2003 Ford F-150 Ford F-150 2003

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2003 Ford F-150 repairs by problem area

Engine (33%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (20%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (2%)

Chart based on 113 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Ford F-150.

2003 Ford F-150 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (43%)

< $100 (23%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 96 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Ford F-150

Engine not specified

Ford in Florida, United States
Jun 2009 - Mar 2010
Jul 2009

47000 mi

US $50
release valve on right rear brake was clogged. 
Ford F-150 in Texas, United States
Aug 2013 - Dec 2013
Sep 2013

150000 mi

US $1400
both front & rear seal were leaking 
Ford F-150 in Tennessee, United States
Dec 2013 - Jan 2014
Jan 2014 Upper/lower ball joints, upper control arm, inner/outer tie rods ends all went bad. Transmission slips at the top of 4th gear and into OD. Truck has 72K miles with no towing or racing. Fords suck. Can't pinpoint where the leak is. 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Extended Cab 8ft bed

260-horsepower 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

Ford F-150 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Mar 2014
Dec 2011

163680 mi

C $1135
replaced clutch on compressor rear seals on axle tune-up and 1 coil on spark plug. 
Feb 2012

165900 mi

C $260
3 coils on spark plugs. 
Apr 2013

193200 mi

C $1900
front brakes ball joints upper&lower tie rods inner&outer gas tank rear shocks 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

260-horsepower 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in Florida, United States
Jul 2010 - Jan 2022
Sep 2010

75000 mi

US $600
Air conditioner was making a loud ticking noise. It was replaced with a re-manufactured unit in one afternoon. 
Jun 2012

90000 mi

US $180
A/C system was losing freon pressure. Replaced o-rings. Problem solved 
Sep 2012

91000 mi

US $170
Alternator failed 
Jan 2013

94700 mi

US $50
Replacement a/c compressor from September 2010 was defective, had dealer order oem. Dealer shop noted that my front stabilizer links were worn out.  The new a/c compressor was installed, along with 2 Schrader valves (on the AC system) that were leaking.  I replaced the stabilizer links myself, as this was a very easy fix, and much less expensive than paying shop rates for a job that I did in 30 minutes. 
Aug 2015

121000 mi

US $100
replace U joints 
Sep 2015

121000 mi

US $125
Replaced the headlights, as the originals had fogged and yellowed. 
Apr 2018

140000 mi

US $100
Replaced O2 sensors 
Ford F-150 in Texas, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

138000 mi

US $550
P0420 obdII code. Have replaced O2 sensors, gas cap, egr valve, dpfe sensor, spark plugs, new pcv valve w/ fittings, wires, ignition coil pack and done the intake plenum and spacer gaskets and isolator bolt replacement. So far no success 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

260-horsepower 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

Ford F-150 in Michigan, United States
May 2008 - Mar 2017
Nov 2008

76000 mi
Thermostat stuck open, truck running cold. 
Ford F-150 in British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2016 - Mar 2018
Apr 2017

192200 mi

C $300
Replaced pads and rotors 
Aug 2017

193440 mi
Chasing down a short that is killing fuse 15. Still a problem 
Ford F-150 in Arkansas, United States
Nov 2010 - Nov 2014
Dec 2011

81000 mi

US $125
Replaced battery 
Ford F-150 in West Virginia, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2010

98000 mi

US $200
Bent tie rod on right front, second time replaced in three years. Front end alignment, tires rotated and balanced. Note: there are NO curbs where I live, so not the result of parking problems. 
Ford F-150 in Tennessee, United States
Mar 2015 - Nov 2021
May 2016

132000 mi

US $8400
Replaced engine. Had blown head gasket, water pump leaking and the Ford "death rattle."  Ball joints, idler arm, pittman arm. 
Nov 2021

198000 mi

US $1100
Rotors, calipers, brake linings 
Ford F-150 in Arkansas, United States
- Jun 2007
Jun 2007

108000 mi

US $100
Rear Window Gasket Leaked 
Ford F-150 in Washington, United States
Mar 2015 - Apr 2017
Sep 2015

144000 mi

US $45
Fuel Filter replaced 
Dec 2015

145000 mi

US $600
New alternator and battery 
Nov 2016

152000 mi

US $789
Replaced starter and all battery cables. Got stuck in a small town so did not have a lot of choices to get the best deal. 
Ford F-150 in Maine, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

93000 mi

US $800
hard brake line needed replacement due to rust 
Jan 2011

105000 mi

US $650
front driver hub/bearing unit replaced 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

231-horsepower 4.6L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in Manitoba, Canada
May 2017 - Jun 2022
Jun 2021

110360 mi
starter died, replaced on warranty from previous replacement 
Ford F-150 in Maine, United States
Dec 2014 - Apr 2018
Jul 2014

114006 mi

US $100
Replaced alternator 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

231-horsepower 4.6L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

Ford F-150 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010

157000 mi

US $170
Hub/bearing assembly Hub/bearing assembly 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

