1FTNF20P83EC249002003 FORD F-250F-Series
2003 FORD F-250 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. No open recalls, complaints, or auction appearances were found — a clean result.
Executive Summary
2003 FORD F-250
2003 FORD F-250 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. No open recalls, complaints, or auction appearances were found — a clean result.
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- Active or settled class action lawsuit on record for this model — Ford Super Duty 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel (2003–2007)
- Manufacturer extended warranty program exists: Ford extended the powertrain warranty on 6.0L Power Stroke engines for eligible owners. Most coverage has expired — verify any remaining coverage with dealer.
- 6.0L Power Stroke diesel: EGR cooler failure dumps coolant into exhaust — engine overheating and failure
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- F-250
- Year
- 2003
- Trim / Series
- F-Series
- Body Style
- Pickup
- Vehicle Type
- TRUCK
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Engine
- 8-cyl 6.0L 325 hp
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Assembly
- JEFFERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 2G: 8,001 - 9,000 lb (3,629 - 4,082 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: JEFFERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
6.0L Power Stroke diesel: EGR cooler failure, head gasket failure, oil cooler clogging — one of the most litigated diesel engines in history
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Documented systemic defect with class action or NHTSA investigation. These issues are often unrepaired at point of sale.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
CLEARLegal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
- ▸6.0L Power Stroke diesel: EGR cooler failure dumps coolant into exhaust — engine overheating and failure
- ▸Oil cooler clogging starves engine oil — leads to head gasket failure and catastrophic engine damage
- ▸Known as one of the most problem-prone diesel engines in history; many owners replaced engine entirely
- ▸Multiple class action lawsuits; Ford settled with commercial fleet buyers
Repair Cost Intelligence
Estimated repair costs for known FORD F-250 defects — quantify your risk in dollars
6.0L Power Stroke EGR cooler failure
Causes coolant in combustion; catastrophic if not addressed
6.0L Power Stroke head gasket failure
Often triggered by EGR failure; both should be repaired together
6.0L Power Stroke oil cooler failure
Estimates based on RepairPal averages, ASE mechanic surveys, and NHTSA investigation data. Actual costs vary by region and shop.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,614 (~$594/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2003 FORD F-250 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
17% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Active class action lawsuit — legal pressure often accelerates recalls
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Market & Background Signals
Theft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
Pre-2007 diesel vehicles are banned or heavily restricted in 12 CARB-compliance states. Verify registrability in your state before purchase.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1FTNF20P83EC24900 |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| Make | FORD |
| Model | F-250 |
| Trim | F-Series |
| Vehicle Type | TRUCK |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 6.0 |
| Horsepower | 325 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| Assembly City | JEFFERSON COUNTY |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1FT |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 8 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | 3 |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | E |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | C24900 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 0 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 0 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/1/2026, 12:50:47 AM.