Owners have filed 229 complaints
about the 2003 Ford F-250 SD with NHTSA between 2003 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the Ford F-250 SD. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 81
48% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Diesel
2735.5%
Engine
1418.4%
Automatic Transmission
1215.8%
Exhaust System
67.9%
Tread/Belt
56.6%
Front
56.6%
Accelerator Pedal
45.3%
Fuel Injection System
33.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
2110.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3517.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2512.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2813.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3416.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2914.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2210.7%
150,000+ miles
115.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2003peak 15Jul 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Ford F-250 SD
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA06012Opened 22 Jun 2006Closed 7 Dec 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ENGINE STALLING
IN A DECEMBER 3, 2007 LETTER, FORD ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE CAM POSITION SENSOR (CPS) IN APPROXIMATELY 1.2 MILLION SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ADDRESS REPORTS OF ENGINE STALLING.A NEW DESIGN CPS WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY WILL BE INSTALLED AS A REMEDY.OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER 2007. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE DURABLE, FULL-SIZED, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS COMMONLY USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, RESCUE/EMERGENCY RESPONSE, AND COMMERCIAL OR RECREATIONAL TOWING.CPS FAILURE IS COMPARABLE TO UNEXPECTEDLY TURNING THE KEY OFF SINCE THE SIGNAL IT P...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
EA05003Opened 15 Feb 2005Closed 2 Nov 2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ENGINE STALLING
IN A JUNE 7, 2005 LETTER, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 180,000 FORD F-SUPER DUTY, EXCURSION AND E-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES TO CORRECT TWO WIRING RELATED CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-270, FORD NO. 05S34).THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003 AND MAY 31, 2004.ACCORDING TO FORD, VEHICLES WITH THE CONDITIONS MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS OF VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE TH...
PE04070Opened 7 Oct 2004Closed 15 Feb 2005ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ENGINE STALLING
TWENTY FIVE OF THE ODI FAILURE REPORTS ARE DUPLICATIVE OF FORD COMPLAINTS.TWENTY ODI REPORTS DO NOT CONTAIN A VIN (AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE DUPLICATIVE OF FORD REPORTS).THE 14 ALLEGED CRASHES AND 2 ALLEGED INJURIES WERE ALL MINOR.SUBMITTED DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE) 04-070, FORD'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER CONTAINED ABOUT 5,000 CONSUMER REPORTS (MORS) AND 8,700 FIELD REPORTS (CQIS).FORD REVIEWED THE COMPLAINTS AND CATEGORIZED THEM.THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS SHOWN ABOVE REPRESENT A COUNT OF UNIQUE VEHICLES THAT FORD CATEGORIZED AS ALLEGEDLY STALLING DUE TO A SUBJECT E...
EA04006Opened 23 Feb 2004Closed 10 Feb 2005VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC)
FAILURE COUNTS FROM ODI?S ANALYSIS ARE STATED ABOVE; SEE THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCE DISCUSSION IN THE SUMMARY REPORT.FORD DATA CONTAINED DUPLICATIVE REPORTS FOR 4 ODI COMPLAINTS AND 1 CRASH.THREE CRASHES WERE ALLEGEDLY DUE TO INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) PEDAL, ONE CRASH OCCURRED WHEN AN ETC DISABLED VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER MOTORIST, ONE REPORT CONTAINED NO DETAIL.THE INJURIES WERE MINOR.AN ISSUE INVOLVING FIXED ETC PEDALS WAS INVESTIGATED ALSO, HOWEVER FAILURE REPORTS AND POPULATIONS ARE NOT SHOWN ABOVE; SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR DETAIL.ALTHOUGH FO...
Recalls on the 2003 Ford F-250 SD
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V352000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Risk: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
09V399000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
07E106000
WHEELS:HUB
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Risk: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07V553000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
07V078000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 160,000 milesCynthiana, KYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF MOTOR AND BREAKING COIL CAUSING IT TOO LEAK FUEL VAPORS OUT POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THREE DIFFERENT CERTIFIED MECHANICS HAVE ADVISED THIS IS CAUSED TO DEFECT IN THE ALUMINUM HEADS FROM FACTORY NOT HAVING ENOUGH THREADS CAUSING THE SPARK PLUG TO BLOW OUT. POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR FIRE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS ADDRESSED AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WE HAD A SMALL ENGINE FIRE CAUSING SLIGHT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10871769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesCynthiana, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF MOTOR AND BREAKING COIL CAUSING IT TOO LEAK FUEL VAPORS OUT POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THREE DIFFERENT CERTIFIED MECHANICS HAVE ADVISED THIS IS CAUSED TO DEFECT IN THE ALUMINUM HEADS FROM FACTORY NOT HAVING ENOUGH THREADS CAUSING THE SPARK PLUG TO BLOW OUT. POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR FIRE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS ADDRESSED AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WE HAD A SMALL ENGINE FIRE CAUSING SLIGHT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10871769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesAlbuquerque, NMCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING FIVE O CLOCK TRAFFIC AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN CRASHING INTO EACH OTHER. I PRESSED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AND SUDDENLY THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND I SMASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TODAY THE AUTO SHOP HANDLING THE REPAIRS CALLED ME IN TO LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED. THE MASTER CYLINDER BROKE COMPLETELY FREE FROM THE BOOSTER. THE METAL BRACKETS BROKE IN HALF AND SEPARATED CAUSING THE LOSE OF BRAKES AND THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER BLOWN AWAY FROM THE BOOSTER.
