2003 Ford F-550 SD Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 18%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,178miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford F-550 SD, 18% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,178 miles. 1 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.
“I have experienced numerous engine failures, of which I have the receipts, on my f500 Ford with the 6.0 diesel engine, at a cost to me of over $7,000. At the time of the failures, the engine was only out of warranty for a short period of time. Because a diesel should last for a relatively long period of time and should not have these types of problems, I asked Ford to cover the bill. In short, Ford would not give me the time of day or admit to anything. I am very concerned as I don' t make the kind of money it takes to continually invest in an engine that should still run fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10481643, filed 2012-10, 80,687 miles“Engine failed and vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the Ford fuel tank that had delaminated which caused debris to move through the fuel filter and engine. The engine had o be replaced. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $10,345.00. Additionally, there was a loss of revenue as this vehicle is used for production purposes. Ford denied responsibility for any defects of their fuel tanks. With no other choice, we had to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This is a safety issue, as these vehicles are used for commercial usage daily. …”
NHTSA complaint #10293747, filed 2009-11, 54,500 miles“The clutch fan pulley broke n the consuemr's 2003 Ford f550 causing the serpentine belt to come off the pulley and break**cc part number fd 5c3z 8509/a. The replacement is much heavier.”
NHTSA complaint #10183708, filed 2007-02, 9,856 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford f550 super duty. While driving less than 70 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Immediately following, flames appeared under the hood of the vehicle. The fire was described as violent with flames at least 70 feet high. The police and fire departments were called to the scene and a report was filed. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact has supporting documentation, including videos and photos. The failure and current mileages were 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10251394, filed 2008-12, 125,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford f-550. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a severe loss of power and smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe, due to the unison rings failing. The rings are a part of the turbo charger on the engine and the contact had to have them replaced twice. The dealer stated that this was a known failure and that it was not covered under the warranty. The dealer placed nickel plated rings instead of the steel rings on the vehicle and the problem seems to be resolved. The failure mileage was 1038 and the current mileage was 9500.”
NHTSA complaint #10353454, filed 2010-09, 1,038 milesRelated 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-550 SD 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 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.
- 10019945Apr 1, 2006Voluntary emission recall 06e17 supplement #1: control module recalibration. Corrosion may exist at the electrode surface on the exhaust pressure (ep) sensor; fuel delivery…
- 10019380Mar 13, 2006White smoke, lacks power, exhaust odor, surges, runs rough, or no start - 6.0l.
- 10020069Jan 1, 2006Misfire, lack of power, buck/jerk, excessive smoke or crank/no start.
- 10019385Jan 1, 2006Coolant degas bottle overflow - 6.0l.
- 10018062Oct 7, 2005Coolant degas bottle overflow.
- 10017873Jun 1, 2005Lack of power and/or dtc p2263 or p0299 after turbocharger replacement - service tip.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 31% |
| 2007 | 1 | 4% |
| 2006 | 5 | 11% |
| 2005 | 5 | 16% |
| 2004 | 16 | 33% |
| 2003 | 6 | 18% |
| 2002 | 4 | 18% |
| 2001 | 2 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 10 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-550 SD
19 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford F-550 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