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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Ford > F SERIES TRUCK

2003 FORD F150
Pickup
Rear wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 FORD F150. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used FORD.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Not Tested  
Passenger Not Tested  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 3 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   P
Structure/Safety Cage   P
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   P
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   A
Leg/foot, right   M
Restraints/dummy kinematics   P
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Ford F-150 was redesigned for the 1997 model year. The Heritage nameplate was added in the 2004 model year to distinguish it from the redesigned 2004 Ford F-150.</p> Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. The airbag deployed too late, and there was too much rearward and far too much upward steering wheel movement, which contributed to the dummy's head bottoming out the airbag and hitting the steering wheel. The driver seat was tilted so far forward that the dummy's head was confined to a narrow space between the steering wheel and head restraint during much of the crash. Measures taken from the chest indicate low risk of injuries to this body region in a crash of this severity. Forces on the head and neck indicate that injuries to the neck would be likely and injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on both tibias indicate that injuries to the lower legs would be possible. 2001 Ford F-150 XLT (2wd SuperCab) 4475 none 139 226 79 4.6 L V8 16 21

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 FORD F150 . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 FORD F150 was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 FORD F150 bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not provide injury, collision or theft information for this 2003 FORD F150 .

Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Collision Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Theft Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. Injury, collision, and theft indicators are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 FORD F150 by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 FORD F150 still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 300
NHTSA campaign number: 03V349000
Defective part or component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
Description: On certain pickup trucks, the pitman arm to steering gear retaining nut was not fully tightened to the required specification. 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. Dealers will tighten the pitman arm retaining nut to specifications. Owner notification is expected to begin during late September or early October 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 155,584
NHTSA campaign number: 07V078000
Defective part or component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Description: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat. Overheating could result in smoke, burn, or an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 12, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05V017, 05V388, and 06V286)


This 2003 FORD F150 safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3 of 5
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3 of 5
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 4.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 4.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 FORD F SERIES TRUCK reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    F150 XLT Styleside 2 Dr Regular Cab:    F150 XL Styleside 2 Dr Regular Cab:
Depreciation $11,545 $9,889
Financing $3,013 $2,762
Insurance $6,220 $6,220
State Fees $446 $424
Fuel $5,843 $5,843
Maintenance $1,884 $1,884
Repairs $735 $735
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $29,686 $27,757

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint Safety belt and inflatable restraint system are covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles.  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: 2006 model year sold on or after 7/14/06 will be covered by a complimentary 5/60,000 Ford ESP Powertrain Care Extended Service Contract with a $100 deductible. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance covered during basic warranty. 2003 and prior models with a 7.3L direct injected diesel engine (8th vin digit = "F") covered 5/100,000 with $100 deductible after basic. Safety belt and inflatable restraint system covered for 5/50,000. 2007-2009 models are covered for 5/60,000. Alignment and wheel balance covered 1/12,000. 2001-2003 tire defects covered during the new vehicle limited warranty period. 2004-2005 model year tire wear covered 1/12,000. 2007-2009 tire defect coverage is prorated during the new vehicle limited warranty period. 2004-2009 6.0L diesel engine covered 5/100,000. 2004-2006 have a $100 deductible after basic warranty, 2007 no deductible. Roadside assistance 5/60,000. 10/150,000 coverage for high voltage battery for vehicles eligible for California emissions warranty coverage and the state of Oregon. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. J&L Warranty Pros recommends performing a vehicle information report to confirm applicable manufacturer warranty coverage.  

This 2003 FORD F150 warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

All the pickup basics and a Harley-Davidson edition to boot.
By Jim McCraw, NewCarTestDrive.com

Ford's F-150 is still among the most carlike of the full-size pickup trucks, with slick looks, pleasing performance, a comfortable cabin, and a proven powertrain.

Ford's new F-150 SuperCrew is the most comfortable of the light-duty crew cabs currently available.

Overview:

Quieter and more carlike than ever, the Ford F-150 continues to be the light-duty pickup truck by which all others are measured. The world's best-selling truck continues to evolve into a sedan with a handy bed attached.

All 2003 models get a new noise control package, 75 improvements in all, according to Ford, for a 10-percent quieter ride. Audio system choices now include a cassette/CD player and an in-dash six-CD changer. All 2003 F-150s now have the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) systems as standard equipment.

A new Heritage Edition F-150 commemorates 100 years of Ford Motor Company history. An F-150 STX Edition is newly available on Regular Cab and SuperCab XL and XLT. King Ranch models get chrome tubular running boards, a six-disc in-dash CD changer and woodgrain bezels.

Read the complete 2003 Ford F-150 review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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