2003 Ford F-150 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 423 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Ford F-150, 3% of the 423 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Traveling at 40mph. Hit at the front right fender. Shearing off tire at ball joints... Causing truck to slam down on the ground and slide at least 75 feet on the frame.. No air bag deployed. I was injured and think if the airbag would have come out maybe my injuries wouldn't have occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10240722, filed 2008-09, 87,000 miles“This is the second occurance that I have had a oil seal or gasket on the engine after driving 80 +mile per hour. I had my truck less than three years. I have also noticed it vibrate when reaching the speed mentioned.”
NHTSA complaint #10175466, filed 2006-12, 30,000 miles“On, march 21, 2003 I purchased a new 2003 Ford F-150 xlt. We were driving back home from the dealership at 65 MPH when we started down a small hill, the trucks front end started shaking and vibrating pretty bad, and didn't stop shaking and vibrating until I came to a stop. I pulled onto a side street and stopped. I looked for a problem and could see nothing wrong. Put the truck in drive and continued my way home, the problem had now stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10013827, filed 2003-04, 325 miles“I own a 2003 Ford F-150 fx4 with an off road package. I have rarely taken this vehicle off road. Leaf springs bands were moving off of leaf springs. They were replaced once, the bands continued to move, I was told that this was normal and there was no need for concern. At this time my vehicle was still under warranty. The last time I took in for repair the leaf springs were broken, because the bands holding them together had come off completely. I was told that this was no longer a warranty item and that I would be charged for repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10231305, filed 2008-06, 65,000 miles“I own a 2003 F-150 super crew truck, I just went to get the vehicle state inspection (4/23/2005). The vehicle has 40k miles and has been serviced according to manufactures recommendation. The vehicle failed inspection due to both the front lower ball joints. The service guy advised me that they have seen numerous problems with this on the Ford truck. The vehicle is used mostly for going back and forth to work via the highway. For a 2 year old vehicle and to have both lower ball joints have this problem at the same time seems strange. …”
NHTSA complaint #10118296, filed 2005-04, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10016789Jan 1, 2005Rear axle noise repair.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 8 | 2% |
| 2022 | 14 | 2% |
| 2021 | 13 | 1% |
| 2020 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 11 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 1% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 19 | 1% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 16 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 1% |
| 2008 | 11 | 3% |
| 2007 | 16 | 3% |
| 2006 | 25 | 4% |
| 2005 | 49 | 4% |
| 2004 | 118 | 6% |
| 2003 | 14 | 3% |
| 2002 | 20 | 2% |
| 2001 | 35 | 3% |
| 2000 | 41 | 4% |
| 1999 | 43 | 4% |
| 1998 | 132 | 10% |
| 1997 | 204 | 7% |
| 1996 | 21 | 6% |
| 1995 | 44 | 7% |
| 1994 | 41 | 6% |
| 1993 | 25 | 4% |
| 1992 | 9 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 2% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-150
69 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
62 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
32 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsEngine
28 complaintsTires
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology