2003 Ford F-250 recalls and problems

The 2003 Ford F-250 has 2 safety recalls and 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
116
Crashes / fires
6 / 8
Injuries / deaths
4 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford F-250 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Ford F-250 recalls

Recall 11V-352: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 13, 2011 · 26,715 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Recall 04V-327: Electrical System

Reported Jul 7, 2004 · 83,687 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

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.

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.

2003 Ford F-250 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling24
Tires20
Electrical System13
Power Train13
Engine13
Steering11
Vehicle Speed Control8
Service Brakes8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Suspension6
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Structure5

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 4
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 3
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 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-250 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Jun 30, 2026
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 towing. The sales staff consistently represented that the vehicle was in good working condition, had low mileage, showed no significant issues on the Carfax report, and would be an excellent vehicle for towing. The customer was discouraged from test driving the vehicle because it…
Engine · at 171,000 miles · reported May 1, 2025
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 vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate…
Engine · reported Oct 6, 2024
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
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Feb 16, 2024
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.
Electrical System · at 140,000 miles · reported Sep 29, 2022
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 recalls on the vehicle. the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Other Ford F-250 years

Compare all Ford F-250 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford F-250 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-250: 11V-352 (exterior lighting), 04V-327 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford F-250?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (24 reports), followed by tires (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 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.