2003 Ford E-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 16,354miles, 15 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.2L 6-cyl RWD · 12 city / 16 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Ford E-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford E-150. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and engine cooling (3). 15 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 16,354 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 19%
- Brakes3 14%
- Engine cooling3 14%
- Seat belts3 14%
- Equipment2 9.5%
- Fuel system2 9.5%
- Steering2 9.5%
- Air bags1 4.8%
Also reported: Engine (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While traveling on the highway, my 2003 e150 Ford van blew the #2 spark plug out. There was a popping sound and then the engine sounded as if it blew a rod. After checking it out, it was discovered that it was the spark plug. A few days prior to his event, I could hear a slight tapping sound coming from the engine. I had the oil changed just to be sure. The spark plug has been replaced, with a helicoil inserted, but the wall of the head was even damaged. My mechanic did an awesome job repairing it but even said he couldn't guarantee it would last a 100 miles or 100,000 due to the head damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10390447, filed 2011-03, 138,628 milesBrakes: “Problem: severe shimmy in steering wheel, possibly leading to loss of control. Conditions: occurs whenever brakes are hot and vehicle speed is above 45 MPH. Problem occurs when descending long & steep inclines. Problem does not occur when brakes are not hot from heavy use. Temporary abatement: drive at speeds of 45 MPH or less down inclines.”
NHTSA complaint #10336391, filed 2010-06, 38,000 milesEngine cooling: “I was sitting at a stop sign. When I accelerated to move, I heard a loud bang noise and then I heard a flapping noise. I turned the engine off and called a tow truck. After towing my handicapped van to the Ford dealer, I was told that the engine had a spark plug blow out. I was also informed that the vehicle might have caught on fire if I had tried driving much further. This is very scary for people like me that equip these vans for special use. The mileage is 99% city driving. There should be a recall on this engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10448681, filed 2012-02, 71,500 milesSeat belts: “The seat belts on all three rows on the right hand side, the harness is shredding. When you sit in the seat the shred gets into the buckle. The dealer stated the seat belts have been abused.”
NHTSA complaint #10113079, filed 2005-02, 15,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 15 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,125 and 86,214 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Ford E-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003, E-250 1992–2003 +12 more
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 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +10 more
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 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-250 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
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, smoke, or burn.
- 04V444000Sep 13, 2004Electrical system › WiringCovers: Ford E-150 2003–2004, E550 2003–2004, E-350 2003–2004 +2 more
On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (abs) module may experience an electrical short.
- 04V445000Sep 13, 2004Engine and engine coolingCovers: Ford E-150 2003–2004, E550 2003–2004, E-350 2003–2004 +2 more
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 the air induction system, may allow hot carbon particles to…
Recall details for the 2003 Ford E-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10056196May 1, 2014Transmission and drivetrain. Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a torqshift transmission. Model 2003-2014 f-super duty, e series, excursion, f-53 motorhome…
- 10022675Sep 19, 2007Brakes. Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
- 10022232Dec 1, 2006Exterior lighting. Headlight adjustment needed.
- 10018741Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p1131 and/or p1151 - 4.2l engine.
- 10017865Jul 1, 2005Exterior lighting. Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10018941Jan 1, 2005Suspension. Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 10011181Aug 1, 2004Engine cooling. Low power and/or diagnostic trouble code p0299 or p2263 - turbocharger diagnostic service tip.
Other model years of the Ford E-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 6,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 8 | 18,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 16,738 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 19 | 82,800 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2012 | 12 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 23 | 37,500 | 11 | — | 14 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 42,500 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 7 | 83,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 11 | 66,325 | 17 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 12 | 49,000 | 18 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 17 | 44,373 | 14 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 16 | 52,879 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 33 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 21 | 16,354 | 5 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 37 | 73,000 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 50 | 104,602 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 83 | 96,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 60 | 89,146 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 102 | 103,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 59 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 71 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 121 | 129,500 | 7 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 71 | 135,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 64 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 15 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 17 | 126,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Falling |
| 1989 | 31 | 94,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1988 | 14 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 17 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford E-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Ford E-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2003 Ford E-150 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Ford E-150 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 2003 Ford E-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford E-150 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Ford E-150 (E150 Club Wagon, 4.2L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 16 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Ford E-150 reported?
Among the 15 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 16,354 miles and the middle half falls between 6,125 and 86,214 miles; 60% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.