2003 Ford F-550 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, diesel (45% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-550 sd. While driving unknown speeds, the engine stalled without warning and the fuel tank disintegrated. The float filter and filter were clogged. The contact called a local dealer (vision ford, 1500 s white sands blvd, alamogordo, nm 88310) and was advised to schedule a service appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 107,550.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2015
“Norcold corp. Issued safety recall # 10e-049 on/about october 21, 2010 for refrigerator units in recreational vehicles for a potential "fire" in the cooling unit(s). A certified rv dealer confirmed fire damage to unit owned and operated by complainant . Norcold corp. Has refused to honor safety recall(s) and repair said damaged units. The fire was contained to the refrigerator unit only however its a total lost. There are millions of similar defective refrigerator units being used on the national's highways by unsuspecting rv owners posing a serious safety and hazardous potential for a catastrophic event that will endanger the traveling public. *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Mar 2012
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the fuel tank inner lining was de-laminating and being drawn into the fuel system. As a temporary remedy, the contact decided to de-laminate the fuel tank. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostics. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Aug 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford f550. The contact stated that the fuel tank had delaminated and caused the fuel tank to clogged up. The failure also caused the vehicle to lose power and stall while driving uphill. The was responsible for paying $900 to replace the fuel tank since there were no warranties or recalls. The manufacturer confirmed that there were no recalls and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Nov 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f550 sd. While driving at approximately 45-50 mph, the vehicle would exhibit excessive shaking and would lose power. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the independent mechanic advised that the inside lining of the fuel tank was peeling and clogging the fuel lines. The manufacturer was contacted but would not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 48,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · May 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-55o. While driving the vehicle stalled without warning. He was able to pull over to the side of the road-way. The vehicle was towed to a ford dealer and a technician discovered an internal oil leak from the pump. The repairs were performed under warranty. Several days after the repair an identical failure occurred. A technician from the dealer stated that the fuel tank delaminated due to the diesel fuel. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The failure mileage was 101000. The current mileage was 102000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Dec 2009
“Vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the ford fuel tank that had delaminated. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $1600.00. Additionally, there was a loss of revenue as this vehicle is used for production purposes. Ford denied responsibility for any defects of their fuel tanks. With no other choice, we had to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This is a safety issue, as these vehicles are used for commercial usage daily. This is also a financial burden that has been forced onto us unfairly. They need to take responsibility and recall these fuel tanks. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Nov 2009
“Vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the ford fuel tank that had delaminated. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $1600.00. Additionally, there was a loss of revenue as this vehicle is used for production purposes. Ford denied responsibility for any defects of their fuel tanks. With no other choice, we had to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This is a safety issue, as these vehicles are used for commercial usage daily. This is also a financial burden that has been forced onto us unfairly. They need to take responsibility and recall these fuel tanks. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Oct 2009
“Engine failed and vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the ford fuel tank that had delaminated. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $2223.41. Additionally, there was a loss of revenue as this vehicle is used for production purposes. Ford denied responsibility for any defects of their fuel tanks. With no other choice, we had to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This is a safety issue, as these vehicles are used for commercial usage daily. This is also a financial burden that has been forced onto us unfairly. They need to take responsibility and recall these fuel tanks. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Oct 2009
“Fuel tank delamination. Clogs fuel system, and trashes injectors and pumps. New tank, injectors, pump. Clean fuel system. Ford says biofuel, never use biofuel. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jul 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: 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)
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES, THE ENGINE GROUND STUD THAT ATTACHES THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL EYELET TO THE ENGINE BLOCK MAY BE LOOSE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE GROUND STUD AND THE RADIO SUPPRESSION STRAP AND ADJACENT COMPONENTS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACED, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-550 SD by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Ford F-550 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Ford F-550 SD. The most complained-about area is fuel system, diesel (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Ford F-550 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,506 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Ford F-550 SD have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.