2003 Ford F-250 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 10%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford F-250, 10% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“I had parked my truck in my driveway. I put it in park, set the parking brake and turn off the engine. As I stepped out of the truck the truck rolled down the driveway dragging me about 100 ft stiking the power pole at the end of the diveway. The pole was rotted and fell on the truck crushing me between the body and the driver side front door.”
NHTSA complaint #11042654, filed 2017-11, 170,000 miles“2003 Ford F-250 with transmission problems. Customer states the dealer stated that the truck was out of warranty and needed to be replaced. Transmission temperature gauge says hot, and it stays in the tow mode. The dealer stated the superchips tuner caused the problem. The dealer then flashed the computer and t he vehicle then began to shift softer and not as crisp under acceleration.”
NHTSA complaint #10206082, filed 2007-10, 33,000 miles“2003 Ford f250 pick up truck frequently will not go into reverse. It has been taken to the dealer several times and the computer cannot find a problem, however on the road the problem persists. Jerry duncan Ford in harriman, tn cannot/will not agree to come to the site when the failure occurs and therefore the problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #10139555, filed 2005-10, 32,000 miles“While applying the brake pedal vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the brake drums. However, the problem recurred. While driving 60 MPH vehicle stalled without warning. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. Vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10111577, filed 2005-03, 25,000 miles“Vehicle intermittently rolled out of park with no keys in the ignition. Consumer stated this was the third occurrence. Vehicle rolled out of gear, and a snow bank stopped it. Dealer found no defects.”
NHTSA complaint #10109559, filed 2005-02, 25,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013316Jan 1, 2005A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 4% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 14 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 14 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 8% |
| 2003 | 12 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 8% |
| 2001 | 28 | 13% |
| 2000 | 23 | 7% |
| 1999 | 61 | 11% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 34 | 11% |
| 1996 | 19 | 11% |
| 1995 | 36 | 20% |
| 1994 | 23 | 19% |
| 1993 | 17 | 13% |
| 1992 | 26 | 22% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 11 | 10% |
| 1989 | 12 | 11% |
| 1988 | 7 | 11% |
| 1987 | 4 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-250
24 complaintsTires
20 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsWheels
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 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