2003 Ford E-450
Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 18 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 73 |
| 2000 | 42 |
| 2001 | 16 |
| 2002 | 13 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 27 |
| 2005 | 34 |
| 2006 | 20 |
| 2007 | 12 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
5 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-04-05
Also filed under Latches/locks/linkages and service brakes, hydraulic
Tires
3 of 18 total reports mention: tires.
Service brakes
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-04
Fuel system, diesel
2 of 18 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Equipment
2 of 18 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc..
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Ford E-450. The vehicle was equipped with a kiddie fire extinguisher. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V782000 (Equipment).
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-01
Safety timeline
5 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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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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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…
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I
2009-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-04-21 HVAC Switch Failures
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Ford E-450 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 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 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Ford E-450 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-450?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E-450 have?
- 5 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.