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: structure
32 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Structure, Wheels, Jun 9, 2026
UNKNOWN - however there were NO warning lights or any other indication of malfunction or to service the truck. I took the truck to an independent service center & they did a full inspection & I did receive an estimate for repairs.
Structure, Mar 6, 2023, fire
On the day of Monday February 20 2023 I was in my front driveway preforming some maintenance on my 2003 Ford F-150 Xlt SuperCrew truck a gear shift cable and a heater core replacement. Once I finished the repairs I ran my truck for a few minutes then shut it off and was headed inside when I noticed a flickering light coming from the passenger side of the vehicle I walked to the truck and opened the door and I saw small flames dripping down coming from the ( glove box area ) I then grabbed the water hose and put it out . Once the small fire was out I proceeded to go in the house when I noticed black smoke coming ( from the engine bay from the vents in front of the windshield) the smoke got thicker as I sprayed it with water I then called to my spouse to call the local Fire Department. The vehicle was a total loss nothing was left interior wise no ( steering wheel,no console,no dashboard or anything.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 7, 2022, fire
On 11/27/2022 at or around 4:30 P.M. my 2003 Ford F-150 burned almost completely, without any mechanical failures or warnings, thirty full minutes after being parked and then after only having been run for three to four miles. The fire department ended up putting it out before it was fully consumed.
Structure, Jul 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN PROMPTED. CLONINGER FORD (511 JAKE ALEXANDER BLVD S, SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA 28147) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000. *TT *TR
Structure, Apr 29, 2017
BOTH REAR DOOR LATCHES HAVE FAILED TO OPERATE. CANNOT OPEN EITHER REAR DOOR. THIS HAPPENED IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE I LIVE. I AM HANDY CAPED AND CANNOT GET ACCESS TO MY ROLATER WHICH IN THE BACK SEAT AREA. I NEED THIS EQUIPMENT TO HELP ME WALK. HAS THERE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS MALFUNCTION? IS THIS A RECALL ITEM? WILL FORD MFG REPAIR THIS DEFECT?
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Seat belts, Structure, Wheels, Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiper, Dec 19, 2016
TRANS WENT OUT A MONTH AFTER INTAKE CRACK HAD TO BE REPLACE ALMOST $1,650 TOGETHER ALSO BALL JOINTS AND TIEROD ENDS NO GOOD SHOCK NO GOOD BRAKE ARE FALLING AND REAR END IS GRINDING THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD HELP AND THERE'S "MORE".
Structure, Oct 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR CABLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Structure, Sep 28, 2016
2003 F150 PAINT ON THE HOOD IS SHOWING ALUMINUM RUST OXIDATION. REQUIRING A NEW HOOD.
Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Aug 4, 2016, crash
I WAS TRAVELING 285-WEST IN DECATUR, GA., AROUND 3:30 PM EASTERN TIME, WHEN I WAS IN A A MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS IN THE LANE CLOSEST TO THE GRASS, WHEN A DODGE RAM FOUR DOOR TRUCK HIT MY F-150 SUPER CREW CAB 2003. THE DRIVER HIT MY DRIVER SIDE BACKDOOR, AND THEN HE HIT ME AGAIN ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT BUMPER, AND SPUN ME OFF THE ROAD INTO A WOODED AREA WITH LARGE TREES AND A RAVINE. I THEN HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A LARGE TREE. I CALLED ON THE NAME JESUS THREE TIMES, THEN MY TRUCK TURNED 180 DEGREES AND THAT TURNED ME AROUND GOING INTO THE RAVINE BACKWARDS. I FELT MYSELF COME OUT OF MY SEAT WITH MY SEAT BELT ON. MY BENCH SEAT WENT INTO RECLINE, THEN MY HEAD WENT BACKWARDS, THEN FORWARD. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID RESEARCH, WHEN I NOTICED A WEBSITE CALLED "WEKEEPITSAFE". THE DATABASE SHOWS 144,000 FORD F-150 2003'S RECALLED FOR FAILURE OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. I CALLED FORD'S MOTOR HEAD QUARTERS. THE FIRST NUMBER WAS (313)323-9100, THEN I WAS TRANSFERRED TO 1-866-436-7332. I SPOKE WITH A REP BY THE NAME OF MEL, AND HE GAVE ME A CHOICE OF MONETARY COMPENSATION OR A TRUCK. I DECLINED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS HEAVILY MEDICATED WITH HYDROCODONE FOR HEAD, NECK, AND SHOULDER PAIN. I SUFFER FROM EXCRUCIATING HEAD ACHES, STABBING PAIN IN MY EAR, AND NUMBNESS/TINGLING/AND PAIN IN MY BACK AND LEGS. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALIST, BECAUSE MY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IS UNABLE TO ASSIST. MY CASE NUMBER IS: #CAS10200415. I AM FOND OF FORD PICKUP SUPER CREW CABS. I HAVE A PICTURE SHOWING THE AIRBAG.AND THE PICTURE PROVES THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT IT IS WORKING, IF YOU LOOK ON THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER CORNER OTHER PICTURE BY THE GEAR SHIFT. I SPOKE WITH MEL AT 11:24 AM EASTERN TIME.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Jun 22, 2016, fire
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. HAD NOT BEEN RUN IN OVER A WEEK. COMPLETELY BURNED UP AND CAUSED DAMAGED HOME. VEHICLE BURNED HAD SEVERAL EXPLOSIONS AND BURNED AT A HIGH TEMP UNTIL IT WAS EXTINGUISHED BY FIRE FIGHTERS.
