2003 Ford F-150 recalls and problems
The 2003 Ford F-150 has 4 safety recalls and 424 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford F-150 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Ford F-150 recalls
Recall 11V-385: Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
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.
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
Recall 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control
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.
Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.
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.
Recall 07V-078: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Risk: Overheating could result in smoke, burn, or an underhood fire.
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)
Recall 03V-349: Steering
Problem: On certain pickup trucks, the pitman arm to steering gear retaining nut was not fully tightened to the required specification.
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.
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.
2003 Ford F-150 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 71 | |
| Power Train | 63 | |
| Electrical System | 48 | |
| Structure | 35 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 32 | |
| Air Bags | 29 | |
| Engine | 28 | |
| Tires | 21 | |
| Unknown or Other | 20 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 20 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 20 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 20 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 23
- Structure › Body — 17
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
- Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 10
- Structure › Body › Door — 8
- Power Train › Axle Assembly — 7
- Visibility › Windshield — 7
- Air Bags › Frontal — 6
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Ford F-150 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-150: 11V-385 (fuel system, gasoline), 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 07V-078 (vehicle speed control), 03V-349 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford F-150?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (71 reports), followed by power train (63). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.