2003 F-150 FX4 Problems?
 

Hey all, sorry it has been a while since I posted. I've been traveling all across the US for work. I just recently bought a 2003 F-150 XLT 4x4 FX4 with the 4.6L. It was time for an upgrade from my 99 and I love the body style of both. My new truck only has 52k on it compared to my 99 with 190k. I am stepping down in engines from the 5.4L. I might miss it but not the gas mileage. What kind of problems have people had with the 2003s? Just trying to get a heads up as to what kind of trouble I might have, things to check, etc.

probably one of the most trouble free years... check to see that the cruise control recall has been performed, then enjoy driving your new truck!!!

03 has the new heads. If I was replacing thats what I would look for.:-wink

I have had a 2003 for the last 1 1/2 years. The only problems I have had is U-joints were squeaky and needed to be replaced, and the tensioner pulley bearing was shot and needed to be replaced.

I have 50k on my 03 and no issues -- none.

Someone else can chime in here but I think the cruise control recall only goes through the F150 2002 year. Sooo, I think you are OK here.

I have had mine for a year and a half. It has 99K miles on it. The only problems that I have is the the door locks don't work properly and the drivers door electric window does not roll up as fast as it did when I first got it. Other than that I am extremely pleased with my '03 Screw. No problems with the 4x4 either.

I have had my 03 for 3 yrs. The only problems that I have had so far have been the cruise control recall and having to replace my alternator at 50000 miles.

i also have an 03 f150 XLT with the FX4 Extended cab, flaire side with about 90000 kms.....

Problems
Both wheel bearing toasted
broken starter cable
u joints
rear end chatter which was solved with an addative
leaking front, rear end seal
seized 4wd actuator on the front diff
leaking rear sliding window
Cruise Control recall

my 3rd ford pickup and probly my last

sounds like you got a lemon there newfie!! thats too bad. hey, i'm a newfie too... :)

Kind of, i mean thats alot of stuff to go bad at that low of miles....but still some of that stuff isnt that bad.
Hey newfie, did you buy you truck used or new, if you bought it used, then maybe the previous owner drove through water alot. Which would explain the ujoints, bearings, and maybe the actuator. Also by broken starter cable what do you mean??
Other than that the other stuff is pretty mild.

the truck had 30000 kms on it when i got it, the truck itself is a pretty good truck and i do or did like it very much. its just the ongoing problems that is just drivin me insane. just when you get one lot of problems worked out something else pops up. for example i just installed a wheel bearing tonight and while i was puttin the truck in the garage the heater motor would only work on high speed, blower motor resistor toasted i suspect, and while doin the bearing i noticed a broken manifold stud. a co worker has a pickup similar to mine and is also experiencing some of the same issues as me..

as for the battery cable the brass connector that bolts to the starter broke, do a search on here and u will see that that is also a common problem for these pickups

i know that the harsh conditions here in Newfoundland don't help any, i'm glad that with the help of this site i have been able to fix most of the issues myself

Cheers :)

I have had little to no problems with my 2003 F150 w/5.4. The only true problems have been self inflicted from offroad and work related. I have towed excessive loads long distances, gone offroad in some dangerous areas, and have always gotten home safe. Maintenance is key to a trucks survival. I bought it brand new in fall 2002 and am rolling close to 100000. I love this truck.

Very cool guys, thanks for all your input. I am selling my '99 f-150 with 191k on it. I am really excited about my '03, it's been babied it's life so far. Now it's time to see if it can keep up with the '99.

I own a 2003 F-150 FX4 extended cab w/ side steps. I'm currently right at 100k miles, and so far so good, with the exception of some small non-critical issues: CD-player busted, horn busted, and my side-view mirrors no longer rotate. I may have an issue with the 4wd-actuator, but I'm not certain. Also, on occasion, when I crank the engine I hear an extremely gritty, metal-grinding sound.

I quite honestly don't know too much about vehicles, engines or automotive in general, so I'm looking to get an inspection and some service done to keep things up to par. I'd like to get the engine detailed, some rust-removal done on the undercarriage, and generally just want everything inspected so I'm aware of any issues.

What's the proper way to approach this with a mechanic, without saying "I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm a schmuck. Sell me everything I don't need."

Bump. - I'd really appreciate some help in the above post.

Thanks for any information.