2003 Ford E-350
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 19 |
| 1992 | 41 |
| 1993 | 43 |
| 1994 | 51 |
| 1995 | 69 |
| 1996 | 50 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 63 |
| 1999 | 72 |
| 2000 | 59 |
| 2001 | 52 |
| 2002 | 53 |
| 2003 | 46 |
| 2004 | 46 |
| 2005 | 55 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 18 |
| 2008 | 39 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 18 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
22% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD E-350 PULLING A 24-FOOTER AUTO TRAILER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT USED THE TRAILER BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180706
20% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND GLANCED OFF THE BUMPER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061012
17% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
LOST POWER. FILTER HEAVILY PLUGGED PARTICULATE. DROPPED TANK. BOTTOM OF TANK HAS 1/2" SILVERY FLAKES. FUEL PICK-UP SCREEN PLUGGED. BOILED AND REINSTALLED TANK. FUEL PUMP FAILURE ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER. NEW PUMP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130418
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY PREPARING TO EXIT WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD "POP" AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONSUMER COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030512
11% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 T
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
Campaign 04V445000 — check if this car was fixed
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 IS
Campaign 04V444000 — check if this car was fixed
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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
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.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
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, S
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
Campaign 07V336000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MERCUR
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.
Campaign 08V051000 — check if this car was fixed
AROUND TOWN IS RECALLING 6 MY 2003 FORD E-350 AND MY 2006 E-250 WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
Remedy: AROUND TOWN IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR AROUND TOWN AT 1-678-364-8594.
Campaign 08V478000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
HVAC Switch Failures
HVAC Switch Failures
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Ford E-350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V445000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V444000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V051000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V478000 (equipment adaptive/mobility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Ford E-350 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford E-350 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford E-350?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E-350 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.