2003 Ford F-150
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 464 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 F-150 model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 45 involved a crash and 39 involved a fire. 39 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingJul 29, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
Campaign 11V385000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 11, 2008
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electricalAug 28, 2007
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 TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Campaign 07E066000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Campaign 07V336000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlMar 6, 2007
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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, 05V388, AND 06V286)
Campaign 07V078000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 1, 2006
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
Campaign 06E067000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsJun 12, 2006
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
Campaign 06E052000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft pitmanSep 22, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE PITMAN ARM TO STEERING GEAR RETAINING NUT WAS NOT FULLY TIGHTENED TO THE REQUIRED SPECIFICATION.
IF THE PITMAN ARM TO GEARBOX ATTACHMENT NUT LOOSENS, A NOISE AND A LOOSE FEEL IN THE STEERING COULD OCCUR. IF THE CONDITION PROGRESSED AND SERVICE WAS NOT SOUGHT, THE NUT COULD BACK OFF COMPLETELY AND THE PITMAN ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE GEAR CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. IF THE WARNING IS NOT HEEDED AND STEERING IS LOST, A CRASH MAY RESULT.
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PITMAN ARM RETAINING NUT TO SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 03V349000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
60 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2005, fire
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *JB *TT
Electrical system, Mar 12, 2005, fire
ON 2/11/05, MY 2003 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT WAS PARKED MY JOB-SITE FOR TWO HOURS, AND THE FIRE ALSO DESTROIED A SIENNA VAN PARKED NEARBY.*AK
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2005, fire
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE ON IT'S OWN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2005, fire
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THIS IS FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2004, fire
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. FLAMES AND SMOKE CAME UNDER THE DASHBOARD. *AK
Electrical system, Interior lighting, Equipment, Mar 11, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. INSIDE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OUT ONCE THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. ALARM SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, AND SIDE REFLECTOR LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYED ON. *AK DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYED ON FOR ABOUT 20 TO 25 MINUTES BEFORE THEY GO OFF. DOORS WON'T LOCK WHEN THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO. DEALER SAID THAT THEY CAN'T LOCATE THE PROBLEM WITH INSIDE LIGHTS. HOWEVER, DEALER MADE REPAIR ON HORN AND REPLACED FUSE FOR ALARM HORN. *LA
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2004
I HAVE A 2003 F-150 SUPERCREW THAT I PURCHASED SEPTEMBER 2, 2003. IN OCTOBER 2003 WHEN THE ODOMETER WAS CHANGING FROM 999 MILES THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND THE DASH LIGHTS FLASHED FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. THEN THE ODOMETER CHANGED TO 2000 MILES SKIPPING THE 1000 MILE MARK AND BEGAN TO MISS AS IF IT WAS GOING TO STOP RUNNING BUT IT NEVER STOPPED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO MISFIRE. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT ON SIX VISITS. THEY HAVE FOUND CYLINDER 1, 2, AND 3 MISFIRES AND REPLACED THE BOOTS AND COILS TO THOSE CYLINDERS. BUT IT STILL MISSES WHEN I COME TO A STOP WITH THE ENGINE IN DRIVE OR AT IDLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON. THE SERVICEMAN AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I WHEN ON A TEST DRIVE WITH A MONITOR CHECKING THE FIRING OF THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE CYLINDERS WERE SHOWING AS MUCH AS A 60 % VOLTAGE DROP.THE COMPUTER HAS SHOWED SEVERAL CODES ON THE CYLINDERS AND CODES THAT ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO BE EVEN ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN SERVICED BY DEALER SIX TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2003
MY '03 F150 FX4 4X4 HAS WHAT I SUSPECT TO BE AN IGNITION PROBLEM THAT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT CANNOT DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SINCE JULY 03 AND IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. ONCE WITHOUT A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT AND I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT WORK THE TRUCK DUE TO WARRANTY ISSUES WITHOUT THE LIGHT. THEN IN NOVEMBER THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND I TOOK THE TRUCK IN FOR THE LIGHT AND THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE INOPERABLE. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WAS FIXED BY REPLACING THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, RIGHT SIDE AXLE HOUSING, SHIFTING FORK AND GEARS. BUT THE IGNITION PROBLEM WAS JUST AS ILLUSIVE WITH THE LIGHT AND THE CODE. NOW I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM OF THE TRUCK DYING OUT AS USUAL AND MY FUEL ECONOMY IS DEGRADING. THE TRUCK WILL DIE OUT AND RECOVER CAUSING THE TRUCK TO BUCK SEVERELY, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE 4X4 PROBLEMS MENTIONED EARLIER. IT IS AT ITS WORST AT 1450 RPM OR 59 MPH. ONCE 1500 RPMS ARE EXCEEDED THE PROBLEM IS GONE. I CAN ALSO ACCELERATE THROUGH IT WITHOUT EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEM. JUST STEADY-STATE OPERATION WITHOUT ANY LOAD AND IT WILL DIE OUT REPEATEDLY. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 4, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 SUPERCHARGED HARLEY TRUCK,THE CONCERN IS THAT ALL EIGHT SPARK PLUGS WERE DARK RED IN COLOR AND VEHICLE WAS MISSING HORRIBLY UNDER A LOAD WITH THE A/C ON OR OFF.THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT,AND VEHICLE FUEL ECONOMY DIPPED TO 11MPG ON HIGHWAY.IT ALMOST FELT LIKE A TORQUE CONVERTER GOING SOUTH.THE VEHICLE GETS SUNOCO ULTRA 94 ONLY AND IS BABIED.THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 7K ON IT.P.S IAM ALSO THE FOREMAN AT A LARGE FORD DEALER.I HAE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE,UNLESS HIGH OCTANE ADDITIVES WERE USED.WHAT CAUSED THIS.NO ONE AT FORD KNOWS. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH MY 44K TRUCK*AK
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2003
MY FRIEND BOUGHT A 2003 F-150 SUPER-CREW AND AFTER 4 MONTH THE DOME LIGHT FUSE BLEW. HE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE TESTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WHAT THEY DID TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM WAS" PUT A NEW FUSE IN IT AND SAID TRY THIS AND COME BACK IF THE FUSE BLOWS AGAIN." WELL THE FUSE BLEW AGAIN AND IS AT THE DEALER AGAIN. *NLM