Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford F-250 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford f250 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle was shut off with the shifter in park when the vehicle slipped out of park and independently began to roll away backward. The contact attempted to enter the vehicle to stop it but was knocked to the ground. The contact sustained injuries to the right shoulder and elbow. The driver side door was opened when the failure occurred and crashed into the gas pump. The vehicle was taken to a body repair facility where the body damages were repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the failure. The failure mileage was 82,349 and the current mileage was 82,360.
I have had rough idle problems since I bought the truck new. This was the first diesel vehicle I have ever owned so in the beginning I thought it was normal, but it kept getting worse. I purchased the truck in April 2003. I have had hard shifting since I bought it. When I back the truck up and then shift into drive it will slam into gear as a vehicle with no transmission fluid reacts. There was a dangerous hesitation when crossing traffic and sometimes the truck would have a 3-5 second stall. It has blown white smoke more recently and would not kick down into passing gear on the freeway. I have had the truck in for service several times and the last time they told me that they had no fix at that time. I just got off the phone with a customer service manager and she tells me that the fix will raise the noise level up 5 decibels. …
Vehicle has 7.3 liter diesel engine and the Ford 4r100 automatic transmission and 4 wheel drive. Transmission failed at about 88,000 miles despite proper servicing since new. It would intermittently stop shifting in normal use and began to slip badly. Only second gear was still working when I got it to the dealer the next day. The transmission was replaced at my expense ($3500+). The replacement transmission failed in a similar way at about 135,000 miles despite being serviced as required by the dealer. They are unable to obtain a valve body for this troublesome assembly and it has been at the dealer for nearly two weeks. This model of transmission is defective and dangerous especially if you are towing and lose engine braking due to the transmission failing. Ford no longer uses this transmission as it has a high failure rate. …
Our 2003 Ford f250 diesel trucks transmission needs to be replaced after only 55,000 miles. We paid $40,000 for a truck that was supposed to be built to last and be a quality vehicle. We were told by the dealership that it came with a 100,000 mile power train warranty. Now that we are having problems with it, we are being told that a transmission is not considered power train on a diesel engine. This truck is almost new. We have only pulled a stock trailer with it a hand full of times. It is mostly used on the highway as our family vehicle. Ford is not standing beside it's vehicle. They want us to pay $3500.00 to replace a part that should not have failed. My husband has talked to the Ford company directly who does not even have a record of us buying the truck. …
Truck began blowing fuse #45, resulting in a loss of instruments and no throttle activation available. Seems to occur most often when turning left, and/or when shifting from park or reverse into drive, or drive into reverse or park. Has resulted in a loss of power in all of the above situations, with the engine only idling. If this occurs while heading uphill, vehicle will not move. Internet search reveals this seems to be a fairly common problem, and is due to insulation being rubbed off part of the wiring harness that runs through the steering column. Same research indicates Ford changed the routing of the wiring harness in late 2003. I believe this situation should be repaired free of charge by Ford.
Transmission failed while driving. When stopping the vehicle it would not move in any direction. Had vehicle towed to nearest Ford dealership in shawnee OK. When the transmission was disassembled the inner pump rotor was broke as well as 1-2 and 2-3 shift valves were stuck. Milage was 3, 822. Nov 13, 2002. On jan 31 2003 while going to the store the transmission failed to shift into drive or overdrive but would move in first and second as well as reverse. Had vehicle towed to place of purchase walt's live oak Ford where they have stated it would be a 5 days before it could be looked at. Ts
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 updated 11/9/2012
Ford f250 super duty 6.0l diesel; 130,000 miles high pressure oil pump goes out. All fuel injectors need replacing, high pressure fuel regulator disintegrates. At 99,000 the turbo had a leak, we had to have the truck towed to Ford dealer. This truck should not need these repairs this soon, something is wrong. Dad was a diesel mechanic, this is very faulty equipment. Truck has had all regular maintenance. Truck just loses power suddenly.
Dt: a shift cable broke on June 5, 2005. Contacted the dealer, they fixed it. Had several issues with the truck but this one was the bad one. The dealer gave no idication why it broke. Also, they had to pull out the motor because of an oil leak. Took the vehicle to dealer again because an emergcey light came on. Spoke with the service manager all he could say was that it happened to a couple of them.
2003 f-250 SD 4x4 cc 5.4 l gas auto transmission. When the truck is started it lurches forward. This has been happening for over a year now. Fords response is that this is normal. That is unacceptable. I have never had this happen with any other vehicle. This problem happens even though it is an automatic and is in park. It happens in both cold weather as well as warm.
Transmission complaints in other F-250 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Ford F-250 SD?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Ford F-250 SD, 11% of the model year's 178 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford F-250 SD transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 Ford F-250 SD, 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-250 SD transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.