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2003 Ford E-450 problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Ford E-450 is acceleration and speed control. It has 1.5 times the complaints of a typical E-450 model year.

Typical year1.5x the typical complaints
Year score
58/100
Owner complaints
18
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
11
Worst area
Acceleration

The worst 2003 Ford E-450 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Acceleration
    5
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Acceleration
    5
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 4

Vehicle speed controlReported October 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 09V399000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported August 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1‑888‑222‑2751.

Recall number 07V336000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported September 13, 2004 · 214,849 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V444000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 13, 2004 · 253,076 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V445000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2003 Ford E-450

Defect investigations

HVAC Switch FailuresOpened December 7, 2009, closed April 21, 2010

ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.

PE09055

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Ford E-450 11

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 11 bulletins for the 2003 Ford E-450

What 2003 Ford E-450 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 4, 2024 · Brakes · CA

I have issues with brakes calipers that pistons are made of Phenolic material, replaced calipers multiple times and will fail in as little as one trip and when using RV in hot weather or too much braking like in the city even if is cold the brakes are constantly locking up to the point where the wheels won't turn, and burn I have to pull over when this happens and wait and hour or two while the brakes are smoking on the side of the road and my wife with a fire extinguisher afraid that the RV was going to burn then I reach inside with a tool to break them loose. I do not have more options for the repair as the calipers pistons are the problem every time and it became very dangerous to drive around anymore, I don't often complain of things but this is a safety issue that affected many of this vehicle owners with this type of caliper pistons. At this time the brakes are not the problem is the calipers pistons that fail no matter how old they are, as they heat up they warp or deform causing them to stick inside the hub of the caliper, I need assistance to correct this issue since ford has not provided a fix for that, I did not want to reach this point of filling a complain because is not me but if they made a bad part for the vehicle it need to be updated. I will buy the parts if there is a replacement available that wont stick inside calipers when is hot. Please note that the brakes calipers have been replace all of them then failed the same way within the first or second drive if driving down hills or traffic areas, is been confirmed that the issue is unrelated to other brake components. Thank you for your assistance.

Filed Mar 1, 2018 · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-450. The vehicle was equipped with a kiddie fire extinguisher. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v782000 (equipment). The manufacturer was contacted at 1‑855‑262‑3540 approximately one month ago, but the contact had not received a response in order to have the recall remedy completed. The contact felt that a reasonable amount of time had passed for the recall remedy. The serial number and purchase date were not provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 6, 2017 · 95,000 miles · OR

I reported a complaint about 10 days ago and haven't heard anything and this is a follow up. The complaint number is 10992187. Would some one please give me an update on your procedure and when I can expect to hear from you. My name is [xxx] . I leave saturday june 10th and will be gone for a week out of country. He will return on july 10. Thanks for your help. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 25, 2016 · Airbags · 36,540 miles · MT

When sleeping in motorhome the front drivers steering wheel airbag deployed. The vehicle was parked and not running. The key was not even in the ignition.

Filed Aug 7, 2012 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · ME · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford e-450. While driving approximately 35 MPH the contact noticed smoke emitting from under the vehicle on the rear passenger side. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle and merge to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the spindle had melted and the shaft assembly needed to be replaced. The second time the failure recurred, flames were emitted from under the vehicle. The fire department reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who stated that the spindle had caught on fire and needed to be repaired along with the shaft assembly, tire and brakes. After the repairs, the contact noticed smoke a third time. The vehicle was not further repaired for the most recent failure. Repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2011 · Visibility · 40,000 miles · WA

Velvac foldable rv mirror fell completely off of its mounting. This failure occured on both sides off the rv at nearly the same time. Fortunately the rv was parked at the time and not on the road. The failure occurred in a retaining ring groove with the retaining ring cutting through the groove on the mirror spindle. This failure occurred without any prior warning. The vehicle was a 2003 lazy daze rv. I do have some of the parts, but the spindle was repaired so I can use the rv.

Filed Aug 25, 2010 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford e450. The contact stated the vehicle would exhibit numerous issues when driving such as running rough, stalling, hesitation, failure to restart and failure to initially start. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where he was advised to have the vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel tank would need replacing. The contact stated that the fuel tank was previously replaced. The vehicle was left with the dealer where the contact was awaiting repairs. The manufacturer would offer no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000 and the current mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Apr 5, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 238,000 miles · WA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford e450. While driving at approximate speeds of 45 MPH using the cruise control in rainy weather, the vehicle began jerking. The contact stated that there was also a burning smell coming from the vehicle. He was able to move the vehicle off of the road and when he attempted to unlock the doors, the passengers side door would not unlock. In addition, the brake retarder was inoperable. He was able to restart the vehicle. Initially, the vehicle would not change gears but did so within a few minutes. The contact believed that the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v336000 was directly related to the failure he experienced. The vehicle had not been repaired nor had the manufacturer been contacted. The failure and current mileages were 238,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2010 · Fuel system · 113,020 miles · NY

Follow this link: http://stevewiencek.smugmug.com/photography/ford-fuel-tank/10976330_wp42t#774715040_3ceqc for a description of what I and others have experienced with this fuel tank. It is unsafe, defective and should be recalled. 1) loss of power 2) occurred every 100 miles or less 3) cost was over $5000 to replace the fuel tank fuel lines and fuel injectors.

Filed Feb 18, 2010 · Tires, Wheels · OH

2003 ford e450 drivers side rear wheel came off while driving on the ohio turnpike. *kb the rim had wear marks where the lug nuts wore large holes, which caused the studs to snap off. Ohio traffic crash report #10-0038-91 updated letter 04/29/10

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Questions about the 2003 Ford E-450

Is the 2003 Ford E-450 reliable?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2003 Ford E-450, 1.5 times a typical E-450 model year.

What is the 2003 Ford E-450 year score?

The 2003 Ford E-450 scores 58 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford E-450: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford E-450?

Acceleration and speed control, with 5 complaints. Next is fuel system (3).

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E-450 have?

4 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, electrical system and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Ford E-450 acceleration?

Yes, 2 recalls: 09V399000, 07V336000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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