NHTSA complaint #10559952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLive OAK, FLFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. A CHEMICAL BURNING ODOR EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND WHENEVER THE FUEL TANK LEVEL REGISTERED QUARTER OF A TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE FUEL TANK LINING WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10482692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesSaratoga, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE CLOSING THE CAMPER SHELL, THE SHELL SLAMMED DOWN AND SHATTERED THE REAR WINDOW. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE HAND DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCLEAR AS TO WHY THE CAMPER SHELL SLAMMED DOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERE NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERNS OVER THE CAMPER SHELL BEING UNSAFE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10409041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesGarrettsville, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FORD F250 DIESEL PARKED IN DRIVEWAY NEXT TO HOUSE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE DURING THE NIGHT. TRUCK TOTALLY DESTROYED, (OTHER PROPERTY ALSO DAMAGED/DESTROYED). HAD ISSUES WITH CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING, WAS FIXED TWICE, AFTER SECOND TIME FIXED AND STOPPED WORKING, DID NOT HAVE FIXED AGAIN. HAD NO OTHER ISSUES WITH VEHICLE, NO REASON FOR IT TO CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10363782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 49,000 milesNorth Oaks, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HANGING DOWN. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED AND THE FUEL GAUGE WAS DAMAGED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
NHTSA complaint #11230742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesOzark, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED WHILE TRAVELING ON A STATE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11150844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesEden Prairie, MN
WHEELS
I HAVE AMERICAN EAGLE - 20 " EAGLE ALLOY WHEELS. THEY ARE APPROXIMATELY 24 MONTHS OLD. THIS SUMMER A SPOKE CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH ON ONE WHEEL. THE DEALER WOULD NOT WARRANTY IT AND I HAD TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT. THIS WEEK I NOTICED ANOTHER OF THE WHEELS CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I HAVE NOT HIT ANY MAJOR POT HOLES, CURBS OR ANYTHING ELSE. MY TRUCK IS NOT A WORK TRUCK OR USED FOR MUDDING OR OFF ROAD, IT IS A PAVEMENT PRINCESS DRIVEN BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. I AM WORRIED THERE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THAT THE WHEELS ARE NOT SAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10935359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesCynthiana, KYFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF MOTOR AND BREAKING COIL CAUSING IT TOO LEAK FUEL VAPORS OUT POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THREE DIFFERENT CERTIFIED MECHANICS HAVE ADVISED THIS IS CAUSED TO DEFECT IN THE ALUMINUM HEADS FROM FACTORY NOT HAVING ENOUGH THREADS CAUSING THE SPARK PLUG TO BLOW OUT. POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR FIRE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS ADDRESSED AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WE HAD A SMALL ENGINE FIRE CAUSING SLIGHT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10871769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesCynthiana, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF MOTOR AND BREAKING COIL CAUSING IT TOO LEAK FUEL VAPORS OUT POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THREE DIFFERENT CERTIFIED MECHANICS HAVE ADVISED THIS IS CAUSED TO DEFECT IN THE ALUMINUM HEADS FROM FACTORY NOT HAVING ENOUGH THREADS CAUSING THE SPARK PLUG TO BLOW OUT. POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR FIRE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS ADDRESSED AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WE HAD A SMALL ENGINE FIRE CAUSING SLIGHT DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10871769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesLockport, LA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE VEHICLE SPEED FUNCTION WOULD NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SWITCH BECAME HOT AND FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10825075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesWichita, KS
ENGINE
5.4 LITER MOTOR BLOWS SPARK PLUGS OUT OF THE ENGINE, BECAUSE SOME MORON AT FORD DESIGNED AN ENGINE WITH 2 OR 3 THREADS PER PLUG PORT ON ALUMINUM HEADS. FORD IS PAYING A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT FOR MODEL YEARS 2004 - 2008, BUT MINE IS A 2003. THANKS FOR THE SCREW-JOB, FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10809880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesColgate, WI
ENGINE
A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT WHILE ACELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. A SMELL OF UNBURNT FUEL WAS PRESENT WHILE DRIVING TO FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10726943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLongwood, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 OF THE TANK STRAPS BUSTED OFF AND THE TANK BEGAN SAGGING AND ALMOST TOUCHING THE GROUND, THUS CAUSING A SEVERE FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10716410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesAxtell, KS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY SMOKE RESULTING IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V553000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO FIRE, JUST EXCESSIVE PRESSURE IN THE CRANKCASE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BLOW OIL OUT THE GLOW PLUG. UPDATED 03/31/16.
