2003 Ford F-550 SD Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 58%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,506miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Ford F-550 SD, 58% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,506 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have 2 Ford f550 trucks (2001,2003). Both trucks with very low mileage (37k, 56k miles). Both diesel engines. Both have only had either shell or chevron fuel put in them. No bio fuels. The interior of both my trucks fuel tanks are delaminating and causing the various fuel filters to clog with a metallic debris and rust. Ford motor company is blaming the delaminating on the fuel used in the trucks. My dealer (westlie Ford, camas, washington) where I purchased these trucks cannot warranty the replacement tanks needed to remedy this problem. This is an epidemic for Ford motor company! …”
NHTSA complaint #10360708, filed 2010-10, 37,000 miles“Truck was running rough and was loosing power. They replaced the gas tank injectors and a pump. The dealer stated that the diesel was eating away at the liner of the tank. My truck is only 5 years old. It has cost hundreds of dollars to fix. The truck is in the shop right now for same problems no power.”
NHTSA complaint #10260321, filed 2009-02, 31,000 miles“Fuel tank delamination. Clogs fuel system, and trashes injectors and pumps. New tank, injectors, pump. Clean fuel system. Ford says biofuel, never use biofuel.”
NHTSA complaint #10334114, filed 2010-06, 110,000 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“Vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the Ford fuel tank that had delaminated. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $1600.00. 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. This is also a financial burden that has been forced onto us unfairly. They need to take responsibility and recall these fuel tanks.”
NHTSA complaint #10293031, filed 2009-11, 78,892 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 11% |
| 2021 | 10 | 77% |
| 2015 | 4 | 36% |
| 2014 | 2 | 22% |
| 2008 | 4 | 15% |
| 2007 | 10 | 43% |
| 2006 | 36 | 82% |
| 2005 | 20 | 63% |
| 2004 | 26 | 53% |
| 2003 | 19 | 58% |
| 2002 | 10 | 45% |
| 2001 | 13 | 45% |
| 2000 | 7 | 10% |
| 1999 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-550 SD
6 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 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