VehicleVerdict

2003 Ford Econoline problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2003 Ford Econoline — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Econoline years?

Econoline NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted164 complaints1967: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 15 complaints1986: 7 complaints1987: 19 complaints1988: 33 complaints1989: 41 complaints1990: 38 complaints1991: 37 complaints1992: 113 complaints1993: 71 complaints1994: 164 complaints1995: 98 complaints1996: 96 complaints1997: 100 complaints1998: 61 complaints1999: 102 complaints2000: 46 complaints2001: 31 complaints2002: 25 complaints2003: 27 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 1 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Econoline NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Econoline years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Ford Econoline problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control519%
Tires & Wheels415%
Engine415%
Brakes311%
Electrical System311%
Body & Structure311%
Fuel System27%
Transmission14%
Suspension14%
Other14%

Does the 2003 Ford Econoline have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

08V051000Speed ControlFebruary 4, 2008 · 225,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

03V282000Fuel SystemAugust 5, 2003 · 64 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CUTAWAY CHASSIS CAB WITH THE SCHOOL BUS OPTION, TWO BRACKETS AND TWO OUTRIGGER MEMBERS ARE MISSING IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence

THE BRACKETS AND OUTRIGGER MEMBERS ARE INTENDED TO ENHANCE CRASH PERFORMANCE.

Remedy

FORD WILL SEND TECHNICIANS TO THE OWNER'S LOCATION TO INSPECT AND ADD THE BRACKETS AND OUTRIGGERS AS REQUIRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE THE OWNER'S HOME. OWNER WAS AWAKENED, AND TO DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS AN ECONOLINE VAN MODIFIED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. *AK *TC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 23, 2004 · fire

“2003 ECONOLINE MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER. VEHICLE LATER CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS [REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED] AFTER THE NOISE WAS HEARD THE DRIVER PULLED TO VEHICLE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THAT'S WHEN THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2003 · fire

“2003 FORD ECONOLINE DEFECTIVE PART REPAIRS.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE EIGHTH TIME TO REPAIR THE ALARM. THE ALARM STILL WASN'T FIXED. THE TIRES AND/OR RIMS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE BRAKES, SHOCKS AND A/C FAILED. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 1, 2005

“CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT CAB OF VEHICLE BEEN REDISIGNED. ALSO THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS REDISIGNED IT DID NOT ALLOW CONSUMER TO SEE A BILND SPOT.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

“2003 FORD ECONO-LINE VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD THE ABS RECALL REPAIRED IN DEC 2004. THE FIRE SEEMED TO ORIGINATE IN THE AREA OF THE ABS SYSTEM/ MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 1901 · fire

2003 Ford Econoline — common questions

Is the 2003 Ford Econoline reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 Econoline problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (5 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2003 Ford Econoline have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Ford Econoline. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Ford Econoline under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Econoline years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Econoline years to avoid are 1994, 1992, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1993, 1998, 2000, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1988, 2001. The cleanest record among Econoline years belongs to 2026.

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.