Structure, Oct 21, 2015
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN7/2003. REAR SMALL DOOR (SO CALLED "SUICIDE DOOR") ON PASSENGER SIDE BROKE IN 11/2012. WOULD NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. HAD TWO LATCHES REPLACED AT WALKER FORD IN CLEARWATER, FL ALSO IN 11/2012 AT A COST OF $615.59. SAME DOOR BROKE AGAIN IN 9/2015. TOOK TRUCK BACK TO WALKER FORD . THEY OFFERED TO REPAIR IT AGAIN FOR ABOUT $500 AND STATED THE LATCHES THEY REPLACED IN 11/2012 HAD "DETERIORATED FROM NON-USE"!. I DECLINED THE REPAIR OFFER AS IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT THE LATCHES ARE INADEQUATE AND/OR OF DEFECTED MANUFACTURE. IT IS MY POSITION THAT THESE REAR DOOR LATCH PROBLEMS ARE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IF THERE IS A SITUATION OF WATER IMMERSION, FIRE, SMOKE, FUMES, ETC. IN SUCH AN EVENT, ANY REAR SEAT PASSENGER WOULD BE TRAPPED. I AM ASKING YOU TO CONSIDER AN IMMEDIATE RECALL TO REPLACE THESE LATCHES.
Structure, Apr 6, 2015
2003 FORD F-150 LARIAT SUPERCAB IT WAS RAINING, I GOT IN THE TRUCK, WATER WAS DRIPPING INSIDE THROUGH THE CENTER AREA IN THE CEILING WHERE THE COMPASS IS. THERE ARE WIRES UP THERE, SO WATER IS NOT GOOD. I CLIMBED UP AND LOOKED AT THE ROOF OUTSIDE, AND DISCOVERED RUST ON EVERY ONE OF THE CHANNELS ON THE ROOF, ONE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE REST PARTIALLY RUSTED THROUGH. ASIDE FROM THE NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE APPEARANCE, THIS IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE: 1. WATER DRIPPING INTO THE WIRING COULD CAUSE A SHORT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE 2. RUST-THROUGH ON THE ROOF COULD CAUSE THE METAL TO BREAK OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND INJURE SOMEONE 3. DECREASED STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE ROOF COULD DECREASE SAFETY IN THE EVENT OF A ROLLOVER 4. RUST IN THE AREA ATTACHING THE WINDSHIELD COULD CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO FAIL OR FLY OFF 5. WATER LEAKING INTO THE ROOF CAUSED MOLD, WHICH IS A BREATHING HAZARD THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN - THE CHANNELS COLLECTED WATER WITH NO WAY FOR IT TO DRAIN, SO THE WATER POOLED AND CAUSED RUST, BOTH IN THE ENDS OF THE CHANNELS AND ALONG THE RIM OF THE WINDSHIELDS. THE OLDER MODELS WERE SMOOTH ON TOP SO THE PROBLEM DIDN'T EXIST. NEWER MODELS HAVE FINS STICKING UP RATHER THAN INDENTATIONS, SO FORD CLEARLY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND CHANGED THE DESIGN. FORD DID NOT RESPOND WHEN I CONTACTED THEM ABOUT THIS. *TR
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2015
GAS TANK STRAPS CORRODED/BROKE CAUSING THE TANK TO DROP AND LEAK. EXCESSIVE RUST AT BOTTOMS OF ALL FOUR DOORS. *TR
Structure, Dec 17, 2014
I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE UNTIL DECEMBER 2013 WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT I COULD NOT OPEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR. IN NOVEMBER 2014 THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE LEFT REAR DOOR. I OBTAINED A REPAIR ESTIMATE FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $700.00 PER DOOR TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. (BROKEN CABLES INSIDE DOOR) THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD A 2004 F-150 AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS VEHICLE. I ALSO SPOKE TO TWO (2) OTHER PERSONS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WIT THEIR 2003 F-150'S. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT I THINK THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE DEATHS SINCE ANY PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE REAR SEATS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THROUGH THE REAR DOORS. I CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD NO RECALLS HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Nov 24, 2014
HOOD PAINT BUBBLING AS THOUGH THERE IS RUST. HOOD IS ALUMINUM! REPAINT IS NECESSARY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Oct 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STRAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Structure, Aug 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED WHEN IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING, SHACKLE AND MOUNT WERE RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Sep 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 13, 2012
MY FORD F 150 FRAME AND SPRING HOLDERS ARE RUSTING BAD, I'M AFRAID THE SPRINGS MAY FALL OFF OR THE FRAME MAY BREAK WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. THE BODY OF THE TRUCK HAS NO RUST, I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY HAVE 62,000 MILES ON IT. JUST WONDERING IT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY FRAME AND WHAT MY OPPTIONS ARE. *TR
