2003 Ford F-250 SD Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 72about this part
- Share
- 40%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,238miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 72 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford F-250 SD, 40% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,238 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2003 Ford f250 with 73k miles on it, and I too am another victim of a spark plug blowing out of my 4th cylinder on the passenger side of my truck. Why is Ford not doing anything about this. As much as we pay for these cars and trucks, you would think they would make things right. No wonder u.s. Auto makers are failing. Just more corporate greed.”
NHTSA complaint #10282815, filed 2009-09, 72,000 miles“I was checking my transmission fluid on my truck, my spark plug blew out nearly hitting me in the face. I fell off my step stool, and hurt my wrist because of the big noise and it scared the heck out of me!!this could have been a much worse of day for me if it hit me. This is also the second time the plug has blown out!!”
NHTSA complaint #10221130, filed 2008-03, 171,700 miles“I have a 2003 Ford f250 with the 5.4l engine with about 80,000 miles. I purchased the truck new. The number 3 oem spark plug backed out and blew out of the head. I contacted Ford, they recommended I cover all expenses and have it towed and repaired at Ford dealership. I paid a local mechanic to repair it. He is unsure what will happen in the future. He said it could be dangerous and might cause a fire if it happens again.”
NHTSA complaint #10272710, filed 2009-06, 85,000 miles“I was driving my 2003 Ford f-250 when a spark plug blew out of the cylinder head breaking the coil, and causing the truck to run on 7 cylinders. My truck has only 72340 miles on it and those are the original spark plugs from the factory.”
NHTSA complaint #10321859, filed 2010-03, 72,340 miles“I paid cash for a 2003 6.0 ltr f250, and I have had it in the shop 7 times. I is having performance problems, starting problems, and getting poor gas mileage. The dealership and Ford will not take the truck back. This truck is a danger on the road. It needs to be recalled, and taken off the street until Ford fixes the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10061978, filed 2004-03, 1,740 milesRelated recalls
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently…Covers: Ford F-250 SD 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 1997–2003 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10055629Feb 1, 2014Ford: on some trucks, there is a no crank situation and if voltage on transmission range sensor at pin 21, is less than 5 volts, disconnect the engine cooling fan clutch…
- 10024865Apr 1, 20081999-2008 7.3l/6.0l/6.4l/4.5l diesel f-super duty - clean the charge air cooler (cac) system after certain turbo or engine failures - service tip.
- 10024325Mar 1, 20086.0l turbocharger carbon deposit diagnostics and service tips. *nj updated 5/29/08.
- 10023855Oct 1, 20076.0l--mil on--p0401, p0402, p0404, p1335--lack of power or surge with some 2003-2007 f-super duty, 2003-2005 excursion and 2004-2008 e-series vehicles.
- 10022295Jul 25, 2007Dtc's p006a or p132b - lacks power, surge, or flutter after field service action 06e17.
- 10022293Jul 25, 20076.0l diesel engine - oil leak or boost pressure leak at hot side charge air cooler duct.
- 10021464Apr 27, 20076.0l oil seep or boost pressure leak at hot side charge air cooler duct.
- 10021462Apr 27, 2007Cold start driveability - white smoke, lacks power, exhaust odor, surges, runs, rough, or no start.
- 10022243Apr 1, 2007Lack of power due to low fuel pressure - fuel tank liner seperation.
- 10021236Mar 23, 2007Lack of cooling fan operation.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% |
| 2016 | 7 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 7 | 12% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 11 | 34% |
| 2009 | 5 | 22% |
| 2008 | 33 | 23% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 18 | 7% |
| 2005 | 37 | 13% |
| 2004 | 101 | 40% |
| 2003 | 72 | 40% |
| 2002 | 101 | 41% |
| 2001 | 91 | 32% |
| 2000 | 69 | 30% |
| 1999 | 95 | 38% |
| 1997 | 11 | 28% |
| 1996 | 4 | 36% |
| 1995 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-250 SD
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsTires
18 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford F-250 SD
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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