2003 Ford F-450 SD Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 25%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,221miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford F-450 SD, 25% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,221 miles. 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.
“When driving down a hill with lots of turns. The truck stalled (shut off) all of the sudden right before a turn. Luckily was able to keep the truck on the road and restart the truck in neutral. Took truck straight to hansel Ford asked them to tell me what was wrong with the truck. They checked the computer in the truck, and said they could not find anything and didn't know what to tell me.”
NHTSA complaint #10256119, filed 2009-01, 90,000 miles“Events leading to failure: truck was purchased on 12-19-03 1.) on 1-19-04 truck had no power, dealer found 2,3 injector shorted, dealer replaced injectors and checked bore in cyl head per hotline. 2.)1-21-04 engine was missing in fire. Dealer replaced both injectors per hotline. O-rings blown apart and injector wont seat, hotline suggest looking at bore and found burr in bore not allowing injector to seat . 3.) 2-23-04 engine locked up on hwy, fuel coming out of exhaust. Dealer found excessive fuel in cylinders and turbo, dealer removed engine and disassembled. No. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152286, filed 2006-03, 500 miles“The motor was leaking numerous amount of oil between the block which could have cause the vehicle to overheat. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for a new replacement motor, but the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10115622, filed 2005-03Related recalls
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently…Covers: Ford F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 1997–2003, F-550 SD 1997–2003 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10055629Feb 1, 2014Ford: on some trucks, there is a no crank situation and if voltage on transmission range sensor at pin 21, is less than 5 volts, disconnect the engine cooling fan clutch…
- 10024325Mar 1, 20086.0l turbocharger carbon deposit diagnostics and service tips. *nj updated 5/29/08.
- 10023855Oct 1, 20076.0l--mil on--p0401, p0402, p0404, p1335--lack of power or surge with some 2003-2007 f-super duty, 2003-2005 excursion and 2004-2008 e-series vehicles.
- 10022295Jul 25, 2007Dtc's p006a or p132b - lacks power, surge, or flutter after field service action 06e17.
- 10022293Jul 25, 20076.0l diesel engine - oil leak or boost pressure leak at hot side charge air cooler duct.
- 10021464Apr 27, 20076.0l oil seep or boost pressure leak at hot side charge air cooler duct.
- 10021462Apr 27, 2007Cold start driveability - white smoke, lacks power, exhaust odor, surges, runs, rough, or no start.
- 10022243Apr 1, 2007Lack of power due to low fuel pressure - fuel tank liner seperation.
- 10021236Mar 23, 2007Lack of cooling fan operation.
- 10021232Mar 23, 20076.0l turbocharger carbon deposit diagnostics and service tips - lack of power, white or black smoke, surge, p0238, p0299, p0404, p2262, and/or p2263.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 11% |
| 2011 | 2 | 33% |
| 2008 | 28 | 41% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2006 | 9 | 26% |
| 2005 | 5 | 13% |
| 2004 | 7 | 21% |
| 2003 | 4 | 25% |
| 2002 | 2 | 14% |
| 2001 | 2 | 9% |
| 2000 | 5 | 12% |
| 1999 | 8 | 12% |
| 1993 | 2 | 40% |
| 1991 | 4 | 67% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-450 SD
6 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford F-450 SD
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