2003 Ford F-250 SD Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Ford F-250 SD, 8% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ford f-250. Leaking high pressure hose from boster pump drained fluid. While exiting interstate highway, lost both brakes and steering. Almost impossible to stop and steer. Replaced fluid to get to dealer, meegan Ford in mt. Pleasant pa. High pressure hose replaced. I paid. I have old part. Fitting rusted through.”
NHTSA complaint #10232083, filed 2008-06, 32,000 miles“The front end vibrates and oscillates when I hit a bump or rough road conditions driving between 30 and 50 MPH. There is more slack in the steering, and I have to speed up above 50 MPH or slow down below 30 MPH or jerk the wheel from side to side in order to stop the shaking. This occurs every time we drive the truck. The tires have been checked, and from researching, it appears that there is a faulty steering box, but Ford refuses to acknowledge the defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10331931, filed 2010-05, 60,000 miles“I read of your investigation into 05 and later Ford truck death wobble shaking causing massive instability while driving. The problem goes back way further but I have an 03 f-250 truck (and it is totally stock) and it begins to shake violently at about 50 MPH on any surface whether in straight line or turn. I have had many things looked at (alignment, wheel and tire balance, bushings, track bar, tie-rod ends, etc.) and repaired with no fix. Ford says everything is within specs . The fact remains that it is a very, very dangerous situation to drive with especially with california traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10260208, filed 2009-02, 47,000 miles“My husband was driving home whien his vehicle veered sharply to the left. At this point he could no longer control the vehicle. He then slammed into a large rock in the side of an eight foot bank. The vehicle then flipped onto its side and slid another 20-30 feet. Our vehicle is a 2003 Ford f250 and now has $20,000.00 worth of damage. We tried to discuss this matter with a few of the employees of the Ford dealership we initially bought it at. Someone in service told us something definatly didn't look right with the steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000672, filed 2003-01, 4,750 miles“I have a 2003 Ford f-250. It has severe handling problems. When you pull a trailer with it, the truck drives like the trailer is trying to steer it. If you pass another vehicle, it is almost uncontrollable. The back end starts to sway from side to side, which in turn causes the trailer to whip back and forth. Also during panic stop situations, the truck darts left and right and feels like it is out of control. I have talked to numerous Ford dealers. One told me to change the tires and/or tire pressure. I tried from 35 PSI to 75 PSI in 5 PSI changes, it didn't fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100253, filed 2004-11, 11,088 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148818Oct 2, 2018This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball…
- 10028404Dec 1, 2013Ford trucks service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Vehicles have experienced severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations and oscillations after…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 24% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 5 | 11% |
| 2022 | 8 | 6% |
| 2021 | 15 | 9% |
| 2020 | 46 | 17% |
| 2019 | 776 | 67% |
| 2018 | 252 | 63% |
| 2017 | 717 | 62% |
| 2016 | 118 | 41% |
| 2015 | 126 | 43% |
| 2014 | 7 | 27% |
| 2013 | 3 | 14% |
| 2012 | 18 | 32% |
| 2011 | 47 | 39% |
| 2010 | 13 | 41% |
| 2009 | 7 | 30% |
| 2008 | 39 | 28% |
| 2007 | 23 | 43% |
| 2006 | 102 | 37% |
| 2005 | 67 | 23% |
| 2004 | 15 | 6% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 21 | 7% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1999 | 14 | 6% |
| 1997 | 4 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-250 SD
72 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsTires
18 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 29, 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