2003 Ford F-350

Routine

Owners filed 90 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Ford F-350 years to avoid. Which Ford F-350 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
43,000 milesMedian miles at failure

58 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 10,000–20,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Ford F-350 problems

22 of the 90 complaints (24%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
102
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine6
010
Electrical System6
011
Tires › Tread/Belt5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · engine5
000
Engine5
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · throttle and acceleration3
100
Unknown or Other3
101
Fuel System, Diesel · fuel system3
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine3
000

3 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.

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.

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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Jul 29, 2026PA

When the 03 Ford F350 dually, is placed in Park, it will just roll away!

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Jul 13, 2026CA

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
Filed Sep 20, 2021OR

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
Filed Jan 5, 2021110,000 milesCA

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 A TURN IS A VERY BAD SITUATION. I AM FORTUNATE THAT I AM STILL VERY STRONG AT THE AGE OF 54. MY HPOP FAILED GOING 55MPH ON A LONG LEFT HAND TURN. AS THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN BY BRAKES ARE LIMITED TO A SMALL AMOUNT OF STORAGE AND THEN THEY FAIL. THE STEERING HOWEVER FAILS IMMEDIATELY. I WAS HEADING STRAIT HEAD ON I TO A TRACKTOR TRAILER RIG. IT TOOK EVERY OUNCE OF STRENGTH TO ATTEMPT TO STEER THIS VEHICLE OUT OF THE OTHER LAND AND BRAKE GETTING IT OFF THE ROAD ASAP. IF THE BIG RIG HAD NOT MADE AN ATTEMPT TO MISS ME, I WOULDNT BE SENDING THIS LETTER. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAD NOT THE STRENGTH TO STEER OUT OF A SITUATION OR HAVE TIME TO STOP AND WERE KILLED. THE REPORT MOST LIKELY SAID" DRIVER FELL ASLEEP." OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS ENGINE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE OPERATION ON THE ROAD PERIOD. FORD SHOULD HONOR ALL CURRENT OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE WITH A VER

Engine
Filed Nov 12, 2019160,000 milesCA

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
Filed Jul 16, 2019123,000 milesCO

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.

Tires
Filed Jun 27, 201963,800 milesFL

I AM INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES MADE IN 2014. I BOUGHT A SET OF FOUR LT 265/75-16 LRE FOR MY F350 ON 31 MAY, 2014. THEY CAME WITH A 6 YEAR/50K MILE WARRANTY. I HAD TIRES ROTATED PER WARRANTY. ON 11 APRIL, 2019, I EXPERIENCED A DRIVERS REAR TIRE FAILURE ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE (WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET @ 77MPH) CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE. CONTACTED DEALER WHO SAID "ROAD HAZARD" NOT COVERED. CONTACTED BFG WHO REQUESTED TIRE REMAINS BE SENT FOR ANALYSIS (TO PROVE ROAD HAZARD). ON 10 MAY DEPARTED FROM HOME TO GO TO VIRGINIA. 150 MILES UP I75 HAD TIRE VIBRATION AGAIN. PULLED OVER IN TIFTON, GA AND CHECKED TIRE TIME WITH IR GUN. ALL TIRES RUNNING BETWEEN 95-108 F. FELT TIRES AND HAD A BULGE IN DRIVERS FRONT. INSTALLED SPARE AND STARTED LOOKING FOR A BFG DEALER THAT HAD TWO TIRES IN INVENTORY (ONE TO INSTALL/ONE TO CARRY IN CASE OF FURTHER TROUBLE WITH SET). AS I APPROACHED MACON, GA, ANOTHER TIRE STARTED VIBRATING. WITHIN 5 MILES - IT BLEW HARD AT THE DRIVERS REAR POSITION AGAIN CAUSING OVER $3200 DAMAGE. CALLED EMERGENCY TIRE SERVICE AND REPLACED THE THREE REMAINING TIRES FROM THE 2014 SET. NOTIFIED BFG AND THEY ONLY WANTED THE THIRD FAILURE (SECOND BLOW) FOR ANALYSIS. CUSTOMER SERVICE REP STATED ALL TIRE BULGES ARE CAUSED BY "ROAD HAZARDS". IN SUMMARY - I EXPERIENCED THREE FAILURES IN JUST OVER 800 MILES ON A SET OF TIRES THAT ONLY HAVE 17,000 MILES ON THEM (REMAINING TREAD IS 11/32 PER DEALER INSPECTION). SINCE I STILL HAVE ALL OF THE TIRES - PHOT

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 3, 2017250,000 milesIL

THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE SOCKET

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 31, 2017147,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER AND THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AS OF YET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK FRACTURE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 4, 201795,000 milesNV

