MYRModel Year Report

2003 Ford F-350

▲ Better than typical
2003 Ford F-350
RENDERED 2026-09-16T16:57:51.826Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F-350 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 52 complaints 1993: 101 complaints 1994: 96 complaints 1994 1995: 134 complaints 1996: 130 complaints 1997: 155 complaints 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 413 complaints 2000: 304 complaints 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 90 complaints 2003 2004: 159 complaints 2005: 114 complaints 2006: 145 complaints 2006 2007: 36 complaints 2008: 131 complaints 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 136 complaints 2012: 149 complaints 2013: 76 complaints 2014: 91 complaints 2014 2015: 190 complaints 2016: 187 complaints 2017: 480 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 452 complaints 2020: 182 complaints 2021: 88 complaints 2021
2003: 90 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19892
199131
199252
1993101
199496
1995134
1996130
1997155
199812
1999413
2000304
2001160
2002116
200390
2004159
2005114
2006145
200736
2008131
200928
20100
2011136
2012149
201376
201491
2015190
2016187
2017480
2018194
2019452
2020182
202188

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing diesel and engine.

FIRE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14%

14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20260713

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE FIRE-2003 FORD 350 VAN-FIRE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION IN ENGINE PER FIRE ANALYSIS-VIN 1FTSS34LXHA27785. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030710

THE VEHICLE WAS SHOOTING OUT FLAMES FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL AREA. *NLM....*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030407

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140130

ENGINE 8%

8% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040722 — electrical system

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.

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. OWNE

Campaign 04V327000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20041007 — PE (closed 20050215)

ENGINE STALLING

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

R 20070905 — equipment

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 TRAILE

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

Campaign 07E066000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20110815 — exterior lighting

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

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.

Campaign 11V352000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Ford F-350 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V327000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E066000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V352000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ▲ 2007 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2019 ■ 1999

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Ford F-350 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford F-350 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-350?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford F-350 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.