2003 Ford F-350 recalls and problems

The 2003 Ford F-350 has 2 safety recalls and 90 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
90
Crashes / fires
11 / 8
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford F-350 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Ford F-350 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-350 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling19
Vehicle Speed Control13
Electrical System11
Tires7
Engine7
Steering6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Air Bags4
Unknown or Other4
Power Train4
Fuel System, Diesel3

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 6
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 3
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,000 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-350 complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Jul 13, 2026
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
Electrical System · reported Sep 20, 2021
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
Service Brakes · at 110,000 miles · reported Jan 5, 2021
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 f-350 6.0 diesel failed. When that happens the engine stops. The high pressure oil pump provides needed pressure to the injectors in order to have a running engine. Being parked and the hpop failing is one thing however driving 55mph on a 2 lane highway against oncoming traffic on…
Engine · at 160,000 miles · reported Nov 12, 2019
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 truck in 2015 and its been in shop 7 different times.
Exterior Lighting · at 123,000 miles · reported Jul 16, 2019
My dome and running board lights on my 2003 ford f350 super duty, 4 door truck, stay on when I AM driving and when the vehicle is turned off and locked. Also while driving, the dash vehicle light is red showing that all 4 doors are open. Ican be parked or moving, the lights stay on. Both my batteries drain. So I hav to carry jumper cables.

Other Ford F-350 years

Compare all Ford F-350 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Ford F-350 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-350: 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-350?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (19 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,000 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.