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 PER YEAR
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 | 11 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 12 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WATTER SEPERATOR VALVE DUMPED FUEL ON THE TURBO CAUSING A FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170118
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, 20180110
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC)
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
ENGINE STALLING
ENGINE STALLING
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 05V017
Campaign 07V078000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 07V553000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2002
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 CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
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-550 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V327000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V078000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V553000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V352000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 36% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.