2003 Ford F-350 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 12%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford F-350, 12% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is 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.
“Dt: when the consumer went to start the vehicle it wouldn't start. The vehicle sat for over 12 hours. It had just come out of the shop and it had a down strap installed. The fire started in the right hand side of the dashboard. All the contents of the truck were destroyed. Both the police and fire dep artment responded to the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10127193, filed 2005-06, 13,000 miles“The wires for the camshaft position sensor are failing just like they have in others models of the f series and cause the truck to suddenly die while driving. There was already a recall in place but it doesn't cover this vin and so I would like to request the recall be extended to this trucks vin”
NHTSA complaint #11433730, filed 2021-09“The contact owns a 2003 Ford f350. The contact stated that the electrical system failed and was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the after market radio could have possibly caused other electrical failures within the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified and a complaint was filed but no further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 155,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10433708, filed 2011-10, 155,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford F-350. The contact stated that after removing the key from the ignition switch, the engine continued to operate erroneously. After reinserting the key into the ignition the contact was able to shut the engine off. The contact stated that the failure recurred multiple times. The contact also indicated that while attempting to start the vehicle the key would sporadically become stuck in the ignition switch or she would be unable to turn the ignition switch to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10579010, filed 2014-04, 40,000 miles“While driving 30 MPH vehicle stalled without warning. This caused loss of steering and brakes. Dealer replaced computer and a couple of sensors, however, problem still recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10067265, filed 2004-04Related recalls
- 04V327000Jul 7, 2004On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 6.0l diesel engines, the engine ground stud that attaches the negative battery terminal…Covers: Ford F-350 2003, F-250 2003, Excursion 2003 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10011174Aug 1, 2004Dtc u1262 (scp communication bus fault) stored in the instrument cluster (ic).
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 7% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 8% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 11% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2005 | 15 | 13% |
| 2004 | 19 | 12% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 10 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 6% |
| 1995 | 9 | 7% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 6% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 10% |
| 1989 | 7 | 17% |
| 1988 | 9 | 31% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-350
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford F-350
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