2003 Ford F-250 SD problems
Owners have filed 229 complaints about the 2003 Ford F-250 SD with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 34.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 8.7%.
Complaints229
Crashes6
Fires14
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 34.1% · 78
Power train 8.7% · 20
Tires 8.3% · 19
Steering 7.0% · 16
Electrical system 6.1% · 14
Suspension 5.2% · 12
Vehicle speed control 4.4% · 10
Fuel system, diesel 3.9% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 6 describe a crash, 14 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 18 model years of the Ford F-250 SD in this data, 2003 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 14 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 46,000 miles.
In owners' own words
: The contact stated without warning on various occasions, the vehicle looses 80 percent of the power. This occurrence is not dependent on the speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, where multiple components have been replaced, but the problem persists. The turbo charger has been replaced twice, the turbo boost and egr valve has been replaced and the computer has been reprogrammed. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 23,400 miles
The vehicle would lose power steering when applying the brakes. The power steering would return after letting off the brakes. The vehicle had been to the dealer on three separate occasions. The dealer changed various parts and the problem recurred. *Ak the hydro boost was not operating properly and the engine had an oil leak due to the glow plug boss bar orings. *Sc Engine and engine cooling · reported at 5 miles
When the consumer first starts the vehicle, during the first few miles the vehicle is very sluggish. The vehicle had several near misses due to this sluggishness. This has happened on many occasions while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the sluggishness was normal. The manufacturer is aware of the problem. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 45 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…