202-horsepower 4.2L V6 5-speed manual RWD

Ford F-150 in Texas, United States
Apr 2010 - Sep 2015
May 2010

80000 mi

US $700
EFI - replacement of gaskets - Upper & Lower 
Aug 2015

184400 mi

US $400
Front Passenger- side Wheel-Bearing 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

202-horsepower 4.2L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in New York, United States
- Jan 2007
Jan 2007

55000 mi

US $100
Replaced idler pulley under extended warranty. 
Ford F-150 in California, United States
Sep 2011 - Sep 2012
Sep 2011

189940 mi

US $2
Caliper bolt fail (missing). Driverside Front Brake bolt went missing. Slight damage on wheel. 
Ford F-150 in California, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2014
Jun 2011

112000 mi

US $400
engine lite on for several weeks.Took it to my mechanic. Intake manifold gaskets needed replaced. Last yrar had the same problem. Paid out $400.00 each time to fix. 
Jun 2012

121000 mi

US $320
had camshaft synchronizer replaced 
Ford F-150 in California, United States
Sep 2009 - Apr 2015
Jul 2013

72500 mi

US $1100
Check engine light on, engine running lean, Manifold gasket, plenum bolts needed to be replaced 
Ford F-150 in Illinois, United States
Sep 2021 - Dec 2023
Nov 2021

61600 mi

US $100
Airbag off dash bulb burned out, resulting in airbag system light flashing. Removed module from dash and soldered in replacement bulb to resolve issue. Rear drivers door stopped opening, replaced aged plastic cable ends with aluminum replacements which solved the problem (did passenger side rear door as well knowing it was apt to fail soon). Bushings had worn and were causing excessive noise (rattles), so replaced with new parts. 
Sep 2023

110000 mi

US $365
Pulley on power steering pump failed, causing serpentine belt failure as well. 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

supercharged 380hp 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in Arizona, United States
Apr 2015 - May 2015
Apr 2015

133000 mi
prior part was a cheap part 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

260-horsepower 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in Texas, United States
Feb 2014 - Aug 2017
Nov 2014

108100 mi

US $195
Replaced power door lock switch 
Dec 2015

113000 mi

US $1200
Replaced injectors Also full tuneup not included in cat above 
Jan 2016

110000 mi

US $750
Replaced mass air flow controller 
Ford F-150 in California, United States
Feb 2014 - Apr 2015
Apr 2014

280000 mi

US $286
spark plugs, cylinder #1 misfire 
Ford F-150 in Arizona, United States
Jun 2015 - Dec 2015
Sep 2015

173000 mi

US $486
Break peddle was going to the floor. Replaced master cylinder labor 147.00 part 272.40 flush system 49.00 fluid 18.00. Peddle still goes to the floor I was told it needs a Hydraulic Brake Control Unit quoted $1,065 Check engine light was on as well, Replace Vacuum Harness & P.C.V. Valve Oe/ Vacuum Harness w/P.C.V. Valve Labor 98.00 Part 88.75 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

260-horsepower 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

Ford F-150 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2015 - Jul 2018
Nov 2015

45420 mi

C $10
Brake line to rear of truck replaced. Leaking fluid pedal went down but still had brakes. truck would not start sometimes , start and stall possibly 3 or 4 times push the gas a little truck started right up. Bought CRC air intake throttle body cleaning, removed and cleaned chemically and with wire brush. 
Jul 2016

52480 mi

C $600
tie rod, idler arm, wheel spindle left front. I also put rotors and brakes on front myself cost $200. 
Ford F-150 in New Mexico, United States
Jan 2015 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015

108400 mi

US $800
four wheel drive would bot engage 
Jun 2018

123000 mi

US $350
Replaced fuel pump. also had problem with one of the keys, bad chip in key would not work to start truck 
Ford F-150 in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

86000 mi

US $8
Vacuum Actuator for floor mode door in climate control failed. 
Ford F-150 in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2008 - Nov 2011
Mar 2009

61000 mi

US $50
Electronic heating control panel failed. NO heat to the floor and temperature regulation was faulty. Replaced 2 ball joints and 1 idler arm. Transmission seal replaced. 
Ford F-150 in Kansas, United States
Sep 2008 - Sep 2010
Nov 2009

80700 mi

US $400
Electric Windows did not work. 
Jun 2010

85000 mi

US $350
ABS light was coming on. Power window was not working. 
Ford F-150 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2008 - Jun 2011
Oct 2009

82800 mi

US $1100
New ball joints and idler arm. 
Jul 2010

97000 mi

US $800
Needed a new steering box. 
Ford F-150 in North Dakota, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2022
Jun 2014

83000 mi

US $900
Truck had a miss in the engine. Needed new plugs anyway. 
Ford F-150 in Montana, United States
Jan 2018 - Jun 2019
Mar 2018

123000 mi

US $750
Replaced one coil myself. Another coil pack failed. Took it to the shop to have them replace remaining seven coil packs, 8 spark plugs, and throw a new PCV hose on. 
May 2019

