2003 Ford F-250 Problems

The contact owned a 2003 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving home, there was black smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000.

Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN KO-II TIRES, SIZE: 265/75/16. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (DISCOUNT TIRE, 11881 MAGNOLIAM AVE, RIVERSIDE, CA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE DOT NUMBER, VIN, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN KO TIRES, SIZE: 265/75/16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. THE TIRE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER (DISCOUNT TIRE, 11881 MAGNOLIAM AVE, RIVERSIDE, CA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN, DOT NUMBER, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

The customer purchased a vehicle from Metro Motors on May 8, 2026, after visiting the dealership three times and speaking with multiple sales representatives. During each visit, the customer specifically stated that the vehicle would be used to tow a trailer and repeatedly asked whether it was safe and suitable for towing. The sales staff consistently represented that the vehicle was in good working condition, had low mileage, showed no significant issues on the Carfax report, and would be an excellent vehicle for towing. The customer was discouraged from test driving the vehicle because it was low on fuel, and sales staff stated that the only reason it had not sold was the snowplow attached to the front. Immediately after taking possession of the vehicle on May 8, the customer experienced a serious issue with the electronic parking brake repeatedly engaging while driving. The customer contacted Metro Motors on the next business day and was instructed by the manager, Nate, to bring the vehicle back. Metro Motors later determined that the parking brake cable was broken and that the brakes were in poor condition. After discussions, the dealership agreed to perform repairs if the customer paid for the parts. After the repairs were completed, the customer noticed smoke coming from the wheels and immediately returned the vehicle to Metro Motors. The dealership retained the vehicle but failed to communicate the nature of the problem or any repair costs until notifying the customer that the vehicle was ready for pickup on June 6, 2026. Before taking possession of the vehicle again, the customer arranged for an independent mechanic to inspect it. Although the dealership manager was initially hesitant to allow the inspection, he ultimately permitted it. The mechanic determined that the vehicle's frame was broken and that it was unsafe to operate, particularly for towing, which was the purpose repeatedly disclosed to Metro Motors before purchase.

Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W

Fuel tank straps corrode causing fuel tank to fall off A recall was issued for other similar ford trucks, but this model was not included

I HAVE PAID OVER $6.000 DOLLARS TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO FIX MY TRUCK JUST TO HAVE THEM TELL ME THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, ITS A DESIGN FLAW FROM FORD THAT CAN NOT BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I HAVE BEEN LIED TO, STRONG ALONG, CALLS NOT RETURNED AND SO ON. THE DESIGN FLAW HAS TO DO WITH THE EGR. AND TODAY ITS SEEMS THE 3RD NEW TURBO STOPPED WORKING AND THE MOTOR HAS STARTED TO HAVE A BAD VIBRATION. THIS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND EVEN THOUGH FORD KEPT TELLING ME THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME, NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. WHEN THE TURBO FAILED AS I WAS TRYING TO GET ONTO THE FREEWAY I HAD NO POWER AND NEARLY WAS REAR ENDED BY AN 18 WHEELER WHO WAS EXTREMELY ANGRY. I HAD TO STAY OFF THE FREEWAY ON OTHER ROADS TILL I COULD GET HOME. THE TRUCK DEVELOPED A BAD VIBRATION AND I WAS NOT SURE I WOULD GET IT HOME. IF I WOULD HAD BEEN TOLD BY FORD THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN OF THE DESIGN FLAW AND THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX IT, I WOULD HAVE NEVER POURED SO MUCH MONEY INTO IT. IT IS A LEMON AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE AND RESEARCHED THIS TRUCK. I FOUND OUT FORD NEW OF THIS DESIGN FLAW AND THAT THEIR CUSTOMERS WOULD HAVE THESE PROBLEMS BUT RELEASED THE TRUCK TO US ANYWAY. I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO PUT ANY MORE MONEY INTO THIS TRUCK, I CAN'T FIX IT, I CAN'T SELL IT, AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. WHEN I FOUND OUT I WAS LIED TO AND CAUGHT THEM AND SAID, I NOW YOU HAVE BEEN LYING TO ME AND I DO NOT TRUST YOU, I WAS LABELED A HOSTEL CUSTOMER. I ASK YOU, WHO LIKES TO BE LIED TO? THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON INTO 2 YEARS NOW. NOW I HAVE NO TRUCK. I AM INTERNING WHERE IT ASKS "WHEN THIS HAPPENED" TODAY'S DATE. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU.

Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W

The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-250. The contact stated that both turn signals and the windshield wipers would intermittently fail to operate as needed. Over time, the failure worsened and the components failed to operate. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

DRIVING 50-60 HIT A BUMP AND THE TRUCK GOES INTO A VIOLENT WOBBLE, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE BREAKS AND STEERING. THIS LAST TIME I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT CAUSED ME TO ENTER THE LANE NEXT TO ME NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID ME. WHEN THE SHAKING STOPS, THE TRUCK RUNS SMOOTH WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF A PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID OF MY FAMILIES SAFETY!!!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND LOST BRAKING ABILITY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

2003 FORD F-250 WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CUSTOMER STATES THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE GAUGE SAYS HOT, AND IT STAYS IN THE TOW MODE. *KB THE DEALER STATED THE SUPERCHIPS TUNER CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER THEN FLASHED THE COMPUTER AND T HE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO SHIFT SOFTER AND NOT AS CRISP UNDER ACCELERATION. *JB

2003 FORD F250 PICK UP TRUCK FREQUENTLY WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE COMPUTER CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM, HOWEVER ON THE ROAD THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. JERRY DUNCAN FORD IN HARRIMAN, TN CANNOT/WILL NOT AGREE TO COME TO THE SITE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS AND THEREFORE THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *NM

Speed control sensor allows brake fluid leak through the plug connector and run down the wiring harness, allowing brake fluid to splash on the exhaust manifold and cause a fire.

FAILED SMOG AND EVERY TIME SENSORS ARE REPLACED FAILURE HAPPENS AGAIN.

MY FRONT END SHAKES IT'S NOT THE HIGH SPEED WOBBLE MY TRAILER BRAKES THEY DO NOT WORK I'M BLOWING FUSES IN MY FUSE BOX VIA TRAILER MY TRUCK MAKES A MOANING SOUND KIND OF SOUNDS LIKE A FOGHORN THIS IS WHEN I STARTED OR I COME TO A STOP AND WHEN IT'S IDLING DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME MY SHIFTER ON MY COLUMN CAME LOOSE AND WON'T GO INTO PARK

DRIVING 50-60 HIT A BUMP AND THE TRUCK GOES INTO A VIOLENT WOBBLE, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE BREAKS AND STEERING. THIS LAST TIME I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT CAUSED ME TO ENTER THE LANE NEXT TO ME NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID ME. WHEN THE SHAKING STOPS, THE TRUCK RUNS SMOOTH WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF A PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID OF MY FAMILIES SAFETY!!!

The customer purchased a vehicle from Metro Motors on May 8, 2026, after visiting the dealership three times and speaking with multiple sales representatives. During each visit, the customer specifically stated that the vehicle would be used to tow a trailer and repeatedly asked whether it was safe and suitable for towing. The sales staff consistently represented that the vehicle was in good working condition, had low mileage, showed no significant issues on the Carfax report, and would be an excellent vehicle for towing. The customer was discouraged from test driving the vehicle because it was low on fuel, and sales staff stated that the only reason it had not sold was the snowplow attached to the front. Immediately after taking possession of the vehicle on May 8, the customer experienced a serious issue with the electronic parking brake repeatedly engaging while driving. The customer contacted Metro Motors on the next business day and was instructed by the manager, Nate, to bring the vehicle back. Metro Motors later determined that the parking brake cable was broken and that the brakes were in poor condition. After discussions, the dealership agreed to perform repairs if the customer paid for the parts. After the repairs were completed, the customer noticed smoke coming from the wheels and immediately returned the vehicle to Metro Motors. The dealership retained the vehicle but failed to communicate the nature of the problem or any repair costs until notifying the customer that the vehicle was ready for pickup on June 6, 2026. Before taking possession of the vehicle again, the customer arranged for an independent mechanic to inspect it. Although the dealership manager was initially hesitant to allow the inspection, he ultimately permitted it. The mechanic determined that the vehicle's frame was broken and that it was unsafe to operate, particularly for towing, which was the purpose repeatedly disclosed to Metro Motors before purchase.

