2003 Ford E Series

○ Not enough data
2003 Ford E Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:02:13.272Z

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

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford E Series Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1987: 1 complaints 1989: 1 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 3 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaints 1997: 6 complaints 1997 1998: 7 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 6 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 4 complaints 2003
2003: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19871
19891
19901
19920
19933
19942
19951
19976
19987
19992
20006
20016
20026
20034

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VISIBILITY

1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility.

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20041022

POWER TRAIN

1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.

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, 20070116

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20070626

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20030307 — structure

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. THESE

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 DO

Campaign 03V094000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Ford E Series — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V094000 (structure) has been completed.

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 visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Ford E Series have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.