2003 Ford F-550 SD
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.
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Fuel system, diesel
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 2000 | 72 |
| 2001 | 29 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 32 |
| 2006 | 44 |
| 2007 | 23 |
| 2008 | 26 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, diesel
45% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly.
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing engine and turbo/supercharger.
Fuel/propulsion system
6% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Watter seperator valve dumped fuel on the turbo causing a fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-18
Also filed under Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford F-550 SD. While driving unknown speeds, the engine stalled without warning and the fuel tank disintegrated. The float filter and filter were clogged.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-10
Also filed under Engine
Engine
6% · 2 reportsWheels
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing rim and lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 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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R
2004-07-22Electrical system04V327000 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.…
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I
2005-02-15Engineering analysisClosed 2005-11-02 Engine stalling
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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
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-550 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, diesel: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V327000 · Electrical system
- Recall 07V078000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 07V553000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 11V352000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Ford F-550 SD reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford F-550 SD is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford F-550 SD?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, diesel, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Ford F-550 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.