Most common 2003 Ford F-550 SD problems
Share of the 33 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-550 SD complaints by model year
Best F-550 SD years: 2018, 2013, 2017. Years to avoid: 2000, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2005. Compare all years →
2003 Ford F-550 SD recalls (5)
Exterior lighting › Brake 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,…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
Vehicle speed control
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)
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2003 Ford F-550 SD:
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.
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.
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…
What 2003 Ford F-550 SD owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
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.
I have 2 Ford f550 trucks (2001,2003). Both trucks with very low mileage (37K, 56K miles). Both diesel engines. Both have only had either shell or chevron fuel put in them. No bio fuels. The interior of both my trucks fuel tanks are delaminating and causing the various fuel filters to clog with a metallic debris and rust. Ford motor company is blaming the delaminating on the fuel used in the trucks. My dealer (westlie Ford, camas, washington) where I purchased these trucks cannot warranty the replacement tanks needed to remedy this problem. This is an epidemic for Ford motor company! Word has it Ford has fixed the problem with the new coating on the new tanks but, I can find no announcement from Ford motor company saying so. Average cost to replace this tank runs between $1,500 - $2,500 dollars. …
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 2003 Ford f550 super duty. While driving less than 70 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Immediately following, flames appeared under the hood of the vehicle. The fire was described as "violent" with flames at least 70 feet high. The police and fire departments were called to the scene and a report was filed. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact has supporting documentation, including videos and photos. The failure and current mileages were 125,000.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Ford F-550 SD a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 F-550 SD rates avoid: 3.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the F-550 SD at the same age. It is one of the F-550 SD years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford F-550 SD?
The fuel & propulsion system — 19 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (8) and suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford F-550 SD have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2003 Ford F-550 SD, the most recent from July 13, 2011 (brake lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-550 SD?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2013 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2005. See the full Ford F-550 SD years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford F-550 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 39% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.