2003 Ford F-250 SD

178 federal complaints (229 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 87 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 36 model years of the Ford F-250 SD →
EPA economy
Not rated (heavy-duty)
Federal complaints
178
Recall campaigns
4
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
80
Power train
20
Tires
19
Steering
16
Fuel system
15
Electrical system
14
Suspension
12
Brakes
12
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 46 complaints01 years old: 18 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 19 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 13 complaints56 years old: 8 complaints7 years old: 25 complaints8 years old: 8 complaints9 years old: 6 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 174 of 178 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 43 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 18 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 20 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 19 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 19 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 9 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 8 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 147 of 178 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

80 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

20 complaint records1 crash report
"ON GOING PROBLEMS WILL STALL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAN'T PULL ACROSS INTERSECTION LOSS OF POWER TRANS WILL SHIFT OR NOT STEERING ALL OVER ROAD SMOKES BADDLY WHEN STARTED..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Tires

19 complaint records
"THE TIRE LOST ITS TREAD DOING GREAT DAMAGE TO THE SIDE OF MY TRUCK. THE TIRE DID NOT LOOSE AIR, IT WAS STILL PROPERLY INFLATED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE OF MY ORIGINALS TO LOOSE THE TREAD. THE FIRST ONE DAMAGED MY FRONT FENDER. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse tires parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA06012
opened Jun 2006
closed Dec 2007Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE STALLING - led to recall 07V553000
IN A DECEMBER 3, 2007 LETTER, FORD ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE CAM POSITION SENSOR (CPS) IN APPROXIMATELY 1.2 MILLION SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ADDRESS REPORTS OF ENGINE STALLING.A NEW DESIGN CPS WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND...
DP05005
opened Sep 2005
closed Jan 2006Engine And Engine CoolingSPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE...
EA05003
opened Feb 2005
closed Nov 2005Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE STALLING - led to recall 05V270000
IN A JUNE 7, 2005 LETTER, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 180,000 FORD F-SUPER DUTY, EXCURSION AND E-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES TO CORRECT TWO WIRING RELATED CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN...
PE04070
opened Oct 2004
closed Feb 2005Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE STALLING
TWENTY FIVE OF THE ODI FAILURE REPORTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF FORD COMPLAINTS.TWENTY ODI REPORTS DO NOT CONTAIN A VIN (AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE DUPLICATIVE OF FORD REPORTS).THE 14 ALLEGED CRASHES AND 2 ALLEGED INJURIES WERE ALL MINOR.SUBMITTED DURING PRELIMINARY...
EA04006
opened Feb 2004
closed Feb 2005Vehicle Speed ControlACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC)
FAILURE COUNTS FROM ODI?S ANALYSIS ARE STATED ABOVE; SEE THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCE DISCUSSION IN THE SUMMARY REPORT.FORD DATA CONTAINED DUPLICATIVE REPORTS FOR 4 ODI COMPLAINTS AND 1 CRASH.THREE CRASHES WERE ALLEGEDLY DUE TO INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
11V352000Exterior LightingFORD 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...Normally free
09V399000Vehicle Speed ControlFORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY...Normally free
07V553000Engine And Engine CoolingON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.Normally free
07V078000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2005028
2005-02-14
Electrical304,417On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SSM 51909
Sep 2023
Power TrainWhen performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable.
RFI20210210_624-
Feb 2021
