2003 Ford F-450 SD Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 38%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,310miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Ford F-450 SD, 38% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,310 miles.
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.
“The lining of the fuel tank has been flaking off into my fuel lines, which is restricting my fuel filters. Because of the lack of fuel, 2 fuel injectors went bad and had to be replaced. And the turbo was over compensating for the lack of power, due to fuel shortage, so the turbo had to be replaced as well. Now that we have found the source of the problem, the fuel tank and fuel pump has to be replaced as too. Into this for $5000 already without replacing the tank and pump. Need some help.”
NHTSA complaint #10256109, filed 2009-01, 136,000 miles“The EGR, ficm, and injectors on this vehicle have caused traffic hazards. We can not pull out without the engine spitting and sputtering. We have replace all of the above, some more than once. Last time in to the Ford dealer they suggested that we use a thinner oil to lubricate the injectors better. This also doesn't work. We have read many people on the internet that have the same problem with their diesel engines so we know it's not just ours. We paid $8,000.00 to repair and nothing is better. Ford refuses to admit there is a problem. Please help those of us that are stuck with these trucks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10344315, filed 2010-07, 5,000 miles“The truck began to shake and lose power, eventually not even being able to stay running. The mechanic upon review found the tank liner had delaminated from inside fuel tank and had plugged up fuel sender. Both needed to be replace at a cost of $2800, Ford dealer stated there was nothing they could do.”
NHTSA complaint #10510740, filed 2013-05, 119,311 miles“The coating on the interior of Ford diesel fuel tanks corrodes and collects as sediment in the fuel system. The sediment, collects at the botton of the fuel tank and is sucked into the fuel system. The fuel lines become fouled, the fuel pumps become clogged and require replacement. As the coating continues to deteriorate, the only recourse it to change the fuel tank, the sensors, and entire fuel delivery system. We have had 3 Ford vehicles f series experience this problem. The average repair is approximately $2180 per vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10322799, filed 2010-03, 64,042 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021281Dec 1, 2007Water in the fuel tank behind rear axle - 6.0l, 6.4l and 7.3l diesel engine. *kb updated 2/29/08.
- 10021621Feb 1, 2007Lack of power due to low fuel pressure, fuel tank liner seperation.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 3 | 17% |
| 2011 | 2 | 33% |
| 2008 | 19 | 28% |
| 2007 | 12 | 75% |
| 2006 | 26 | 74% |
| 2005 | 24 | 60% |
| 2004 | 20 | 61% |
| 2003 | 6 | 38% |
| 2002 | 7 | 50% |
| 2001 | 7 | 30% |
| 2000 | 7 | 16% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-450 SD
4 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 30, 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