2003 Ford F750

The 2003 Ford F-750 is a medium-duty truck designed for commercial applications like construction, delivery, and utility work. It offers robust capabilities and a durable chassis. Engine options included the Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine and the Cummins ISB diesel engine. The 3126 produces roughly 300 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque. The Cummins ISB produces roughly 275 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. Common complaints often center around the higher running costs associated with commercial vehicles (fuel, maintenance). Positive aspects typically involve its reliability, workhorse capabilities, and suitability for heavy-duty tasks. Owners often dislike the stiff ride and utilitarian interior.

Engine

Caterpillar 3126

• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idling, excessive smoke, and decreased power.
  • Solution: Replace faulty injectors. It’s often recommended to replace all injectors at the same time to ensure even fuel delivery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ (depending on the number of injectors replaced and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke, whistling noises from the turbocharger, and potential oil leaks.
  • Solution: Inspect the turbocharger for damage or wear. Repair or replace the turbocharger if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $3,000+ (depending on repair vs. replacement and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found

Cummins ISB

• Lift Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, stalling, loss of power, and potential damage to the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Solution: Replace the lift pump. Ensure the replacement pump is compatible with the vehicle’s fuel system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on part quality and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, black smoke, and potential engine fault codes.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+ (depending on cleaning vs. replacement and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, reduced ride height, poor ride quality, and potential cracking or breakage of leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged leaf springs. Consider upgrading to heavier-duty springs for increased load capacity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per axle (depending on the type of spring and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and increased stopping distances.
  • Solution: Replace worn shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per axle (depending on the type of shock and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights flickering, gauges not working, or difficulty starting the engine. Corrosion and chafing are common causes.
  • Solution: Inspect the wiring harness for damage. Repair or replace damaged sections of the harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the severity of the damage and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, slow cranking, and eventually a dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on the alternator and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially around wheel wells, door seams, and undercarriage. More prevalent in areas with road salt.
  • Solution: Remove rust, repair or replace affected panels, and apply rust preventative coatings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, ranging from $100 for small repairs to $2,000+ for extensive rust remediation.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, weak airflow, or unusual noises from the blower motor area.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (depending on the blower motor and labor rates)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford F-750 is generally a reliable workhorse, but owners should be aware of potential issues common to medium-duty trucks. Engine-related problems (especially with the Caterpillar 3126, such as injector issues) can be expensive. Suspension and electrical issues are also relatively common and can lead to costly repairs. Rust is a concern, especially in regions where road salt is used. Overall, potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle, especially the engine, suspension, and electrical system, and be prepared for higher maintenance costs compared to lighter-duty trucks.