FOR SEVERAL YEARS, WE HAVE HAD EXHAUST GASES GOING INTO OUR TRUCK CAB. WE DO NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK DUE TO THIS REASON. ONE YEAR AGO, WE TOOK THE TRUCK TO DIESEL SPECIALISTS HERE IN LAS VEGAS. THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE MANIFOLD. THEY TRIED TO FIX IT AND IT WAS GOOD FOR ABOUT A WEEK UNTIL IT STARTED TO FORCE EXHAUST GASES BACK INTO THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A LARGE RECALL OF FORD VEHICLES DOING THE SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS THAT FORD IS STILL MAKING VEHICLES WITH FAULTY EQUIPMENT ON THEM. WE WOULD HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALER BUT WE DO NOT HAVE A WARRANTY.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed May 5, 2017150,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES, SIZE: 285/75/16. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SUSTAINED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE DOWN TO THE FENDER AND FENDER WELL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS STILL FULLY INFLATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AAA WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE TIRE, BUT ALL OF THE REMAINING TIRES ALSO SHOWED EVIDENCE OF TREAD SEPARATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2016133,003 milesCA

DRIVING ALONG LOUD NOISE PULLED OVER TO FIND A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK TAKING THE THREADS WITH IT. NO FIRE THANK GOODNESS!

Engine
Filed May 26, 2015105,000 milesKY

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I HEARD A LOUD POP. THE ENGINE HAD A VERY ABRUPT LOSS IN POWER AND BEGAN SHAKING AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE. I WAS ON A 2 LANE ROAD AND HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TRY AND MAINTAIN MY SPEED TO PREVENT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT FROM BEING REAR ENDED. AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES TO A PLACE I COULD SAFELY STOP, I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AN A SPARK PLUG HAD BEEN SHOT FROM THE ENGINE. AFTER REVIEWING THIS ON THE WEB, THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE WHERE SPARK PLUGS WERE SHOT OUT OF ENGINES. NHTSA NEEDS TO EVALUATE THIS AS REVIEW. HAD THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE I WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN AND I HAD NO WHERE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THIS IS A RESULT OF AN CYLINDER HEAD WITH INADEQUATE THREADS FOR SPARK PLUGS TO THREAD INTO AND TAKE HOLD OVER TIME THE ALUMINUM WEAKENS AND THIS HAPPENS. IF THIS WASN'T A PROBLEM WHY DID FORD REDESIGN CYLINDER HEADS AFTER THESE MODEL ENGINES TO ACCOMMODATE MORE THREADING TO HOLD THE SPARK PLUGS IN THE ENGINE?

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 20, 2015248,000 milesVA

VEHICLE STALLED AT 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 11, 201480,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BED OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED SHARP EDGES TO DEVELOP. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UTILIZE THE BED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2014MA

I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY MY 2003 FORD F350 SD. SC. 4X4 5.4 ENG. WITH THE PROBLEM WITH BOTH EXHAUST MANIFOLDS ROTTING AWAY & THE STUDS & NUTS THAT HOLD THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS TO ENGINE HEADS THAT THEY WERE ALL ROTTING AWAY , THEY TOLD ME WE WON'T FIX THE PROBLEMS FOR FREE . I WOULD LIKE FOR TO INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE MANY PEOPLE WILL GET INJURY OR MANY FATALITY WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS FALL OFF AND CATCH ON FIRE & BURN UP BECAUSE FIRE COMES OUT OF THE ENGINE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS . I TALKED TO MANY FORD DEALERS THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY OF THESE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS I HAVE & HAD TO CHARGE THE OWNER OF THESE TRUCKS & MANY OTHER YEARS OF THESE FORD TRUCKS . PLEASE HELP ME & MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THESE FORD TRUCKS TO MAKE FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALL THIS PROBLEMS BEFORE PEOPLE WILL DIE & FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR FREE . THANKS *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 10, 201440,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE ERRONEOUSLY. AFTER REINSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE KEY WOULD SPORADICALLY BECOME STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH OR SHE WOULD BE UNABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 27, 201415,000 milesMD

CRACKED "Y" PIPE IS LEAKING DIESEL EXHAUST FUMES INTO CAB OF TRUCK. THIS OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY WHEN THE TRUCK WAS UNDER WARRANTY BACK IN 2004 BUT NOW IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY NOR IS THERE A RECALL. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO SEVERAL DEALERS IN THE AREA BUT UNLESS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY THEY WON'T COVER THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, I FEEL IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY, AS DIESEL FUMES ARE LINKED TO CANCER OR COULD LEAK TO AN ACCIDENT IF SOMEONE IS OVERCOME BY THE FUMES, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A DEATH. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS HAZARD AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER. I DO KNOW FROM TALKING TO MECHANICS THAT THIS DOES OCCUR OFTEN IN THESE TRUCKS.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 30, 2014283,000 milesVA

