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2003 Ford F-250 engine complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 37 of 37, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Ford F-250 engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Sep 30, 2015 · Engine · 91,000 miles · PA

The truck had what sounded like valve tap going on when it was started. I thought nothing of this since truck is a 2003 but this was a change from earlier trip. I proceeded to drive the truck since no warning lights were on and power seemed fine. Going 35-40 MPH about 1 mile from home I heard what sounded like a shotgun going off and the truck began to run badly and I limped it home with windows down because of gas smell. The next day I opened the hood to see what was going on and I found cylinder #2 had blown apart the coil pack and had also ejected the spark plug from the cylinder head. Following that I took removed all other coils and plugs to find that 5 of the 8 were loose and working their way out of the threads. I believe that the only thing that prevented an engine fire was the fact that the spark plug had shorted itself out. This is a serious problem. I have since found that the problem seems to be on many years and models and is due to faulty cylinder heads that were made of aluminum that was to soft. The spark plugs had been replaced once and I checked them after I bought the truck used, I tightened to correct specs with a torque wrench.

Filed May 7, 2015 · Engine · 115,000 miles · IA

3rd spark plug on passenger side blew out without warning and also destroyed the coil. My research indicates this problem is well known to ford, but no recalls that I could find.

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Engine · 69,462 miles · IL

#5 sparkplug shot out of the head when starting vehicle.

Filed Sep 12, 2011 · Engine · 75,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250. While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud thump and began to smell gasoline fumes entering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a blown spark plug. The dealer was unaware of the failure and advised him to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 75,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2011 · Engine · 152,000 miles · MN

Have a 2003 ford f-250 with the 5.4l triton engine I have owned the truck approx. 6months and in a matter of 1000 miles I have blown 2 spark plugs and inserts out, this repair has cost me $300 each time and $150 in towing fees,I am waiting to see when the other ones will blow, this problem is well known by all mechanics and make the repairs often, if this problem is so well known maybe ford should address this issue and demand a recall of all vehicles with this well known issue, this problem also causes other issues, like engine fires due to the fuel fumes escaping from where the spark plug should be, when I try to research this problem I see that there is a website dedicated to this truck and problem so apparently ford is waiting for an engine blowup to kill someone before they take this seriously.

Filed Apr 29, 2010 · Engine · 24,289 miles · PA

I just entered a safety complaint regarding brake rotors rusting (( 10328142 ) on my 2003 ford f250 7.3 l diesel. This complaint regards rusting out radiator hose brackets. On july 6 th 2007 a radiator hose clamp rusted out , and I rapidly lost cooling, while on interstate 68 in md traveling at 65 MPH towing a travel trailer. I managed to stop the vehicle and trailer safely but had to be towed to a dealer for repairs. This was on a 4 year old truck.( just recently in conjunction with the rotor problem a wiring clamp rusted out under the body leaving loose dangling wires. At the time I thought it was a single rusting issue. Now that I am experiencing multiple failures I know the problems are more extensive.

Filed Apr 9, 2008 · Engine · 11,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford f250. Whenever the vehicle is at a stop light, stop sign, or idling, it surges forward. The contact has taken the vehicle to a dealer over 25 times, but the failure has not been diagnosed. The current mileage was 55,000 and failure mileage was 11,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2008 · Engine · 120,000 miles · IN

My 2003 ford f250 triton v10 blew a spark plug out of the head while I was traveling in traffic.

Filed Mar 7, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 35,000 miles · MO

When in a slow acceleration the motor RPM will race and you have to quickly apply the brake in order to avoid a mishap. The next thing that is a safety hazard is the cab fills with diesels fumes. Making everyone nauseas. Acceleration from stop vehicle billows white smoke and is sluggish.

Filed May 12, 2007 · Engine · TX

Cam shaft position sensor ( cps ) failure, truck engine stops running. Ford dealership replaced it at cost of $388.

Filed Feb 21, 2007 · Engine · 13,500 miles · NY

Tl*- the contact stated that on 11/01/06 he could hear the exhaust system and he could smell fumes coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the 2003 ford f250 was taken to several dealerships, and he was informed that the manifold bolts broke. The contact stated that they would have to replace the manifold bolts, and this was only a temporary repair. He has been informed by the dealership that this was an ongoing problem. The contact stated that the only way to resolve this problem was to take the heads off the engine and drill the exhaust manifold holds and reassemble with larger bolts. The failure mileage was 13500, and the current mileage was 15800.*ak updated 03/30/07.