REPLACED 4 NEW TIRES ON MY FORD F-250 TRUCK 9/20/2013. YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR H/T-S, LT235/85R16. ON APPROXIMATELY 5/10/2016, WHILE ON FREEWAY,BEGAN TO FEEL A VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. FELT LIKE WHEEL OUT OF BALANCE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK BED. APPROXIMATELY 28,500 MILES ON THE TIRES. TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. I CONTACTED YOKOHAMA TO OPEN A CASE FILE. I SENT THEM THE TIRE FOR EXAMINATION PER THEIR REQUEST. THEY SENT ME THE ANALYSIS BACK WITH A BUNCH OF PHOTOS BLAMING THE FAILURE ON ROAD DEBRIS. APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEKS LATER ON 7/2/2016 I EXPERIENCED THE SAME VIBRATION WHILE ON A TRIP OUT OF TOWN. THIS TIME THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE TRUCK BED. APPROXIMATELY 29,000 MILES ON THE SECOND TIRE. CONTACTED YOKOHAMA TO OPEN ANOTHER CASE FILE. CURRENTLY IN LITIGATION AS OF 3/3/2017 FOR $7,111 FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE AND 4 NEW TIRES. FORTUNATELY NOBODY WAS HURT BECAUSE OF THESE DEFECTIVE TIRES.

FAILED SMOG AND EVERY TIME SENSORS ARE REPLACED FAILURE HAPPENS AGAIN.

I HAD PARKED MY TRUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY. I PUT IT IN PARK, SET THE PARKING BRAKE AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. AS I STEPPED OUT OF THE TRUCK THE TRUCK ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY DRAGGING ME ABOUT 100 FT STIKING THE POWER POLE AT THE END OF THE DIVEWAY. THE POLE WAS ROTTED AND FELL ON THE TRUCK CRUSHING ME BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR.

REPLACED 4 NEW TIRES ON MY FORD F-250 TRUCK 9/20/2013. YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR H/T-S, LT235/85R16. ON APPROXIMATELY 5/10/2016, WHILE ON FREEWAY,BEGAN TO FEEL A VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. FELT LIKE WHEEL OUT OF BALANCE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK BED. APPROXIMATELY 28,500 MILES ON THE TIRES. TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. I CONTACTED YOKOHAMA TO OPEN A CASE FILE. I SENT THEM THE TIRE FOR EXAMINATION PER THEIR REQUEST. THEY SENT ME THE ANALYSIS BACK WITH A BUNCH OF PHOTOS BLAMING THE FAILURE ON ROAD DEBRIS. APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEKS LATER ON 7/2/2016 I EXPERIENCED THE SAME VIBRATION WHILE ON A TRIP OUT OF TOWN. THIS TIME THE RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF THE TIRE CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE TRUCK BED. APPROXIMATELY 29,000 MILES ON THE SECOND TIRE. CONTACTED YOKOHAMA TO OPEN ANOTHER CASE FILE. CURRENTLY IN LITIGATION AS OF 3/3/2017 FOR $7,111 FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE AND 4 NEW TIRES. FORTUNATELY NOBODY WAS HURT BECAUSE OF THESE DEFECTIVE TIRES.

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING NOTICED VIBRATION. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN CHANGED RIM, BUT TIRES STILL HAVE PROBLEMS.*AK TECHNICIAN PUT FOUR MICHELIN TIRE ON THE VEHICLE. VIBRATION CONTINUED TO EXIST. CONSUMER DON'T THINK ITS THE TIRES, SHE BELIEVES IT'S SOMETHING MAJOR LIKE THE DRIVESHAFT. *PH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT INJURED HIS HEAD AND SHOULDER, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DROVE 10 MPH TO HIS HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THREE DAYS LATER TO VISELIA AUTO BODY FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WENT TO MONARCH FORD (132 N D ST, EXETER, CA 93221, (559) 592-3800), BUT DID NOT RECEIVE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 345,555. *BF *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A PATCH OF BLACK ICE AND FISH TAILED. THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, FLIPPED END OVER END AND LANDED IN THE MEDIAN. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER WERE NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE DRIVER DIED AS A RESULT OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE ACCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *NM UPDATED 2/7/2006 - *NM

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE PULLED OVER THEN WHEN I PUT THE TRUCK INTO DRIVE TO PULL OUT IT BARELY MOVED. WE WERE ALMOST HIT BC THE TRUCK WOULDN'T MOVE SO I PUT IN IN REVERSE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD AND IT DID FINE. SO I TRIED TO PULL OUT AGAIN N DRIVE AND AGAIN IT WOULDN'T GO NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS I GAVE IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS DROWNDING OUT OR IT ISN'T GETTING GAS. BUT LIKE I SAID. IT WON'T GO FORWARD IN DRIVE OR 1ST OR 2ND. ONLY IN REVERSE WILL IT MOVE NORMALLY. THIS IS MAJOR!!! I CAN'T HAVE MY KIDS AT RISK BC THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK ABOUT 3 WEEKS SO IT'S VERY FRUSTRATING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE ON, THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE ACTIVATED; HOWEVER, THE LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.