2003 Ford E Series

○ Not enough data
2003 Ford E Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:55:32.715Z

Only 4 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1987: 1 complaint 1987 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 1 complaint 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1997: 16 complaints 1998: 13 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 1999 2000: 6 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 5 complaints 2003 5 2004: 2 complaints 2005: 10 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 5 complaints 2008
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1997: 16 complaints 1998: 13 complaints 1998 1999: 4 complaints 2000: 6 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 5 complaints 2003 5 2004: 2 complaints 2005: 10 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 5 complaints 2008
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1997: 16 complaints 1997 1998: 13 complaints 1998 1999: 4 complaints 1999 2000: 6 complaints 2000 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 5 complaints 2003 5 2004: 2 complaints 2004 2005: 10 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 5 complaints 2008

2003: 5 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19871
19891
19901
19920
19933
19942
19951
199716
199813
19994
20006
20016
20026
20035
20042
200510
20060
20070
20085

Known problem areas

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and exhaust system.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I have a Ford E350 4X4 van 2003. There has been fumes accumulating in the van when driving. I get headaches and my eyes tear and my feel sick.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-02-02

While driving the vehicle it started to make a loud rattling sound and started to loose power, eventually the vehicle just shut down and wouldn't start again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-06-26

Visibility

1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing motor.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving in inclement weather windshield wiper came on and off intermittently. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-22

Power train

1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing differential unit.

Show complaint excerpts

Grinding noise from the rear end while backing or making low speed turns. Per 3 different mechanics, this is a common problem with the Ford Explorer due to the rear differential.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-01-16

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2003-03-07Structure03V094000 Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc.…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and…

  2. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  3. R
    2007-12-29Engine and engine cooling07V553000 On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3L diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Ford E Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Power train: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V094000 · Structure
  • Recall 07V553000 · Engine and engine cooling

FAQ

Is the 2003 Ford E Series 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 Series?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E Series have?
2 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.