128500 mi

US $70
O2 sensor bad. Replaced by owner. 
Ford F-150 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2013 - Oct 2014
Dec 2013

143220 mi

C $300
Timing chain rattle at startup. Passenger side tensioner gasket failed. 
Oct 2014

146940 mi

C $100
RR brake caliper slides seized 
Ford F-150 in New Hampshire, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2013
May 2012

142000 mi

US $4500
Replaced coil packs. 
Sep 2012

147000 mi

US $25
Alternator failed. Blower speed resistor pack failed, blower would only operate on the top two (out of four) speeds. 
Jun 2013

153000 mi

US $50
Blend door actuator failed, would not respond to the temperature control knob and failed in the full hot air position. Coil on plug pack failed. 
Ford F-150 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2011 - Jun 2012
Nov 2011

106800 mi

US $1000
heating core vacuum system, system does not blow air to the floor 4x4 transfer case has gearing failure; rebuild or purchase used as the only choices offered, new part not available - no warranty available for either choice 
Jun 2012

112000 mi
heating core vacuum system still not working when sold transfer case still not working when sold 
Ford F-150 in Alberta, Canada
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

100440 mi

C $250
alternator broke and battery died shortly afterwards. 
Ford F-150 in Kentucky, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2011
Feb 2010

118000 mi

US $600
Problems were - dry rotted hoses, spark plugs, all fluids changed. Bought from dealer who said the car was perfect but was far from it. EGR pressure sensor and MAF sensor replaced. Replaced egr valve.  
Ford F-150 in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2014 - Jul 2016
Sep 2014

183000 mi

US $135
A banging noise was heard in the drive shaft, found dry and loose front & rear; replaced both u-joints on the drive shaft with after market U-joints with Zerk fittings. 
Oct 2015

201000 mi

US $275
Replaced both outer tie rod ends, both lower ball joints, the left upper ball joint, and alignment cams. 

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

231-horsepower 4.6L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in South Carolina, United States
Nov 2008 - Aug 2017
Dec 2008

82000 mi

US $250
Ball joints worn and caused excessive wear on brake rotors. Ball joints replaced and new rotors installed. 
Jul 2012

141500 mi

US $500
Ball joints on both upper and lower on left and right.  Wheel bearings on both sides. 
May 2013

152000 mi

US $400
Fuel pump replaced due to hard starting 
Jun 2013

154000 mi

US $300
Alternator replaced due to being dysfunctional. 
Jan 2014

139000 mi

US $250
2 Coil on Plugs needed to be replaced; spark plugs replaced 
Feb 2016

180300 mi

US $400
Fuel pump 
Ford F-150 in Oregon, United States
Dec 2010 - Jan 2011
Jan 2011

131000 mi

US $3500
Leaking head gasket having motor rebuilt. Leaking head gasket having motor rebuilt.  

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2003 Ford F-150 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

231-horsepower 4.6L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

Ford F-150 in Michigan, United States
Mar 2011 - Dec 2013
May 2011

170000 mi

US $500
Fixed rear drive shaft and U-joint and wheel bearings. 
Jul 2011

171700 mi

US $150
Fixed air conditioning 
Sep 2011

180000 mi

US $500
Replaced pinion and carrier bearings as well as brake pads and rotors. 

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2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab 8ft bed

260-horsepower 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in Washington, United States
- Mar 2010
Mar 2010

30100 mi
In shop for new engine. Always changed oil every 3,000 miles. Was noisy at 15,000 but Ford dealer said it was normal. Now at 30,100 they say it needs a new engine. Suspect engine defect from factory. Low miles & now out of warranty. 

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2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab 8ft bed

231-horsepower 4.6L V8 5-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range

Ford F-150 in Wisconsin, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Nov 2008

59000 mi

US $480
slave cylinder, clutch kit, seals and having the flywheel resurfaced. 

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2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab 8ft bed

202-horsepower 4.2L V6 5-speed manual RWD

Ford F-150 in Florida, United States
Feb 2015 - Jul 2018
Jun 2015

300000 mi

US $400
Eratic rough surging idle similar to bad idle air control valve.Replaced lower intake gaskets new middle intake .O2 sensors. Valve cover gaskets. Linkage rod bushings back of lower intake. PCV tube connectors.new thermostat and belt. 

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2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab 6.5ft bed

supercharged 380hp 5.4L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in Virginia, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2016
Dec 2011

52000 mi

US $8
PCV valve 
Jul 2013

60200 mi

US $80
New headlight switch.... took 5 min to install no tools. 
Jun 2016

75000 mi

US $400
Starter switch, intermit no-start, but crank. Replace multiple relays, start switch, Key cylinder, EVAP purge 

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2003 Ford F-150 2dr Regular Cab 6.5ft bed

202-horsepower 4.2L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

Ford F-150 in Virginia, United States
Sep 2012 - Mar 2014
Jan 2013

182000 mi

US $10
Replaced hood latch. 
Mar 2014

182000 mi

US $150
rear suspension broken 

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2003 Ford F-150 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Ford F-150 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.