Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Ford F-150 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 32 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 32, in the owner's own words
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.
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. The vehicle was a total loss nothing was left interior wise no ( steering wheel,no console,no dashboard or anything.
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.
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. *TT *TR
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?
TRANS WENT OUT A MONTH AFTER INTAKE CRACK HAD TO BE REPLACE ALMOST $1,650 TOGETHER ALSO BALL JOINTS AND TIEROD ENDS NO GOOD SHOCK NO GOOD BRAKE ARE FALLING AND REAR END IS GRINDING THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD HELP AND THERE'S "MORE".
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR CABLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
2003 F150 PAINT ON THE HOOD IS SHOWING ALUMINUM RUST OXIDATION. REQUIRING A NEW HOOD.
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". THE DATABASE SHOWS 144,000 FORD F-150 2003'S RECALLED FOR FAILURE OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. I CALLED FORD'S MOTOR HEAD QUARTERS. THE FIRST NUMBER WAS (313)323-9100, THEN I WAS TRANSFERRED TO 1-866-436-7332. I SPOKE WITH A REP BY THE NAME OF MEL, AND HE GAVE ME A CHOICE OF MONETARY COMPENSATION OR A TRUCK. I DECLINED, DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS HEAVILY MEDICATED WITH HYDROCODONE FOR HEAD, NECK, AND SHOULDER PAIN. I SUFFER FROM EXCRUCIATING HEAD ACHES, STABBING PAIN IN MY EAR, AND NUMBNESS/TINGLING/AND PAIN IN MY BACK AND LEGS. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALIST, BECAUSE MY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IS UNABLE TO ASSIST. MY CASE NUMBER IS: #CAS10200415. I AM FOND OF FORD PICKUP SUPER CREW CABS. I HAVE A PICTURE SHOWING THE AIRBAG.AND THE PICTURE PROVES THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT IT IS WORKING, IF YOU LOOK ON THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER CORNER OTHER PICTURE BY THE GEAR SHIFT. I SPOKE WITH MEL AT 11:24 AM EASTERN TIME.
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.
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.
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. WATER LEAKING INTO THE ROOF CAUSED MOLD, WHICH IS A BREATHING HAZARD THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN - THE CHANNELS COLLECTED WATER WITH NO WAY FOR IT TO DRAIN, SO THE WATER POOLED AND CAUSED RUST, BOTH IN THE ENDS OF THE CHANNELS AND ALONG THE RIM OF THE WINDSHIELDS. THE OLDER MODELS WERE SMOOTH ON TOP SO THE PROBLEM DIDN'T EXIST. NEWER MODELS HAVE FINS STICKING UP RATHER THAN INDENTATIONS, SO FORD CLEARLY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND CHANGED THE DESIGN. FORD DID NOT RESPOND WHEN I CONTACTED THEM ABOUT THIS. *TR
GAS TANK STRAPS CORRODED/BROKE CAUSING THE TANK TO DROP AND LEAK. EXCESSIVE RUST AT BOTTOMS OF ALL FOUR DOORS. *TR
I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE UNTIL DECEMBER 2013 WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT I COULD NOT OPEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR. IN NOVEMBER 2014 THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE LEFT REAR DOOR. I OBTAINED A REPAIR ESTIMATE FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $700.00 PER DOOR TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. (BROKEN CABLES INSIDE DOOR) THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD A 2004 F-150 AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS VEHICLE. I ALSO SPOKE TO TWO (2) OTHER PERSONS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WIT THEIR 2003 F-150'S. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT I THINK THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE DEATHS SINCE ANY PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE REAR SEATS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THROUGH THE REAR DOORS. I CONTACTED THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS TOLD NO RECALLS HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
HOOD PAINT BUBBLING AS THOUGH THERE IS RUST. HOOD IS ALUMINUM! REPAINT IS NECESSARY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STRAPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED WHEN IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING, SHACKLE AND MOUNT WERE RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
