2003 Ford F-250 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“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.”

“Vehicle has 7.3 liter diesel engine and the Ford 4r100 automatic transmission and 4 wheel drive. Transmission failed at about 88,000 miles despite proper servicing since new. It would intermittently stop shifting in normal use and began to slip badly. Only second gear was still working when I got it to the dealer the next day. The transmission was replaced at my expense ($3500+). The replacement transmission failed in a similar way at about 135,000 miles despite being serviced as required by the dealer. …”

“Our 2003 Ford f250 diesel trucks transmission needs to be replaced after only 55,000 miles. We paid $40,000 for a truck that was supposed to be built to last and be a quality vehicle. We were told by the dealership that it came with a 100,000 mile power train warranty. Now that we are having problems with it, we are being told that a transmission is not considered power train on a diesel engine. This truck is almost new. We have only pulled a stock trailer with it a hand full of times. It is mostly used on the highway as our family vehicle. Ford is not standing beside it's vehicle. …”

“I have had rough idle problems since I bought the truck new. This was the first diesel vehicle I have ever owned so in the beginning I thought it was normal, but it kept getting worse. I purchased the truck in april 2003. I have had hard shifting since I bought it. When I back the truck up and then shift into drive it will slam into gear as a vehicle with no transmission fluid reacts. There was a dangerous hesitation when crossing traffic and sometimes the truck would have a 3-5 second stall. It has blown white smoke more recently and would not kick down into passing gear on the freeway. …”

“2003 F-250 SD 4x4 cc 5.4 l gas auto transmission. When the truck is started it lurches forward. This has been happening for over a year now. Fords response is that this is normal. That is unacceptable. I have never had this happen with any other vehicle. This problem happens even though it is an automatic and is in park. It happens in both cold weather as well as warm.”