2003 Ford F150
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 97 of 423 complaints (23%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Electrical include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 821 in 2002 to 423 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,400–5,950 | 3,650–6,450 | 3,400–5,950 | 3,400–5,950 | 4,150–4,450 | |
| Combined MPG | 11–16 | 11–17 | 12–16 | 12–16 | 14–15 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 10–15 / 14–19 | 10–15 / 14–19 | 11–15 / 14–19 | 11–15 / 14–19 | 12–14 / 16–19 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 541–808 | 523–808 | 541–741 | 541–741 | 592–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,236 | 821 | 423 | 2,028 | 1,112 | |
| Recalls issued | 19 | 10 | 11 | 16 | 14 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 91 | 51 | 43 | 74 | 50 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 248 | 95 | 37 | 40 | 29 | |
| Injuries reported | 87 | 60 | 36 | 74 | 57 | |
| Deaths reported | 7 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford F150 have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Ford F150?
Engine: 97 of 423 NHTSA complaints (23%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford F150 get?
EPA rates it 12–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Ford F150?
EPA estimates $3,400–$5,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (16)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 11 mpg (low) | 15 mpg | 13 mpg | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg (high) | 18 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | CNG | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 11 mpg (low) | 15 mpg | 13 mpg | $3,400 (low) | 541 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or natural gas | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 11 mpg (low) | 15 mpg | 13 mpg | $4,800 | 684 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or natural gas | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 11 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | 12 mpg (low) | $5,200 | 741 g/mi (high) |
Show 3 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or propane | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.4L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or propane | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 97 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 62 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 46 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 49 | 1 | 16 | 1 | 1 |
| Brakes | 29 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 47 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 41 | 26 | 2 | 29 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 33 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 34 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 26 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING · Campaign 11V385000 · Aug 1, 2011
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 09E025000 · May 11, 2009
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 08E050000 · Aug 14, 2008
Defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · Campaign 07E066000 · Aug 29, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Consequence: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 07V336000 · Aug 3, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 07V078000 · Mar 6, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017, 05V388, AND 06V286)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 06E067000 · Aug 1, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 06E056000 · Jun 23, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 06E052000 · Jun 12, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
Show 1 earlier campaign
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN · Campaign 03V349000 · Sep 30, 2003
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE PITMAN ARM TO STEERING GEAR RETAINING NUT WAS NOT FULLY TIGHTENED TO THE REQUIRED SPECIFICATION.
Consequence: IF THE PITMAN ARM TO GEARBOX ATTACHMENT NUT LOOSENS, A NOISE AND A LOOSE FEEL IN THE STEERING COULD OCCUR. IF THE CONDITION PROGRESSED AND SERVICE WAS NOT SOUGHT, THE NUT COULD BACK OFF COMPLETELY AND THE PITMAN ARM COULD SEPARATE FROM THE GEAR CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. IF THE WARNING IS NOT HEEDED AND STEERING IS LOST, A CRASH MAY RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PITMAN ARM RETAINING NUT TO SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.