2003 Ford F-250: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Body, Brakes · NE

The customer purchased a vehicle from Metro Motors on May 8, 2026, after visiting the dealership three times and speaking with multiple sales representatives. During each visit, the customer specifically stated that the vehicle would be used to tow a trailer and repeatedly asked whether it was safe and suitable for towing. The sales staff consistently represented that the vehicle was in good working condition, had low mileage, showed no significant issues on the Carfax report, and would be an excellent vehicle for towing. The customer was discouraged from test driving the vehicle because it was low on fuel, and sales staff stated that the only reason it had not sold was the snowplow attached to the front. Immediately after taking possession of the vehicle on May 8, the customer experienced a serious issue with the electronic parking brake repeatedly engaging while driving. The customer contacted Metro Motors on the next business day and was instructed by the manager, Nate, to bring the vehicle back. Metro Motors later determined that the parking brake cable was broken and that the brakes were in poor condition. After discussions, the dealership agreed to perform repairs if the customer paid for the parts. After the repairs were completed, the customer noticed smoke coming from the wheels and immediately returned the vehicle to Metro Motors. The dealership retained the vehicle but failed to communicate the nature of the problem or any repair costs until notifying the customer that the vehicle was ready for pickup on June 6, 2026. Before taking possession of the vehicle again, the customer arranged for an independent mechanic to inspect it. Although the dealership manager was initially hesitant to allow the inspection, he ultimately permitted it. The mechanic determined that the vehicle's frame was broken and that it was unsafe to operate, particularly for towing, which was the purpose repeatedly disclosed to Metro Motors before purchase.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Engine · 171,000 miles · OH

The contact owned a 2003 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving home, there was black smoke coming from the exhaust, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · PA · fire

Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W

Filed Aug 3, 2015 · Acceleration · CA · fire

On march 2nd 2015, my 2003 ford f-250 caught fire on it's own. No one was home at the time and luckily my neighbors called 911. This truck was recalled for a faulty speed control switch. The entire engine compartment was torched. This truck is not repairable.

Filed Jun 28, 2005 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · FL · fire

Dt: at 9 pm vehicle parked vehicle in driveway and it caught on fire. Vehicle had sat for about 10 hours. Vehicle was driven for about 20 minutes before it was parked. There were no indications from mechanics upon regular inspection that there was a problem. No problems with vehicle before and no modifications. A neighbor knocked on consumer's door and advised him that there were flames coming from the dashboard and the hood as well. By the time fire department arrived the windows were gone, inside destroyed. The fire department, cut the battery cables, and then showed the owner that battery post was able to turn 360 degrees, which meant the post was loose. Also, the fire department reported that it was an electrical fire. Owner contacted the dealer, who was unconcerned, and told the owner to call insurance company. Owner will call ford today. The police did not do a report.

Filed May 10, 2005 · Electrical · MD · fire

Vehicle parked cold eng 15 mins, would not start, smoke and dashboard on fire ---- cruise control ?

Filed Apr 27, 2005 · Acceleration · 42,000 miles · GA · fire

Vehicle was parked in the garage for about 15 hours when all of sudden it caught on fire. Took vehicle to dealer for a check up, but the cause was undetermined at this time, however, it seemed to be a similar problem to an electrical short within the cruise control switch.

Filed Jan 28, 2005 · Acceleration · MD · fire

2003 ford f250 was in the shop due to failure to start and it caught on fire.***no answer required****. *mr *tt