2003 Ford F-250

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 116 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

79 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires12
101
Engine10
010
Engine and Engine Cooling8
000
Electrical System8
030
Tires › Tread/Belt5
100
Steering5
100
Service Brakes5
101
Power Train › Automatic Transmission5
000
Structure › Body4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine4
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights11V352000
Filed Jul 13, 201126,715 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Equipment › Electrical07E066000
Filed Aug 28, 2007175 vehiclesCequent Electrical Products

Defect. CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Risk. IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy. ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E052000
Filed Jun 12, 200614,616 vehiclesSabry Lee, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.

Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery04V327000
Filed Jul 7, 200483,687 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 30, 2026NE

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 was low on fuel, and sales staff stated that the only reason it had not sold was the snowplow attached to the front. Immediately after taking possession of the vehicle on May 8, the customer experienced a serious issue with the electronic parking brake repeatedly engaging while driving. The customer contacted Metro Motors on the next business day and was instructed by the manager, Nate, to bring the vehicle back. Metro Motors later determined that the parking brake cable was broken and that the brakes were in poor condition. After discussions, the dealership agreed to perform repairs if the customer paid for the parts. After the repairs were completed, the customer noticed smoke coming from the wheels and immediately returned the vehicle to Metro Motors. The dealership retained the vehicle but failed to communicate the nature of the problem or any repair costs until notifying the customer

Engine
Filed May 1, 2025171,000 milesOH

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 failure mileage was 171,000.

EngineFire
Filed Oct 6, 2024PA

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 ControlFire
Filed Feb 16, 2024OK

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
Filed Sep 29, 2022140,000 milesMD

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 30, 2022CT

Fuel tank straps corrode causing fuel tank to fall off A recall was issued for other similar ford trucks, but this model was not included

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 19, 2022NC

When the truck accelerates and reaches about 40-5mph the truck begins to wobble sideways. This wobbling sensation shakes the steering wheel violently and as the speed increases so does the shake. I have not had the truck over 65mph as it becomes unmanageable and is very hard to keep in its lane. The tyres are wearing funny as a result. All 4 wheels are wearing a band around both the inside and outside of the tyres.

Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2022TX

I have been trying to get the exhaust manifold bolts replaced by several machine shops and did my own checking on the Ford F-250 Web site and everyone tells me the same thing! Ford knows about the problem but is doing nothing to correct! I have finally found a shop that will fix the broken exhaust manifold blots ! But I would like to know what ford truly knows about this problem . To get it fixed they have to replace all the bolts do to the bolts being so rusted ! Now I only have 121, + miles on my2003 and with the bolts broken it starts admitting gas fumes into the cab . I did check your site and could only find but 1 complaint , so if this is an issue with the exhaust manifold bolts braking and all the ford forums are full of complaints where are they being filed at on your site ? And I do believe it is an issue because I have spoken to 5 different shoppes and 1 ford dealer , they all say the same thing SORRY but it is your problem ! ford knows but will not do anything about it ! I am having mine put in the shop for repairs on the week of 7 Feb 2022 , now that I found someone I could afford! I had quotes from I will not do the work because it is a V10 to $1000.00 per bolt please address this ! It won’t help me but maybe it will hold ford accountable for the product !

Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 202092,000 milesFL

DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS DO NOT WORK

Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2019CA

I HAVE PAID OVER $6.000 DOLLARS TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO FIX MY TRUCK JUST TO HAVE THEM TELL ME THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, ITS A DESIGN FLAW FROM FORD THAT CAN NOT BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I HAVE BEEN LIED TO, STRONG ALONG, CALLS NOT RETURNED AND SO ON. THE DESIGN FLAW HAS TO DO WITH THE EGR. AND TODAY ITS SEEMS THE 3RD NEW TURBO STOPPED WORKING AND THE MOTOR HAS STARTED TO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION. THIS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND EVEN THOUGH FORD KEPT TELLING ME THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME, NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. WHEN THE TURBO FAILED AS I WAS TRYING TO GET ONTO THE FREEWAY I HAD NO POWER AND NEARLY WAS REAR ENDED BY AN 18 WHEELER WHO WAS EXTREMELY ANGRY. I HAD TO STAY OFF THE FREEWAY ON OTHER ROADS TILL I COULD GET HOME. THE TRUCK DEVELOPED A BAD VIBRATION AND I WAS NOT SURE I WOULD GET IT HOME. IF I WOULD HAD BEEN TOLD BY FORD THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN OF THE DESIGN FLAW AND THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX IT, I WOULD HAVE NEVER POURED SO MUCH MONEY INTO IT. IT IS A LEMON AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE AND RESEARCHED THIS TRUCK. I FOUND OUT FORD NEW OF THIS DESIGN FLAW AND THAT THEIR CUSTOMERS WOULD HAVE THESE PROBLEMS BUT RELEASED THE TRUCK TO US ANYWAY. I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO PUT ANY MORE MONEY INTO THIS TRUCK, I CAN'T FIX IT, I CAN'T SELL IT, AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. WHEN I FOUND OUT I WAS LIED TO AND CAUGHT THEM AND SAID, I NOW YOU HAVE BEEN LYING TO ME AND I DO NOT TRUST YOU, I WAS LABELED A

