2003 Ford F-Super Duty problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median F-Super Duty year — the 2003 model ranks #7 of 20 F-Super Duty years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (39% of the total).
33
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
6
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other F-Super Duty years?
What are the most common 2003 Ford F-Super Duty problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 39% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 6 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 FORD F250 P-UP W/ 5.4L ENGINE, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND SUDDENLY MY TRUCK WILL HARDLY GO AND IT CATCHES FIRE. I WAS INFORMED IT WAS A SPARK PLUG THAT BLEW OUT, WHICH I HAD NEVER CHANGED. FORD SAYS THEY WILL NOT FIX IT, AND OTHER PEOPLE WANT $2000 TO FIX IT. I HAVE SINCE HEARD…”
“NOTICED GAS TANK SAGGING - INSPECTION FOUND REAR STRAP CORRODED AND BROKEN. RESEARCH FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON SEVERAL BRANDS OF FORD CARS AND F150 TRUCKS (1999-2003 MODELS) FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT THE F250 IS NOT COVERED. IF THE SAME PROBLEMS OCCUR ON A DIFFERENT MODEL (E.G. F250) YOU…”
“EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING, LOSS OF CONTROL. THERE IS APPROX. TWO INCHES OF PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL AND I AM HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME KEEPING THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE TH VEHICLE AND FORD SAYS THIS IS OK. ”
“TRUCK PULLING HARD -VERY HARD TO RIGHT WHILE BRAKING TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING BACK INTO OVER DRIVE WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL TRANS WILL NOT SHIFT UN LESS YOU HIT DECEL OR HIT BRAKES. *JB”
“F-350 CREW CAB 4X4, DUALLY TRUCK WITH FORD FACTORY ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STARTING LEAKING AIR AND WHEN CHECKED, A CRACK BEGINNING AT THE VALVE STEM WAS PROPAGATING TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL AND CRACKS WERE ALSO DEVELOPING ALONG THE BASE OF THE SPOKES, CIRCUMSCRIBING…”
2003 Ford F-Super Duty — common questions
Is the 2003 Ford F-Super Duty reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 2003 model at #7 of 20 F-Super Duty years. It is one of the F-Super Duty years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 F-Super Duty problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).
Does the 2003 Ford F-Super Duty have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Ford F-Super Duty.
Is the 2003 Ford F-Super Duty under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford F-Super Duty years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-Super Duty years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among F-Super Duty years belongs to 1991.
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.