Filed Feb 21, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 5,810 miles · NY

[xxx] 5/3/03 recall 03b06 6/4/03 air conditioner failure 6/17/04 air conditioner failure , AC blend door binding ,plenum defective,had to remove dashboard to repair 6/18/03 4x4 failed to engage, faulty gem module 6/18/03 oil leaking at rear of motor, rear main seal failure, still leaking to date 11/6/03 water seperator failure, perform recall 03e04, perform recall 03l12 1/14/04 rear heater leaking , rear heater core failure, replace fuel manifold,because fuel seperator light still warning 2/27/04 rear main seal leaking/ no repair offered 3/11/04 rear main leaking / no repair offered 5/17/04 air conditioner failure,faulty line conection/rear main still leaking 6/10/04 rear main still leaking /no repair offered 8/5/04 recall 04s15 peformed/ turbo failure, unrelated to recall 8/13/04 rear main still leaking/ no repair offered 9/15/04 rear main still leaking / no repair offered/power loss since turbo replacement *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Nov 3, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 289 miles · MI

When taking off from either a stop sign or light vehicle failed to accelerate forward properly. This caused the vehicle to stall at an inopportune time. Its was an ongoing problem. Consumer took vehicle to dealership 6 times in 1 1/2 years, and was informed by dealer that problem was low RPM power, which was poor torque, and an improper gear ratio in transmission.*ak the consumers foot contacts the accelerator pedal hanger when attemptingto depress the pedal to the floor. The engine runs rough at idle 750 RPM causing the vehicle to vivrate. At speeds between 750 and 1000 RPM the engine will not maintain a constant speed. Speed fluctuates up and down rapidly. The engine produces very little power at low RPM's below 1500. Other problems with the vehicle are as follows: defective fuel injectors, leaking rear main seal, leaking brake line junction block, leaking gaskets on rear transmission housing, and broken fasterner on the metal line.

Filed Oct 19, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · NC

While driving at 60 MPH vehicle shut down. Vehicle will not start right up again. One hour into driving the problem started. Engine made a whistling sound. Other then that there were no warnings. Consumer has taken the vehicle in for the same problem a total of four times. *ak power steering and brakes shut down as a result of loss of engine power.

Filed Sep 20, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · WV

Vehicle was running rough. There was a problem with the cruise control. When the cruise was set, it would kick off with the brake or come to a complete stop and the cruise would re-engage. The re-engaging would occur intermittently. *sc the engine lost power.

Filed Aug 2, 2004 · Engine · CA

While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection numerous times. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Jul 11, 2004 · Engine · 48 miles · GA

Vibration when under acceleration from stop, ford has replaced catayltic converter 3 times. Problem still exists. Savere air leak drivers window, I was told it was an enginering defect and nothing could be done.rough idle and skipping , I was told "I was buying cheep gas" chenged brand still same problem.

Filed Jun 28, 2004 · Engine · 19,000 miles · PA

While driving 50 MPH engine stalled. As a result, consumer was able to move the vehicle off the road. Dealer stated that the oil sensor system malfunctioned, causing oil to leak.

Filed May 26, 2004 · Engine · 15,600 miles · CA

When the vehicle was idling, it vibrated heavily.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Engine · 11,600 miles · VT

While driving consumer smelled gas fumes coming from inside the vehicle. Dealership tried to repair the problem, but did not resolve it.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Engine · 7,700 miles · OK

When the heater or air conditioner was engaged the exhaust fumes seeped through the ventilation. *ak it took one week to have this repaired because the exhaust pipe was on national back order.

Filed Dec 24, 2003 · Engine · 10,000 miles · AZ

While driving at various speeds, the consumer smelled strong exhaust fumes. The dealer inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem, however they suggested turning the air conditioner on max to neutralize the exhaust fumes. *ak the consumer stated the fumes were noticeable even when the heat was on. The consumer was told this was a common problem.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Engine · MT

Consumer states that while driving and no warning the vehicle will stall and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified.

Filed May 13, 2003 · Engine · 2,500 miles · MI

2003 6.0 diesel on cold starts the vehicle discharges black and blue smoke for a few seconds, and I have had it back to the dealer several times for surging problems and rough running, the ipc sensor has been replaced twice, and still have various rough running and slight surging problems, dealer is now saying that ford motor company has stated that this is normal and acceptable for the all new best in class diesel.

Filed Apr 18, 2003 · Engine · 14,200 miles · MD

The vehicles exhaust was coming through the vents into the vehicle. The dealer was notified.

Filed Apr 16, 2003 · Engine · 2,600 miles · PA

The engine stalled without warning.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Engine · PA

Consumer states while driving the vehicle with no warning the vehicle shut off. Dealer notified. Ts

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