Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
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.
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. …
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". …
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.
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.
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?
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.
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. …
Body complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2003 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the body & structure of the 2003 Ford F-150, 8% of the model year's 423 complaints. The component named most often is body (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford F-150 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2003 Ford F-150, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford F-150 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.