MY FORD F 150 FRAME AND SPRING HOLDERS ARE RUSTING BAD, I'M AFRAID THE SPRINGS MAY FALL OFF OR THE FRAME MAY BREAK WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. THE BODY OF THE TRUCK HAS NO RUST, I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY HAVE 62,000 MILES ON IT. JUST WONDERING IT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY FRAME AND WHAT MY OPPTIONS ARE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT AND MIGHT ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,000. UPDATED 7/12/12 *CN UPDATED 07/18/12
GAS TANK STRAP ON 2003 F-150 XLT 4X4 BROKE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST CAUSING THE TANK TO FALL AND RATTLE ON SKID PLATE. BOUGHT NEW STRAPS FROM LOCAL AUTO SUPPLY AND REPLACED BOTH OF THEM SINCE THE SECOND STRAP WAS CLOSE TO BREAKING ALSO. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A LEAK WITHIN THE DOOR PANELS AND WINDSHIELD. DUE TO THE LEAK, WATER WAS GETTING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 05/13/11 *BF
I HAVE A 2003 FORD F150, WITH A 5.4L ENGINE. I FOUND OUT THAT MY WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING AND SEEPING WATER ONTO MY GEM/CJB AND MAKING IT SO IN RAIN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS SHUT OFF, MY HEATER BLOWER TO STAY ON OR GO ON WHEN THE KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION, AND HAS DRAINED MY BATTERY. HERE IS A COPY OF THE NOTICE FORD SENT TO THERE DEALERSHIPS IN 2004, *FORD SPECIAL MESSAGE #15773 VARIOUS ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS RESULTING FROM WATER INTRUSION INTO THE GEM/CJB SOME 1997-2002 EXPEDITION AND 1998-2002 NAVIGATOR VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS UNUSUAL ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: FRONT OR REAR BLOWER OR EATC STAYING ON WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, RADIO STAYING ON AFTER DOORS OPENED AND KEY OUT OF IGNITION, WIPER CIRCUIT FAILURE CODES, AND MULTIPLE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WITH 'SHORT TO POWER' OR 'LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE' DTCS. THESE SYMPTOMS MOST OFTEN OCCUR AFTER A RAIN OR SNOW. THIS MAY BE DUE TO GEM/CJB WATER INTRUSION RESULTING FROM A WINDSHIELD WATER LEAK. TO SERVICE, REMOVE THE GEM AND CJB FROM THE VEHICLE, SEPARATE THEM AND INSPECT FOR WATER CONTAMINATION OR CORROSION. IF FOUND IN EITHER COMPONENT, REPLACE BOTH COMPONENTS AND COMPLETELY RESEAL THE WINDSHIELD. EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/05/2002 SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THEY ARE CHARGING BETWEEN $900 - $1500+ FOR REPAIRS AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT CHARGING FOR THE WINDSHIELD TO BE REPLACED. THE HAZARDS OF THIS POTENTIALLY SHORTING OUT AND HAVING A FIRE IS A RISK THAT I THINK SHOULD BE ADDRESSED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CONSUMERS. HAVING MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP ON ME IN HEAVY RAIN ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. *TR
2003 FORD F150 KING RANCH 4X4 PICKUP ALL FOUR DOORS ARE ROTTING OUT ON THE BOTTOM. *DT 2/20/10 THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE DRAIN HOLES OR WEEP HOLES WERE PLUGGED PROBABLY FROM RUST AND ROAD MATERIAL THUS TRAPPING WATER INSIDE THE DOORS CAUSING THEM TO RUST OUT. WHEN THE CONSUMER LOOKED AT THE WEEP HOLES, THEY WERE NOT CLOGGED UP, BUT PLUGGED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED PLUGS THE CONSUMER STATED THE PLUGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REMOVED BEFORE THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE. . *JB UPDATED 04/06/10.*JB
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. I AM AFRAID THAT EVEN IF I WERE TO PAY TO HAVE THE GEM MODULE REPLACED (AGAIN) AND THE WINDSHIELD RESEALED (AGAIN) THAT I WILL BE DRIVING ALL OF MY CHILDREN DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE TRUCK JUST DECIDES TO ELECTRONICALLY FAIL IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CAUSES A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PERHAPS THIS DESIGN FLAW SHOULD BE AN ISSUE FOR IMMEDIATE RECALL. *TR
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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