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2003 Ford Econoline problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Ford Econoline is acceleration and speed control. It has 7.3 times the complaints of a typical Econoline model year.

Typical year7.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
18
Worst area
Acceleration

The worst 2003 Ford Econoline problems

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

  • Acceleration
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3

Problems by type

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

  • Acceleration
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 2

Vehicle speed control: cruise controlReported February 4, 2008 · 225,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 08V051000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported August 5, 2003 · 64 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 03V282000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2003 Ford Econoline

Defect investigations

Spark plug ejection from cylinder headOpened September 22, 2005, closed January 4, 2006

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi is aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it is possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect is very low.in view of the foregoing, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition is denied.

DP05005

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Ford Econoline 18

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

See all 18 bulletins for the 2003 Ford Econoline

What 2003 Ford Econoline owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 10, 2016 · Fuel system · 105,000 miles · NY

Fuel tank delamination. This will be the second time I have to replace the fuel tank, sending unit and fuel pump on my e350 diesel van. Ford has had known issues for several years regarding this problem and refuses to accept any responsibility. The inside coating of the tank peels away and clogs up the fuel system, then they turn around and sell you the same tank so it happens again. Very dangerous vehicle suddenly loses power and will even stall.

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Tires · 62,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline equipped with radar radial rlt-9 tires, size p245/75/r16. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the rear driver's tire blew out. The condition of the road were dry and the approximate temperature was 90 degrees fahrenheit. The failure recurred and the rear passenger tire blew out. The condition of the road was again dry and the approximate temperature was 80 degrees fahrenheit. The tires were not taken to dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages on the vehicle was 62,000. The failure and current mileages on the tires were 6,000.

Filed May 8, 2012 · Engine · 168,000 miles · CA

No. 2 spark plug blew out of cylinder head.

Filed Sep 15, 2009 · Tires · 110,000 miles · UT

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline e-150. The contact stated that three cooper american prospector 225/70r15 tires on the vehicle have failed. The vehicle began vibrating and the dealer confirmed that the rear driver side tire needed to be replaced. Two weeks later, the rear passenger side tire blew out and was replaced. One week after the rear tire blew out the front passenger side blew out and was also replaced. The dealer stated that all of those tires must have been defective; however, the contact was not reimbursed for the repairs. The manufacturer stated that there was no warranty or free repair available. The failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2009 · Brakes · 100,969 miles · CA

2003 ford aerostar lx van ABS light and brake light on dashboard will come on and stay on one day, and maybe not the next day. Going on for months. Can't predict when this will occur. The ford dealer offer to take care of the problem for less than a $1000 dollars!?!?!? Very generous of them!

Filed Feb 5, 2008 · Acceleration · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoloine. The contact received a safety recall notice in september of 2007 for the vehicle speed control. The cruise control was disconnected in october. Each month since october, the dealer has informed the contact that the parts would be available the following month. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date and recall number were unknown. The current mileage was 60,000. Updated 03-18-08 *bf the consumer stated the recall number is 05s28. Updated 03/18/08

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Acceleration · KY

I received a recall notice in 9/07 from the ford company concerning my 2003 motorhome. It involved the speed control deactivation switch, which they said was defective. When I contacted a local ford dealer as instructed by the letter, I was told the repair had to wait till the parts arrived in december. When I called the dealer lst week, I was told the parts wouldn't arrive until at least february. I called the ford toll-free number and was told the same thing. Why are they dragging their feet on this? Why does it take so long to get the parts?

Filed Oct 30, 2007 · Acceleration · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford econoline. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control) in august of 2007. The dealer stated that the part would not be available until march of 2008. The contact felt that the wait time for the repair was unacceptable. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 40,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2007 · Fuel system · WA

2003 ford econoline with a recall. Customer stated the former owners forwarded the recall notice to them. Although he is mad because the parts will not be in until december or the beginning of next year. *kb

Filed Sep 18, 2007 · Acceleration · PA

2003 econoline speed recall defect I was told to have cruise control disconnected and repair not available until jan. 2008.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 Ford Econoline before you buy

Compare the 2003 Ford Econoline

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Questions about the 2003 Ford Econoline

Is the 2003 Ford Econoline reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2003 Ford Econoline, 7.3 times a typical Econoline model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Econoline?

Acceleration and speed control, with 5 complaints. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Econoline have?

2 recalls, covering vehicle speed control and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Ford Econoline acceleration?

Yes, 1 recall: 08V051000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Econoline have the most acceleration problems?

The Ford Econoline model years with the most acceleration complaints are 1992 (18 complaints), 1994 (13 complaints) and 1996 (12 complaints).

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