Power TrainThis SKU is a Transmission Line. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the connector. The transmission line connector may have an incorrect thread size, which will prevent it from being installed.
DOR-C2C6H-02
Jan 2020
EquipmentThis SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment.
DOR-U2J7Y-02
Jan 2020
EquipmentThis SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment.
SSM 48157
Sep 2019
Electrical SystemSome 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DOR-B8H4Z-11
Oct 2018
SteeringThis SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly.
ASI-44534
May 2014
Power TrainFORD: WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN PARK, REVERSE AND/OR DURING 2-3 SHIFT, AN INTERMITTENT CLUNK OCCURS WITH A TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION. MODEL 2003-2014 F-SUPER DUTY, E SERIES, EXCURSION, F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS, LOW CAB FORWARD. *PE
ASI-44404
Feb 2014
Power TrainFORD: ON SOME TRUCKS, THERE IS A NO CRANK SITUATION AND IF VOLTAGE ON TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR AT PIN 21, IS LESS THAN 5 VOLTS, DISCONNECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CLUTCH, ELECTRONICALLY, AND RECHECK VOLTAGE. MODEL 2003-2007 F SUPER DUTY, 2004-2010 E SERIES, 2003-2005 EXCURSION.
ASI-44408
Feb 2014
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityFORD: THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) WHEN USING VCM II, WOULD HAVE AN ERROR CODE 35 AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1035, AND DIFFICULTY ATTEMPTING PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION (PMI). MODEL 2001-2004 F-SUPER DUTY. *PE
LP-09L02
Dec 2013
TiresFORD TRUCKS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS AND OSCILLATIONS AFTER TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD. MODELS 2006 F-250/350 SUPER DUTY 4X4. *PE UPDATED 7/22/09.
20228
Apr 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling1999-2008 7.3L/6.0L/6.4L/4.5L DIESEL F-SUPER DUTY - CLEAN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) SYSTEM AFTER CERTAIN TURBO OR ENGINE FAILURES - SERVICE TIP. *NJ
08-2-11
Mar 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling6.0L TURBOCHARGER CARBON DEPOSIT DIAGNOSTICS AND SERVICE TIPS. *NJ UPDATED 5/29/08. *NJ
20052
Nov 2007
Power Train1999-2008 F250-F550 SUPER DUTY 4X4 WITH ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE NOT ENGAGING 4X4. *NJ
07219
Oct 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling6.0L--MIL ON--P0401, P0402, P0404, P1335--LACK OF POWER OR SURGE WITH SOME 2003-2007 F-SUPER DUTY, 2003-2005 EXCURSION AND 2004-2008 E-SERIES VEHICLES. *NJ
19728
Apr 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingLACK OF POWER DUE TO LOW FUEL PRESSURE - FUEL TANK LINER SEPERATION. *KB
19614
Feb 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingAIR FILTER WATER INGESTION / SNOW PACKING WITH CODES P0103. *KB
19621
Feb 2007
Fuel SystemLACK OF POWER DUE TO LOW FUEL PRESSURE, FUEL TANK LINER SEPERATION. *KB
19356
Sep 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingDRIVEABILITY ISSUES AND/OR DTC P132B, P006A IMMEDIATELY AFTER REPROGRAMMING. *KB
19375
Sep 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingWATCH FOR OIL FLOW FROM THE BASE ENGINE OIL PUMP. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6.0L DIESEL ENGINE. *KB
19247
Jun 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingOIL FLOW FROM THE BASE ENGINE OIL PUMP. *KB
0617
Apr 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingVOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL 06E17 SUPPLEMENT #1: CONTROL MODULE RECALIBRATION. CORROSION MAY EXIST AT THE ELECTRODE SURFACE ON THE EXHAUST PRESSURE (EP) SENSOR; FUEL DELIVERY TIMING DURING COLD WEATHER MAY NOT BE OPTIMAL; AND/OR EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM OPERATION AT...
04194
Jan 2006
Electrical SystemWATER-IN-FUEL (WIF) LAMP. *TT
051511
Jan 2006
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR TRAILER TOW LIGHTS OR NO POWER DUE TO OPEN FUSE. *TT
052623
Jan 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLANT DEGAS BOTTLE OVERFLOW - 6.0L. *TT
06310
Jan 2006
Electrical SystemWATER-IN-FUEL (WIF) LAMP ON. *TT
052625
Jan 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingMISFIRE, LACK OF POWER, BUCK/JERK, EXCESSIVE SMOKE OR CRANK/NO START. *TT
04227
Oct 2005
Power TrainDRIVE AWAY SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *EH
05188
Oct 2005
VisibilitySERVICE KIT AVAILABLE FOR WIPER MOTOR WIRING. *TT
