2003 Ford F-350 SD
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.
- Complaints
- 132
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 132 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 142 |
| 2000 | 157 |
| 2001 | 158 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 132 |
| 2004 | 130 |
| 2005 | 217 |
| 2006 | 127 |
| 2007 | 25 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 50 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 94 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
39% · 52 reportsMost commonly citing diesel and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford F-350 SD diesel. The contact stated the vehicle experienced a blown head gasket. The dealer replaced the motor but the failure recurred.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-20
Fuel system, diesel
12% · 16 reportsTires
11% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
Truck starts to have a vibration and at higher speed gets worse by the time you think it may be a bad tire you may get pulled over before it blows out or it blows doing extensive vehicle damage before you get stopped.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-18
Electrical system
11% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and front underhood.
Power train
10% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
While preparing for a camping trip this pass summer, I went to check the oil level. When I went to remove the oil dipstick, the dipstick tube broke, due to corrosion. This is the first time in my 25 years of owning a vehicle for that to happen.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-22
Also filed under Engine
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2004-02-23Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Accelerator pedal sensor (Etc)
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I
2004-10-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-02-15 Engine stalling
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I
2005-02-15Engineering analysisClosed 2005-11-02 Engine stalling
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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I
2006-06-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-12-07 Engine stalling
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Ford F-350 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 52 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, diesel: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 15 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- 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 →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Ford F-350 SD reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford F-350 SD is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-350 SD?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Ford F-350 SD have?
- 5 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.