2003 Ford F-250 SD Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 6%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Ford F-250 SD, 6% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“Ford f250 diesel parked in driveway next to house spontaneously caught fire during the night. Truck totally destroyed, (other property also damaged/destroyed). Had issues with cruise control not working, was fixed twice, after second time fixed and stopped working, did not have fixed again. Had no other issues with vehicle, no reason for it to catch fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10363782, filed 2010-11, 59,000 miles“Ford f250 6.0 liter diesel increases rpms without pressing accellerator. While at a stop light or stop sign, with transmission in drive and foot on brake, vehicle lunges forward, sometimes as much as 12 to 24 inches. Vehicle has been serviced by Ford certified technicians without resolution. 2 sensors replaced and computer reprogrammed during all 3 visits.”
NHTSA complaint #10061909, filed 2004-03, 200 miles“Ford superduty 250 truck with 7.3 engine has no accelerator pedal response. Pedal assembly has been replaced twice within less than 1200 miles. This has happened as we were trying to go across busy intersection and in heavy traffic. The experience is quite unsettling to driver plus occupants.”
NHTSA complaint #10055091, filed 2004-01, 2,865 miles“2003 Ford f-250 with a 6.0 liter diesel engine. Intermittently engine did not accelerate when accelerator pedal was pushed down. These occasions were totally unpredictable, and almost caused a number of accidents. Repeated attempts by Ford to fix the problem were unsuccessful.”
NHTSA complaint #10053354, filed 2004-01, 14,000 miles“Intermittently while driving at any speed and without any warning vehicle suddenly accelerated. Also, had brake problems. Dealership inspected vehicle several times, but could not duplicate or correct the problem. Erratic acceleration and surging, oil on bell housing and smoking. Vehicle acts like it doesn't know when to accelerate or shift gears. Consumer met with an engineer from Ford and said that they're aware of the problem, and informed the consumer that they're working on a new software to remedy the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10061571, filed 2004-03, 2,600 milesRelated recalls
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150…Covers: Ford F-250 SD 1993–1997, 1999–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
- 07V078000Mar 6, 2007On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.Covers: Ford F-250 SD 2003, E550 2002–2003, F-150 2003 +5 more
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 4 | 9% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 14 | 1% |
| 2018 | 4 | 1% |
| 2017 | 11 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 | 17 | 7% |
| 2003 | 10 | 6% |
| 2002 | 14 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 4% |
| 2000 | 15 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 18% |
| 1996 | 2 | 18% |
| 1995 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-250 SD
72 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsTires
18 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSuspension
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 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