051713
Oct 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLANT DEGAS BOTTLE OVERFLOW. *TT
05174
Oct 2005
VisibilityVACUUM PUMP INOPERATIVE OR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY - CLIMATE CONTROL DEFAULTS TO DEFROST MODE. *TT
18822
Sep 2005
Power TrainTORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION - INTERMITTENT CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE GEAR OR DRIVE GEAR TO PARK. MULTIPLE VEHICLES. FORD OASIS. TO INCLUDE 2006 FORD F-53. *TT
18735
Jul 2005
Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT - CHASSIS CAB INCOMPLETE VEHICLES. *TT
042421
Jun 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
18694
Jun 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLACK OF POWER AND/OR DTC P2263 OR P0299 AFTER TURBOCHARGER REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
18525
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingBUCK/JERK, LACKS POWER, BLACK SMOKE, ROLLING IDLE, SURGE, MIL ON, AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P2263, P0299, OR P0401. *TT
18362
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLACK OF POWER OR RUNS ROUGH CONDITION, AND/OR THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH EGR RELATED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (P0401, P0402, P0403, P0404, P0405, OR P0406). *TT
05139
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingDIESEL EXHAUST SMELL IN CAB-6.0L ENGINE. *SC
05249
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLANT DEGAS BOTTLE OVERFLOW. *TT
042516
Dec 2004
Power TrainMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0756, P0761 OR P0771 AFTER OVERHAUL OR INSTALLATION OF 2005 TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04174
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
17406
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingLOW POWER, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, FUEL GELLING COLD, EXCESSIVE WHITE SMOKE COLD, OR HARD START. *MJ THIS OASIS UPDATES PREVIOUS OASIS DATED 12/01/03. *TT
17956
Aug 2004
Electrical SystemDTC U1262 (SCP COMMUNICATION BUS FAULT) STORED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC). *TT
17917
Jul 2004
Power TrainLOW/OSCILLATING LINE PRESSURE OR LOW/NO PTO TORQUE DUE TO INCOMPLETE PTO WIRING INSTALLATION. *TT
17944
Jul 2004
Fuel SystemKOEO INJECTOR SELF TEST ISSUES WHEN PERFORMING RETESTS OR MULTIPLE SELF TESTS USING ANY DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL. *TT
17869
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingAIR INDUCTION SYSTEM APPEARS TO BE WARPED AND/OR NOT SEALING. *TT
17885
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingLACK OF POWER AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2263 AFTER TURBOCHARGER REPLACEMENT. *TT
17784
May 2004
Electrical SystemDOOR AJAR LIGHT WORKING IMPROPERLY AFTER VEHICLE SECURITY MODULE REPLACEMENT. *TT
17822
May 2004
Power TrainMANUAL TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. *TT
17829
May 2004
Power TrainTRANSFER CASE SHIFT ISSUES ON VEHICLES WITH AN ELECTRONIC SHIFT ON THE FLY (ESOF) TRANSFER CASE. *TT
17683
Apr 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL LEAKS AT LOWER CRANKCASE. *TT
17701
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2263. *TT
17704
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemDRIVEABILITY CONCERNS AND SET DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P2614 AND P2617. *TT
17716
Apr 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingBELT NOISE. *TT
17727
Apr 2004
Power TrainCLUNK OR POP ON INITIAL ENGAGEMENT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH. VARIOUS MODLES INCLUDING 2004 ECONOLINE. *TT
032150
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingHIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP LEAK ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINE. *TT
17566
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingTURBO MOAN/DRONE NOISE AND TACTILE VIBRATION BETWEEN 1500-2000 RPM. *TT
17567
Feb 2004
Power TrainPCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE)/FICM/TCM REPROGRAMMING ERRORS. *TT
17568
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingNORMAL EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION) OPERATION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
17569
Feb 2004
Electrical SystemNO CRANK/NO START WITH LOW TR-P VOLTAGE. *TT

Showing 60 of 87 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ford F-250 SD →