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Engine coolingPart report

2003 Ford F-250 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
24about this part
Share
21%of 116 total for the year
Median mileage
12,550miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford F-250, 21% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,550 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vibration when under acceleration from stop, Ford has replaced catayltic converter 3 times. Problem still exists. Savere air leak drivers window, I was told it was an enginering defect and nothing could be done.rough idle and skipping , I was told I was buying cheep gas chenged brand still same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10080790, filed 2004-07, 48 miles

“Have a 2003 Ford F-250 with the 5.4l triton engine I have owned the truck approx. 6months and in a matter of 1000 miles I have blown 2 spark plugs and inserts out, this repair has cost me $300 each time and $150 in towing fees,I am waiting to see when the other ones will blow, this problem is well known by all mechanics and make the repairs often, if this problem is so well known maybe Ford should address this issue and demand a recall of all vehicles with this well known issue, this problem also causes other issues, like engine fires due to the fuel fumes escaping from where the spark plug…”

NHTSA complaint #10389975, filed 2011-03, 152,000 miles

“When in a slow acceleration the motor RPM will race and you have to quickly apply the brake in order to avoid a mishap. The next thing that is a safety hazard is the cab fills with diesels fumes. Making everyone nauseas. Acceleration from stop vehicle billows white smoke and is sluggish.”

NHTSA complaint #10220409, filed 2008-03, 35,000 miles

“While driving at various speeds, the consumer smelled strong exhaust fumes. The dealer inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem, however they suggested turning the air conditioner on max to neutralize the exhaust fumes. The consumer stated the fumes were noticeable even when the heat was on. The consumer was told this was a common problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10044894, filed 2003-12, 10,000 miles

“2003 6.0 diesel on cold starts the vehicle discharges black and blue smoke for a few seconds, and I have had it back to the dealer several times for surging problems and rough running, the ipc sensor has been replaced twice, and still have various rough running and slight surging problems, dealer is now saying that Ford motor company has stated that this is normal and acceptable for the all new best in class diesel.”

NHTSA complaint #10018599, filed 2003-05, 2,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201432%
201311%
2012125%
201173%
200924%
2008158%
200735%
2006178%
20051712%
20044429%
20032421%
20022315%
20012110%
20003310%
19996611%
1998814%
19972910%
19962816%
19953418%
19941815%
19932922%
19921412%
199187%
1990109%
198976%
198846%
1987616%
1986513%
1985314%

Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-250

Tires
20 complaints
Brakes
15 complaints
Electrical system
13 complaints
Engine
13 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
12 complaints
Steering
11 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford F-250

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