2003 Ford F-350

▲ Better than typical

2003 Ford F-350
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:55:06.907Z

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

2003: 88 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1989	2
1991	31
1992	52
1993	101
1994	95
1995	134
1996	130
1997	155
1998	12
1999	413
2000	304
2001	160
2002	116
2003	88
2004	159
2005	114
2006	145
2007	36
2008	131
2009	28
2010	0
2011	136
2012	149
2013	76
2014	91
2015	190
2016	187
2017	480
2018	194
2019	452
2020	182
2021	88

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11%

11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

ENGINE 8%

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

TIRES 6%

6% of complaints: tires — 5 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 vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 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.

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 vehicle speed control, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

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

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.