 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Ford F-350 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 90 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford F-350.

recalls

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-350 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 cooling19
Vehicle speed control13
Electrical system11
Engine7
Tires7
Steering6
Service brakes, hydraulic5
Air bags4
Fuel system, gasoline4
Power train4

What owners report

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

Jul 29, 2026 · Power train
When the 03 Ford F350 dually, is placed in Park, it will just roll away!

Jul 13, 2026 · Electrical system
I was under the truck working on it and the truck was on I had the emergency brake on and the truck went into reverse and ran me over

Sep 20, 2021 · Electrical system
The wires for the camshaft position sensor are failing just like they have in others models of the f series and cause the truck to suddenly die while driving. There was already a recall in place but it doesn't cover this vin and so I would like to request the recall be extended to this trucks vin

Jan 5, 2021 · Service brakes · 110,000 miles
AS I AM SURE YOU MUST BE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE: I PURCHASED USED A 2003 FORD -F350. I HAD MANY ISSUES AND HAD WORKED MOST OF THEM OUT. THERE WERE MANY ISSUES THAT WERE POSSIBLE I WAS CLEARLY UNAWARE OF. ONE BEING OF UTMOST SAFETY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. MY HIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP LOCATED INSIDE THE ENGINE OF MY 2003 FORD…

Nov 12, 2019 · Engine · 160,000 miles
JUST DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 41 AND IT JUST STOPPED. ENGINE WENT DEAD. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD AND TRIED STARTING AGAIN AND IT WOULDNT START. HAD TO GET IT TOWED. ITS BEEN IN SHOP FOR 20 DAYS. NEEDS A NEW FUEL TANK BECAUSE THE INNER LINING IS PEELING AND PARTICLES ARE GOING THROUGH ENGINE! NEED HELP I PURCHASED THIS…

F-350 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	4	304	36	9
2001	5	160	21	11
2002	2	116	11	7
2003	2	90	11	8
2004	2	159	13	5
2005	3	114	4	3
2006	3	145	11	4

Across all years, the 2000 F-350 has the most complaints (304). All Ford F-350 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford F-350 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-350, 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-350?: Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (19 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (13).
How many 2003 Ford F-350 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 11 of 90 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 7 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 29, 2026.