VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford E-550 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Ford E-550 sits mid-pack among E-550 years: 81 NHTSA complaints, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (27% of the total).

81

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other E-550 years?

E-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted81 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 81 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 4 complaints2006: 4 complaints
E-550 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-550 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Ford E-550 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2227%
Tires & Wheels1012%
Transmission1012%
Electrical System810%
Fuel System810%
Airbags67%
Visibility & Wipers56%
Brakes34%
Steering22%
Suspension22%
Seat Belts22%
Body & Structure11%
Lighting11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2003 Ford E-550 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V399000Speed ControlOctober 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

07V078000Speed ControlMarch 6, 2007 · 155,584 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE, BURN, OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017, 05V388, AND 06V286)

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

04V444000Electrical SystemSeptember 13, 2004 · 214,849 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Consequence

THE ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, OR THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR UNATTENDED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUSE IN THE ABS CIRCUIT AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

04V445000EngineSeptember 13, 2004 · 253,076 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VANS, THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT MATERIAL PROCESS RESULTED IN AN AIR FILTER PAPER ELEMENT THAT CAN SMOLDER OR BURN. THIS CHANGE IN FILTER PAPER COMPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, MAY ALLOW HOT CARBON PARTICLES TO CONTACT THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT DURING CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CREATE HOT PARTICLES.

Consequence

THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

NO WARNING/SYMPTOM CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED -10* OUTSIDE WITH ICY ROADS 7:00 PM MODERATE TRAFFIC ON FREEWAY ENGINE SHUT DOWN THIS IS A 1TON PICKUP GOING 55 MPH WITH VERY LITTLE STEERING CONTROL WITH LACK OF POWER STEERING. MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THE FORD 7.3 DIESEL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 17, 2006

I HAVE HAD TWO CARLISLE TIRE FAILURES ON MY WEEKEND WARRIOR 3705 SLC 5TH WHEEL TRIALER. ON THE FIRST ONE I NOTICED THE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE SIDE WALL BEFORE IT ACTUALLY BLEW OUT. CARLISLE REPLACED IT AT10% COST TO ME. THE SECOND BLEW OUT WHILE I WAS PULLING. THEY ARE 22575R15'S. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 1, 2003

WAS TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR A FUEL SMELL THAT WAS INTERMITENT ON 7-30-03 TO RICART FORD WHEN I THREW IN THE CLUTCH TO SHIFT AND LOST HTE CLUTCH IT WENT TO THE FLOOR SO I PROCEED TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE AND THAT IS WHEN I NOTICED THE SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER SHIP WAS 1/2…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 30, 2003 · fire

PURCHASED A NEW 2003 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY WITH THE 6.0 DIESEL ON SEPT.9-15. AT 10,000 MILES TROUBLES BEGAN. AT 20,000 2 INJECTORS FAILED. BETWEEN THEN AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION, ANOTHER 12 FAILED. SINCE THEN, ANOTHER 16 HAVE FAILED. FROM DAY ONE, I'VE TRIED TO GET RELIEF FROM THE DEALER AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 9, 2003

ON 6-17-03 PURCHASED 2003 F350, SUPER DUTY, 6.1 D ON 7-22-03, 2000 MILES EXCESSIVE SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE, RESULTS: ROCKER ASSEMLBY BROKEN.*AK ON 7-30-03, ALL DASH GAGES, RADIO, WINDOWS NOT WORKING, RESULTS: ELECTRICAL SHORT NUMBER 35 FUSE BLOWN ON 7-31-03 AFTER 200 MILES, ALL DASH GAGES,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 17, 2003 · fire

2003 Ford E-550 — common questions

Is the 2003 Ford E-550 reliable?

It is close to typical for the E-550: 81 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 E-550 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), tires & wheels (10 complaints), transmission (10 complaints).

Does the 2003 Ford E-550 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Ford E-550. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.