NHTSA complaint #10715929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesAxtell, KS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY SMOKE RESULTING IN A FIRE. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V553000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO FIRE, JUST EXCESSIVE PRESSURE IN THE CRANKCASE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BLOW OIL OUT THE GLOW PLUG. UPDATED 03/31/16.
NHTSA complaint #10715929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,919 milesBroadway, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN TO DRIVE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,919.
NHTSA complaint #10652834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,150 milesSAN Antonio, TX
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ULTRA ALL RANGE TIRES, LINE SIZE: P235/85/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING ALL THE TIRES, HE NOTICED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS WEARING PREMATURELY AND HAD STARTED SEPARATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,151. THE VEHICLE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 03/17/15*LJ UPDATED 08/25/2017
NHTSA complaint #10626658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palacios, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2003 FORD F-250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY STALL AND RE-START, DUE TO VEHICLE MOMENTUM, BUT IT STALLED COMING TO A LOW RPM IDLE, OR STOP. WHEN IT STALLED, IT GAVE NO CODE WARNINGS OR DASH LIGHT INDICATOR. HE RESET THE IGNITION KEY AND RE-STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE CONSUMER DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY MORE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10615461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesAlbuquerque, NMCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING FIVE O CLOCK TRAFFIC AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN CRASHING INTO EACH OTHER. I PRESSED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AND SUDDENLY THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND I SMASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TODAY THE AUTO SHOP HANDLING THE REPAIRS CALLED ME IN TO LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED. THE MASTER CYLINDER BROKE COMPLETELY FREE FROM THE BOOSTER. THE METAL BRACKETS BROKE IN HALF AND SEPARATED CAUSING THE LOSE OF BRAKES AND THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER BLOWN AWAY FROM THE BOOSTER.
NHTSA complaint #10559952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesOxford, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
TRUCK IS LIGHTLY USED. TODAY I HOOKED UP THE HORSE TRAILER TO HAUL HORSES AND WHEN I WAS HEADED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND USED THE BRAKES THEY COMPLETELY FAILED. I ENGAGED THE TOW MODE ON THE TRANSMISSION AND USED THE E-BRAKE TO STOP. THERE WAS NO WARNING JUST BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR FAILURE. IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED 2 MINUTES LATER I WOULD OF BEEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THERE WAS A LARGE LEAK ON THE MAIN BRAKE LINE ABOVE THE REAR FUEL TANK. I INSPECTED THE MAIN BRAKE LINE AND EVERY PLACE THE BRAKE LINE IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME THERE IS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINE . 2 INCHES FROM THE ATTACHMENT THE BRAKE LINE LOOKS BRAND NEW. LOOKS LIKE THE ENGINEERS USED A DISSIMILAR METAL AND CAUSED A CORROSION CELL. 10 YEAR OLD TRUCK AND I AM SPENDING $800.00 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MAIN BRAKE LINE. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE ON A $50,000 TRUCK SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. DEALER SAYS HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10541910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,946 milesCA, CA
TIRES
THREAD SEPARATION , THIS IS THE SECOND BFG TIRE THAT HAS SEPARATED REFER TO ODI NUMBER 10508448.
NHTSA complaint #10531692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesWhite Bluff, TN
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 228,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesWhite Bluff, TN
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 228,000.
NHTSA complaint #10513728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,788 milesPalm Desert, CA
TIRES
TIRE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE AT THE STEEL BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #10508448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLive OAK, FLFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. A CHEMICAL BURNING ODOR EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND WHENEVER THE FUEL TANK LEVEL REGISTERED QUARTER OF A TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE FUEL TANK LINING WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10482692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesRidge WAY, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SEVERELY.THE CONTACT PERFORMED A THOROUGH INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE FRONT STRAP WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE SECOND STRAP WAS PARTIALLY HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10480130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesAuberry, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CLUTCH FAILED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING HAD FAILED AND THE ROD WAS DETACHED FROM THE CLUTCH. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE DEALER, PURCHASED A NEW BUSHING AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE RECENT FAILURE WAS THE SECOND CLUTCH FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58,000. UPDATED 10/24/12 *CN UPDATED 11/9/2012
NHTSA complaint #10477054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesGallipolis, OH
TIRES
ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH 2012, ON MY 2003 FORD F250, THE FRONT LEFT (DRIVERS SIDE) TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE TIRE IS A DICK CEPEK FUN COUNTRY 2 PURCHASED IN JULY 2007. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE TIRE HAD 60,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS PROPERLY INFLATED, THERE WAS ADEQUATE TREAD ON IT. MY 15 1/2 YEAR OLD SON, WHO HAS HIS PERMIT, WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, BUT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE ENOUGH TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND REMOVE THE TRUCK FROM THE ROADWAY; WE WERE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH AT THE TIME. THE TIRE SIZE IS 315/75/16.
NHTSA complaint #10461299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,400 milesMorton, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 80 MPH WHEN THE SMELL OF FUEL EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE STEEL FUEL LINE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,780.
NHTSA complaint #10460796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.