Engine
Filed Oct 2, 201972,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PENSKE FORD (LOCATED AT 8970 LA MESA BLVD, LA MESA, CA 91942, (619) 464-7777), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 11, 2019144,287 milesIN

BRAKE LINES COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS THE SECONDED TIME.

Tires
Filed Jan 11, 2019WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN KO TIRES, SIZE: 265/75/16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. THE TIRE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER (DISCOUNT TIRE, 11881 MAGNOLIAM AVE, RIVERSIDE, CA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN, DOT NUMBER, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jan 11, 2019WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN KO-II TIRES, SIZE: 265/75/16. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (DISCOUNT TIRE, 11881 MAGNOLIAM AVE, RIVERSIDE, CA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE DOT NUMBER, VIN, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 28, 201860,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUEL STRAPS, WHICH FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO HANG. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11S21, ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 26, 201823,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A DRAGGING NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEANING TO THE GROUND. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED OLIVER FORD-LINCOLN (1001 E JEFFERSON ST, PLYMOUTH, IN 46563, (800) 448-8292) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 15, 2018155,000 milesCA

MY FRONT END SHAKES IT'S NOT THE HIGH SPEED WOBBLE MY TRAILER BRAKES THEY DO NOT WORK I'M BLOWING FUSES IN MY FUSE BOX VIA TRAILER MY TRUCK MAKES A MOANING SOUND KIND OF SOUNDS LIKE A FOGHORN THIS IS WHEN I STARTED OR I COME TO A STOP AND WHEN IT'S IDLING DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME MY SHIFTER ON MY COLUMN CAME LOOSE AND WON'T GO INTO PARK

Engine
Filed May 9, 2018189,168 milesCA

FAILED SMOG AND EVERY TIME SENSORS ARE REPLACED FAILURE HAPPENS AGAIN.

Service Brakes
Filed May 8, 2018300,000 milesVA

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE PULLED OVER THEN WHEN I PUT THE TRUCK INTO DRIVE TO PULL OUT IT BARELY MOVED. WE WERE ALMOST HIT BC THE TRUCK WOULDN'T MOVE SO I PUT IN IN REVERSE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD AND IT DID FINE. SO I TRIED TO PULL OUT AGAIN N DRIVE AND AGAIN IT WOULDN'T GO NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS I GAVE IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS DROWNDING OUT OR IT ISN'T GETTING GAS. BUT LIKE I SAID. IT WON'T GO FORWARD IN DRIVE OR 1ST OR 2ND. ONLY IN REVERSE WILL IT MOVE NORMALLY. THIS IS MAJOR!!! I CAN'T HAVE MY KIDS AT RISK BC THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK ABOUT 3 WEEKS SO IT'S VERY FRUSTRATING.

Tires
Filed Mar 7, 2018158,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH FEDERAL COURAGIA A/T TIRES, SIZE 285/75/R16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING OUT FASTER THAN NORMAL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RETURN THE CONTACT'S CALL. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

20 of 116 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2014142010Routine
201395010Routine
2012266150Above average
2011248230Above average
201073020Routine
200954110Routine
2008195841Fatalities reported
200760700Routine
2006221750Above average
2005144530Routine
2004154740Routine
2003 — this page116781Fatalities reported
2002156791Fatalities reported
20012209244Fatalities reported
200032610147Fatalities reported
199958119132Fatalities reported
199856910Routine
199730414190Above average
19961765250High concern
19951844170Routine
199412310230High concern
1993130940Routine
1992119761Fatalities reported
1991107790Routine
19901117140Routine

Compare every F-250 year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 13, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.