Is the 2003 Ford F-250 SD reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford F-250 SD is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-250 SD?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford F-250 SD have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Ford F-250 SD

◆ Worse than typical

2003 Ford F-250 SD
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:08.656Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 178
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 5
Top problem: Engine and engine cooling

Complaints per year

2003: 178 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1991	1
1992	3
1993	4
1994	2
1995	9
1996	11
1997	39
1998	1
1999	249
2000	233
2001	288
2002	245
2003	178
2004	254
2005	295
2006	274
2007	54
2008	141
2009	23
2010	32
2011	122
2012	57
2013	21
2014	26
2015	23
2016	15
2017	73
2018	17
2019	12
2020	15
2021	7
2022	12
2023	43
2024	39
2025	17
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

44% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing diesel and engine.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Power train

11% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.

CRASHINJURY

Tires

11% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

Steering

9% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing pump and tie rod assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My husband was driving home whien his vehicle veered sharply to the left. At this point he could no longer control the vehicle. He then slammed into a large rock in the side of an eight foot bank.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-01

Electrical system

8% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and starter assembly.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I have had several problems with the spark plugs blowing out of motor and breaking coil causing it too leak fuel vapors out possibly causing a fire this has happened several times.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-01

After towing my trailer several blocks I pulled over at my destination and realized my trailer lights had gone out. This is unusual because the trailer just made a 2500 mile trip with no problems.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-12

Also filed under Seats

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2003Complaint volume 178 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2004-02-23Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Accelerator pedal sensor (Etc)
I
2004-10-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-02-15 Engine stalling
I
2005-02-15Engineering analysisClosed 2005-11-02 Engine stalling
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
R

2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2006-06-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-12-07 Engine stalling
R

2007-03-12Vehicle speed control07V078000 On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on March 12, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. (Note: also see recalls…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-12-29Engine and engine cooling07V553000 On 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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between January 23, 2006…

Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 Ford 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…

Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-08-15Exterior lighting11V352000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 78 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 07V078000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 07V553000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 11V352000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Ford F-250 SD reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford F-250 SD is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-250 SD?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford F-250 SD have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.