I THOUGHT MY FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND TAPED THE REAR END OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. SCRATCHED THE BUMPER OF THE CAR I TAPPED. I WAS ON I 95S TOWARDS FREDERICKSBURG, VA WHEN MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TAPED BRAKE AND THE PEDAL ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR, BUT I DID HAVE SOME BRAKING. GOT THE TRUCK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, DIAGNOSED WILL HOLE IN BRAKE LINE CAUSED BY RUST. REPLACED 18 FT OF LINE. *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 4, 2013130,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL WAS FOUND TO BE PREMATURELY LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD GASKET HEAD BOLTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jul 18, 2013158,057 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE BEGAN EMERGING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE AND DIESEL FUEL HAD LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,057.

Power Train
Filed May 7, 201347,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 23, 201298,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BLOCKERS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Apr 12, 2012117,000 milesUT

HAVE FICM FAILURE AND MULTIPLE FUEL INJECTORS FAIL, WHEN TOOK TO DIESEL SHOP WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS COMMON FAILURE AND THEY HAD AT LEAST 6 IN REPAIR SHOP WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Mar 28, 201297,000 milesFL

STRONG DIESEL FUEL ODOR AT IDLE IN CAB WITH WINDOWS CLOSED. STRONG DIESEL ODOR AROUND FRONT OF TRUCK. NO VISIBLE LEAKS OR DAMP AREAS. FEAR FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Jan 30, 201210,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F350 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE EGR EXHAUST SYSTEM VALVE BUT THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE EGR VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE BOX AND THE GLOW PLUGS MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ THE ENGINE GLOW PLUG WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 03/08/12

Electrical System
Filed Oct 31, 2011155,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE AFTER MARKET RADIO COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUSED OTHER ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 6, 2011140,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FELL ASLEEP WHILE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OFF THE ROADWAY WHERE HE CRASHED INTO TWO TREES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 20, 201098,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A SPARK PLUG FLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HIT THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE A COIL AND THE SPARK PLUG WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES AFTER. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 9, 2009PA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SLOWLY GAINED SPEED DURING ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR THIS ISSUE AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE ISSUE WAS A SAFETY RISK BECAUSE A CRASH COULD OCCUR WHILE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Tires
Filed Jun 25, 2008162,000 milesTX

TIRE WARPED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 70 MPH. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Apr 23, 200880,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F350. WHILE PARKED AT A SHOPPING CENTER, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS BURGLARIZED AND ITEMS WERE STOLEN FROM WITHIN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE RESEARCHED AND DISCOVERED HOW EASY IT WAS FOR HER TYPE OF VEHICLE TO BE BURGLARIZED. SHE ALSO FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND SHOWED THEM THE BLACK CASING AROUND THE HANDLE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CASING WAS BENT, WHICH IS HOW IT WAS BURGLARIZED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT ALL THAT COULD BE DONE WOULD BE TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED LOCK WITH A NEW ONE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF UPDATED 05/19/08.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 11, 200729,100 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AMERI-TECH TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CURRENT ESTIMATE FROM HIS INSURANCE COMPANY IS OVER $2,700, WHICH INCLUDES FENDER AND RIM DAMAGE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, THE ABS SYSTEM, AND THE FENDER INNER-LINER. THE DOT NUMBER AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 29,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,100.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 26, 2006FL

FAX FROM (FL) RE FOUR TIRE TREAD SEPARATIONS ON HIS 2003 FORD F350 4X4 LARIAT W/DUAL REAR WHEELS. *TS DOT NUMBERS ADOR 1P6 2202, ADOR 1P6 2802, ADOR 1P6 2202, ADOR 1P6 2202. THE FIRST TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AT 18000 MILES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVER AT 65 MPH. THE AWNING ON THE TRAILER BEING TOWED WAS DAMAGED. THE SECOND SEPARATION OCCURRED AT 20000 MILES, THE THIRD AT 24000 AND THE FOURTH AT 26000 MILES (CONTINENTAL GENERAL TIRES). *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 24, 2006FL

