VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford F Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2003 Ford F Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other F Series years?

F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted55 complaints1971: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 6 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 20 complaints1996: 17 complaints1997: 55 complaints1998: 32 complaints1999: 44 complaints2000: 53 complaints2001: 54 complaints2002: 43 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 12 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 1 complaints
F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Ford F Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1100%

Does the 2003 Ford F Series have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V094000Body & StructureMarch 7, 2003 · 3,674 units

Defect

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Consequence

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 57 NORTH IN EAGLE PASS TEXAS MAVERICK COUNTY AROUND 10PM STRUCK A BULL THAT CROSSING THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FORD F150 SUPER CREW AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 16, 2011 · crash

2003 Ford F Series — common questions

Is the 2003 Ford F Series reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Ford F Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Ford F Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Ford F Series under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.