Structure, Apr 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT AND MIGHT ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN UPDATED 07/18/12
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, May 11, 2011
GAS TANK STRAP ON 2003 F-150 XLT 4X4 BROKE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST CAUSING THE TANK TO FALL AND RATTLE ON SKID PLATE. BOUGHT NEW STRAPS FROM LOCAL AUTO SUPPLY AND REPLACED BOTH OF THEM SINCE THE SECOND STRAP WAS CLOSE TO BREAKING ALSO. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 18, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A LEAK WITHIN THE DOOR PANELS AND WINDSHIELD. DUE TO THE LEAK, WATER WAS GETTING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 05/13/11 *BF
Visibility, Structure, Apr 28, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150, WITH A 5.4L ENGINE. I FOUND OUT THAT MY WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING AND SEEPING WATER ONTO MY GEM/CJB AND MAKING IT SO IN RAIN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS SHUT OFF, MY HEATER BLOWER TO STAY ON OR GO ON WHEN THE KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION, AND HAS DRAINED MY BATTERY. HERE IS A COPY OF THE NOTICE FORD SENT TO THERE DEALERSHIPS IN 2004, *FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 VARIOUS ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS RESULTING FROM WATER INTRUSION INTO THE GEM/CJB SOME 1997-2002 EXPEDITION AND 1998-2002 NAVIGATOR VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS UNUSUAL ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: FRONT OR REAR BLOWER OR EATC STAYING ON WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, RADIO STAYING ON AFTER DOORS OPENED AND KEY OUT OF IGNITION, WIPER CIRCUIT FAILURE CODES, AND MULTIPLE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WITH 'SHORT TO POWER' OR 'LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE' DTCS. THESE SYMPTOMS MOST OFTEN OCCUR AFTER A RAIN OR SNOW. THIS MAY BE DUE TO GEM/CJB WATER INTRUSION RESULTING FROM A WINDSHIELD WATER LEAK. TO SERVICE, REMOVE THE GEM AND CJB FROM THE VEHICLE, SEPARATE THEM AND INSPECT FOR WATER CONTAMINATION OR CORROSION. IF FOUND IN EITHER COMPONENT, REPLACE BOTH COMPONENTS AND COMPLETELY RESEAL THE WINDSHIELD. EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/05/2002 SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THEY ARE CHARGING BETWEEN $900 - $1500+ FOR REPAIRS AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT CHARGING FOR THE WINDSHIELD TO BE REPLACED. THE HAZARDS OF THIS POTENTIALLY SHORTING OUT AND HAVING A FIRE IS A RISK THAT I THINK SHOULD BE ADDRESSED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CONSUMERS. HAVING MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP ON ME IN HEAVY RAIN ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Structure, Mar 2, 2010
2003 FORD F150 KING RANCH 4X4 PICKUP ALL FOUR DOORS ARE ROTTING OUT ON THE BOTTOM. *DT 2/20/10 THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE DRAIN HOLES OR WEEP HOLES WERE PLUGGED PROBABLY FROM RUST AND ROAD MATERIAL THUS TRAPPING WATER INSIDE THE DOORS CAUSING THEM TO RUST OUT. WHEN THE CONSUMER LOOKED AT THE WEEP HOLES, THEY WERE NOT CLOGGED UP, BUT PLUGGED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED PLUGS THE CONSUMER STATED THE PLUGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REMOVED BEFORE THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE. . *JB UPDATED 04/06/10.*JB
Structure, Oct 24, 2008
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 FORD F150 IN AUGUST 2007. WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS THE GEM MODULE WAS REPLACED AS THERE EXISTS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE SEATING OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE SEAL. AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A RAINY DAY, THE BLOWER FAN IS GOING, THE WINDOWS ARE GOING UP AND DOWN, AND THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ARE ALL FREAKING OUT. AS I PULL OVER AND REMOVE MY KEY FROM THE TRUCK, THE PROBLEM DOES NOT STOP. AND NOW THE TRUCK WON'T RESTART. AGAIN, THE GEM MODULE. WHICH FORD WILL NOT REPLACE ALONG WITH THE LEAKY WINDSHIELD SEAL. BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THERE EXISTS NO PROBLEM OF THE BEHALF OF THE MANUFACTURER. SEE: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/FORD-F-150/TAA9DVMDG7RO706EI#LASTPOST. I AM AFRAID THAT EVEN IF I WERE TO PAY TO HAVE THE GEM MODULE REPLACED (AGAIN) AND THE WINDSHIELD RESEALED (AGAIN) THAT I WILL BE DRIVING ALL OF MY CHILDREN DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE TRUCK JUST DECIDES TO ELECTRONICALLY FAIL IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CAUSES A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PERHAPS THIS DESIGN FLAW SHOULD BE AN ISSUE FOR IMMEDIATE RECALL. *TR