2003 Ford F-550 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,072miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford F-550 SD, 6% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,072 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.
“Complaint: the front axle traverse rod mounting plate that is welded to the front axle on the passenger side is cracking and has in some cases completely broken off. Cause: unknown correction: replace entire front axle. Re-use all hubs and parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10162670, filed 2006-07, 22,143 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford f550 super duty. While idling, the vehicle shakes and lunges forward without warning. The vehicle almost lunged into traffic while at idling at a stop light on one occasion. A component was replaced by the previous owner, but the failure still persists. The contact feels that a crash could occur. The current mileage was 47,000 and failure mileage was 46,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10273607, filed 2009-06, 46,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10243490Sep 7, 2023When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV…
- 10189008Feb 10, 2021This SKU is a Transmission Line. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the connector. The transmission line connector may have an incorrect…
- 10056196May 1, 2014Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a torqshift transmission. Model 2003-2014 f-super duty, e series, excursion…
- 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…
- 10023653Nov 1, 20071999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4.
- 10019808Apr 29, 2006Exhaust pressure sensor input no longer used if pcm is reprogrammed - service tip.
- 10013402Oct 7, 2005Drive away shudder or vibration.
- 10018070Sep 1, 2005Torqshift transmission - intermittent clunk when shifting from reverse gear or drive gear to park. Multiple vehicles. Ford oasis. To include 2006 ford f-53.
- 10013316Jan 1, 2005A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
- 10014269Dec 27, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0756, p0761 or p0771 after overhaul or installation of 2005 torqshift transmission.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 8% |
| 2015 | 1 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 11% |
| 2008 | 5 | 19% |
| 2007 | 1 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 6% |
| 2004 | 6 | 12% |
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 4 | 14% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 23 | 38% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford F-550 SD
19 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSuspension
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