LTR FM (FL) RE FOUR TIRE TREAD SEPARATIONS ON HIS 2003 FORD F350 4X4 LARIAT W/DUAL REAR WHEELS. *TS *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed May 9, 200621,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THIS OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AND IN ALL INCIDENTS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER DRIVEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED THE TURBO-CHARGER. HOWEVER THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. ON THE MOST RECENT VISIT TO THE DEALER THE TURBO CHARGER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. UPDATED 05/30/06. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Filed Oct 28, 2005NC

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE EXHAUST SENSOR, THE TURBO, AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER THREE TIMES. THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS HAD NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. IT RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. AT TIMES, IT SEEMED AS IF THE ENGINE WAS NOT RECEIVING A FUEL SUPPLY. INDICATOR LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Aug 30, 2005TX

CONSUMER REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT IN THE 2003 FORD F350.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE LACKING POWER AND BLOWING OUT WHITE SMOKE, AT TIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE ON START UP, IT JERKED WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS RELEASED FROM THE ACCELERATOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD POPPED LOSE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BECAUSE AN AFTER MARKET CHIP WAS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 30, 2005LA

2005 FORD F350 HESITATED DURING ACCELERATION.*MR *NM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 12, 2005ME

2003 FORD F350 DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERMANENTLY RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. VARIOUS COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED/REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Jul 12, 20056,000 milesNY

TURBO CHARGER IS ON IT'S THIRD FAILURE AND INSTALATION. I ONLY HAVE 11,000 MILES ON THE FORD F-350, THE WASTED TIME ON MY END IS REDICULOUS. FROM WHAT I HEARD FORD AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE INDUNDATED WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO RECALL.

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Jun 30, 200513,000 milesGA

DT: WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULDN'T START. THE VEHICLE SAT FOR OVER 12 HOURS. IT HAD JUST COME OUT OF THE SHOP AND IT HAD A DOWN STRAP INSTALLED. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. ALL THE CONTENTS OF THE TRUCK WERE DESTROYED. BOTH THE POLICE AND FIRE DEP ARTMENT RESPONDED TO THE FIRE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jun 8, 200541,088 milesNY

2002 FORD F350 SUFFERED A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL DID NOT FEEL NORMAL. THE GARAGE FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE SUPPORT FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER. *SC *JB

Suspension
Filed May 5, 200565,000 milesNY

CONSUMER STATES: THE CONSUMER HEARD A SQUEAKING AND CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE BALL JOINTS WHILE TURNING CORNERS. THE BALL JOINTS FAILED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO GREASE FITTINGS. THE DEALER INSTALLED NEW BALL JOINTS AND GREASE FITTINGS. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Apr 19, 2005UT

2ND REQUEST FAX RE CONSUMER'S CONCERNS RE HIS 2003 FORD F-350 6.0 L DIESEL TRUCK DUE TO LOSS OF POWER/IRREPARABLE TURBO LAG.*MR THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSED TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AT STOP, PARTICULARLY WHEN IN REVERSE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO BACKUP AN INCLINE. LOTS OF EXHAUST SMOKE CAME FROM THE TAIL PIPE BUT THERE WAS NO POWER. *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Apr 6, 200532,000 milesTX

2003 FORD F350 TIRE SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. *MR *SC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Mar 24, 20053,862 milesMI

PLOW AND SALT TRUCK FOR ROAD DEPARTMENT. HAS DUMP BOX INSTALLED. ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE PREMATURLY, EXTREMELY POOR STOPPING IN SNOWY CONDITIONS. FRONT END FEELS LIGHT AND "SQUIRLY" EVEN WITH EMPTY BED. WORKERS REFUSE TO OPERATE. DEEMED "UNSAFE". TOOK TO DEALER TWICE, THEY SAY BRAKES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. VEHICAL HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IS FOR SALE.

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Mar 2, 2005VA

WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER FRONT SEAT BELTS LOCKED, RESTRAINING THE DRIVER, EVEN WHEN DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE DRIVER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 18, 2005MI

THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING TREMENDOUS COOLANT LEAKAGE, WHICH IS CAUSING EXTREME OVER HEATING. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY HEAT. *JB

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Jan 10, 200543,000 milesFL

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 90, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201491010Routine
201376140Routine
2012149420Routine
2011136430Routine
20100100Routine
200928300Routine
2008131990Routine
200736510Routine
2006145641Fatalities reported
2005114530Routine
2004159352Fatalities reported
2003 — this page90380Routine
2002116372Fatalities reported
20011606111Fatalities reported
2000304590Above average
19994131393Fatalities reported
199812102Fatalities reported
19971554110Routine
19961304150Routine
19951343132Fatalities reported
199495760Routine
1993101950Routine
199252751Fatalities reported
199131740Routine
199039731Fatalities reported

Compare every F-350 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.