2003 Ford E-150
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 15 |
| 1992 | 64 |
| 1993 | 71 |
| 1994 | 121 |
| 1995 | 71 |
| 1996 | 59 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 60 |
| 1999 | 83 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 37 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 16 |
| 2007 | 12 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and fan.
Electrical system
4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
While the vehicle was warming up in the driveway consumer's neighbor alerted him that vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire, but could not determine what the cause was. There were no injuries relating to the fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-08
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford E-150. The contact stated that the cruise control and horn failed to work and the air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-09
Also filed under Air bags
Vehicle speed control
3 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
2003 E150 conversion van gas pedal got stuck 3 times causing an accident. *ts the rear cargo door was repaired, the fan clutch was replaced. The running board did not fit correctly. Air conditioner blown warm air.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-04-11
Service brakes
3 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
3 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Ford F1-50. The contact experienced the failure April 26, 2014. The vehicle air bags deployed while sitting in traffic. The contact current millage over 240,00. The contact was driving 5 MPH in traffice .
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-28
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-09-27Engine and engine cooling04V445000 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…
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…
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2004-10-15Electrical system04V444000 On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module may experience an electrical short.
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…
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2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 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…
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.
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2007-08-13Vehicle speed control07V336000 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…
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…
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2008-02-18Vehicle speed control08V051000 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…
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.
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2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Ford E-150 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V445000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 04V444000 · Electrical system
- Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07V336000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 08V051000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Ford E-150 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford E-150?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E-150 have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.