2003 Ford F-550 Sd Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Ford F-550 Sd, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1948.7%
- Engine820.5%
- Suspension25.1%
- Other / unspecified25.1%
- Powertrain (other)12.6%
- Seat belts12.6%
- Tires & wheels12.6%
- Airbags12.6%
- Transmission12.6%
- Heating & air conditioning12.6%
- Driver assistance12.6%
- Electrical12.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WATTER SEPERATOR VALVE DUMPED FUEL ON THE TURBO CAUSING A FIRE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WATTER SEPERATOR VALVE DUMPED FUEL ON THE TURBO CAUSING A FIRE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 2003 FORD F550 WITH A TRAILER ATTACHED (FAILURE MILEAGE 61000) AT 60 MPH, THE TRACK ROD HANGER BRACKETS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES TO GAIN CONTROL IN ORDER TO PULL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER WHO DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO THE FONTAINE MODIFICATION COMPANY. THE FONTAINE MODIFICATION COMPANY SUPPLIED THE HANGER BRACKET REPLACEMENT PARTS FREE OF CHARGE, BUT THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE LABOR INVOLVED IN THE REPAIR.*JB
COMPLAINT: THE FRONT AXLE TRAVERSE ROD MOUNTING PLATE THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRONT AXLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS CRACKING AND HAS IN SOME CASES COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. CAUSE: UNKNOWN CORRECTION: REPLACE ENTIRE FRONT AXLE. RE-USE ALL HUBS AND PARTS. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
NORCOLD CORP. ISSUED SAFETY RECALL # 10E-049 ON/ABOUT OCTOBER 21, 2010 FOR REFRIGERATOR UNITS IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FOR A POTENTIAL "FIRE" IN THE COOLING UNIT(S). A CERTIFIED RV DEALER CONFIRMED FIRE DAMAGE TO UNIT OWNED AND OPERATED BY COMPLAINANT . NORCOLD CORP. HAS REFUSED TO HONOR SAFETY RECALL(S) AND REPAIR SAID DAMAGED UNITS. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE REFRIGERATOR UNIT ONLY HOWEVER ITS A TOTAL LOST. THERE ARE MILLIONS OF SIMILAR DEFECTIVE REFRIGERATOR UNITS BEING USED ON THE NATIONAL'S HIGHWAYS BY UNSUSPECTING RV OWNERS POSING A SERIOUS SAFETY AND HAZARDOUS POTENTIAL FOR A CATASTROPHIC EVENT THAT WILL ENDANGER THE TRAVELING PUBLIC. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE LUG NUTS HOLLOWED OUT THE STEEL RIMS DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION. THE THREE RIMS AND REAR STUDS OF THE VEHICLE WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLAINT: THE FRONT AXLE TRAVERSE ROD MOUNTING PLATE THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRONT AXLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS CRACKING AND HAS IN SOME CASES COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. CAUSE: UNKNOWN CORRECTION: REPLACE ENTIRE FRONT AXLE. RE-USE ALL HUBS AND PARTS. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LOCKED AROUND HIS CHEST LIMITING MOVEMENT TO THE POINT OF CAUSING SLIGHT WHIPLASH. THE CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO GET A DIET PEPSI POSITIONED IN A CUP HOLDER TRAY. WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS RESTRICTED, HE HAD BECOME INFURIATED WITH THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO GET THE SEAT BELT OFF AND IT HAD GOTTEN TOO CLOSE TO A NARROW BRIDGE GUARD RAIL AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A $500,000 ACCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT WAS PLACED ON THE CONSUMERS DRIVING RECORD, BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING COMMERCIALLY SINCE 1967 AND HAS NOT HAD ANY MAJOR WRECKS THAT CAUSED INJURIES. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED HOME, HE CALLED FORDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND THEY GAVE HIM THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS IRRITATION ON THE TOP OF THE CONSUMER'S PER PICTURES. SINCE THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH SOME FORD EXPLORER AND EXPEDITION OWNERS THAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME SEAT BELT PROBLEMS AND DO NOT WEAR THEIR SEAT BELTS. THE CONSUMER ASSUMED THAT THIS ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF HE DID NOT WEAR THE SEAT BELTS BUT THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW. *AK (11/16/05) THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
HERCULES S-209 TIRE BLEW ALL TREAD LOST MAJOR SEPARATIONS OTHER TIRES NOTICE WIDESPREAD MINOR CRACKING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LOCKED AROUND HIS CHEST LIMITING MOVEMENT TO THE POINT OF CAUSING SLIGHT WHIPLASH. THE CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO GET A DIET PEPSI POSITIONED IN A CUP HOLDER TRAY. WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS RESTRICTED, HE HAD BECOME INFURIATED WITH THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO GET THE SEAT BELT OFF AND IT HAD GOTTEN TOO CLOSE TO A NARROW BRIDGE GUARD RAIL AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A $500,000 ACCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT WAS PLACED ON THE CONSUMERS DRIVING RECORD, BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN DRIVING COMMERCIALLY SINCE 1967 AND HAS NOT HAD ANY MAJOR WRECKS THAT CAUSED INJURIES. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED HOME, HE CALLED FORDS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND THEY GAVE HIM THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS IRRITATION ON THE TOP OF THE CONSUMER'S PER PICTURES. SINCE THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER SPOKE WITH SOME FORD EXPLORER AND EXPEDITION OWNERS THAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME SEAT BELT PROBLEMS AND DO NOT WEAR THEIR SEAT BELTS. THE CONSUMER ASSUMED THAT THIS ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF HE DID NOT WEAR THE SEAT BELTS BUT THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW. *AK (11/16/05) THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND LUNGES FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALMOST LUNGED INTO TRAFFIC WHILE AT IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT ON ONE OCCASION. A COMPONENT WAS REPLACED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ENGINE FAILURES, OF WHICH I HAVE THE RECEIPTS, ON MY F500 FORD WITH THE 6.0 DIESEL ENGINE, AT A COST TO ME OF OVER $7,000. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURES, THE ENGINE WAS ONLY OUT OF WARRANTY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. BECAUSE A DIESEL SHOULD LAST FOR A RELATIVELY LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS, I ASKED FORD TO COVER THE BILL. IN SHORT, FORD WOULD NOT GIVE ME THE TIME OF DAY OR ADMIT TO ANYTHING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS I DON' T MAKE THE KIND OF MONEY IT TAKES TO CONTINUALLY INVEST IN AN ENGINE THAT SHOULD STILL RUN FINE. I HAVE ALSO DISCUSSED THIS WITH OTHERS THAT OWN THE SAME ENGINE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THE TYPE OF PROBLEMS THAT I'VE HAD ARE QUITE COMMON WITH THE 6.0 ENGINE. I HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS AND EXPECT FORD TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A POORLY BUILT ENGINE. I'M ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER FOR YEARS AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I AWAIT YOUR REPLY AND CAN SEND YOU A COPY OF THE BILLS AND MY CORRESPONDENCE WITH FORD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER IF HE COULD SEE THE DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY THREW IT AWAY. THE REPAIR COST $1,273.35. THERE WERE NO FAILURES PRIOR TO THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,201 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,100. UPDATED 05/12/08 *BF THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PLUG. THE DEALER STATED THE TRUCK HAD A SENSOR WHICH WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE NEW CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .