Problems · by component

2003 Ford F-150 structure problems

32 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2003 Ford F-150 cite structure, 7% of all 464 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
32
7% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“UNKNOWN - however there were NO warning lights or any other indication of malfunction or to service the truck. I took the truck to an independent service center & they did a full inspection & I did receive an estimate for repairs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 9, 2026Power train, Structure, WheelsODI 11742957
“On the day of Monday February 20 2023 I was in my front driveway preforming some maintenance on my 2003 Ford F-150 Xlt SuperCrew truck a gear shift cable and a heater core replacement. Once I finished the repairs I ran my truck for a few minutes then shut it off and was headed inside when I noticed a flickering light coming from the passenger side of the vehicle I walked to the truck and opened the door and I saw small flames dripping down coming from the ( glove box area ) I then grabbed the water hose and put it out . Once the small fire was out I proceeded to go in the house when I noticed black smoke coming ( from the engine bay from the vents in front of the windshield) the smoke got thicker as I sprayed it with water I then called to my spouse to call the local Fire Department. The vehicle was a total loss nothing was left interior wise no ( steering wheel,no console,no dashboard or anything.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2023StructureFire reportedODI 11510283
“On 11/27/2022 at or around 4:30 P.M. my 2003 Ford F-150 burned almost completely, without any mechanical failures or warnings, thirty full minutes after being parked and then after only having been run for three to four miles. The fire department ended up putting it out before it was fully consumed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 7, 2022Structure, Unknown or other, EngineFire reportedODI 11496499
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN PROMPTED. CLONINGER FORD (511 JAKE ALEXANDER BLVD S, SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA 28147) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000. *TT *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 11, 2018StructureODI 11110717
“BOTH REAR DOOR LATCHES HAVE FAILED TO OPERATE. CANNOT OPEN EITHER REAR DOOR. THIS HAPPENED IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE I LIVE. I AM HANDY CAPED AND CANNOT GET ACCESS TO MY ROLATER WHICH IN THE BACK SEAT AREA. I NEED THIS EQUIPMENT TO HELP ME WALK. HAS THERE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS MALFUNCTION? IS THIS A RECALL ITEM? WILL FORD MFG REPAIR THIS DEFECT?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2017StructureODI 10981410
“TRANS WENT OUT A MONTH AFTER INTAKE CRACK HAD TO BE REPLACE ALMOST $1,650 TOGETHER ALSO BALL JOINTS AND TIEROD ENDS NO GOOD SHOCK NO GOOD BRAKE ARE FALLING AND REAR END IS GRINDING THIS TRUCK SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD HELP AND THERE'S "MORE".”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2016Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Seat belts, Structure, Wheels, Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiperODI 10936142

Showing 6 of 32 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.